Independent snow and weather reporting from the Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 23cm Snowfall at base this season 445cm Posted on Tuesday 1st January 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Geto and Happy New Year! 23cm of fresh to start off the reports for 2019 and the official snow depth riding to 285cm. Yes, it was snowing yesterday - still - but they are really (really!) due to ease off today and leave us with clearer or just cloudy skies. Hope you can come and enjoy the really good powder conditions sometime soon. Yoroshiku! The Rabbit tree run area is now open. Others to follow as soon as possible according to official sources. Geto Kogen Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Tuesday 1st January 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 445cm Number of days snowfall observed 19 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 50cm (on 9th and 28th December) November 2018 snowfall 29cm observed on 2 days December 2018 snowfall 393cm observed on 16 days January 2019 snowfall 23cm 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 112cm Posted on Tuesday 1st January 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning Hakuba fans! And a very Happy New Year to you all. Let's hope that 2019 will be a great one for Hakuba. We start the new year with some cloud and some blue sky. It's a calm morning; and nice and cold so that should be keeping snow conditions nice. Most resorts are now close to being fully open, though we could always do with some more snow. It's a never-ending 'want more' kind of thing isn't it? I notice that Iwatake isn't close to being fully open yet - some of their slopes are lower down and so they are perhaps struggling a bit with the snow. Hopefully there'll be more falling overnight tonight. Hakuba Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Tuesday 1st January 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 112cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (28th and 29th December) November 2018 snowfall 0cm December 2018 snowfall 112cm reported on 12 days January 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 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 427cm Posted on Tuesday 1st January 2019 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko and a very Happy New Year to you all, wherever you may be. What a fine morning it was yesterday. Clouds moving around during the day, but I imagine that everyone here to enjoy the snow would have been pleased with their days 'work' on the slopes. There's 10cm of fresh snowfall to add to my tally and hopefully a little more than that to fill in tracks this morning, and it is a cold start to the year. Light snow has been falling this morning and that may well ease off during the day. The forecast is looking good for regular snowfall over the coming week and happily it doesn't look like wind should be affecting us much at all. I like the sound of that. It looks like the peak gates and Mizuno no sawa gates should be open today. Enjoy. So, yes, all is good. Maybe I will see some of you out there today. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -5℃, 10cm snowfall in 24hours, light snow. Moiwa800m: -8.7℃, SW10m/s, 50cm snowdrifts in 24hours and cornices developments. An avalanche due to collapsing cornice has been observed in Mikaeri bowl. Hirafu peak: -9℃, W15m/s, snowdrifts development. Niseko Village Mizuno no Sawa: -8.91℃, NW10m/s, 11cm snowfall in 24hours, 125cm snowdepth. Annupuri1120m: 170cm snowdepth. Kutchan weather station: -3.5℃, 115cm snowdepth. Benkei cape: NW13m/s, Kamui cape: WSW9m/s, 1017hPa, 1.8m waves. Peak gates and Mizuno no sawa gates are scheduled to open today. Please make sure to be prepared for the backcountry before stepping out. Wearing helmets and carrying avalanche gears (beacon, probe, shovel) are very highly recommended. There are many hazards lurking in the out of bounds area, always be prudent and make conservative decisions. Cracks and gaps are forming in unexpected places. Use caution, especially in Higashi-One. Largely developed cornices can fall in 200cm thickness and cause a slide as they collapse. Avalanche risk remains high in the Backbowl, Osawa, Mikaeri Bowl. Better not remain in valley bottoms. The snow in the treeruns is fast, beware of hitting trees. The light is weak and the terrain is difficult to see. Pay attention. Do not enter the strictly off-limits areas. Ski patrollers are watching. Respect the Rules and enjoy your day. Happy New Year! --- Ski resort operation information: Tuesday 1st January 2019 The below information is manually checked each morning and believed to be correct at time of report. Subject to change! Niseko Grand Hirafu Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 260cm - Base: 115cm Ski lifts operating: - All lifts apart are normally operating - The Ace Family quad (until 8:30pm), Ace Center 4 quad (8:20pm), Hirafu Gondola (until 8:10pm) and Holiday Number 1 pair (until 8:30pm) lifts are normally open during the evening - The Center Four lift will be open early between 7th-31st January 2019 (more details soon - when I can find them!) Niseko HANAZONO Resort Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 190cm - Base: 136cm Ski lifts operating: - All Hanazono lifts are normally operating - The Hanazono lifts are normally open until 3:30pm Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Courses: - All official courses are now available ----- Niseko Annupuri Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 220cm - Base: 120cm Ski lifts operating: - All Annupuri lifts are normally operating - The Jumbo 1 lift is normally open until 8:30pm during the evening - Annupuri First run from 7:20am until 8:20am on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 12th, 13th, 14th January. (1,500 yen charge) ----- Niseko Village Official snow depth (reported by resort): - Peak: 230cm - Base: 120cm Ski lifts operating: - All lifts apart from the Country Road Chair are normally operating - The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are normally open until 8:00pm during the evening Niseko Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Tuesday 1st January 2019 