Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 449cm Posted on Monday 8th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. A bit of snowfall since my report yesterday, the snow eased off and we enjoyed some clearer weather conditions for a while. There is no fresh snow to report from overnight. We start the day today with cloudy skies. Higher temperatures today into tomorrow... can we avoid rain here and go straight into snow? Whichever it is, snow is lined up on the forecast from tomorrow. Today is a national holiday in Japan and so will be busier than a normal Monday. Shiga Kogen Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 8th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 449cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 35 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 47cm (4th January) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 6 days December 2017 snowfall 276cm reported on 21 days January 2018 snowfall 126cm reported on 8 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 637cm Posted on Monday 8th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have just a 3cm of fresh snowfall to report to you since my report yesterday. It looks like most - all? - regions of Japan are going to experience something of a warm up today, tonight and into tomorrow. Temperatures are going to rise and... we might get rained on tonight. Nooooooo! The good news is that snow is due back tomorrow and possibly heavy snow on Wednesday. Yes! We shall see. The hope is for rain to be limited and be snow quickly. For now, Hirafu are reporting sleet at base and snow higher up and Annupuri are reporting snow. It won't be the light and fluffy kind though. It will be interesting to see what we get over the next 24 hours I will of course let you know how things are going this time tomorrow. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -2°, trace new snow. Moiwa 800m : -3.4°, W3.8, trace new snow, minor snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -5°, trace new snow, minor snowdrift development. Hirafu 1250m: -6°, trace new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:WNW11m/s. Kamui Cape: WSW12m/s, 1014hPa, wave 1.4m. Currently we are under influence of low pressure system, the pressure gradient is shallow and weather is calm. Expect the temperature to rise as the low pressure system approaches from the Japan Sea. At 800m, 30cm of snowdrift growth on leeward slopes was observed at the 4am survey. In some areas yesterdays tracks are also covered. From tests there is no obvious weak layer and with other data general avalanche risk is low. Peak gates are expected to be open. Although it didn't snow much, the resorts groomers are in fantastic condition. Off the runs is tracked out from yesterday still, be careful going fast and hitting trees. Also careful falling into holes. Yesterday at Waterfall Gate 9 someone had to be rescued. Do not ever enter Strictly Off Limits areas Haru no Taki and YunoSawa. If one person ignores the rules and enters others will follow their tracks leading to increased chances of an accident. Under Niseko Rules it is prohibited to ride in these areas. In Niseko we respect your right to ride safely out off bounds. Make sure if you are going out of bounds you do so through a gate. Beware of a sudden weather change. Have a good day. --- Monday 8th January 2018 Resort specific information (operations subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts are operating - 'Early Morning' services from 8:00am until 8:20am (Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift). Until 28th January. 500 yen special ticket required. Official snow depth: - Top: 350cm - Base: 170cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts are operating - 'First Run Early Morning' services from 7:20am until 8:20am (Annupuri Gondola). Until today. 1,000 yen special ticket required. Official snow depth: - Top: 270cm - Base: 150cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts except Country Road Chair are operating - 'Early Gondola' service from 7:30am until 8:30am (Niseko Gondola). January 8th, 13th-14th, 20th-21st, 27th-28th; February 3rd-4th. 1,400 yen special ticket required. Official snow depth: - Top: 260cm - Base: 160cm Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 8th January 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 637cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 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 43cm reported on 6 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 448cm Posted on Sunday 7th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Hello from Shiga Kogen. It is snowing this morning, and I have measured 8cm to add to the reports. Actually snowing quite heavily right now in Maruike, though it is fine snow rather than big fluffy flakes. Looks a little windy as well for the moment. Snow isn't expected to last long today though with clearer skies possible later on. Still hoping we will avoid the rain that lower elevations seem destined to get tomorrow. Straight into snow should be good. But do expect milder than usual conditions tomorrow. Second day of the busy long weekend. Have fun! Shiga Kogen Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 7th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 448cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 47cm (4th January) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 6 days December 2017 snowfall 276cm reported on 21 days January 2018 snowfall 125cm reported on 7 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 11cm Snowfall at base this season 335cm Posted on Sunday 7th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Good morning from Nozawa. Interesting that we have got a