Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 4cm Weather overview - Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted on Wednesday 20th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Good morning. Wednesday 20th November --- mark it down! The first snowfall of the season here in Madarao with a thin layer of snow covering the mountain and down to base (though not down to the valleys below). Don't get overly excited just yet though as from tomorrow there will probably be sunshine and warmer conditions over the weekend. Oh heck, let's get excited anyway! :) Madarao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Wednesday 20th November 2019 Total snowfall at base 4cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 4cm (on 20th November) November 2019 snowfall 4cm 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 Madarao. 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 18cm Snowfall at base this season 52cm Posted on Wednesday 20th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It's cold and there is more snow. And a fair good amount of snow too here at base - I am measuring 18cm of it, there's more and less in surrounding areas. (I'll conveniently sort-of ignore pesky winds). It looks like after today we might have clearer weather conditions as the weekend approaches (and warmer again over the weekend), but I am pretty confident we'll be able to enjoy the goods to some extent this coming Saturday. I have no kind of details to share yet from the ski resorts themselves on the subject - no doubt Friday will be the day of such 'news'. I just want to point out that this very early season snow is light good quality stuff too. Exciting times indeed. I can't wait to get back out there. --- I posted this yesterday, but as the audience is not all present and at their seats for the season, I'll post again today for those just joining us today. :) On 7th December, a new 'Mountain Center Annex' facility is planned to open by the base of Niseko Grand Hirafu. The resort says: "Our aim is that visitors will easily be able to enjoy Niseko’s quality of snow while also experiencing a winter resort that is even more satisfying than before. The new Mountain Center Annex is situated in the perfect location, both adjacent to the HIRAFU Gondola Sanroku Station and right in front of the beginner-friendly Holiday Pair Lift, allowing for direct access to the slopes. The Mountain Center Annex features a public area, snow school reception desk, changing rooms and locker rooms on the first floor, with a large-scale ski and snowboard rental shop, boasting a floor area of 802 sqm, on the second floor." So now you know! Over at Niseko Hanazono, the new 'Hanazono EDGE' ski center will also be opening. And then early next year the Park Hyatt Niseko HANAZONO. Loads of investment over the last however many years, mostly down at base (rather than things like lifts... but that is perhaps another talking point!) The area sure looks rather different than it did ten and twenty years ago. As I munch on some morning toast, I often wonder how things will shape up ten and twenty years into the future... --- Planned season dates: Niseko Annupuri Saturday 23rd November 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko Grand Hirafu Saturday 23rd November 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko Village Sunday 1st December 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko HANAZONO Resort Saturday 7th December 2019 until early April 2020 ---- 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 20th November 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 52cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (16th November) November 2019 snowfall 52cm reported on 6 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 40cm Snowfall at base this season 40cm Posted on Tuesday 19th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Furano Ski Area is expected to open for the 2019/2020 winter season on 23 November. With the skiing nearly upon us it was pleasing to see some heavy snowfalls last week deposit 40cm of snow in the village. The slopes are now completely covered and there is a solid base on the upper mountain. It has been snowing moderately today and further snowfall is forecast for tomorrow and Thursday. Furano Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Tuesday 19th November 2019 Total snowfall at base 40cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (19th November) November 2019 snowfall 40cm reported on 1 day 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 34cm Posted on Tuesday 19th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from my top secret Hirafu base. It is a bit colder again this morning after being noticeably warmer yesterday with some spots of rain as well. The 2cm of snow I am posting in this report appeared since my last report and before the rain (which meant it quickly disappeared from my measuring point). It is cloudy right now as I look out the window but snow is due today and into tomorrow. Come on!! --- No fresh opening related news from the ski resorts as yet regarding the upcoming weekend. On 7th December, a new 'Mountain Center Annex' facility is planned to open by the base of Niseko Grand Hirafu. The resort says: "Our aim is that visitors will easily be able to enjoy Niseko’s quality of snow while also experiencing a winter resort that is even more satisfying than before. The new Mountain Center Annex is situated in the perfect location, both adjacent to the HIRAFU Gondola Sanroku Station and right in front of the beginner-friendly Holiday Pair Lift, allowing for direct access to the slopes. The Mountain Center Annex features a public area, snow school reception desk, changing rooms and locker rooms on the first floor, with a large-scale ski and snowboard rental shop, boasting a floor area of 802 sqm, on the second floor." So now you know! Over at Niseko Hanazono, the new 'Hanazono EDGE' ski center will also be opening. And then early next year the Park Hyatt Niseko HANAZONO. Loads of investment over the last however many years, mostly down at base (rather than things like lifts... but