Total snowfall at base so far 427cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 35 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (29th December) November 2018 snowfall 84cm reported on 8 days December 2018 snowfall 333cm reported on 26 days January 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 225cm Posted on Monday 31st December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. It's going to be busy today. After a clearer bit earlier on it is cloudy now - but perhaps clearer again later..? There was some kind of electricity black-out going on yesterday with some lifts including the Zao Ropeway and facilities affected. Generally things should be back to normal today (though I see that the Kurohime quad and Yokokura Number 2 pair lifts are on hold for some reason early). It would be great if the ski-jo would have one place where such details were explained clearly - official information is all rather fragmented, hmmm. My New Year wish! Other than continued snowfall, of course. Anyway, cloudy morning but there might be some sunshine today and tomorrow though the snow clouds aren't going to be too far away. Have a safe and fun New Years Eve. See you tomorrow. Zao Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Monday 31st December 2018 Total snowfall at base 225cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 21 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 43cm (on 29th December) November 2018 snowfall 7cm observed on 3 days December 2018 snowfall 218cm observed on 18 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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 16cm Snowfall at base this season 172cm Posted on Monday 31st December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Hello and good morning from Shiga Kogen. More snow this morning but it feels like the peak of this storm has passed... though light snow is still falling. Ski hills might actually be happy some clearer conditions - a fine New Year with fresh snow on the ground is ideal for them. Kumanoyu are reporting 20cm of fresh snowfall and this morning Yakebitaiyama are reporting 10cm. I have 16cm to add to my report. It is calmer this morning and it even looks like there's a chance of some sun later today and tomorrow morning. Then more snow Tuesday night into Wednesday. Now that we have a base and almost everywhere is open (just a few lifts and courses not yet available), regular snowfall mixed in with some clearer skies would be perfect. See you in 2019! Shiga Kogen Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Monday 31st December 2018 Total snowfall at base 172cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (29th December) November 2018 snowfall 3cm reported on 2 days December 2018 snowfall 169cm reported on 16 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 Shiga 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 26cm Snowfall at base this season 204cm Posted on Monday 31st December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Good morning from Nozawa. Yes, the snow has continued and we have another decent amount since yesterday. Anyway. If my calculations are correct, the resort has reported 45cm of fresh snow on the top Yamabiko area since yesterday morning (25cm of that overnight) with around 30cm on other areas, give or take. And I concur. Suddenly, the snow depth up top is over 2m and I have now measured well over 1m down at base in the last run of days. What a way to end the year. Hopefully that will be a sign of what is to come in 2019. Less snow is expected today and it looks like the sun will be around tomorrow morning. And then more snow after that. Lifts are opening 30 minutes early until Wednesday for the New Year. There'll be some events going on tonight. First up is nighta which is extended until 11:30pm and then there'll be fireworks. I imagine one or two people might also be enjoying a sip or two of sake as well. Maybe even the enigmatic skiing vegetable mascot 'Nasuki'. (I wonder if he/she opens up after a few drinks? Every time I ask him/her something, they don't answer). Anyway. I wish you all a Happy New Years Eve! Have fun & take care. And see you in 2019. Nozawa Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Monday 31st December 2018 Total snowfall at base 204cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (15th December) November 2018 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day December 2018 snowfall 202cm reported on 13 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 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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Geto Kogen region of Iwate New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 422cm Posted on Monday 31st December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Geto Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Geto. Snow through the day pretty much yesterday but by this morning it has eased off. There's some thin clouds around and we may see some clearing up. Things are calmer and really nice to go out and enjoy all the snow there is. An excellent way to end the year and start a new one. Have a fun and safe New Years Eve. Geto Kogen Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Monday 31st December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 422cm Number of days snowfall observed 18 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 50cm (on 9th and 28th December) November 2018 snowfall 29cm observed on 2 days December 2018 snowfall 393cm observed on 16 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 252cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Good Posted on Monday 31st December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Morning from Madarao on this New Years Eve. 12cm of snow to report since yesterday and right now it is cloudy. The snow clouds are taking a rest... for the moment. I can even see a bit of sun trying to peek through - might it clear up. A good chance of that happening during the day tomorrow, but we'll be receiving another top-up of fresh snow around mid-week. Now that we have this decent base, regular snowfall with some sun in between sounds perfect to me. Nighta until midnight