nice new layer of snow overnight with snow still falling now. The resort itself is reporting 10-20cm of snow across the mountain. The forecast is for this snow to ease off leaving us with a cloudy day, so perhaps we might still get some sun like I mentioned yesterday. Or maybe not! So early morning it is light snow and limited visibility, due to get clearer. Now let's take a look at the forecast. Rain in the village is looking possible (likely) later in the day as temperatures get rather mild - hopefully at the same time it will be snow up top - and Wednesday onwards there's some decent snow to look forward to. All go this morning on this busy weekend, with all lifts operating and only the Challenge 39, Grand Prix and Kandahar course areas unavailable. Fresh snowfall since yesterday (as reported by the resort): - Yamabiko (1407m): 20cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 10cm - Hikage (660m): 10cm - Nagasaka (615m): 10cm - Karasawa (563m): 0cm Official snow depth numbers: - Yamabiko (1407m): 305cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 235cm - Hikage (660m): 180cm - Nagasaka (615m): 170cm - Karasawa (563m): 155cm All lifts operating except the following: - All lifts should be operating All courses open except the following: - Challenge 39 - Grand Prix - Kandahar Nozawa Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 7th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 335cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 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 97cm reported on 5 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 427cm Weather overview Cloudy Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Varied Posted on Sunday 7th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Morning from Madarao. 6cm of fresh snow on the ground to report this morning; the resort are reporting 10cm. Generally cloudy start to the day after early snow has eased off and perhaps we might be able to enjoy some clearer skies. Rain is expected later in the region tomorrow unfortunately and we might not escape it up here. It does certainly look like it's going to be warmer by a fair bit during the day tomorrow. Don't worry though, temperatures should be back down come Tuesday with further snow due. Madarao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 7th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 427cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 21 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 87cm reported on 5 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 28cm Snowfall at base this season 634cm Posted on Sunday 7th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I bring happy news this morning with some decent snowfall numbers after some good snowing through the day yesterday. I am measuring 28cm here near Hirafu base and I noticed up to 40cm being reported by the Avalanche Report folks. That's a good new layer that will cover up those tracks, even if lots of it was during the day yesterday. Today the forecast is for generally cloudy skies over the region as the early snow eases off and visibility improves (the report below is from earlier, hence the big difference there). Resorts are reporting some wind higher up. I see that the Hirafu Gondola is having some early morning issues and is going to be delayed so some folk are going to be annoyed that they chose that as their first lift. The Annupuri gondola is also operating at reduced speed at the start of the day, presumably due to wind. It is a cold start to the day with tomorrow forecast to be milder - temperatures to rise a little above zero and either wet snow or rain possible. (Nooooo!) Tuesday and Wednesday should see a return to quality snow conditions though. (Hurray!!) I'm going to brave the crowds and have a few hours on the slopes myself this morning. See you tomorrow! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -7°, 10cm new snow, minor snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m : -7°, 30cm new snow, snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -9°, NW15m/s, 40cm new snow, snowdrift development. Hirafu 1250m: -13°, NW15m/s, 20cm new snow, snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW17m/s. Kamui Cape: NNE11m/s, 1012hPa, wave 1.3m. Wind and snow from the northwest continues, lots of snow on the west side. Snow drift development has been inconsistent over the last 24 hours due to changes in wind and temperature, creating a weak layer. From observation and tests, drifts are fracturing at 50-100cm. Leeward slopes above 800m avalanche risk is moderately high. Kozan no Sawa sidewall around 1100m, expect fracture to easily occur from rider stimulation. Many accidents have occurred during blizzard conditions on leeward slopes where unstable slabs have formed. All gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice. Do not duck ropes. West side tracks are covered and slopes are reset. Snow in the trees is good but a bit deep. Do not stimulate knolls or cornices, this could trigger an avalanche. Do not wait in the valley bottoms, this is where an avalanche will run. Data from Moiwa's zero fighter is unavailable due to wind. It will take a while to get back online, we have had unexpected snowdrifts this winter. Bad visibility and blizzard conditions continue. Be careful falling into cracks or crashing into object. Out the gates is not the ski resort anymore. Make safe desicions based on current conditions. Careless actions can cause accidents. Have a safe day. --- Sunday 7th January 2018 Resort specific information (operations subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts are operating; Hirafu Gondola having some technical issues at the start of the day - delayed opening. - 'Early Morning' services from 8:00am until 8:20am (Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift). Until 28th January. 