that is perhaps another talking point!) The area sure looks rather different than it did ten and twenty years ago. As I munch on some morning toast, I often wonder how things will shape up ten and twenty years into the future... --- Planned season dates: Niseko Annupuri Saturday 23rd November 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko Grand Hirafu Saturday 23rd November 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko Village Sunday 1st December 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko HANAZONO Resort Saturday 7th December 2019 until early April 2020 ---- 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 19th November 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 34cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (16th November) November 2019 snowfall 34cm reported 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 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 32cm Posted on Sunday 17th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I bring you more good news on this Sunday morning with another 8cm of fresh snowfall since the last report. Let me add it's really nice quality snow too, lovely and light. Windy too, though the ski lifts aren't moving yet so let them blow away for the moment, I say. The forecasts seem to show less fresh to be expected today and tomorrow will be a bit warmer; after that, another potentially decent amount falling around mid week. I have not heard anything about snow on the mountain yet but if we have a few more days before the planned opening next weekend then we might be on for a very good start. I will of course keep you updated. I hope you have a good Sunday. --- Planned season dates: Niseko Annupuri Saturday 23rd November 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko Grand Hirafu Saturday 23rd November 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko Village Sunday 1st December 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko HANAZONO Resort Saturday 7th December 2019 until early April 2020 ---- 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 17th November 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 32cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (16th November) November 2019 snowfall 32cm reported 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Posted on Saturday 16th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba and welcome back. Can't quite believe that it is 6 months since the last report. We have enjoyed some stunning scenery once again and while late autumn colours remain in lower areas, thoughts now turn to winter and everyone involved is running around getting ready. However early preparations are made, it always seems to end up being a rush! I will be here with you every day of the season (all being well) and hope to be bringing you lots of lovely snowfall news. More snowfall makes reporting easier; and it always makes everyone happier. And as always, I'll be reporting what I (and my backup info source) actually see and observe - nothing more, nothing less. There'll be no marketing promotion style messaging going on, no sweetening up of information and I'll bring you everything as I see it. Just one thing I would like to make a note of before things start. In an effort to bring you as much additional information as possible each morning from up on the mountains/ski resorts, we will be making extra checks from around the ski resorts each morning --- and if required, waiting for them to appear. So that means that there is a chance that reports may appear later than they have in previous seasons. Or maybe not. It'll depend on how thing shapes up and we will only really know once the season gets going. The first lifts of the season at the bigger resorts are due to open as soon as possible from 23rd November - ie. next weekend. Right now the forecasts don't seem to be showing that to be likely, but I'll post again in the week with an update. Here's to loads of snow and a great season for everyone! Hakuba Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Saturday 16th November 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 0cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 0 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 0cm November 2019 snowfall 0cm 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 18cm Snowfall at base this season 24cm Posted on Saturday 16th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here This is very exciting. I have another 18cm of fresh snowfall to report to you since yesterday - and there is more due today, perhaps less tomorrow and then more decent snowfall currently due around mid week. This is all making opening this time next week look very promising. More people around now as the season is about to kick off, but of course the first part of the season is very different to 'peak season' Niseko. I'll keep you updated. Niseko Annupuri Saturday 23rd November 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko Grand Hirafu Saturday 23rd November 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko Village Sunday 1st December 2019 until Wednesday 6th May 2020 Niseko HANAZONO Resort Saturday 7th December 2019 until early April 2020 ---- 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 Saturday 16th November 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 24cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (16th November) November 2019 snowfall 24cm 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 Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Posted on Friday 15th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Friendly greetings to you all from Naeba. It is a beautiful morning here. The sun is out. Clear skies. Dustings of snow on higher mountain areas. Mysterious looking mounds of artificial snow are starting to appear on the lower slopes. Yes, winter is just around the corner! As always, there has been some stunning autumn scenery on show in the region this year. The Dragondola is currently taking a rest but will be back open for the season (from 21st December). This season Naeba plans to have the first lifts operating from Saturday 7th December. Before that, Kagura - via the Mitsumata Ropeway - is planning on opening from Saturday 23rd December. That is just over 1 week away! Keep your eyes on the Yuzawa Now report for regular updates. We'll be back with more Naeba Now in the run up to season opening. Naeba Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Friday 15th November 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 0cm Number of days snowfall observed 0 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 0cm November 2019 snowfall 0cm 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 Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 5cm Posted on Friday 15th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . November! Snow! Hi everyone and welcome back to Geto Kogen Now. Yes, I have some fresh snow to report to you as the 2019-2020 season fast approaches. 