Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 115cm Posted on Wednesday 13th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Snow was falling through the day yesterday on the mountains and quite heavily at times too. As you can see the official 'snow depths' at the resorts are all gradually increasing with upper levels now approaching 2m. The Hakuba 47 resort were reporting 30cm of fresh snowfall on their slopes. In short, lots of fresh snow and with things being really cold as well - great quality snow too. Really excellent early conditions to enjoy. (And let me say, not bad for mid-season conditions either!) This morning Hakuba 47 are reporting another 10cm of snowfall on their upper slopes. So it should be another excellent morning up top. (Less snowfall down at base, but that is what I am able to measure myself of course). More snow is expected today with the snow clouds drying up by tomorrow morning and maybe a bit of sun before snow comes back later on Saturday into Sunday. It's curious that I'm not being able to cull as much information from the other resorts in the mornings yet this season. Hopefully that will change once they all get into routine more. I will of course keep on checking and bringing you all of the numbers that I can find in these reports. Soft Cream and Powder Snow now available once more at Goryu. Hakuba Happo-one Operating lifts: - Gondola Adam - Panorama pair lift - Alpen 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 Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 185cm - 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: 170cm - Toomi: 60cm 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: 185cm - Base: 50cm Tsugaike Kogen Operating lifts - EVE Gondola - Tsuga Number 2 pair lift - Han-no-ki high speed pair lift (* on hold at the start of the day due to weather conditions) Courses open: - Tsuga-no-mori - Han-kou - Han-no-ki (part) Official snow depth: - Tsuga-no-mori: 163cm - Han-no-ki: 163cm Hakuba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 13th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 115cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (21st November) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 68cm 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 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 288cm Posted on Tuesday 12th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Yesterday wasn't very excite. It was rather mild and rather wet. But happily that is behind us now. When I got up this morning things weren't looking particularly exciting with just a dusting of just under 1cm of snow on the ground. But it was quite noticeably much colder than yesterday, and as I am writing this report snow is coming down nicely. (So my fresh snowfall number for the report is 2cm). There's going to be some windy conditions today though at the start of the day lift operations appear to be proceeding as planned, as well as limited visibility with more snow piling up during the day today and tomorrow. Things should be good again once this storm passes. --- One (actually two) thing(s) I feel I should mention this morning. If you are driving, be especially careful this morning. It looks pretty dangerous out there. Best to be on the extra careful side. And if you are skiing or snowboarding, I imagine there's just that thin layer of snowfall on the hard icy conditions that yesterdays weather dealt us. What's the term, dust on crust? Let's careful riding. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -6°, light winds and snow. Moiwa 800m : -10°, SW8m/s, 10cm new snow, no snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -12°,SW20m/s, new snow all blown away. Hirafu: 1000m, -14°, trace new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:WNW17m/s. Kamui Cape SW18m/s, 995hPa, wave 2.4m. The isobaric lines have moved closer together and the westerly wind has become strong. Although not much snow has fallen, snow drift development is progressing rapidly above 1100m. From this mornings observation, leeward slopes above 800m are easily fracturing. The avalanche risk will increase through the day. Below 700m, yesterdays tracks are frozen from the warm weather yesterday, not good riding. Be careful on lift lines, cliffs and 40deg slopes, surface avalanches will fracture easily on Dec 11 layer. Avalanches occur if conditions are right regardless of the amount of snow, accidents happen only when people are involved. Blizzards can quickly create unstable snowdrifts and cornices. Many accidents occur on leeward slopes during blizzards. After today's storm passes, the snow will stabilise.. Do not duck ropes to enter Strictly Off Limits south facing slopes like Haru no Taki. Niseko Rules are there to try and prevent accidents while giving you freedom to ride out of bounds. The mountain will be better after the storm passes, be patient today. Be careful of frostbite. Have a good day. --- Tuesday 12th 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) * Top of Gondola to base is skiable. --- Official resort snow depths on Tuesday 12th December 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 215cm Base - 80cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Top - 135cm Base - 80cm Niseko Village Top - 145cm Base - 80cm --- Floodlit 'nighta' skiing: Scheduled daily at Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 12th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 288cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 29cm (20th November) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 100cm 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 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 44cm Posted on Tuesday 12th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Morning from Nozawa. There's fresh snow on the ground. Around 5cm in base areas and 10cm is being reported by the resort up at the top Yamabiko area. As I write the report this morning light snow is falling and snow is still forecast for today, tomorrow and perhaps into Thursday as well. After that look to Sunday for a promising cold front moving in that should bring some decent snowfall. Over to you Nature! 