500 yen special ticket required. Official snow depth: - Top: 365cm - Base: 175cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts are operating; Gondola operating at reduced speed at the start of the day. - 'First Run Early Morning' services from 7:20am until 8:20am (Annupuri Gondola). Until 8th January. 1,000 yen special ticket required. Official snow depth: - Top: 260cm - Base: 150cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts except Country Road Chair are operating - 'Early Gondola' service from 7:30am until 8:30am (Niseko Gondola). January 6th-8th, 13th-14th, 20th-21st, 27th-28th; February 3rd-4th. 1,400 yen special ticket required. Official snow depth: - Top: 260cm - Base: 160cm Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 7th January 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 634cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 43 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 40cm reported on 5 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 714cm Posted on Sunday 7th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . A little light snow for what should be a very busy day at the ski areas (second day of a three-day weekend). Just a little fresh snow since last night - about 10cm - still a nice base outside the areas. Tomorrow, who knows; it will get warmer, it’s supposed to rain heavily at night, maybe into Tuesday? Akakura Kanko: 260 cm, -6° Akakura Onsen: 300cm, -5° Ikenotaira Onsen: 240cm, -4° Myoko Suginohara: 210cm, -10° (top) Seki Onsen: 290 cm, -4° Myoko Ski Park: 250 cm, -1° Kyukamura RunRun: 300 cm, -2° Tangram Ski Circus: 200 cm, -5° Madarao Kogen: 220 cm, -8° Myoko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 7th January 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 714cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 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 185cm reported on 5 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 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 356cm Posted on Saturday 6th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is a nice calm morning and overnight there has been some snow which I have measured to be 5cm. Looking above there are clear skies in the middle of a bit of cloud, and looking up to the ski hill itself there is some valley cloud sitting on the resort. I would expect that cloud on the ski area to lift and disappear during the morning, but while it is there is going to the some limited visibility. While the resort is getting busier there still isn't much in the way of lift queues after the line for the first lift of the day has cleared. Monday is still forecast to be a bit warmer and bring some rain to lower elevations. Kitanomine Zone open. Furano Zone open. Furano Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Saturday 6th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 356cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 39 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 25cm reported on 4 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 440cm Posted on Saturday 6th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. I was just over in the Kumanoyu area and there was lovely bright sunshine and blue skies over there. Back here at Maruike it's more of a 'cloudy' look, so varied conditions early on this morning. Feels like it should be a fine day though, with the chance of some snow later on and then back to sunshine tomorrow. Late Monday into Tuesday and beyond shows some exciting snow potential after some milder conditions on Monday. Lower down in the valley they will probably get rained on - hopefully up here we'll miss out on that. One of the advantages of your 'base' being high up! Still a few courses not open but Shiga Kogen is nearly at the 'fully open' stage. Monday being a national holiday (Coming of Age Day) means that we're on for a 3-day holiday for many people. Usually one of the more popular weekends of the season. Shiga Kogen Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Saturday 6th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 440cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 47cm (4th January) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 6 days December 2017 snowfall 276cm reported on 21 days January 2018 snowfall 117cm reported on 6 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 606cm Posted on Saturday 6th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have a bit more fresh snow to report this morning, I am measuring 5cm so it's not a deep layer to completely cover tracks (unless much more fell up top), but is of course welcome. Hopefully there'll be some real-time filling in continuing through the day today ---- and actually, since I started putting this report together it has started coming down very nicely. Come on! Visibility is looking rather limited at the moment as well. After today, no snow expected during the day tomorrow but we should enjoy a return to snow come in the first part of the week, though it may be preceded by some unseasonably mild conditions around Monday. (Fingers crossed we don't get any rain). Monday is 'Coming of Age Day' in Japan and a national holiday which means that it is a three day weekend which makes this weekend as one of the most popular of the season - with Japanese guests anyway. --- From this morning Niseko Grand Hirafu started it's 'Early Morning' service. This is basically the resort operating the Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift from 8:00am until 8:20am with the Super, Furiko, Green, Alpen and Sen-no-ki courses available. And charging 500 yen for it. This 'premium' lift operation is available daily until 28th January. Note that you cannot use any other tickets (including season ticket) for this. The Niseko Annupuri resort area is also opening early over this long weekend. They will operate the Annupuri Gondola from 7:20am until 8:20am and charge 1000 yen to use it. And Niseko Village are also operating their Gondola early this weekend. Their special lift ticket is 1400 yen. I have conflicting feelings about these services. I can understand people wanting to get out for some early fresh snow on some days (of course). But the charges seem a bit mean to me, especially as they even apply for season ticket owners. But there you go... 