Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 841cm Posted on Thursday 1st March 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. I am hearing that we got rained on overnight (and we definitely got the strong winds) but happy to report that it changed into wet snow and there has actually been a few cm of it. Some lifts around the area may well be affected by the weather conditions this morning. Best to check with the resort areas if you plan to brave the conditions. A chance of a bit more snow tonight with clearer skies due by the weekend along with warmer conditions especially on Sunday and quite possible rain - even up here. The seasons are changing. Shiga Kogen Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 1st March 2018 Total snowfall at base 841cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 72 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 54cm (18th February) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 6 days December 2017 snowfall 276cm reported on 21 days January 2018 snowfall 326cm reported on 25 days February 2018 snowfall 189cm reported on 19 days March 2018 snowfall 3cm 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 518cm Posted on Thursday 1st March 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . After a warm spring-like day yesterday...some perhaps unexpected good news this morning. It was colder than we expected and we got some snow. It might not be fresh light powder, but it's sure better than wet rain though with slightly warmer temps due in the day we may get some of that at base. As it gets colder tonight fingers crossed there'll be more snow coming. Anyway here are some numbers reported by ski resorts: Hakuba Goryu: 30cm (top gondola station) Hakuba Goryu: up to 15cm Hakuba 47: up to 20cm Hakuba Cortina: 10-15cm Some nice numbers there. So, as long as the lifts are moving and able to take you up there, head high would be the recommendation for the nicer snow conditions. Lifts are being affected though early on at many resorts. As of 8am Happo were holding all lifts due to 'thunderclouds approaching' but they now have some lower lifts moving. We are still looking at colder temps tomorrow, followed by warmth over the weekend. Things feel a bit all over the place right now. Hopefully a 'phase' and things will settle down once we pass it. Hakuba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 1st March 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 518cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (25th January) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 158cm reported on 15 days January 2018 snowfall 202cm reported on 18 days February 2018 snowfall 103cm reported on 15 days March 2018 snowfall 8cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 1198cm Posted on Wednesday 28th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here For this last report of February 2018, I have 3cm of fresh snowfall to report. Bringing my total observed snowfall for the month to 299cm and the total for the season so far to 1198cm. Back to yesterday. Lovely weather. Beautiful blue skies and sunshine. Excellent. This morning the snow is back with that 3cm I mentioned earlier and it is coming down now. Visibility also reduced of course. Tomorrow and Friday things look set to get a bit wilder. Snow and strong winds are likely and it's probably not going to be friendly. Though it might well start March off with a good delivery of snow. Anyway, I will be here tomorrow morning with the latest. Hope you have a good one. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -6℃, no snowfall. Moiwa800m: -7.8℃, WSW0.7m/s, 2cm snowfall from pre-dawn. Annupuri1150m: -11℃, SW5m/s, light snowfall. Hirafu1250m: -10℃, mild wind, light snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape E4m/s, Kamui cape NNW4m/s, 1022hPa, 0.6m waves. The isobars are spread out and the weather is calm. No notable snowdrifts development are present and the general avalanche risk is relatively low. All gates are expected to open from the morning. Seek for patrol’s advice before stepping out of bounds. The snow is mostly tracked out. Beware of firm tracks. Look out for cracks and make sure to stay in controllable speed. Do not cross ropes and seek fresh tracks under the lift lines. An artificial avalanche experiment by Nagoya University, National Snow & Ice Research Center, Norwegian, Austrian and Italian researcher team will be undertaken in Mikaeri Bowl at 10am today. A large-scale avalanche is not expected to occur in today’s condition, however please stay away of the experiment zone. Thank you for your understanding. The weather is not so bad, have a nice day. --- Wednesday 28th February 2018 Resort specific information (operations subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts (apart from King Number 2) should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 520cm - Base: 260cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 420cm - Base: 250cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts (apart from the Country Road Chair lift) should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 420cm - Base: 280cm Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 28th February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 1198cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 88 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (31st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 406cm reported on 27 days January 2018 snowfall 305cm reported on 26 days February 2018 snowfall 299cm reported on 24 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 1195cm Posted on Tuesday 27th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Sunshine and blue skies! Yes, it's a clear and sunny morning here. Just a bit of thin high cloud in places. A beauty. We haven't had much of this kind of weather of late and so I'm sure there will be lots of people out to take advantage of it. Myself included! It would be perfect if we had a deep layer of overnight snow, but alas I have just a few cm to report this morning. All lifts should be moving and gates are expected to be open. It is colder this morning and feels it so get wrapped up and enjoy. Next decent snowfall due around Thursday if the forecasts are correct. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 5.00am: -11°, slight snow from dawn, light surface hoar frost. Moiwa 800m: -9.7°, NE1.1m/s, trace new snow, no cornice or snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -13°, light southerly winds, trace new snow. Snowpack 1000m: 430cm. Hirafu 1250m: -13°, trace new snow, light wind. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NNW9m/s. Kamui Cape: E4m/s, 1023hPa, wave 0.7m. The isobars are spaced widely apart and weather is calm. There is no notable snow drift development and from observation the general avalanche risk is low. At 800m impact test the snow pack is fracturing on Feb 23rd layer at 60cm down. This layer is light pre low pressure snow and has changed to a frost layer. Above 1000m take care around snowdrifts, cornice slopes and knolls. Snow conditions have changed since yesterday but you can still find deep snow if you look. Be careful of cracks, falling into creeks, hitting trees. Peak gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice and prepare before going out of bounds. Many people are following the trails in valley bottoms. To help prevent an accident I ask people to avoid doing this because the risk of a large full depth avalanche is increasing daily. Do not strictly off limits area Haru no Taki. The current snow surface (26-28Feb) together with inconsistency's from the next storm is likely to be come an avalanche generation layer in the future. Have a good day. --- Tuesday 27th February 2018 Resort specific information (operations subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts (apart from King Number 2) should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 525cm - Base: 260cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 420cm - Base: 250cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts (apart from the Country Road Chair lift) should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 420cm - Base: 280cm Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 27th February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 1195cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 87 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (31st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 406cm reported on 27 days January 2018 snowfall 305cm reported on 26 days February 2018 snowfall 296cm reported on 23 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 599cm Posted on Monday 26th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . There has been a nice little top up of 4cm of new snow overnight. It is snowing very lightly as I write this but the snow is predicted to stop soon. Early morning fog is down to base but I suspect this will lift and we will have at least partial sunshine soon. Tomorrow is expected to be sunny. Kitanomine Zone open. Furano Zone open. Furano Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 26th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 599cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 72 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (5th December) November 2017 snowfall 125cm reported on 13 days December 2017 snowfall 206cm reported on 22 days January 2018 snowfall 151cm reported on 18 days February 2018 snowfall 117cm reported on 19 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 24cm Snowfall at base this season 1192cm Posted on Monday 26th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Some heavy snowfall last night and this morning we are all in for a treat... I'm adding 24cm of really quality-looking snowfall to my report this morning here at base. And, as always, it's reasonable to expect more up there higher up. I wasn't expecting such a good number, but it is the very nice kind of surprise. And it means that we only need another 7cm of snowfall to go before my observed snowfall for February 2018 reaches 3m. It looks like it should be fun putting together my season so far recap. Expect that sometime in the first few days of March. Anyway, more snow today and tomorrow (perhaps!) and then some sun around mind week (perhaps!) and then more regular snowfall for the start of March (perhaps!) - the forecast is still looking good and friendly for us. As it stands at the moment, if you like the sunshine Wednesday should be your day. Actually (last minute update before posting).... as I write this it's snowing quite nicely, nice big flakes. Though some blue skies not far from the mountain. See webcam images below. Wind shouldn't be any issue today and all lifts should be open. Visibility might be limited but the snow quality this morning should more than make up for that. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 5.00am: -10°, 20cm new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m: -10.3°, WSW4.4m/s, 20cm new snow, no snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -11°, light winds, 25cm new snow. Hirafu 1250m: -13°, 20cm new snow, light wind. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NW12m/s. Kamui Cape: NW8m/s, 1021hPa, wave 1.1m. Currently we have high pressure to the west and low pressure to the east, the isobars are spaced widely apart and 20-30cm light crystal snow fell overnight. From tests the snow pack has stabilized and general avalanche risk is low. Light snow in the trees is good riding. Peak gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice and prepare before going out of bounds. Shallow soft slab avalanches are likely to occur on 30 deg slopes above 900m. 1 year ago today Sam passed away in Haru no Taki, our deep condolences to his family and friends. The reasons are not so simple for Haru no Taki being strictly off limits. It's not only because its dangerous. Remember that by it being closed you are able to ride wide areas on the rest of the mountain. As we move into spring the risk of full depth avalanches increases. Avoid riding on cracked slopes, reconsider any bad habits like riding or stopping in the valley bottom. Don't duck ropes and enter strictly off limits areas. Do not overestimate your knowledge skills or equipment. Danger is everywhere. Have a good day. --- Monday 26th February 2018 Resort specific information (operations subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts (apart from King Number 2) should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 530cm - Base: 260cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 