Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 13cm Snowfall at base this season 912cm Posted on Thursday 1st February 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here February. Is it really February already? Why does winter always seem to fly by so very fast. It's not fair! Still, when you have conditions like we had yesterday, all worries seem to go away. Although having said that I did hear more than a few people struggling with all the fresh snow, saying that there was 'too much' and it was 'too deep' - we'll have none of that talk here, please! The snowfall eased off in the afternoon yesterday. The sun made a special appearance and even Mt Yotei appeared for a cameo too. Everyone wanted in, and rightly so as conditions were excellent. This morning I have a total of 13cm observed fresh snowfall to add to my numbers. We are not expecting the early morning snow clouds to remain over us for long, and indeed even now some blue sky is starting to appear and the sun shining through in some places. So it may well clear up and be a fine day weather-wise. Sunshine is lined up for tomorrow too with the next decent snowfall due later on Saturday and into Sunday. Hopefully all the top gates might get to open this morning. Do take care out there - 'Always stay humble in the mountains' (below report; I like that) - be prepared & have tons of fun. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 5am: -9℃, 10cm, calm. Moiwa 800m: -7.3℃, W0.4m/s, moderate snowdrift development at night. Annupuri 1150m: -11℃, westerly wind & snow with gusts, 20cm snowfall with snowdrifts development. Hirafu 1250m: -13℃, mild wind, 20cm snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW9m/s, Kamui cape N3m/s, 1024hPa, 0.9m waves. The isobars are spreading out and the newly grown snowdrifts are starting to stabilize. No notable weakness has been observed during the morning pressure test. The avalanche risk is relatively low this morning. Peak gates are expected to open. Please talk to the patrols at the gates and be prepared for out of bounds conditions. Better not stimulate cornices, knolls and steep terrains. The stabilization of higher elevation slopes is delayed and risks of large scale slides are still considerable under the current conditions. Stay away from the Backbowl sidewalls and Higashi-One cornice slopes. Also, avoid skiing the bottom of the valleys even if you are in lower elevation. Avalanches that start higher will strike everything under it. Waist deep powder conditions today. Snowboarders should better carry snowshoes and poles, skiers better use a leashes. Beware of hidden cracks in the snowpack. This information is issued for the safety of all resort users. Be conscious that knowledge and experience can be useless sometimes. Always stay humble in the mountains. Precaution is crucial to come back safe. Fantastic conditions today, enjoy :) --- Thursday 1st 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: 475cm - Base: 240cm 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: 350cm - Base: 220cm Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 1st 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 Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 753cm Posted on Wednesday 31st January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Naeba! It's a warmer start than it was yesterday, with the air temperature reading -4°C. There is little wind and the skies are mostly clear. Visibility is good and the pistes are well-groomed. The pistes which aren't groomed are still in fabulous condition, if a little tracked out. But worry not - another good dump of snow is forecast on the horizon for the next couple of days. For the remainder of today, we should expect the skies to remain clear until nightfall, when a small accumulation of snow is likely occur. Looking forwards, we can expect light snow throughout tomorrow, yet clearing overnight on Thursday night. Temperatures are likely to stay around 0°C, with overnight lows no lower than -7°C. Friday is when the real action kicks off again, with moderate to heavy snowfall predicted to begin Friday afternoon and persist through until at least Monday morning. The wind will pick up somewhat to bring this moist block of air in, but forecast are predicting that this won't be as much of a problem as it was during "Storm Finn". Temperatures are expected to drop to below -5°C consistently for the latter part of the coming storm cycle. Hareta! Dragondola (0900-1530)(Final Ascent 1500) Beginner lift No. 4 (0800-1700) High-Speed Lift No. 3 (0800-1700) High-Speed Lift No.4 (0900-1630) High-Speed Lift No.8 (0900-1630) High-Speed Lift No. 5 (0830-2030) Prince Gondola No. 2 (0830-1600)(Final Ascent 1530) Prince Gondola No. 1 (0830-1530) Takenokodaira Pair Lift (0845-1545) Takenokoyama Pair Lift (0930-1530) Hiuchi Pair Lift (0900-1600) Naeba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 31st January 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 753cm Number of days snowfall observed 38 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 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 13cm Snowfall at base this season 649cm Posted on Wednesday 31st January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . It was a very cold start to the day and has been a cold morning in Shiga Kogen. The sun is out. Blue skies. Beautiful! The forecast is