tonight and then fireworks to bring in 2019. It should be a good - and long - day. Check out the icicles on the photo below - I bet you don't have any of them down there today, Australian friends ;) Have yourself a fun and safe Last Day of 2018. Madarao Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Monday 31st December 2018 Total snowfall at base 252cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (on 28th December) November 2018 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day December 2018 snowfall 249cm reported on 16 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 112cm Posted on Monday 31st December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Ah, the last day of the year. I have 3cm of fresh snow to report on the ground and here is what the resorts are saying: Cortina: 2cm Iwatake: 10cm Happo-one: 5cm Hakuba 47: 5cm Hakuba Goryu: 5cm There are light snow clouds over the mountains but clearer looking over towards the east. All base areas of Happo-one are now open. The sun is trying to break through now in places and we can expect some sunshine tomorrow too, but the snow clouds will be back over us and hopefully delivering by Wednesday. Have yourself and fun and safe New Years Eve. Oh yes, just one thing... Some people have mentioned the observed snowfall numbers for Hakuba not being as large as other areas. And that may well be true - Hakuba village level often does not get dumped on as much as some other base areas. (And only someone outright lying can try to tell you otherwise). But Hakuba does have great vertical and more snow does fall on the mountain - as I report to you every day within the reports when such information is available. And that's where you ski or board, right? I can only report to you what I observe. We are not here to mislead and tell porkies. In fact, we're kind of here to do the opposite of that. But do not worry: now that resorts are mostly open with enough snow and we get regular quality snow on the mountains, you can look forward to some very fine Hakuba conditions. :) As we have said many times, it is best not to just look at the headline numbers and/or compare the different regional reports like-for-like, as each region has it's own particular story and circumstance. Hakuba Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Monday 31st December 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 112cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 16cm (28th and 29th December) November 2018 snowfall 0cm December 2018 snowfall 112cm reported on 12 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 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 269cm Posted on Sunday 30th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . There was another nice topping up of snow overnight. That's another 6cm on top of the already great conditions. It is not particularly cold with the temperature at -3c but there is a bit of a breeze at base, which is stronger up high. Right now the peak of the Furano Zone has some low cloud stuck on it, but otherwise the weather is clear and good visibility. On Monday we should see some sun, and then some more snow again on Tuesday. Open lifts: Prince Romance chair Downhill Romance 2 chair Downhill Romance 3 chair Furano Ropeway Kitanomine quad chair Kitanomine 2 chair Kitanomine Gondola Link chair Furano Zone OPEN. Kitanomine Zone OPEN. Furano Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Sunday 30th December 2018 Total snowfall at base 269cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 55cm (19th December) November 2018 snowfall 69cm reported on 6 days December 2018 snowfall 200cm reported on 21 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 16cm Snowfall at base this season 221cm Posted on Sunday 30th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . What a great end to the year we are enjoying. If you like heavy snow that is! (Which of course, I do!) There is a chance of some sunshine tomorrow and dare I say it some may be looking forward to the prospect, whether it's to catch a break, just enjoy the skiing and boarding, or get to shovelling more snow. It's busy here with limited visibility on the mountain. All of Zao is open apart from one lift and one course. Operation info from official sources: All lifts are scheduled to be operating apart from: - Zao Paradise Number 3 pair All courses should be open apart from - Kotan Official snow depths (as reported by resort): - Summit area: 90cm - Paradise area: 120cm - Chuo area: 120cm - Utopia area: 100cm - Uwanodai area: 70cm - Oomori area: 90cm Zao Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Sunday 30th December 2018 Total snowfall at base 221cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 43cm (on 29th December) November 2018 snowfall 7cm observed on 3 days December 2018 snowfall 214cm observed on 17 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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 28cm Snowfall at base this season 156cm Posted on Sunday 30th December 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Morning from Shiga Kogen. It has been snowing since my last report and it is still snowing. After waiting around for decent snowfall for literally weeks, we get dumped on big style over the period of three days. Kumanoyu are reporting 20cm of snowfall and Yakebitaiyama are reporting about 40cm. I have measured 28cm for this report. Wind has been blowing the snow around so it is going to be more or less in places. But wherever you look - lots. It's a good problem to have. Really fine snow quality too. After today the forecasts show a chance of the sun making a special appearance. It is surely going to be The Law to get out on the slopes if that happens and be very special. Snow is due back once again mid week. All areas of Shiga Kogen are now (mostly) open. Shiga Kogen Now 2018-2019 season Data as of Sunday 30th December 2018 Total snowfall at base 156cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (29th December) November 2018 snowfall 3cm reported on 2 days December 2018 snowfall 153cm reported on 15 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 Shiga 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