Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 24cm Snowfall at base this season 589cm Posted on Monday 5th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . I have a fine layer of fresh snow to report to you this morning. The resort is reporting 20-40cm of fresh and I am measuring 26cm. Nice. It's just cloudy at the moment but more snow is due at times during the day today (and tomorrow), with perhaps the sun getting to shine through the clouds at times too. In fact right now there's a bit of sun shining down through my window. A fine morning, I would say and I know where I'm heading! Fresh snowfall since yesterday (as reported by the resort): - Yamabiko (1407m): 40cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 26cm - Hikage (660m): 30cm - Nagasaka (615m): 30cm - Karasawa (563m): 20cm Official snow depth numbers: - Yamabiko (1407m): 335cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 275cm - Hikage (660m): 200cm - Nagasaka (615m): 195cm - 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 Monday 5th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 589cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 40 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 26cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 22cm Snowfall at base this season 433cm Posted on Monday 5th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. Fresh snow. The headlines: Hakuba Goryu 30cm (upper) Hakuba 47: 15-30cm Hakuba Cortina: 20+cm Hakuba Happo: 20cm I am measuring 22cm. So looks like we can expect a good new layer of snow out there on mountain this morning. Yesterday was cold out there. I sure felt cold anyway. Snowy and quite windy too. The snow clouds should be over Hakuba over the next few days, or at least close-by; as I write this report there's some blue sky on show... Anyway, it should be fun to see how much fresh we get. And I am looking forward to checking out conditions this morning. Biggest problem: where to go! ----- Hakuba Happo-one Operating lifts: - Lifts appear to be operating as normal Courses open: - All courses should be open as normal - Happo Banks is now open Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 380cm - Usagidaira: 235cm - Lower: 130cm ----- Hakuba Goryu Operating lifts: - Lifts appear to be operating as normal - The top Alps Number 2/4 pair lifts will be open weekends until 4th Feb; then daily from 10th Feb until 18th March Courses open: - All courses should be open as normal Official snow depth: - Top: 375cm - Toomi: 130cm - Iimori: 100cm ----- 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: 320cm - Base: 135cm ----- Tsugaike Kogen Operating lifts: - Should be open as normal apart from Kane-no-naru-oka Skyliner I Courses open: - All course areas are open Official snow depth: - Tsuga-no-mori: 315cm - Han-no-ki: 300cm - Maruyama: 130cm - Shirakaba: 250cm - Champion: 160cm - Oya-no-hara: 140cm - Kane-no-naru-oka: 165cm ----- Hakuba Cortina Operating lifts: - All lifts are operating this morning Courses open: - All courses apart from Itadaira Ridge should be open Official snow depth: - Top: 330cm - Base: 208cm ----- Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Operating lifts: - Most lifts are operating with most courses open Official snow depth: - Top: 220cm - Base: 130cm ----- Hakuba Norikura Onsen Operating lifts: - All lifts apart from Alps Number 7 should be operating as planned Official snow depth: - 240cm ----- Hakuba Valley Kashimayari Operating lifts: - All lifts apart from Number 8 and 10 should be operating Official snow depth: - 190cm ----- Hakuba Sanosaka Operating lifts: - All three lifts are operating Official snow depth: - 150cm Hakuba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 5th February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 433cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 40 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 26cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 915cm Posted on Monday 5th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello and good morning from nearby Hirafu base. I have some fresh snow to report this morning. Not a huge amount - just 3cm in fact - so not enough to fill in those tracks. But welcome all the same of course. It is snowing at the moment and snow showers are forecast for the day today and also tomorrow, though it doesn't look like we can expect too much snow from it. Anyway all areas appear to be opening at the start of the day --- though I am hearing that the top lifts at Hirafu may be delayed due to poor visibility up there --- and we can expect gates to be open. Let's skiing. Or indeed let's boarding. Today marks the start of the main Odori/Susukino area of the Sapporo Snow Festival over in... Sapporo city. Many visitors to Niseko and Hokkaido enjoy checking the festival out while they are here, and it is certainly worth a look. Some of those snow sculptures are seriously impressive. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 5.00am: -3°, 5cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: -6°, SE7.6m/s(midnight 12m/s), 5cm new snow, snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -11°, ESE9.6m/s (midnight 12.1m/s), 10cm new snow, snowpack 330cm. Hirafu 1250m: -9°, E10m/s, 5cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:S4m/s. Kamui Cape: E9m/s, 1003hPa, wave 2.2m. The low pressure system over the Sea of Japan is bringing a weak snow wind above 800m, causing snowdrift development on the west side, which are becoming slabs. Although slabs are small they are not bonded well to the low pressure snow below them and will easily fracture. Above 1000m the avalanche risk is high. Depending on location, there is possibility of 40cm deep flow type avalanche on 40deg slopes, fracturing on Feb 3 layer. Kozan no Sawa sidewall, the far Higashi One cornice face and Iwaonupuri where soft snowdrifts are not bonded well, expect shallow avalanches from rider stimulation. All peak gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice and prepare before going out of bounds. Helmets