Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 332cm Posted on Saturday 16th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There is just a little bit more fresh snowfall at base to add to the tally this morning. I measure it as 4cm. It's a pretty cold early morning - not as full on as it has been - and light snow is currently falling. The bigger news this morning is that the top lifts are getting started from today - the King Number 4 lift at Niseko Grand Hirafu, the Wonderland Chair lift at Niseko Village and the Jumbo Number 4 lift at Niseko Annupuri are now operating. Yey! That means that the full area is now open with on-mountain access to and from each of the resorts now available. Very nice to be able to report that on this 16th December morning. We'll probably need it more and more too with lots of people starting to pile in seeking Niseko-tastic fun. --- I must apologise for a mistake that I had not noticed... in previous reports I had tagged one of the pair lifts at Niseko Annupuri as a quad lift. My mistake, sorry! --- Someone actually sent in an email to SnowJapan for me, asking if I prefer nuts or toast. That made me laugh out loud, thank you. :) Hmmm. Toast easy wins early morning. Though I might have to go with nuts for an evening. If you don't know what I'm blabbering on about, note my ongoing documented love of pre-report toast and my mention of nuts in the report yesterday. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -5°, 3cm new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m : -6°, light winds, 5cm new snow. Annupuri 1150m: -8°, W5m/s, 5cm new snow. Hirafu Ridgeline: -8°, light N winds, trace new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NE6m/s. Kamui Cape NNE6m/s, 1010hPa, wave 0.8m. There is light snowfall is preceding a low pressure front, both mountains and sea are calm. As the low pressure system passes the wind will pick up above 800m. General avalanche risk is low, however if this low pressure snow fall increases, a surface flowing type of avalanche on steeps slopes is likely, take care. Snow conditions are good. The Dec 16 layer is expected to become notable in future snowpack. Be careful with the low light, it is hard to see the contours of the snow surface. All top lifts will be running from today. Take care riding off the course and into the trees, there still isn't enough snow. The snow surface is uneven and there are still holes around. Peak gates are being prepared to open around Christmas. Please be patient. Please follow Niseko Rules, do not duck the ropes. Do not enter Strictly Off Limits areas Haru no Taki and Yu no Sawa. Have a good weekend. --- Saturday 16th December 2017 What's planned to be open today in Niseko (subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts operating: - Ace Number 3 Pair lift - Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift (nighta) - Ace Family quad lift (nighta) - King Number 3 quad lift - Hirafu Gondola - Holiday Number 1 pair lift - Swinging Monkey - King Number 4 Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad lift - Hanazono Number 2 quad lift - Hanazono Number 3 quad lift Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift (nighta) - Jumbo Number 2 pair lift - Jumbo Number 4 pair lift - Dream Number 1 quad lift Niseko Village Lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Banzai Chair - Community Chair (nighta) - Upper Village Gondola (nighta) - Village Express (nighta) - Morino Chair - Wonderland Chair --- Official resort snow depths on Saturday 16th December 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 245cm Base - 95cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Top - 150cm Base - 90cm Niseko Village Top - 160cm Base - 100cm --- 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 above. Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Saturday 16th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 332cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 29cm (20th November) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 144cm 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 Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 260cm Posted on Saturday 16th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is snowing moderately here in the village right at the moment. A quick check has revealed 5cm of nice light powder on the ground. It will snow throughout the day but should ease up to just light snowfall during the morning. There is no word from the resort on whether the Kitanomine Gondola will open or not, so we will just have to wait and see. The forecast for Sunday looks pretty much like it is now, overcast, calm and light snow. Furano Zone open. Kitanomine Zone partially open. Furano Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Saturday 16th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 260cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (5th December) November 2017 snowfall 125cm reported on 13 days December 2017 snowfall 135cm reported on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 328cm Posted on Friday 15th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have another 6cm of fresh snowfall to report to you from base this morning. It's not crazy cold this morning but light snow is currently falling and the forecast remains 'snowy' and cold. I'm hearing... top lifts to open from tomorrow? That sounds like a jolly good idea to me. So the pre-Christmas crowds that are about to arrive here should be on for a very fine week. Enjoy, my friends! --- I was just taking a look at the numbers last night. With the 6cm in my report today, that brings my 'season so far' observed snowfall up to 328cm. Last season I observed 688cm throughout the whole season! So we are close to half of what fell for the entire season last time round. That's just nuts! I like nuts. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -3°, 5cm new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m : -4.7°, W7.1m/s, 10cm new snow, snowdrift development. Annupuri 1100m: -6°, W15m/s, snowdrift development. Hirafu: 1000m, -5°, light winds, 10cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW16m/s. Kamui Cape SW14m/s, 1020hPa, wave 1.6m. The winter weather pattern continues with a weak westerly snow wind at 15m/s at higher levels. New snowdrift growth around 1000m is easily fracturing. Groomers are in great condition with a light dusting of new snow on top. The atmospheric pressure gradient is starting to level out bringing better weather. From observation, around 800m there is a layer evident from Dec 13, but the temperature change is small and the snow is good. The general avalanche risk is low. In south facing off limits areas there is possibility of avalanche from rider stimulation the fracture on Dec 10 layer. Don't duck ropes looking for fresh snow. Do not enter Strictly Off Limits areas. The light is poor today and it is difficult to see the contours of the snow. Beware falls, collisions and falling into holes. You cant win against a tree and water is cold. All top lifts are expected to run from tomorrow (16th). Have a good day. --- Friday 15th December 2017 What's planned to be open today in Niseko (subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts operating: - Ace Number 3 Pair lift - Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift (nighta) - Ace Family quad lift (nighta) - King Number 3 quad lift - Hirafu Gondola - Holiday Number 1 pair lift - Swinging Monkey * All courses are open apart from Large and Dynamic. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad lift - Hanazono Number 2 quad lift - Hanazono Number 3 quad lift * All lifts are operating Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift (nighta) - Jumbo Number 2 quad lift - Dream Number 1 quad lift * Utopia, Shirakaba, Silver, Panorama, "S" ji, Paradise, Family, Dynamic and Junior courses are open. Niseko Village Lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Banzai Chair - Community Chair (nighta) - Upper Village Gondola (nighta) - Village Express (nighta) - Morino Chair * Top of Gondola to base is skiable. --- Official resort snow depths on Friday 15th December 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 245cm Base - 90cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Top - 135cm Base - 90cm Niseko Village Top - 160cm Base - 100cm --- 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 above. Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 15th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 328cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 29cm (20th November) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 140cm reported on 14 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 255cm Posted on Friday 15th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . There are a few snow flakes lofting down very slowly with no wind around. The forecast is for very light snow through the day which is probably what we have right now. Not much to report in terms of new snow on the ground, just a dusting of a centimeter. It is cold this morning at -9c but will warm up and end up around -2c but we probably won't get much sun. Light snow is expected over Saturday and Sunday. Furano Zone open. Kitanomine Zone partially open. Furano Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 15th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 255cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (5th December) November 2017 snowfall 125cm reported on 13 days December 2017 snowfall 130cm reported on 12 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 90cm Posted on Friday 15th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Morning from Nozawa. Yesterday was an excellent day