Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 246cm Posted on Tuesday 2nd January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Some fresh snow on the ground this morning with up to 16cm of snow being reported by Nozawa up on the top runs since yesterday morning. It has been snowing this morning but right now has eased off and there are actually a few breaks in the clouds appearing... may be temporary as snow is on the local forecasts for the day. Tonight and tomorrow is what we are really looking forward to though with some heavy snow still there on the forecast. I hope to be bringing some nice numbers to you in my report tomorrow. The Kandahar courses of Nozawa Onsen are not always available for public use, but the Kandahar West course is actually available for everyone to enjoy every day until Friday. Fresh snowfall (as reported by the resort): - Yamabiko (1407m): 16cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 11cm - Hikage (660m): 10cm - Nagasaka (615m): 10cm - Karasawa (563m): 10cm Official snow depth numbers: - Yamabiko (1407m): 245cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 195cm - Hikage (660m): 150cm - Nagasaka (615m): 140cm - Karasawa (563m): 130cm All lifts operating except the following: - None! All lifts apparently operating All courses now at least part open except the following: - Challenge 39 wall - Mukobayashi - Grand Prix - Kamoshika - Kandahar East Nozawa Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 2nd January 2018 Total snowfall at base 246cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 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 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 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 352cm Weather overview Light snow Wind Light+ Temperature - Visibility Limited Posted on Tuesday 2nd January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Madarao. Fresh snow to report this morning. The resort itself is reporting 10cm of fresh snow; I am measuring 13cm to go on our reports. There is more on the way. Look for heavier snow in the region by the time I post tomorrow and we're hoping the snowfall will continue into Thursday. Visibility is limited this morning. Here's to heavy snow! --- Official snow depth: 200cm 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 II Free Ride Park River Line Adventure Aisle Crystal Bowl Ninja Sawa Rabbit Kamoshika Kids Park Snow Mobile Land Planned nighta operations this season: Daily until 3rd January 2018 7th January 2018 11th February 2018 Every Saturday between 4th January and 24th March 2018 Madarao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 2nd January 2018 Total snowfall at base 352cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 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 12cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Madarao. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 16cm Snowfall at base this season 341cm Posted on Tuesday 2nd January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. It's snowing! A good 15-20cm of snow on the ground this morning and it is going to be adding up the way it is falling now. The forecast is looking good too. Snow expected through today, getting heavier tonight and tomorrow and hopefully through into Thursday as well. All of the Shiga Kogen resort areas are open and most courses are available. There are still a few areas not yet 100% open - those being Terakoya through Hoppo, as well as Sun Valley and Hasuike). Surely after the next few days we'll be able to proudly proclaim 'fully open'. Looking forward to being able to say that. In the meantime, wrap up well and be prepared for the wintery conditions over the next few days. Shiga Kogen Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 2nd January 2018 Total snowfall at base 341cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (14th December) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 6 days December 2017 snowfall 276cm reported on 21 days January 2018 snowfall 18cm 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 45cm Snowfall at base this season 574cm Posted on Tuesday 2nd January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . A nice fall of snow for the second day of 2018, a day I know means the first day of skiing for many in the new year (after the fun of New Year’s Eve!). 45cm of fresh, and it’s coming down very steadily now. And I haven’t got much more to say than that! It’s good, light snow, all the resorts are fully open and all we have to do now is get out there and enjoy it. Akakura Kanko: 220 cm, -6° Akakura Onsen: 260cm, -5° Ikenotaira Onsen: 200cm, -3.5° Myoko Suginohara: 190cm, -9° (top) Seki Onsen: 240 cm, -5° Myoko Ski Park: 200 cm, -2° Kyukamura RunRun: 240 cm, -1° Tangram Ski Circus: 200 cm, -5° Madarao Kogen: 200 cm, -2° Myoko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 2nd January 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 574cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 81cm (27th December) November 2017 snowfall 61cm reported on 3 days December 2017 snowfall 468cm reported on 15 days January 2018 snowfall 45cm 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 Myoko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 335cm Posted on Monday 1st January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Happy New Year 2018, which was welcomed in by a fireworks display last night at the base of the Furano Zone. For those that partied it up last night and are feeling sluggish, the weather outside may give you just the excuse you need for a couple of hours extra rest. The wind is fairly significant here in the village with the snow coming in sideways. There is 4cm of new white on the ground which I scooped up in my hand only to find it was wetter than I expected. I guess that is not surprising given it is a warm -3c and will head up to +1c during the day. Anyway...time to put the boots on for the first time in 2018 and head up for some New Year freshies. Kitanomine Zone open. Furano Zone open. Furano Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 1st January 2018 Total snowfall at base 335cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 