5cm in fact. So it's just a thin blanket of snow down to base areas. Geto plans to open for the season on 30th November, so we have about two weeks to go. More reports as we get more snow in the run up to opening. Geto Kogen Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Friday 15th November 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 5cm Number of days snowfall observed 1 day Most snowfall observed on 1 day 5cm (on 15th November) November 2019 snowfall 5cm observed on 1 day 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Weather overview - Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted on Thursday 14th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Hello! So how have you been? We have enjoyed/endured a bunch of different weather since my last communication in spring. The biggest weather event in the northern Nagano region was that scary typhoon last month. Lower down in the valley nearby, there was some serious flooding going on - it made national and international news. Higher up here in the mountains there has been some damage along the road that connects Madarao with Tangram Ski Circus (and further afield to Myoko). Right now you need to go round the mountain on the road to the south (96). The good news is that they plan to have the road between Madarao and Tangram once again accessible in time for the winter season... Madarao plans to open for the season on Saturday 14th December 2019. The connecting Tangram Ski Circus plans to open on Saturday 21st 2019. So that means are a full one month away - it might seem a long time, but it will surely go quickly. Right now there is no snow to be seen but hopefully by the time the planned opening dates come around we will have had a number of snowfalls, a decent base and enough for a very good start to the season. Fingers crossed. I will be back over the coming weeks with news as the season approaches. See you soon! Madarao Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Thursday 14th November 2019 Total snowfall at base 0cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 0 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 0cm November 2019 snowfall 0cm reported on 1 day Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Madarao. 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Posted on Tuesday 12th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . A bit of snow way up high! I always hesitate to write this, because people will think that the ski season is right around the corner, when in fact the corner is still pretty far away. I even was contacted almost a month ago by some people wanting to get up for a ski in the hills, complaining that it was raining in Aomori and how was the snow here? Think Christmas, folks, for hopefully enough snow to make the ski areas fun. Offpiste? Maybe early January if you're lucky. I only say that because the hotels, especially our newer members, won't (I doubt some of them know when the first snow falls!). But for the rest of you experienced, knowledgeable SnowJapan travelers, here's the positive report: snow up high! White on the couloirs of Mt. Myoko! Not enough to ski, but always nice to see the first welcoming signs for the coming season. And hope to see you on the hill shortly! Myoko Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Tuesday 12th November 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 0cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 0 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 0cm November 2019 snowfall 0cm Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Posted on Friday 8th November 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Greetings, Nozawa fans! It's November and so it is time to start getting really excited about the upcoming winter season (if you weren't already!).... especially as there is a definite frosted look to some of the trees up on the top of the mountain today (see below). Down here towards the village area we are still enjoying lovely autumn foliage. You might have heard about that nasty typhoon last month that created some real problems in many areas of Japan. There was some serious flooding fairly close by as well, with parts of northern Nagano making the news. We wish everyone affected all the very best as they pick up the pieces and try to get back to normal. Back here in Nozawa and the ski resort is busily preparing to open on Saturday 23rd November. If you look back at our archive reports (links below), you'll see how the early season has shaped up in previous years. Usually it's just the top area that opens up first. Let's see how this year goes. Fingers crossed we'll get lots of snow early on enabling the resort to open up on time and fully open as quickly as possible. As always, marketing/promotion talk and cheesy stuff is strictly not allowed here - you'll only hear about what I see and experience, whether it's good or bad. Hopefully good! Nozawa Now 2019-2020 season Data as of Friday 8th November 2019 Total snowfall at base 0cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 0 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 0cm November 2019 snowfall 0cm Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Nozawa 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