Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 19cm Snowfall at base this season 131cm Posted on Thursday 5th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It's a morning of good news. Just under 19cm of snowfall at base aside.... As I updated in the reports from yesterday in the afternoon, this morning Niseko Grand Hirafu is opening for the first time this season. They are opening the lower Family Course as well as the higher Center Course (which can be reached via the Ace Number 2 Center quad, which is used for transport up and down from that upper area). The Ace Family quad and Ace Number 3 pair lifts are also operating. Hurray! It is still limited but as regular snow falls we should be seeing things get going properly soon. In this early season period, the ski resorts are going to be pushing to get fully open as soon as they can. That means that things might change quickly. I am going to be checking as much information as I can before I post my report each morning. I'll do what I can to bring you as much good information as I can. Do note though that there is a chance that the situation might change during the day - not only due to weather conditions, but also sudden changes to lift operations and course openings. ---- I have done a bit of re-organising for this report and you might notice a few more photos too. ---- Ski resort operation information: Thursday 15th December 2019 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Subject to change! Niseko Grand Hirafu Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 80cm - Base: 35cm Ski lifts operating: - Ace Family quad (8:30am - 3:30pm) - Ace Number 2 Center quad (8:30am - 3:10pm) [for transport to Ace 3 lift] - Ace Number 3 pair (8:40am - 3:30pm) Courses available: - Family Course - Center Course (experts only) ----- Niseko HANAZONO Resort Closed - plans to open from Saturday Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 50cm - Base: 20cm ----- Niseko Annupuri Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 50cm - Base: 35cm Ski lifts operating: - Dream Number 1 quad (8:30am - 4:30pm) Courses available: - Base beginners area ----- Niseko Village Part open Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 50cm - Base: 35cm Ski lifts operating: - Upper Village Gondola (8:30am - 4:00pm) - Village Express (8:00am - 4:00pm) - Community Chair (11:00am - 4:00pm) - Banzai Chair Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Thursday 5th December 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 131cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 19cm (5th December) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 46cm reported on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 104cm Posted on Wednesday 4th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Since yesterday's report a further 20cm of snow has accumulated on the ground in the ski village. Overnight there were strong winds. It is now calm and the snow has stopped falling, but is forecast to start again later in the morning and we could see moderate snowfall during the afternoon. The official base depth is now 89cm. Furano Zone: OPEN Kitanomine Zone : CLOSED Operating lifts: Furano Ropeway, Prince Romance 2 chair Open courses: Sailer, Spies, Shirakaba Furano Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Wednesday 4th December 2019 Total snowfall at base 104cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (19th November) November 2019 snowfall 84cm reported on 7 days December 2019 snowfall 20cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 28cm Snowfall at base this season 119cm Posted on Wednesday 4th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Did I say 'hopefully lots more' in my last report? This morning... lots more! Nearly 30cm of it. Nice. And it is still falling with snow forecast over the next couple of days. I would expect an imminent re-opening; perhaps tomorrow morning. Courses & Tree Runs: * Closed as we wait for more snow Geto Kogen Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Wednesday 4th December 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 119cm Number of days snowfall observed 6 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 53cm (on 20th November) November 2019 snowfall 88cm observed on 4 days December 2019 snowfall 31cm observed on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Geto Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 6cm Posted on Wednesday 4th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Morning from Hakuba. It's not crazy cold, but snow is falling and there is a few cm on the ground in base areas and hopefully there will be much more to come over the next few days... Planned ski resort opening dates: As soon as there is enough snow Hakuba 47 Hakuba Happo-one Hakuba Goryu Tsugaike Kogen Friday 13th December 2019 Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Saturday 14th December 2019 Hakuba Cortina Hakuba Valley Kashimayari Mid December 2019 Hakuba Norikura Onsen Hakuba Sanosaka Hakuba Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Wednesday 4th December 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 6cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 4cm (30th November) November 2019 snowfall 4cm reported on 1 day December 2019 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Hakuba. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 17cm Snowfall at base this season 112cm Posted on Wednesday 4th December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here AFTERNOON UPDATE: Good news! Niseko Grand Hirafu has announced that it will be part open from 8:30am tomorrow. They plan to have the Ace Family quad, Ace Number 2 Center 4 and Ace Number 3 pair lifts operating. The Family Course and Center Course areas will be open. Full details in my report tomorrow. ---- ORIGINAL REPORT: Hello and good morning to you all from Niseko. Brrrr, it is really cold out there this morning! I see Niseko Annupuri are saying it's -17C up top, Niseko Village posting a less severe -10C. It's windy too. And visibility has been limited at times early this morning. Most importantly what I can see is a layer of lovely fresh snow on the ground. With the wind blowing it all about I am guessing today will be one of those days when there's less/more snow in different places you look. So in the name of research I put all my warm gear on and had a bit of a walk outside just before. Yes, it is very cold. I noted a range of around 15cm-25cm of snow, with 17cm as my reading around my trusted spot. There will be more than that on the mountain of course so with snow likely to continue over the next few days we can feel positive about more lifts soon being able to open. This storm will need to pass and then some thinking done (cue some very serious looks accompanied by stroking chins), preparations etc. It would be great if things could open up for the coming weekend wouldn't it. Let's see. For now, the one lift at Niseko Annupuri and two lifts at Niseko Village remain open (weather permitting) with limited lower runs at both of those areas available for those brave enough to face the weather conditions head on. The available runs may not be gnarly but you sure need to have some of that gnarl thing going on to want to be outside this morning! --- Niseko Grand Hirafu 6-day snow and weather forecast --- Opening information: Niseko Annupuri - Dream quad lift - Lower beginner course open; all other courses closed Niseko Grand Hirafu Not open yet - it will open as soon as there is enough snow. Niseko Village - Upper Village Gondola - Village Express - Parts of lower Ageimo and Next Stage areas open Niseko HANAZONO Resort Saturday 7th December 2019 ---- Night time operations will be available at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri resorts. That is planned daily between Wednesday 11th December 2019 and Sunday 22nd March 2020. Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Wednesday 4th December 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 112cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (16th November) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 27cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 91cm Posted on Tuesday 3rd December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Quick report --- it's snowing again with a few cm on the ground and hopefully lots more to come in the next run of days... Courses & Tree Runs: * Closed as we wait for more snow Geto Kogen Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Tuesday 3rd December 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 91cm Number of days snowfall observed 5 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 53cm (on 20th November) November 2019 snowfall 88cm observed on 4 days December 2019 snowfall 3cm observed on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Geto Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 95cm Posted on Tuesday 3rd December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here The last few days have been pretty miserable with rain and some glum feelings on display as we all wait for our lovely snow. So I am happy to be able to report some fresh snow down to village this morning. 10cm of it and counting. And it looks like the next few days is going to be the turning point, I think. :) It's going to be cold, snowy and probably windy too... but most welcome. --- Long time readers can probably skip this bit as it's a bit of the same old... Already, SnowJapan has received at least one mail accusing me of being 'negative'. No, I just report exactly what I see. I get plenty excited when what I see genuinely enables me to get plenty excited**. Just look through my reports and you will clearly see that. And even if I am less excited (see miserable comment this morning), I try not to get too dramatic about it. The whole idea of these reports is to give you some real information that you can trust, knowing that it is 100% untainted by that instinct some have to always be needing to sell you something. I (and this website) am not part of the marketing machine - and I am jolly well happy about that. I am not here to sell you on visiting Niseko. Just to tell you what is happening. And if you want to read marketing fluff or fantasy, I have no doubt that there is plenty of it out there! ** And I'm not just talking about toast --- Niseko Grand Hirafu 6-day snow and weather forecast --- Opening information: Niseko Annupuri - 9:00am to 4:00pm - Lower beginner course open; all other courses closed - Dream quad lift operating Niseko Grand Hirafu Not open yet - it will open as soon as there is enough snow. Niseko Village - Upper Village Gondola - That lower area only open Niseko HANAZONO Resort Saturday 7th December 2019 ---- Night time operations will be available at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri resorts. That is planned daily between Wednesday 11th December 2019 and Sunday 22nd March 2020. Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Tuesday 3rd December 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 95cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (16th November) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 10cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 85cm Posted on Sunday 1st December 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here No fresh snowfall to report this morning and as far as I can tell that area of Annupuri will once again be open. Niseko Village is also opening their Upper Village Gondola and Village Express lifts this morning. I have to admit though, it is unclear to me at this moment what exactly is open over there. They teased 'Who's ready to feel the powder?' yesterday, which I had a bit of a chuckle about... hopefully I'll fill you in on some actual information tomorrow. (My annoyance with marketing messaging has not declined in the last year, folks!) I was looking back at my report from 1st December last year - there seemed to be much more was going on, which was a bit annoying to see. This season I will of course be bringing you as many details as I can, but we need stuff to be open for me to do that. Doh! I am happy to see that the current forecast is looking very encouraging, so lets hope there is a lot of snow to be reported in the coming week. --- It was interested to see how I have clocked up 85cm of snowfall so far this season (through until the end of November), and the corresponding number last season was 84cm. Just goes to show that just looking at the numbers can be somewhat misleading. A look at the last 7 seasons gives us a bit of a wider view... Observed snowfall at base up until the end of November This season: 85cm 2018-2019 season: 84cm 2017-2018 season: 188cm 2016-2017 season: 110cm 2015-2016 season: 61cm 2014-2015 season: 30cm 2013-2014 season: 123cm 2012-2013 season: 118cm Take a look at 2017-2018! I remember reporting on that with some considerable excitement! I can't vividly remember 2014-2015. ---- Night time operations will be available at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri resorts. That is planned daily between Wednesday 11th December 2019 and Sunday 22nd March 2020. Niseko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Sunday 1st December 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 85cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (16th November) November 2019 snowfall 85cm reported on 10 days December 2019 snowfall 0cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 88cm Posted on Saturday 30th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Morning from Geto. Not enough snow to open again yet, but fresh snow on the ground after it started around lunchtime and continued overnight. The resort is reporting 10-15cm. A bit of sun earlier but we are back to mostly cloudy now. Unfortunately it looks like it will be a bit warmer tomorrow but the forecast is looking good from around Tuesday. Come on snow!! Official snow depths: * Top: 30cm * Base: 10cm Courses & Tree Runs: * Closed as we wait for more snow Geto Kogen Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Saturday 30th November 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 88cm Number of days snowfall observed 4 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 53cm (on 20th November) November 2019 snowfall 88cm observed on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Geto Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 13cm Snowfall at base this season 19cm Posted on Saturday 30th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Good morning all. More snow to report this morning and actually quite a bit up top. And Kagura has this morning opened - part open, info on the Yuzawa Now report - where they were reporting up to 30cm of fresh snowfall. About half of that down here, but still good to see a nice new layer. 1 week to go before the planned Naeba opening. Naeba Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Saturday 30th November 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 19cm Number of days snowfall observed 5 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 13cm (reported on 30th November) November 2019 snowfall 19cm observed on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Naeba. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 84cm Posted on Saturday 30th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is a very nice morning with a thin layer of cloud and sunshine breaking through to the village. There was a good amount of snowfall yesterday afternoon and this built up to 6cm on the ground in the village. This was the lightest and driest snow so far this season. It will go fairly warm with the high temperature forecast to hit -2c just after midday. Just a reminder that the Kitanomine side is not open yet, but the Furano Zone is open, and skiable from the top of the ropeway to the base of the resort. Great early season skiing awaits! Furano Zone: OPEN Kitanomine Zone : CLOSED Operating lifts: Furano Ropeway, Prince Romance 2 chair Open courses: Sailer, Spies, Shirakaba Furano Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Saturday 30th November 2019 Total snowfall at base 84cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (19th November) November 2019 snowfall 84cm reported on 7 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 8cm Posted on Saturday 30th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . There has been some more light snowfall since my last report, though nothing major. It was really cold yesterday, I really noticed it, and just a slight bit of snow. This morning, 3cm to report down to village base. The official opening ceremony for the resort is on 7th December. After a milder weekend, the forecast does appear to be showing us some good chance of snow from Tuesday onwards. It would be great if the resort could open on that opening ceremony day. I'll be back in a few days with another update. Zao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Saturday 30th November 2019 Total snowfall at base 8cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 3cm (on 20th and 30th November) November 2019 snowfall 8cm observed on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com