36 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 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 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 594cm Posted on Monday 1st January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning and a very Happy New Year to you all! I will be upfront and honest - as always - I totally over-slept this morning, so that is why my report is unusually late. But I guess I am probably not going to be the only one today. My apologies anyway. I hope that you had a fun evening wherever you spent it. Yesterday was a fun day out there with good weather, good snow and good spirited party people enjoying the evening. It was busy on the slopes of course but that is totally to be expected. The Avalanche Report says 'Yesterday's tracks are not covered' - and there were most definitely more than a few tracks being made! ;) This morning there was just a very slight dusting of wet snow but no new cm to start the numbers off for 2018. As we expected it is relatively mild with the thermometer showing me +2C just now. It actually looks like it is going to get a bit warmer during the day too. Right now there is quite a lot of blue sky to see and the sun is out, but later on rain seems probable down - at base at least. But that shouldn't last long with colder temps and good quality snow on the way; I hope to be bringing you news of fresh snowfall tomorrow morning. One more thing, I see that top lifts appear to be affected by wind at the start of the day. So there is a mixed bunch of weather going for this first morning of the year and seemingly changing conditions. We are of course all hoping that over the next few months the season will continue as it started. I will of course keep you informed every day. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: +1°, trace new snow. Moiwa 800m : -1.4°, E3.9m/s, trace new snow, easterly snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -6°, E10m/s, trace new snow. Hirafu 1250m: -4°, E10m/s, trace new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:S9m/s. Kamui Cape: E7m/s, 1009hPa, wave 0.8m. A low pressure front from the east has brought wet snow. Blizzard conditions are expected above 1000m. All peak gates are expected to open, however if the weather deteriorates they will be closed. Strong easterly winds can easily make hard slabs on steep east facing slopes like Backbowl sidewall. There has been avalanche accidents in the past in these conditions. Avalanches occur when conditions are right regardless of the amount of snow. Today's conditions are not the same as yesterday's. After the low pressure system passes through a strong westerly wind and snow will pickup. Make reasonable plans according to weather conditions. There are many ridiculous traverse lines in Osawa and Backbowl. Traversing steep slopes can trigger avalanches. Many people are riding out of bounds on Annupuri Mountain. Heading to Goshiki by putting in a traverse line from the top of the lifts across Osawa, up and over west ridge is dangerous and has no consideration for other mountain users. An avalanche could easily be triggered placing people below in danger. Also once there is one track, others follow, increasing the chance of an accident. If you are heading to Goshiki, we ask you to climb to the peak and follow the ridge line down to Chinpoko Rock, then to Goshiki. Yesterday's tracks are not covered. Take care crashing and falling on the chopped up slopes. Beware weather change. Happy New Year --- Monday 1st January 2018 Resort specific information (operations subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts are operating ** But top Ace Number 4 and King Number 4 lift on hold at 8:50am (wind and visibility) Official snow depth: - Top: 315cm - Base: 150cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts are operating ** But top Jumbo Number 4 is on hold at 8:50am (wind and visibility) Official snow depth: - Top: 240cm - Base: 160cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts except Country Road Chair are operating ** But top Wonderland Chair lift on hold at 8:50am (wind and visibility) Official snow depth: - Top: 250cm - Base: 170cm --- Floodlit 'nighta' skiing: Night skiing is planned for every evening at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Ski lifts that are scheduled to be operating for nighta are noted below (subject to change): * Niseko Grand Hirafu - Ace Family quad, Ace Number 2 quad, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 pair * Niseko Annupuri - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift * Niseko Village - Village Express, Upper Village Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 1st January 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 594cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 38 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 0cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 325cm Posted on Monday 1st January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Happy New Year! I didn't spend the day in bed, as Mozzer might say, but I did have a bit of a lie-in this morning. I hear earlier on the sun was out but right now it is cloudy with light snow falling and a thin layer on the ground. The forecasts are looking good for decent snowfall over the next few days - with the heaviest expected as we enter Wednesday. Temperatures will dip and there's a good chance of stronger winds too. Be prepared. All the best for 2018. Shiga Kogen Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 1st January 2018 Total snowfall at base 325cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (14th December) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 6 days December 2017 snowfall 276cm reported on 21 days January 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 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 446cm Posted on Sunday 31st December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Good Morning from Naeba! It's the first clear morning we have seen in sometime, and the mountain looks wonderful with it's new caking of snow from the past week. The skies are rapidly clearing and the temperature at the base is exceptionally mild for