and beacons are not mandatory, but are recommended. We are currently under a high pressure system between two lows, the wind is not that strong and snow is good. The number of cracks forming on steeper slopes is increasing. There have been fatalities in the past from falling in them, take care. Also the number of cracks is rapidly increasing in strictly off limits area Haru no Taki. The possibility of a full depth or deep layer avalanche is high here. Do not enter. Snow conditions are good. Niseko Rules strictly prohibit ducking ropes. Don't duck ropes along the sides of the runs. Beware bad visibility and a sudden change in weather. Have a good day. --- Monday 5th 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 - Top lifts delayed opening due to poor visibility Official snow depth: - Top: 430cm - Base: 200cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 360cm - Base: 240cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts (apart from the Country Road Chair lift) should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 360cm - Base: 240cm Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 5th February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 915cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 66 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 16cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 489cm Posted on Sunday 4th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Furano has been blasted by strong winds overnight and they are still gusting around the village. It is likely this will affect some lift operations, so it will be best to get the latest lift information from the resort before buying a lift ticket. There has been some snow overnight which is about 5cm in the village. Due to the wind effect exposed places are likely to have had the new snow blow straight past. Snow has not settled on cars outside in the wind. It is quite warm at -4c and the high will be -2c. Slope conditions will be variable with pockets of fresh wind blown snow scattered around. Kitanomine Zone open. Furano Zone open. Furano Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 4th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 489cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 55 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 7cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 659cm Posted on Sunday 4th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. There was a bit of snow falling last night and I am able to add 2cm to the reports from that. But this morning the sun is out and it's a beauty of a morning. Cold too, at the start of the day anyway. Snow is due again later on today believe it or not, though we are not expecting significant amounts. And hopefully there will be snow clouds overhead until around mid week. It should be a fine Sunday morning. Shiga Kogen Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 4th February 2018 Total snowfall at base 659cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (25th January) 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 10cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 760cm Posted on Sunday 4th February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Naeba everybody. Thanks to a small amount of fresh snow yesterday and exceedingly cold temperatures overnight conditions today are lovely. The groomers are in excellent condition so get out there and lay down some arcs! Looking ahead the weather forecast is predicting moderately heavy snow tonight, with light to moderate snow falling every day until Friday. Whilst I wouldn't predict any completely insane powder days this week, conditions should still be very nice. Naeba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 4th February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 760cm Number of days snowfall observed 40 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 7cm observed on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 657cm Posted on Friday 2nd February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. Some very light snow is falling right now (here in Hasuike), but at the same time... there is lots of clear sky and sunshine and generally the clearer conditions are winning out. It's always odd - and very pretty - to see snow lazily falling when the sun is out! There is a good chance of clearer skies and sunshine tomorrow as well though the chance of some light snow will be not far away. The next decent snow looks set to move in over Shiga Kogen by the end of the weekend and over the first few days of the coming week. Shiga Kogen Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 2nd February 2018 Total snowfall at base 657cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 53 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 50cm (25th January) 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 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 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 565cm Posted on Friday 2nd February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Morning from Nozawa. Early report today - I'm off to Nagano city this morning. Just a small amount of snowfall to report with the resort reporting up to 5cm on upper slopes, and it looks like it will be a fine morning. Sunny skies are expected tomorrow too, with a return to snowfall from Sunday and into early week. It should be a good morning! Fresh snowfall since yesterday (as reported by the resort): - Yamabiko (1407m): 5cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 4cm - Hikage (660m): -cm - Nagasaka (615m): -cm - Karasawa (563m): -cm Official snow depth numbers: - Yamabiko (1407m): 320cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 265cm - Hikage (660m): 200cm - 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 East Nozawa Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 2nd February 2018 Total snowfall at base 565cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 39 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 2cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 758cm Posted on Friday 2nd February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Naeba! It's a clear start this morning, with blue skies and 5cm of fresh snow dusted over the valley. The pistes are well groomed and fresh, still with pockets of powder to find from the recent snow storms. The air temperature is a frosty -6°C, but in the sun it feels pleasant. There is no wind to speak of in the valley. For the remainder of the day, we should expect the clear skies to continue, perhaps with some cloud drifted around the valley later on today. Looking forwards, tomorrow is likely to be similar to today, but without the fresh snow overnight. Sunday is when the next snow system really kicks off, with light snow starting in the afternoon, moving onto heavy snow overnight. Moderate snowfall is to be expected for the following few days until Wednesday. Temperatures will likely be around 0°C, occasionally drifted above this during the day time. This is until Sunday night, when the temperature is expected to drop, with highs on Monday night of around -7°C. On Tuesday, the cooler temperatures will continue. There is little wind forecast for most of the week. Shinsen'na! Naeba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 2nd February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 758cm Number of days snowfall observed 39 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 5cm 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 411cm Posted on Friday 2nd February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. Some incredible views yesterday morning; my friend was up on an early lift at Happo and enjoyed that amazing 'sea of clouds' look. Nice. After the cloudy start, more and more blue skies appeared as the afternoon moved on and the sun was with us too at times. It was calm, but remained cold. Nice conditions. This morning there's a thin layer of snow to report. Here's what the ski resorts are reporting this morning: Hakuba 47: about 10cm on upper areas Hakuba Happo-one 5cm Hakuba Goryu: 3-5cm Hakuba Cortina: 2cm A cold start but it will be getting slightly milder than it has been during the day today especially if that sun gets confident! Just some low cloud around and lots of blue sky. It should be a really great morning. Milder conditions during the daytime tomorrow too, but it'll be getting colder again by the end of tomorrow and we'll probably see a return to more fresh snowfall. Hakuba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 2nd February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 411cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 39 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 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 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 912cm Posted on Friday 2nd February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There is no fresh snow to report this morning. Boo! But, it is extremely cold and we have beautiful blue skies early on. Hurray! Beautiful. I love mornings like this. Not only does it make my report easier, but I love enjoying the scenery as well as the snow. We don't get too many days like this, so it's good to get out and enjoy them when we do. Fresh snow is not far away and should be back falling by the end of tomorrow. I feel confident that everywhere should be opening as normal this morning so an early report, but here is something that I prepared yesterday... --- A look back at the season so far: January 2018 It is once again time for me to look back at the season so far and see how Niseko has been doing. And as always before I start, I would like to remind you that all the numbers from my reports are available at any time on each of the archived Niseko Now reports. They are linked below ? and all data relative to the particular report. You can also click on that big blue ‘Snowfall Analysis’ tab at the top of this page for some highly interesting data and graphs that you can play around with. There’s a lot of information to take it in so make some coffee, prepare some oishii toast and let’s playing. Anyway... January 2018. Here’s the snowfall that I have measured myself here near the base of Niseko Grand Hirafu over the last six seasons over the month of January: January 2018: 305cm January 2017: 152cm January 2016: 303cm January 2015: 257cm January 2014: 461cm January 2013: 443cm So I observed just over 3m of snowfall at base in January 2018. Not bad at all. That is double last year (which was a bit rubbish) and about on par with other recent years. Looking beyond the number for the month, it is worth pointing out that over half of that 3m was reported over the last 7 reports of the month. And if you check back to my report from 21st January, up until that report I had observed just 118cm of snowfall for the month. After a rather disappointing start to the month in terms of how much fresh snow we got, we did get fairly regular snowfall over those first three weeks. And there were only five reports/days during the month of January when I was unable to report any new cm of fresh snow. Which points to nice consistent snowfall. But until that last week of January, they were fairly low numbers being reported and I was only able to report more than 10cm of fresh snowfall on two days. For the full picture and a read on the emotions through the month, please read through the archived reports. Some more numbers... Observed snowfall at base for the season up until the end of January: 17/18 season total up until the end of January 2018: 899cm 16/17 season total up until the end of January 2017: 445cm (about 65% of the season total) 15/16 season total up until the end of January 2016: 611cm (about 62% of the season total) 14/15 season total up until the end of January 2015: 806cm (about 70% of the season total) 13/14 season total up until the end of January 2014: 859cm (about 74% of the season total) 12/13 season total up until the end of January 2013: 979cm (about 66% of the season total) Those numbers are looking good too - 9m. Take that, most other ski resorts! 