'it's business' and all that. I might also be a bit blue about it because I am sat here writing these reports every day at that time! Doh. ;) I have added details about the early morning services to the individual resort info bits below. Apologies for not mentioning this yesterday; and yes, I am aware that by the time this report appears normal daytime operations will have started. Gomen, ne. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -4℃, 3cm snowfall, clam. Moiwa800m: -5.5℃, W4m/s, 5cm snowfall with light snowdrift development. Annupuri1150: -7℃, WNW8m/s, 10cm snowfall, light snowdrifts. Hirafu1250m: -8℃, light breeze, 10cm snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW7m/s, Kamui cape W2m/s, 1006hPa, 0.8m waves. The isobars are spread out and the weather is calm on the ocean and the mountains. Scarce snowfall throughout the area and development of snowdrifts and cornices above 1000m is also minimal. According to observations, test and various data, the general avalanche risk is low. All gates will open from the morning. Ask for advice from the ski patrol before stepping out of the gates. Yesterday’s tracks are remaining, but still pretty good condition for riding. Intermittent snowfall is forecasted to continue. Light is weak and the snow surface is hard to see. Beware of loosing control, hitting obstacles, falling into cracks/holes, they’re difficult to notice until last second. Large crown avalanches are unlikely to occur in the current snowpack, however stimulating snowdrift slopes (under cornices), riding one slope simultaneously or traversing across the whole slope can trigger an avalanche anytime. Airbags will not float if turned off. Just like beacons, simply carrying it will not save your life. Be prepared, be vigilant. Accidents can be avoided by using caution. Have a nice day. --- Saturday 6th January 2018 Resort specific information (operations subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts are operating - 'Early Morning' services from 8:00am until 8:20am (Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift). Until 28th January. 500 yen special ticket required. Official snow depth: - Top: 325cm - Base: 145cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts are operating - 'First Run Early Morning' services from 7:20am until 8:20am (Annupuri Gondola). Until 8th January. 1,000 yen special ticket required. Official snow depth: - Top: 250cm - Base: 140cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts except Country Road Chair are operating - 'Early Gondola' service from 7:30am until 8:30am (Niseko Gondola). January 6th-8th, 13th-14th, 20th-21st, 27th-28th; February 3rd-4th. 1,400 yen special ticket required. Official snow depth: - Top: 250cm - Base: 160cm --- 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 Saturday 6th January 2018 Total snowfall at base so far 606cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 42 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 12cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 351cm Posted on Friday 5th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The crowds seem to be building up in the resort with a decent wait necessary to get onto the Kitanomine lifts this morning. The good news is that there was about 4cm of new snow in the village and double that at the top of the resort, making for some great powder conditions on the trails. The light snow continues to fall so we will probably see another couple of centimetres build up on the ground through the day. It was cloudy at the top this morning down to about the halfway mark but that may lift anytime. The weekend looks to be similar to today in terms of weather, but Monday may see temperatures rise to positives and some rain in the village. Furano Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 5th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 351cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 38 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 20cm reported on 3 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 439cm Posted on Friday 5th January 2018 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. More snow from yesterday, but this morning things are calmer and clearer... there's even some sunshine at the start of the day and blue skies. Lovely. Going to be an excellent morning to be on the slopes. Cold early on so wrap up well. We may get some light snow at times by tomorrow but sun is expected on Sunday. A return to fresh snowfall looks due early in the week. Monday is a national holiday in Japan, so it's a 'long weekend' coming up. Just a few course areas still not available now - perhaps they will open for the weekend? Shiga Kogen Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 5th January 2018 Total snowfall at base 439cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 47cm (4th January) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 6 days December 2017 snowfall 276cm reported on 21 days January 2018 snowfall 116cm reported on 5 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