looking pretty tasty too as we approach February with regular snow there on the forecast starting tomorrow. Looks like early morning Saturday riders should be in for a treat. So tomorrow it's Friday. Some lifts here in Shiga Kogen operate through until mid or late May in a normal year. That means we have over three months left. Gambarimasu! (The snow I am reporting today arrived mostly yesterday morning after my report). Official snow depths numbers reported by different areas of Shiga Kogen: Please note that these numbers are the official numbers that ski resorts publish and we check and update them each morning. Giant 150cm Higashitateyama 190cm Ichinose Family 190cm Ichinose Diamond 190cm Kumanoyu 250cm Maruike 100cm Nishitateyama 190cm Okushiga Kogen 250cm Sun Valley 100cm Takamagahara Mammoth 190cm Terakoya 190cm Yakebitaiyama 220cm Yokoteyama 250cm Shiga Kogen Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 31st January 2018 Total snowfall at base 649cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 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 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 22cm Snowfall at base this season 563cm Posted on Wednesday 31st January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Good morning all. It's a beautiful morning here in Nozawa. Some cloud to be seen but not over our mountain; a bit of low cloud hanging around lower areas, but that will surely disappear quickly. Local forecast shows possibly snow tonight again but will probably be cloudy/clear during the daytime tomorrow too. With the snow we got mostly in the morning yesterday as well, it should be a quality time out there. And that is where I am headed right now. I have someone to meet up there you see... don't have much choice. ;) Wrap up well - it's still cold - and enjoy! Fresh snowfall since yesterday (as reported by the resort): - Yamabiko (1407m): 22cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 13cm - Hikage (660m): 25cm - Nagasaka (615m): 25cm - Karasawa (563m): 15cm Official snow depth numbers: - Yamabiko (1407m): 330cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 280cm - Hikage (660m): 230cm - Nagasaka (615m): 220cm - Karasawa (563m): 190cm 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 Wednesday 31st January 2018 Total snowfall at base 563cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 38 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 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 616cm Weather overview Cloud and blue sky Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted on Wednesday 31st January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Madarao. No snow overnight but some from yesterday since my report... Unfortunately I have to miss out on some mountain fun this morning. And I'm not happy about it. The sun is out - there's a bit of cloud but mostly it's blue skies, cold and really inviting snow conditions. I really, really wish I could be out there today. I'm guessing some of you are thinking the same reading this from somewhere other than Madarao. Don't worry, hopefully there will be lots more days like this in the season - two full months left. See you in February. Official snow depth: 230cm Operating lifts: Number 1 lift Number 2 quad lift Number 3A lift Super quad lift Number 11 lift Number 12 lift Number 13 lift Number 15 lift Powder Wave I Powder Wave II River Line Free Ride Park Powder Theater Adventure Aisle Crystal Bowl Ninja Sawa Rabbit Kamoshika Bear Kids Park Planned nighta operations this season: Every Saturday until 24th March 2018 11th February 2018 Madarao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 31st January 2018 Total snowfall at base 616cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 58cm (on 27th December) November 2017 snowfall 60cm reported on 3 days December 2017 snowfall 280cm reported on 13 days January 2018 snowfall 276cm 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 Madarao. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 45cm Snowfall at base this season 899cm Posted on Wednesday 31st January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Whoah! It was snowing through the day yesterday and rather heavily at times too. Oh yes, and overnight too. And it is still snowing now. I am measuring 45cm (and counting) of fresh snowfall here at base this morning since my last report, and you will notice that the Avalanche Report below is reporting a whopping 60cm. There may well even be more out there. And what's more, it's excellent quality snow too. We do often get lots of snow here in Niseko, of course, but it is rare that I get to post numbers like that. Visibility is limited but that shouldn't stop you. There appears to be a moderate westerly wind in upper areas, but as of 8:30am all top lifts look set to be opening as planned. Just be sure to be extra careful whilst enjoying these deep conditions. --- ' What an excellent way to end the month January... this 'last bit' is definitely making up for the 'earlier bit'! Actually, I had almost forgotten about that; but the super computer is currently crunching the numbers and I plan to post my monthly review in the Niseko Now report on Friday. I hope you can get to enjoy these super conditions. Onwards into February! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko 5am: -11℃, 50cm snowfall, calm. Moiwa800m: -13℃, light wind, 60cm snowfall. Annupuri1100m: -16℃, SW9.1m/s, 1150m NW15m/s. Hirafu1200m: -13℃, light wind, 60cm snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape: WNW16m/s, Kamui cape WSW14m/s, 1014hPa, 1.7m waves. Deepest condition of the season. Over 50cm snowfall from base to peak in the last 12 hours and still growing. A moderate westerly wind is blowing in western areas above 1100m elevation, making cornices and snowdrifts grow. The avalanche risk is high in open steep slopes and under cornices above 1100m. Upper elevation gates (G1 to 4) will be closed for the day. The snow below 1000m is good but almost too deep. Better not venture too far from the groomers today. Rescue will take time & effort. Snowboarders are recommended to carry poles and snowshoes and skiers should put a leash or a colored string in order to prevent loosing their skis. Cracks are also hidden under the new snow and visibility is bad, be mindful of where you drop in. The new snowpack has not formed notable slabs in areas lower than 1000m and in the trees, and the avalanche risk is relatively low in there. However, it is strongly recommended to avoid cornices and snowdrifts and ride one by one. Avalanches run through the bottom of the valleys, better not stay in potential paths. Cornices above have grown large and very unstable, falling cornices can easily trigger a large slide. Stay away from them. Very unstable slabs are present in slopes above steep area of Haru No Taki strictly off-limits area. The fatal accident in 1998 has occurred in similar conditions. Please respect the rules and stay away from off-limits zones. Have a nice day. --- Wednesday 31st January 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: 475cm - Base: 240cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 340cm - Base: 220cm 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: 340cm - Base: 210cm Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 31st January 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 899cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 64 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 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 19cm Snowfall at base this season 748cm Posted on Tuesday 30th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Naeba! It's snowing in Mikuni valley, and we have had an accumulation for 19cm in the past 24 hours. It's a chilly morning here, with the air temperature maxing out at -8°C at the base. With very little wind, it shouldn't feel too much brisker than you would expect for that air temperature. The pistes have been repeatedly topped up with fresh snow for the past week, meaning today's new snow will likely reignite some of the tracked out un-groomed trails on the main face of Naeba. Looking forwards, we can expect the snow to slow into the evening, giving way to a clear start tomorrow morning. Estimated maximum temperatures tonight are -10°C at base, however these should increase significantly with a block of warmer air traveling in tomorrow morning, raising air temperatures to -1°C. We should expect some respite from any moderate snow fall from Wednesday until Friday, when the next storm system is expected to move in over the weekend. Winds are expected to remain calm throughout the week. Hadasamui! Naeba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 30th January 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 748cm Number of days snowfall observed 37 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 302cm 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 14cm Snowfall at base this season 636cm Posted on Tuesday 30th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. After the fine weather we had yesterday, snow started up again early this morning and heavy snow warnings are out. It's moderate to heavy snow falling right now and pretty windy too; at least here in Maruike too. Cold too. Mid-winter conditions once again. Once this clears up later today, we are forecast a few days of calmer and clearer skies with the next decent snowfall coming in around Saturday night/Sunday. The next few days should be very nice out there. Shiga Kogen Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 30th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 636cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 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 313cm 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 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 407cm Posted on Tuesday 30th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . The snow clouds remained over Hakuba yesterday and they remain over us this morning. Mostly light snow so not huge amounts to report - I have 5cm to add to the reports. Here is what the resorts are reporting: Hakuba Goryu: 10cm on upper areas Hakuba Cortina: 10cm across mountain So we can expect a modest layer of fresh to play in early on. It's keeping cold and generally limited visibility on the mountain. There's a good chance that tomorrow will be slightly milder and clearer. We might get some sunshine too and it seems we should have a few days of calmer and clearer weather and get back to snow by the end of the weekend. Hakuba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 30th January 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 407cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 38 