420cm - Base: 250cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts (apart from the Country Road Chair lift) should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 420cm - Base: 280cm Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 26th February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 1192cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 86 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (31st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 406cm reported on 27 days January 2018 snowfall 305cm reported on 26 days February 2018 snowfall 293cm reported on 22 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 13cm Snowfall at base this season 896cm Posted on Sunday 25th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . It's a mild start here, but with the 13cm of fresh snow accumulation from yesterday the pistes are in excellent condition. There is some high, watery cloud sheltering the valley from the sunshine currently, but this will likely burn off in the next couple of hours. There is a chance of some light snow showers later in the day, with very modest accumulations predicted for overnight. The air temperature will push up to just above 0°C today, however it is predicted to drop back below overnight tonight. There is little wind forecast. Looking forwards, the weather seems to be stabilizing somewhat as the forecast is remaining more consistent day to day. Tomorrow is predicted to be a warm, clear and windless day, much more like the spring conditions we would expect at this time of year. Snow showers mixed with sun are expected on Tuesday. The next major weather shift will occur on Wednesday, with the air temperature pushing up to 5°C in the afternoon, and remaining there overnight and into Thursday. This warm band of air will bring with it a potentially significant rainfall at 900m, however this is predicted to fall as snow on the peaks. The wind will also pick up significantly at this time, and continue to blow until at least the weekend. Naeba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 25th February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 896cm Number of days snowfall observed 54 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 79cm (reported on 14th December) November 2017 snowfall 46cm observed on 2 days December 2017 snowfall 400cm observed on 18 days January 2018 snowfall 307cm observed on 18 days February 2018 snowfall 143cm 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 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 595cm Posted on Sunday 25th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . This morning we have more fresh snow here in the village measuring in at 5cm. I would expect about double that at the top of the resort, so that will be another great topping of powder on top of yesterdays big dump. There is some light low cloud hovering on the resort so visibility will be a little affected at least. With no wind at base and a reasonably mild high temperature of -6c it should be a pleasant day. Kitanomine Zone open. Furano Zone open. Furano Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 25th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 595cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 71 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (5th December) November 2017 snowfall 125cm reported on 13 days December 2017 snowfall 206cm reported on 22 days January 2018 snowfall 151cm reported on 18 days February 2018 snowfall 113cm reported 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 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 838cm Posted on Sunday 25th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Morning from Shiga Kogen. We had some clearer skies very early on this morning, but there is lots of cloud around now and that seems to be what we are expecting for the day. The region looks set to enjoy some clearer and sunny skies during the day tomorrow. Mid week some milder conditions are likely and rain lower down in the valleys but while it might not be as cold we should be getting snowed on. Shiga Kogen Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 25th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 838cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 71 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 54cm (18th February) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 6 days December 2017 snowfall 276cm reported on 21 days January 2018 snowfall 326cm reported on 25 days February 2018 snowfall 189cm reported on 19 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 694cm Posted on Sunday 25th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Some fresh snow to report this morning - the resort is saying 5cm across the mountain - though it isn't snowing now and is generally cloudy. It looks like the forecast for tomorrow is sun from the start of the day, so it should be a good one. Beyond that, hmmm, not so much snow and around Wednesday the freezing line goes up and rain looks likely. Beady eye on that + hopefully it'll adjust. Fresh snowfall since yesterday (as reported by the resort): - Yamabiko (1407m): 5cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 5cm - Hikage (660m): 5cm - Nagasaka (615m): 5cm - Karasawa (563m): 5cm Official snow depth numbers: - Yamabiko (1407m): 345cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 280cm - Hikage (660m): 195cm - Nagasaka (615m): 190cm - Karasawa (563m): 160cm Lifts operations: - All scheduled lifts appear to be operating as normal. - The Yunomine pair, Mizunashi triple, Challenge pair and Utopia pair lifts usually rested on weekdays. The following courses either closed (or not fully available): - Grand Prix - Kandahar Nozawa Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 25th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 694cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 53 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 53cm (27th December) November 2017 snowfall 21cm reported on 2 days December 2017 snowfall 217cm reported on 16 days January 2018 snowfall 325cm reported on 20 days February 2018 snowfall 131cm 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 510cm Posted on Sunday 25th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Apparently, today is 'Snow Day'. I