this time of year at 0°C. We are expected the sun to break through for the majority of the day, before the snow returning overnight. It was the busiest day yet yesterday in Naeba and we're expecting similar today, so it's certainly worth getting up on the hill early to catch some fresh corduroy before everything softens up rapidly due to the mild temperatures. Looking forwards, the forecast suggests that "Storm Dougle" is expected to slink into town on Monday, with the heaviest snow falling on Tuesday and Wednesday. With "Storm Dougle", temperatures are expected to plummet again, and of course the wind is expected to pick up somewhat during this period, too. Things are expected to clear up again later into next week. Shinsen'na! Naeba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 31st December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 446cm Number of days snowfall observed 20 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 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 205cm Posted on Sunday 31st December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . It's a fairly easy report this morning. Pretty much everywhere is open and busy for the New Year. There is a lot of cloud but some blue sky too. It was a cold start to the morning but the forecast shows some relatively mild conditions today with sunshine likely. But we might well end 2017 with snow once again falling. And the forecast looks good for the start of the New Year still - look out for some heavy snow Tuesday into Wednesday. There's lots going on for the New Year in Hakuba and if you are here no doubt the place you are staying at will be filling you in on the details. Wherever you decide to spend your new year - whether it's enjoying some extended nighta, watching fireworks, drinking and eating or just getting tucked up getting in some kip ready for first lifts of 2018 - have a fun and safe day. See you tomorrow. Possibly a little later than usual. (Sorry in advance). :) Just a few end of year thank you-s: Thanks for reading the reports. Thanks Nature for this snow. You rock. Thanks to the hard-working staff at ski resorts, accommodations and restaurants etc around the village who are in super hyper busy mode at the moment. Thanks to the folk running SnowJapan. It's an amazing website and service that people should really appreciate - please keep it up! Hakuba Happo-one Operating lifts: - All lifts (apart from Happo Number 1 pair) are operating Courses open: - All course are now generally open - Only the Kurobishi Off-Piste Area remains closed - Nighta for New Years Eve from 10:00pm until 11:40pm - free Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 250cm - Usagidaira: 120cm - Lower: 85cm Hakuba Goryu Operating lifts: - All lifts apart are operating Courses open: - All courses are open Official snow depth: - Top: 260cm - Toomi: 90cm - Iimori: 60cm Hakuba 47 Operating lifts: - All lifts are operating Courses open: - All main courses are open - The Tree Riding Zone is now open Official snow depth: - Top: 225cm - Base: 80cm Tsugaike Kogen Operating lifts: - All lifts should be operating Courses open: - All course areas are open Official snow depth: - Tsuga-no-mori: 260cm - Han-no-ki: 260cm - Maruyama: 100cm - Shirakaba: 200cm - Oya-no-hara: 125cm - Kane-no-naru-oka: 125cm Hakuba Cortina Operating lifts: - All lifts operating Courses open: - All courses open Official snow depth: - Top: 287cm - Base: 180cm Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Official snow depth: - Top: 160cm - Base: 80cm Hakuba Norikura Onsen Operating lifts: - All lifts apart from Alps Number 7 are operating Official snow depth: - 230cm Hakuba Valley Kashimayari Operating lifts: - Number 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 lifts are operating Official snow depth: - 115cm Hakuba Sanosaka Operating lifts: - All three lifts are operating Official snow depth: - 90cm Hakuba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 31st December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 205cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (27th December) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 158cm 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 238cm Posted on Sunday 31st December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Hello and Happy New Years Eve! It is going to be a long, long day for a lot of people. A good day to be out on the mountain for skiers and snowboarders. And a long and busy day for many people working at the resort and around all the accommodations in the village. Just a small amount of snow since yesterday and we start today with mostly cloudy skies. Though there is a bit of sun and perhaps we will see clearer skies during the day today. Milder conditions are forecast for today too. The snow should be back tomorrow with heavy snow due around Tuesday night into Wednesday. Night skiing is available daily on the Nagasaka area until 2nd January from 4:30pm until 8:00pm... and extended until 11:30pm tonight. From 11pm there will be some hot wine, sake and soft drinks on offer and then at midnight there will be a fireworks display. I don't know if Nasuki - our fave skiing vegetable character - goes to bed early or not, but if they are up I would imagine they might want to be at the celebrations. Always good to see Nasuki and have a few words. All the best for the New Year everyone. The reports will of course continue tomorrow. I hope to be bringing you lots of news of heavy snow over the next few months. Take care and see you soon. Kampai! Fresh snowfall (as reported by the resort): - Yamabiko (1407m): 5cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 3cm - Hikage (660m): -cm - Nagasaka (615m): 2cm - Karasawa (563m): -cm Official snow depth numbers: - Yamabiko (1407m): 255cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 195cm - Hikage (660m): 145cm - Nagasaka (615m): 140cm - Karasawa (563m): 125cm All lifts operating except the following: - None! All lifts apparently operating All courses now at least part open except the following: - Challenge 39 wall - Mukobayashi - Grand Prix - Kamoshika - Kandahar Nozawa Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 31st December 2017 