on the slopes, it really was. I just couldn't stop myself, and was actually a big naughty in being late to a meeting because of my extended riding time. They totally understood though. ;) Yes, really great conditions up there - it did not feel like the middle of December. With that snowfall the resort has enjoyed, they are opening up more lifts and courses from today. Details below. The lower slopes are still not open. Note also that the road between Nagasaka Gondola and the Hikage area is now closed. Access to the Hikage area via the 'Yu Road'. This morning the mountain is still casting shadows over the village but it is a lovely morning and the sun is shining down on the Yamabiko area. Need to get back up there! Tomorrow should be generally fine too with snow clouds moving back over the region by the end of the day and snow due on Sunday. Sounds good to me! I hope you can get here for the weekend to enjoy these conditions before things start getting really busy. Operating lifts: - Nagasaka Gondola - Hikage Gondola - Yamabiko four lift - Yamabiko Number 2 lift - Uenotaira four lift - Skyline connecting lift - Paradise four lift - Yunomine pair lift - * Need to get the gondola back down to base Planned open courses: - Yamabiko A - Yamabiko B - Yamabiko C - Yamabiko D - Yamabiko E - Kokenashi A - Kokenashi B - Uenotaira - Paradise (* after preparations) - Yunomine B - Bunabayashi - Rinkan (* after preparations) Fresh snowfall (as reported by the resort): - Yamabiko (1407m): 3cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 3cm - Hikage (660m): -cm - Nagasaka (615m): -cm - Karasawa (563m): -cm Official snow depth numbers: - Yamabiko (1407m): 145cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 130cm - Hikage (660m): 80cm - Nagasaka (615m): 70cm - Karasawa (563m): 30cm Nozawa Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 15th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 90cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 41cm (14th December) November 2017 snowfall 21cm reported on 2 days December 2017 snowfall 69cm 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 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 322cm Posted on Thursday 14th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It was an excellent day yesterday. There's not much more to say about that really; I'll keep my adjectives to myself. It's not quite as cold this morning and things generally feel calmer and they should be during today and tomorrow. This morning I have 'just' 8cm of fresh snow to report since my last report. The big question is -- with all this snow and regular snow on the forecast over the next week, when will those top lifts and gates (other than Gate 6 over at Moiwa) get opening up? Surely it will be soon. Still, there's so much to enjoy out there at the moment I'm feeling chilled about that. The holiday period is fast approaching and so things are starting to gear up with lots more people going to be arriving over the next week. They'll surely be happy with what they find. Ho ho ho! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -2°, 10cm new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m : -4.8°, N4.3m/s, 20cm new snow, snowdrift development. Annupuri: -7°,strong NE winds, blizzard conditions, very little new snow but large snowdrift development. Hirafu: 1000m, -8°, above 1000m major snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:ENE8m/s. Kamui Cape ENE4m/s, 1016hPa, wave 2.9m. The winter weather pattern continues with major snowdrift development above 800m from the strong NE wind. Light winds and more than 20cm of good snow in forest areas below 700m. From observation and data analysis there are no obvious weak layers in the snow drifts below 800m, the avalanche risk is low except in the south facing strictly off limits areas. However do not stimulate knolls or cornices. Fluctuations in wind speed are causing inconsistent stabilisation of snowdrifts. Better to be safe than sorry. The snow is good in the forest. Most accidents happen right after the storm. Snow conditions are always changing. Be aware of the current and past snowfall. Make wise decisions for conditions and situation. Be careful of falling into creeks or hitting trees. Do not duck ropes to ride out of bounds. Moiwa Gate 6 is expected to open. Have a good day. --- Thursday 14th December 2017 What's planned to be open today in Niseko (subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts operating: - Ace Number 3 Pair lift - Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift (nighta) - Ace Family quad lift (nighta) - King Number 3 quad lift - Hirafu Gondola - Holiday Number 1 pair lift - Swinging Monkey * All courses are open apart from Large and Dynamic. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad lift - Hanazono Number 2 quad lift - Hanazono Number 3 quad lift * All lifts are operating Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift (nighta) - Jumbo Number 2 quad lift - Dream Number 1 quad lift * Utopia, Shirakaba, Silver, Panorama, "S" ji, Paradise, Family, Dynamic and Junior courses are open. Niseko Village Lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Banzai Chair - Community Chair (nighta) - Upper Village Gondola (nighta) - Village Express (nighta) - Morino Chair * Top of Gondola to base is skiable. --- Official resort snow depths on Thursday 14th December 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 250cm Base - 85cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Top - 135cm Base - 90cm Niseko Village Top - 145cm Base - 80cm --- 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 above. Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 14th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 322cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 29cm (20th November) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 134cm reported on 13 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 41cm Snowfall at base this season 88cm Posted on Thursday 14th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Good morning to you from Nozawa. I bring really great news of Nozawa-like heavy snowfall. How about this for the amount of new snowfall to expect - as reported by the resort: - Yamabiko (1407m): 70cm (...and 20cm yesterday afternoon) - Uenotaira (1230m): 45cm (...and 20cm yesterday afternoon) - Hikage (660m): 40cm - Nagasaka (615m): 40cm - Karasawa (563m): 20cm That's fresh snow, not snow depth. By my reckoning, that means that the resort is actually reporting a whopping 90cm of fresh snowfall on the upper areas since yesterday morning. Wow. (And I'm sat here writing about it!!) With a thick layer of lovely snow down at base areas too, it's going to be an excellent morning out there if you want to brave the conditions. Surely more of the mountain will open up from the weekend? Stay tuned. Calmer and clearer conditions are likely for the next few days once things ease off sometime during the day today; with a return to snow by the time Sunday rolls round. Operating lifts: - Nagasaka Gondola (8:40am until 3:30pm) - Yamabiko four lift (9:00am until 3:30pm) - Yamabiko Number 2 lift (8:55am until 3:40pm) - Uenotaira four lift (9:00am until 3:40pm) - * Need to get the gondola back down to base Planned open courses: - Yamabiko A - Yamabiko B - Yamabiko C - Yamabiko D - Yamabiko E - Uenotaira - Bunabayashi Fresh snowfall (as reported by the resort): - Yamabiko (1407m): 70cm (...and 20cm yesterday afternoon) - Uenotaira (1230m): 45cm (...and 20cm yesterday afternoon) - Hikage (660m): 40cm - Nagasaka (615m): 40cm - Karasawa (563m): 20cm Official snow depth numbers: - Yamabiko (1407m): 140cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 130cm - Hikage (660m): 65cm - Nagasaka (615m): 65cm - Karasawa (563m): 30cm Nozawa Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 14th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 88cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 41cm (14th December) November 2017 snowfall 21cm reported on 2 days December 2017 snowfall 67cm 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 Nozawa Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 120cm Posted on Thursday 14th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Early seasons are exciting - but difficult and time consuming for yours truly... there is a lot of information to check, gather and put together. Once the season gets going with all of the resorts open, things start to get a bit easier. But anyway, apologies if some reports are a little later than others. I'm not sleeping in, honest! The excitement keeps me going. And an early season with decent snowfall and really good conditions definitely helps a lot! OK so onto this morning. Well, yesterday. Snow during the day on mountain though not really much to report from base. 47 were saying they got 15cm on upper areas though. Here's how much fresh snow the resorts are reporting this morning: Hakuba 47: 5-10cm on the official site, 10-15cm being mentioned on FB Hakuba Goryu: up to 10cm I'm looking forward to seeing the numbers that Hakuba Cortina start reporting once they open on Saturday. Interesting that today we're not seeing the large amounts of snow that some other nearby regions are getting. (Always interesting to see the snowfall hauls from the regions). In resort news: A few more course areas are open at Tsugaike this morning - namely, Shirakaba and 'Upper course through the forest' (catchy!) At Happo-one the Riesen quad lift is due to start moving this morning from 10:30am, along with part of the Riesen Slalom Course being available. Though it seems the Alpen quad is on hold at the time of writing due to strong winds on mountain. I think that's it for the moment. Expect