899cm is slightly over double the amount of observed snowfall reported by the same point last season - certainly not the best yardstick to compare to - and more than the most recent four seasons, which I think is a more meaningful comparison. I would say that January has been good - especially this last week - though not quite as lofty as that extremely consistent first chunk of the season. And as you can see, up until the end of January, we have usually observed between 62% and 74% of the total observed snowfall for the entire season. At base. That averages out at about 67%. What to expect from the month of February Here’s how much snowfall I have recorded in the month of February over the last 5 seasons. The numbers in brackets show the total snowfall observed up until the end of February in each season. February 2017: 160cm (605cm) February 2016: 266cm (877cm) February 2015: 196cm (1002cm) February 2014: 178cm (1037cm) February 2013: 316cm (1295 cm) So, over the last five seasons in February I have observed between 160cm and 316cm of snowfall. I found it interesting to be reminded that February last year was pretty good. Let me once again stress that my observed snowfall numbers are from base area and you can expect there to be anywhere between 25-50% more than that up on the mountain. Ask 10 different locals and they’ll probably give you a differing opinion on that. I find that folk who have something to sell usually trend towards the larger numbers! ;) Bottom line: more snow higher up, as you might reasonably expect. --- Finally, here is the data that the Japan Meteorological Agency report from their observation station in Kutchan town: January 2018: 259cm January 2017: 160cm January 2016: 258cm January 2015: 230cm January 2014: 317cm January 2013: 268cm 17/18 season total up until the end of January 2017: 752cm 16/17 season total up until the end of January 2016: 568cm 15/16 season total up until the end of January 2015: 488cm 14/15 season total up until the end of January 2014: 658cm 13/14 season total up until the end of January 2013: 674cm 12/13 season total up until the end of January 2012: 672cm --- Here's to a very snowy February. The Chinese New Year holidays are coming up. Niseko will be busy. Regular fresh snowfall required. Fingers crossed we get it. Someone sent in a very kind “thank you” message a few days ago. They said that now they have returned home after visiting Niseko, they are done with the Niseko Now reports until next year. Naughty!! I’ll be with you every day right through until the last lifts stop in early May, so you jolly well need to be checking my reports every day without fail. OK? Arigato! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 5am: -14℃, no snowfall, calm. Moiwa800m: -17.5℃, light breeze, no snowfall. Annupuri1150m: mild breeze, -12℃, no snowfall. Hirafu1250m: mild wind, -16℃, no snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape no wind, Kamui cape: S5m/s, 1029hPa, 0.9m waves. The winter pressure pattern has passed, isobars are spread out, the mountains and the seas are in a calm condition. No new snow has fallen and the slopes are mostly tracked out. The overall avalanche risk is low and all gates are expected to open from the morning. Be well prepared for the backcountry, anybody can step out of the gates, however carelessly following other people’s track could make you astray or end up in a dangerous situation. South facing strictly off-limits areas such as Haru no Taki zone is being affected by the sun and dangerous slabs are drastically forming. Riding stimulations could trigger a large slide. Strictly off-limits areas are closed for good reasons. Please respect the boundaries. The large temperature difference during the day will form a notable surface hoar layer, leading Feb 1st-2nd layer become a weak layer in the future snowpack. Surface slab slides from Jan 25th layer are still to be expected in highly wind-loaded steep slopes above 1200m. Better avoid concave terrains in Chisenupuri and Mt Yotei. The snow is still deep, but a little denser, good conditions continues. Beware of sudden weather changes. Have a nice day. --- Friday 2nd 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: 450cm - Base: 220cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 360cm - Base: 250cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts apart from the Country Road Chair lift should be operating - 'Early Gondola' service from 7:30am until 8:30am (Niseko Gondola) - on February 3rd-4th. 1,400 yen special ticket required. Official snow depth: - Top: 360cm - Base: 240cm Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Saturday 2nd February 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 912cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 65 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 13cm 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 484cm Posted on Thursday 1st February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Temperatures are once again very cold as was expected. The high will be around -5c during the day so don't be put off by the -15c is it at the time of my writing of this report. Just a dusting of snow to report at 2cm, but it is very very light powder and perhaps there will be a bit more than that higher up on the resort, hopefully. Again, like yesterday, it is a clear day and the sun is already out strongly which is helping to ease the chilliness of the temperature. Yesterday the Kitanomine Gondola broke down and was out of action for maintenance. Fingers crossed it is operating this morning as without that access to the upper mountain things are a bit limited. Kitanomine Zone open. Furano Zone open. Furano Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 1st February 2018 Total snowfall at base 484cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 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 2cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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