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 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 26cm Snowfall at base this season 541cm Posted on Tuesday 30th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Something of a very nice surprise this morning with some very decent snowfall on the ground by base and the resort itself reporting between 20cm and 40cm of fresh snow - and interestingly less on the upper slopes than Hikage and Nagasaka. I am measuring 26cm myself - that's all overnight too, as there was none to report on the 3pm updates. It will probably ease off by this afternoon and then tomorrow we might perhaps enjoy some sunny skies. Basically, a very good time to be here. :) Things shouldn't be so cold from tomorrow for a few days; hopefully it'll keep pretty cold and keep the snow conditions night and fluffy. Nozawa Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 30th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 541cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 37 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 303cm 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 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 610cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Varied Posted on Tuesday 30th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Morning from Madarao. More snow! The resort was reporting 10+cm about an hour ago; I am measuring 15cm. Snow is forecast to be falling until this afternoon. Earlier on the sun looked like it might break through the clouds but it has been blocked off again and it's generally limited visibility out on the slopes. Nice snow though, so worth checking out. Forecasts also show clearer conditions due from tomorrow for a few days - fingers crossed keeping cold - and then more snow clouds moving back over the region come Sunday. Definitely an agreeable weather pattern. Let's hope it keeps up! Madarao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 30th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 610cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 58cm (on 27th December) November 2017 snowfall 60cm reported on 3 days December 2017 snowfall 280cm reported on 13 days January 2018 snowfall 270cm reported 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 Madarao. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 26cm Snowfall at base this season 854cm Posted on Tuesday 30th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here We enjoyed some really heavy snow coming down last night and as we wake up and look outside the window, saw that it resulted in lots of fresh snow this morning. I'm adding another 26cm of quality fresh snow to my reports and you'll notice 40cm being reported at Annupuri below too. Very nice. I really like those numbers. It's very cold too. I hope all those folk lining up for early lifts - check out the images below as of 8:30am - had an extra piece of toast and are feeling warm and toasty as they embark on their exciting day of fun. And while visibility doesn't look too good, it should be a whole lot of fun out there this morning. I am somewhat jealous sitting here just writing about it! (Cue violins). Anyway, as I write this report it is continuing to snow lightly. Wind doesn't seem to be causing any issues and all areas should be opening as planned. Snow clouds might be with us today and tomorrow with the chance of clearer skies Thursday through Saturday; perhaps snow returning around Sunday. It sounds like a plan! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -11°, 20cm new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m: -13°, W6.9m/s. Annupuri 1150m: -13°, WSW9.4m/s, 40cm new snow. Hirafu 1250m: -13°, light winds, 20cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW14m/s. Kamui Cape: WSW9m/s, 1008hPa, wave 1.6m. The atmospheric isobaric lines are moving further apart and a north west wind around10m/s is blowing over the mountains and sea. From data and observation there is no significant snowdrift development and the general avalanche risk is low. With this light and deep snow, cracks are becoming hidden crevasses. They are very dangerous if you fall and go in one head first. Take care. At higher elevations the risk of avalanche continues on 40deg slopes where wind and temperature gradient has formed layers in the snowpack. When checking the surface slab for stability it may appear OK but the risk persists from deep layers. Gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice. Be prepared before going out of bounds. Do not duck ropes. The massive cornices we have at the moment are in constant danger of collapse. Dont stand on top of them or below them. Beware bad visibility and frostbite. Have a good day. --- Tuesday 30th January 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: 420cm - Base: 210cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts should be operating Official snow depth: - Top: 330cm - Base: 210cm 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: 310cm - Base: 200cm Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 30th January 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 854cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (21st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 406cm reported on 27 days January 2018 snowfall 260cm reported on 25 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