somewhat clearer skies from later on today and maybe tomorrow too. More snow due over the weekend. Hakuba Happo-one Operating lifts: - Gondola Adam - Panorama pair lift - Alpen quad lift - Hakuba Riesen quad lift - Kurobishi Number 2 quad lift - Skyline Number 2 pair lift - Kokusai Number 1 pair lift - Kokusai Number 3 pair lift Courses open: - Panorama area - Usagidaira area - Kurobishi area - Skyline area - Riesen slalom (part) Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 170cm - Usagidaira: 130cm Hakuba Goryu Operating lifts: - Goryu Telecabin (gondola) - Alps Number 1 pair lift - Alps Number 3 pair lift - Toomi Sky Four lift - Milky Four lift - Number 6 pair lift Courses open: - Panorama - Grand Prix - Technical - Super - Champion - Champion Expert - Woody - Toomi - Soft Cream - Powder Snow Official snow depth: - Top: 180cm - Toomi: 60cm - Iimori: 30cm Hakuba 47 Operating lifts: - Line 8 Gondola - Line AB pair lift - Line C quad lift - Line E high speed pair lift Courses open: - All main courses are open - Tree Riding Zone not open yet Official snow depth: - Top: 195cm - Base: 55cm Tsugaike Kogen Operating lifts - EVE Gondola - Tsuga Number 2 pair lift - Han-no-ki high speed pair lift Courses open: - Tsuga-no-mori - Han-kou - Han-no-ki - Upper course through forest - Shirakaba Official snow depth: - Tsuga-no-mori: 171cm - Han-no-ki: 171cm Hakuba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Thursday 14th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 120cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (21st November) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 73cm 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 Hakuba. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 26cm Snowfall at base this season 314cm Posted on Wednesday 13th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning to you all from my Hirafu base. An early report from me this morning as I am going to battle the road conditions and get somewhere... It is another very good morning as that pesky rain the other day becomes a distant memory. There has been lots of snow and blowing winds since my last report, and I have 26cm piled up at my official measuring point. The wind doesn't usually get to mess big time with my numbers, but I think we can expect a considerable amount of snow on the slopes this morning. And it is still snowing. Hopefully lifts will be operating this morning as scheduled. And the forecast over the coming week shows regular snow lined up. Though tomorrow might provide a breather being calm with some sunshine. Things couldn't really be much better for these first few weeks of the season. Can it continue like this? I certainly hope so! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -7°, 20cm new snow. Moiwa 800m : -9.4°, W10.2m/s, 30cm new snow. Annupuri 1100m: -12°,W15m/s, 50cm new snow, major snowdrift development. Hirafu: 1200m, -13°, W15m/s, gusty, 50cm new snow, snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW20m/s. Kamui Cape WSW9m/s, 1005hPa, wave 3.1m. The typical winter weather pattern continues, the west side above 800m 10-15m/s blizzard continues. There has been drastic cornice and snowdrift development above 900m on the east side of the mountain, growth has been over 200cm in many places. The wind is relatively weak at 15m/s, but is gusting, increasing the amount of snow at each of the ski areas. The snowdrifts are steadily increasing. From observation below 1000m avalanche risk is not extremely high. However the current conditions and snowfall transition cause the risk on leeward slopes like Haru no Taki like Yu no Sawa to be high. Expect 60cm deep surface slab fracture from the Dec 11 layer. Do not duck ropes to enter strictly off limits areas looking for deep snow. The top lifts at each Niseko United area are expect to start on the 16th. Gates will open soon after when preparations are complete. Please be patient. The snow is deep and good in the trees below 1000m. Be careful falling into hidden creeks, the water is cold. Be careful and take care. --- Wednesday 13th December 2017 What's planned to be open today in Niseko (subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts operating: - Ace Number 3 Pair lift - Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift (nighta) - Ace Family quad lift (nighta) - King Number 3 quad lift - Hirafu Gondola - Holiday Number 1 pair lift - Swinging Monkey * All courses are open apart from Large and Dynamic. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts operating: - Hanazono Number 1 quad lift - Hanazono Number 2 quad lift - Hanazono Number 3 quad lift * All lifts are operating Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift (nighta) - Jumbo Number 2 quad lift - Dream Number 1 quad lift * Utopia, Shirakaba, Silver, Panorama, "S" ji, Paradise, Family, Dynamic and Junior courses are open. Niseko Village Lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Banzai Chair - Community Chair (nighta) - Upper Village Gondola (nighta) - Village Express (nighta) - Morino Chair * Top of Gondola to base is skiable. --- Official resort snow depths on Wednesday 13th December 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 240cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Top - 135cm Base - 90cm Niseko Village Top - 145cm Base - 80cm --- 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 above. Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 13th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 314cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 29cm (20th November) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 126cm reported on 12 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 254cm Posted on Wednesday 13th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The big news today is that the resort will open up part of the Kitanomine Zone. It is reasonably windy this morning and I would expect there to be at least moderate winds higher up on the resort. It is snowing lightly and this snow is forecast to stay for the rest of the day. Overnight there has been 4cm of light snow fall at village level. Tomorrow looks like it will be a return to calmer conditions in terms of wind and some sunshine. Furano Zone open. Kitanomine Zone open. Furano Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 13th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 254cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (5th December) November 2017 snowfall 125cm reported on 13 days December 2017 snowfall 129cm reported on 11 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 47cm Posted on Wednesday 13th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Good morning from Nozawa. Changeable conditions this morning. Light snow earlier on but actually the sun is shining down through the windows here as I write this. I must admit to being somewhat confused with the numbers the resort is posting this morning in regards to fresh snowfall - a bit, not a huge amount... looks like around 5-10cm on upper slopes and there's just a bit to report down here at base. Snow is due for today though so hopefully the snow clouds will be rolling in from the north west sooner than later and I'll have some numbers to report tomorrow. The Uenotaira cross country course will officially be open from Saturday. Operating lifts: - Nagasaka Gondola (8:40am until 3:30pm) - Yamabiko four lift (9:00am until 3:30pm) - Yamabiko Number 2 lift (8:55am until 3:40pm) - Uenotaira four lift (9:00am until 3:40pm) - * Need to get the gondola back down to base Planned open courses: - Yamabiko A - Yamabiko B - Yamabiko C - Yamabiko D - Yamabiko E - Uenotaira - Bunabayashi Official snow depth numbers: - Yamabiko (1407m): 75cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 65cm - Hikage (660m): 20cm - Nagasaka (615m): 20cm - Karasawa (563m): 10cm Nozawa Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 13th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 47cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 14cm (21st November) November 2017 snowfall 21cm reported on 2 days December 2017 snowfall 26cm 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 Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 89cm Posted on Wednesday 13th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . The clouds are clearing above Naeba to reveal a dusting of fresh snow across the mountain. A sweet 5cm of fresh snow fell overnight, and the light snow is due to continue throughout today. Conditions will still be choppy underfoot and, as previously mentioned, the lack of base will mean sticking to the marked pistes is the best bet. The forecast suggests we should expect continued light snowfall throughout today and tomorrow, with conditions clearing and warming up through into the weekend. Another short spell of snow is expected on Sunday with the freezing level dropping to 0m and temperatures falling below 0°C again. The dose of fresh snow will have kept the pistes crisp, especially up towards the top of the mountain. With some patchy sun coming out as a type, it looks like a lovely day to stretch those legs. Cracking! Lifts Opening Today Are: -Beginner Lift 4 (0800 - 1700 and 1800 - 2000) -High-Speed Lift 5 (0800 - 1700) -Prince Gondola 2 (0830 - 1545) -Takenokodaira Pair Lift (0845 - 1530) Naeba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 13th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 89cm Number of days snowfall observed 8 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 41cm (21st November) November 2017 snowfall 46cm observed on 2 days December 2017 snowfall 43cm observed 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 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