Total snowfall at base 238cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 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 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 594cm Posted on Sunday 31st December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There is no fresh snowfall to report this morning. Which means that I have observed a total of 594cm of snowfall here at base up until now this season. What an amazing number that is to be able to report at the end of December. Especially when you compare it to the number from the 16/17 season at the same point in the season - 293cm. That looks downright poor now doesn't it. (Not that it ever looked impressive, of course - please go back and read my reports from last year for the full story and me not being particularly excited about proceedings). I will post a good old long-worded look back at the season so far... probably on Tuesday or Wednesday, because some cheeky monkeys may well not read my report tomorrow. So back to today. Things are calm this morning. There is cloud around but some breaks in the clouds too. We might see some end of the year sunshine during the day today. It is due to be somewhat milder during the day today and perhaps tomorrow too, though still hanging around zero at base, possibly just nudging above. All resorts open and gates are expected to open. It should be a fine day. And as you can see from the webcam images below, quite a few people lined up for the early lifts. Come on, give us a wave! You might notice the mention of the word 'wet' in the Avalanche Report below when talking about tomorrow. Wet is a word that we never want to hear in winter, but wet snow would be better than wet rain. Fingers crossed. Things might not be so calm tonight. There might be one or two people out and about this evening, maybe even partaking in a celebratory sip or two of wine or other fave beverage. You can enjoy watching some torchlight skiing and fireworks if you like. Whatever you choose, have fun and take care. In the past there have been a few serious incidents involving people 'post-bar'. It's cold and slippy - be sure you know where you are going and be with a friend is my best advice. --- Thank you for reading the reports and using SnowJapan in 2017. Here's to a very fine 2018; preferably without lots of the frustrating and downright strange 'news' going on in the world. (Oooh, political!) I hope that you have a wonderful New Years Eve. And I will see you tomorrow, after my first toast of the year. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -7°, no new snow. Moiwa 800m : -4.4°, N3.8m/s, no new snow. Annupuri 1150m: -7°, light winds, no new snow. Hirafu 1250m: -8°, light winds, no new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: SSW2m/s. Kamui Cape: light wind, 1020hPa, wave 0.7m. Atmospheric pressure is stable, weather is calm, no snow clouds over the Sea of Japan and no new snow in Niseko. A strong northerly wind yesterday afternoon caused snow development to become ribbed. Between 800-1000m a 50cm thick hard slab has formed in some locations. From observation and tests, snowdrifts are stable and except places like Backbowl sidewall, avalanche risk is low. A low pressure system is expected to move into the area tomorrow bringing wet snow from the east. From this mornings survey, around 1000m a surface frost has formed from radiative cooling. This current surface is expected become an avalanche sliding surface in the future snowpack. All peak gates expected to open. Listen to the patrols advice and prepare before going out of bounds. There are lots of hard tracks from yesterday, be careful riding. Groomers are in really good shape. Please respect and follow Niseko Rules. Entry into Haru no Taki and YunoSawa are Strictly monitored. If you get caught entering you will be banned from using ski resorts. We thank all the people who come to Niseko and respect the rules, the ski patrol who protect us, the grooming operators, lift operators and all others who make Niseko the special place it is. Happy New Year. --- Sunday 31st December 2017 Resort specific information (operations subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts are operating Official snow depth: - Top: 325cm - Base: 160cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts are operating Official snow depth: - Top: 240cm - Base: 160cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts except Country Road Chair are operating Official snow depth: - Top: 250cm - Base: 170cm --- Floodlit 'nighta' skiing: Night skiing is planned for every evening at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Ski lifts that are scheduled to be operating for nighta are noted below (subject to change): * Niseko Grand Hirafu - Ace Family quad, Ace Number 2 quad, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 pair * Niseko Annupuri - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift * Niseko Village - Village Express, Upper Village Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 31st December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 594cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 38 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 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 323cm Posted on Sunday 31st December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Morning! Mostly overcast and cloudy this morning on what promises to be a busy last day of the year. It's relatively mild as well. Perhaps we'll see sunshine during the day. Come tomorrow the temps should be starting to drop back down again and also fresh snow is on the horizon starting tomorrow but more due around Wednesday. A good refresh looks set to be with us which always sounds good. For now a good last day of the year. I hope you enjoy your New Years Eve and will see you tomorrow. Shiga Kogen Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 31st December 2017 Total snowfall at base 323cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (14th December) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 6 days December 2017 snowfall 276cm 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 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