must admit, I don't know what that means and have not had the chance to look into it. It would be a perfect day then to report a foot or so of snow; here's how much is actually being reported: Hakuba Goryu: 2cm up top Hakuba Cortina: 5-10cm I can just about add 1cm to the reports from base. So not a whole lot but it was snowing during the morning - and quite heavily with nice big flakes at times - while I was up at Hakuba 47. Less wind this morning than yesterday and improved visibility. Sunshine is likely tomorrow and a few days of generally milder temperatures. Watch out for rain around mid-week at base which will - all being well - turn into snow. Anyway, time to enjoy today! ----- Hakuba Happo-one Operating lifts: - Lifts should be operating as normal Courses open: - All courses should be open as normal - Happo Banks will be closed from Monday 26th February until Friday 2nd March for maintenance/renewal Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 420cm - Usagidaira: 245cm - Lower: 120cm ----- Hakuba Goryu Operating lifts: - Lifts should be operating as normal - The top Alps Number 2/4 pair lifts are scheduled to be open daily until 18th March Courses open: - All courses should be open as normal Official snow depth: - Top: 400cm - Toomi: 150cm - Iimori: 110cm ----- Hakuba 47 Operating lifts: - All lifts operating as planned - Line D usually operates only when the Gondola is not operating Courses open: - All main courses available Official snow depth: - Top: 365cm - Base: 160cm ----- Tsugaike Kogen Operating lifts: - Lifts should be opening as normal; some lifts delayed opening due to weather Courses open: - All course areas are open Official snow depth: - Tsuga-no-mori: 325cm - Han-no-ki: 320cm - Maruyama: 125cm - Shirakaba: 270cm - Champion: 150cm - Oya-no-hara: 155cm - Kane-no-naru-oka: 165cm ----- Hakuba Cortina Operating lifts: - All lifts apart should be operating Courses open: - All courses should be open. Ground cracks on Mt Hieda 3 and Itadaira Ridge Official snow depth: - Top: 365cm - Base: 210cm ----- Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Operating lifts: - Should be opening as normal Courses open: - Most areas open Official snow depth: - Top: 220cm - Base: 130cm ----- Hakuba Norikura Onsen Operating lifts: - All lifts (apart from Number 7) should be operating as planned Official snow depth: - 210cm ----- Hakuba Valley Kashimayari Operating lifts: - All lifts apart should be operating Official snow depth: - 230cm ----- Hakuba Sanosaka Operating lifts: - All three lifts are operating Official snow depth: - 150cm Hakuba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 25th February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 510cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 53 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (25th January) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 158cm reported on 15 days January 2018 snowfall 202cm reported on 18 days February 2018 snowfall 103cm 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 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 1168cm Posted on Sunday 25th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Well, this morning I have 8cm of fresh snowfall to report to you, mostly from overnight. I believe that takes me to 269cm for the month - would be nice if we could get that up to 3m. (Just for the fun of it; and fresh snow is always fun). But it's not looking like we can expect significant snowfall over the coming few days, more like some regular light snowfall. Let's see. As you can see from the third image below looking towards Mt Yotei (which is just to the south of the ski resort bases), it's quite bright looking towards the east though currently we can't see the beautiful mountain from there. And it is generally cloudy here at base now. The Chinese New Year holiday peak-peak period is now behind us and while Niseko of course remains busy, things are going to start settling into the next phase of the season from this week as we enter March. Remember, the lifts (* not all of them) move right through until Golden Week in early May. So I have a lot more reports to write! And I will of course let you know the spring plans at a later day. I don't like talking about spring. So let's not! :) --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 5.00am: -10°, trace new snow. Moiwa 800m: -12.2°, WSW14.6m/s, trace new snow, snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -14°, W15m/s, 10cm new snow, snowdrift development. Hirafu 1250m: -17°, trace new snow, strong intermittent westerly wind, snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NW14m/s. Kamui Cape: W10m/s, 1024hPa, wave 2.1m. From this mornings observation the general avalanche risk is low. All peak gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice. Prepare before going out of bounds. Take care around new cornices, they are fragile and will break easily. Although only a little snow has fallen, leeward slopes are reset and snow is good in the forests. Is your beacon switched on? Probe and shovel? Do you have a map? Be careful of falling into creeks, the water is cold. Also be careful of falling into cracks, they are everywhere and deep. Always make cautious decisions when out of bounds. Don't duck ropes to enter strictly off limits areas like Haru no Taki. Have a good day. --- Sunday 25th February 2018 Resort specific information (operations subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts (apart from King Number 2) should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 505cm - Base: 250cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 420cm - Base: 250cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts (apart from the Country Road Chair lift) should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 410cm - Base: 280cm Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 25th February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 1168cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 85 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (31st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 406cm reported on 27 days January 2018 snowfall 305cm reported on 26 days February 2018 snowfall 269cm 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 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