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 - reported by the resort: - Yamabiko (1407m): 10cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 10cm - Hikage (660m): 5cm - Nagasaka (615m): 5cm - Karasawa (563m): -cm Official snow depth numbers: - Yamabiko (1407m): 70cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 50cm - Hikage (660m): 20cm - Nagasaka (615m): 20cm - Karasawa (563m): 10cm Nozawa Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 12th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 44cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 14cm (21st November) November 2017 snowfall 21cm reported on 2 days December 2017 snowfall 23cm 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 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 16cm Snowfall at base this season 107cm Posted on Tuesday 12th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . There was a bit of wind and light snow falling when I was up at Hakuba Goryu in the afternoon. Had a good few hours up there, though today will be better...! Hakuba is enjoying some more snowfall. I have 16cm to report from base area. The Hakuba 47 resort was reporting 5cm of snow during the day yesterday and this morning 25-30cm of fresh snow on the slopes with 20cm at base. Nice. Though with snow falling visibility looks limited in all areas. It looks like the Iimori courses at Goryu are closed again - not sure why - and the lifts at Tsugaike Kogen are on hold at the time of writing due to 'adverse weather conditions' - perhaps the poor visibility. There doesn't feel like much of a wind down here in the village. But if you want to check out that fresh snowfall you can take the lifts at Goryu, 47 or Happo-one to get up there. There should be more snow to report tomorrow morning. Sunday looking good too. Hakuba Happo-one Operating lifts: - Gondola Adam - Panorama pair lift - Alpen 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 Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 170cm - Usagidaira: 120cm Hakuba Goryu Operating lifts: - Goryu Telecabin (gondola) - Alps Number 1 pair lift - Alps Number 3 pair lift - Toomi Sky Four lift Courses open: - Panorama - Grand Prix - Technical - Super - Champion - Champion Expert - Woody - Toomi Official snow depth: - Top: 155cm - Toomi: 60cm 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: 150cm - Base: 45cm Tsugaike Kogen Operating lifts - EVE Gondola (* on hold at the start of the day due to weather conditions) - Tsuga Number 2 pair lift (* on hold at the start of the day due to weather conditions) - Han-no-ki high speed pair lift (* on hold at the start of the day due to weather conditions) Courses open: - Tsuga-no-mori - Han-kou - Han-no-ki (part) Official snow depth: - Tsuga-no-mori: 150cm - Han-no-ki: 120cm Hakuba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 12th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 107cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (21st November) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 60cm 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 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 23cm Snowfall at base this season 250cm Posted on Monday 11th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The key word this morning is wind. There were very strong winds overnight and they are still blowing strongly around the village. The winds have been accompanied by quit a lot of snow and this has led to snow drifts around the village up to a meter high. Winds have the effect of dumping a lot of snow in certain places and blowing the snow clean away from others. I am calling the new snow number as 23cm this morning. In general if you have a car outside you will be doing a lot of shoveling this morning around the car. The snow is much heavier than we have had recently due to the wind effect and warm temperatures. The temperature is -1c and heading to +4c. The move into warm temperatures will bring rain during the day and the strong winds will likely be with us through until Wednesday. Furano Zone open. Kitanomine Zone closed. Furano Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 11th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 250cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (5th December) November 2017 snowfall 125cm reported on 13 days December 2017 snowfall 125cm reported on 10 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 11cm Snowfall at base this season 286cm Posted on Sunday 10th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Anyone get out for nighta last night? I spend a few hours on the slopes yesterday afternoon and then just a few lifts in the evening as I had to get ready for a 'drinking party' as my friends call them. Fine conditions, and really not many people around - it was great. As Christmas and the end of the year start to loom on the horizon, that not busy thing is set to be changing. It sure is great to be able to enjoy Niseko without the crowds though. Now I know what most other ski resorts in Japan feel like! ;) A friend told me that Niseko Moiwa opened the top gate 6 yesterday too, though we are still generally waiting for the top lifts and gates to open for the season. Anyway, onto this morning. 11cm of fresh snow for the totals and light snow is currently falling - it should be on and off today. As we get into tomorrow it seems we should expect relatively milder temps. I'm hoping we will avoid rain in lower areas and just keep on getting snow (obviously). But generally regular snowfall is there on the forecast Monday and Tuesday. Have a fun Sunday wherever you are. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -6°, trace new snow in the last 12 hours, calm winds. Moiwa 800m light winds, -10°, 20cm new snow in last 12hours, snowdrift development overnight from westerly wind. Annupuri 1000m snowpack 135cm. Hirafu 1000m, -12°, light winds, no obvious snow drifting., 15cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW8m/s. Kamui Cape WSW9m/s, 1015hPa, wave 1.2m. Isobars are spaced widely and weather is calm. 20cm of new snowfall on the mountain in the last 24hours. Above 1000m a strong westerly wind(15m/s) around 3pm yesterday caused significant snowdrift and cornice growth. From this mornings observation snowpack is stable and general avalanche risk is low. The Niseko Avalanche Report is compiled from snowfall transition and snowpack observation daily. Snow conditions can change dramatically in blizzards and bad weather, snowdrifts and snow depth can increase rapidly and surface avalanches can occur easily during these times. Light winds under 10m/s snowdrifts development stagnates and stabilises, the general avalanche risk lowers. However avalanche risk also depends on slope direction, terrain and elevation. Out of Bounds areas are not part of the ski resorts. We care about your safety out of bounds, don't duck ropes to ride out of bounds. The snow changes everyday, Have a good day. --- Sunday 10th 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, 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) * Top of Gondola to base is skiable. --- Official resort snow depths on Sunday 10th December 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 220cm Base - 90cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Top - 135cm Base - 80cm Niseko Village Top - 145cm Base - 80cm Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 10th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 286cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 21 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 29cm (20th November) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 98cm reported on 10 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 9cm Snowfall at base this season 227cm Posted on Sunday 10th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . There is a light breeze in the village this morning causing snow that has built up on the white birch trees to fall off occasionally, leaving a puff of powder in the air. The day is pretty clear with plenty of sun and some very high cloud. Temperatures are cold again today, currently at -8c, but it will warm up to -4c and the sun should be around until afternoon. There has been another 9cm of very light powder overnight. Tomorrow morning will be much warmer and bring with it some rain and then on Monday evening heavy snow is forecast with stronger winds. Furano Zone open. Kitanomine Zone closed. Furano Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Sunday 10th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 227cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (5th December) November 2017 snowfall 125cm reported on 13 days December 2017 snowfall 102cm reported on 9 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 7cm Snowfall at base this season 275cm Posted on Saturday 9th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Hirafu base. It's really very cold this morning. This is a good thing of course, just need to be sure to be layered up enough and prepared. The 7cm of fresh snow to report at base (and more on the slopes) should be a nice top-up this morning too. The snow has been a bit on and off since I have been up this morning. Pre-toast, it was snowing pretty good out there for a bit, then it eased off. There has even been a little bit of sun peeking through the mostly cloudy skies. And as I prepare to post this report, it's snowing again. More folk are starting to turn up but things are still relatively quiet and so the snow isn't getting tracked out. It should be a good day for everyone lucky enough to be here. I'm liking the look of the forecast as well with lots of snow on there. We may get some milder conditions tomorrow but it'll be back to cold quickly enough as we enter the new week and back to regular snow. Night skiing 'nighta' starts up for the season from tonight. Remember, there's nighta at Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas, but not at the Hanazono area. At Hirafu they plan to have the Ace Family quad lift and the Ace Number 2 Center four lift operating from tonight; and then add the Holiday Number 1 pair lift and Gondola into the mix from next Saturday. I have made a note of which lifts are scheduled to operate for nighta on the lists below. --- So here we are on 9th December with most of the pieces of the puzzle in place and up and running. We're now anxiously waiting for the top lifts and gates to also open. And for Niseko to start getting (very) busy! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base -10℃, 10cm snowfall, calm. Moiwa800m: -12℃, 5cm snow, minimal snowdrift development and calm. Annupuri1000m: -14℃, light breeze, 5cm snowfall. Hirafu1000m: -12℃, light snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW10m/s, Kamui cape NW6m/s, 1010hPa, 0.9m waves. The isobars are spread out and the weather is calm. No notable snowdrift development can be observed. 40-50cm of fresh snow is sitting on top of Dec 3rd layer. The snowpack reached 150cm in deepest area. A few layers can be observed, however snowpack is mostly stable and the avalanche hazard is relatively low. The snow is good and fast. Moiwa gate 6 opens today. The snowpack is still shallow in places and terrain features are still distinguished, but fun to ride. Watch out for hidden branches and unburied streams. Water is ice cold. Have you turned your beacon on? Although carrying one is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to do so. It may save your and other’s lives, if you’re familiar how to use it. --- Saturday 9th 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. Konayuki and Miharashi now open. 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, 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) * Top of Gondola to base is skiable. --- Official resort snow depths on Saturday 9th December 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 210cm Base - 80cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Top - 135cm Base - 80cm Niseko Village Top - 145cm Base - 80cm --- Floodlit 'nighta' skiing schedule: From today! Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Saturday 9th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 275cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 29cm (20th November) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 87cm reported on 9 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 39cm Posted on Saturday 9th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . A very good Saturday morning to you from Nozawa. And I do have good news this morning in the form of 33cm of fresh snowfall on the ground around base and up to 25cm of fresh snow being reported by the resort on the upper areas of the mountain. Light snow earlier but it has eased off now and we might get to see clearer skies later. It has been a cold start to the day and should remain cold - milder conditions expected tomorrow along with sunshine. From next week I expect that things are going to quickly start getting busier; for the moment, it's still fairly quiet. Those top runs should be really nice this morning. Remember, it's still only the top area of the mountain that is open - though it's still a fairly big area. I'm keeping my eye on the forecast too. It's still looking really good for decent snow in the coming week. We can expect the resort to open up more lifts and courses as soon as they can. Perhaps next weekend? Have a good 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 - Yunomine B - Bunabayashi course Fresh snowfall - reported by the resort: - Yamabiko (1407m): 25cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 20cm - Hikage (660m): 10cm - Nagasaka (615m): 10cm - Karasawa (563m): 5cm Official snow depth numbers: - Yamabiko (1407m): 75cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 55cm - Hikage (660m): 20cm - Nagasaka (615m): 20cm - Karasawa (563m): 10cm Nozawa Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Saturday 9th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 39cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 14cm (21st November) November 2017 snowfall 21cm reported on 2 days December 2017 snowfall 18cm 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 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 76cm Posted on Saturday 9th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Good Morning Everyone! It's opening day in Naeba and there is fresh snow on the ground. A total of 15cm has fallen so far during this storm, with 8cm coming yesterday afternoon and a further 7cm overnight. Snow is still falling and there is thin coverage across the mountain at the bottom. Despite everything looking white, be sure to stick to the marked pistes today due to lack of base. The pistes will likely be a little chunky today, despite the fresh conditions. The forecast suggests it should be clearing up later today, with patchy sun and cloud tomorrow, coupled with slightly warmer temperatures. Later in the week, we may see some rain turning to snow moving towards the weekend. Enjoy the first day of the season and get those legs warmed up. Magic! 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 Saturday 9th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 76cm Number of days snowfall observed 5 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 41cm (21st November) November 2017 snowfall 46cm observed on 2 days December 2017 snowfall 30cm observed 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 Naeba. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 91cm Posted on Saturday 9th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . It was a snowy day yesterday the snow has eased off for this morning. It's mostly cloudy - bit of sunshine and perhaps more as the day progresses - and very cold! The only official word on fresh snowfall I'm hearing from resorts is 10cm by Hakuba 47. I hope that once things settle down we get more numbers from different resorts. I'm pretty sure if I was operating a ski-jo, that'd be something I really wanted to let people know about early every morning... This information has been update in the details below, but just to mention the changes that I have noticed this morning: At Hakuba Goryu, today the base Toomi lift is moving and that lower course is now open. They are also opening up the Champion and Woody courses, with the Champion Expert course being prepared for a possible opening. All of the main courses at Hakuba 47 are now open; the Tree Riding Zones not yet available. Tsugaike Kogen is operating the same lifts as it has been, but have opened up part of the mid-level Han-no-ki course. And at Happo-one, the Kokusai pair lifts are open this weekend with open courses remain the same. I think that about covers it for this morning. Have a fun Saturday! We'll probably get sun and milder conditions tomorrow but the forecast is still looking very promising indeed from Monday onwards. Keep an eye on the forecasts either using the top tab on this page or the links on the right hand side. Hakuba Happo-one Operating lifts: - Gondola Adam - Panorama pair lift - Alpen 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 Official snow depth: - Usagidaira: 120cm - Kurobishi: 170cm Hakuba Goryu Operating lifts: - Goryu Telecabin (gondola) - Alps Number 1 pair lift - Alps Number 3 pair lift - Toomi Sky Four lift Courses open: - Panorama - Grand Prix - Technical - Super - Champion - Woody - Toomi Official snow depth: - Top: 140cm - Toomi: 50cm 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: 140cm - Base: 30cm 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 (part) Official snow depth: - Top: 135cm Hakuba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Saturday 9th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 91cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (21st November) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 44cm 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 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 268cm Posted on Friday 8th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have just a little bit of fresh snow to add to the reports this morning, 2cm in fact. Actually I measured 1.9mm, but I'll round it up. My crazy off-the-scale over-reporting instincts have taken over! It has been snowing lightly this morning though not as I am writing this and perhaps today will just be mostly cloudy and calm. Still, regular snowfall is what is up there on the forecasts so it looks like we can expect a steady supply of fresh snow; heavier once we get into next week. Expect more folk to turn up and things start to get busier this weekend. Hopefully more lifts and courses will be available too. Is that Miharashi open at Niseko Grand Hirafu now I see? I believe it is. And it looks like Niseko Village might be getting their Upper Village Gondola and Village Express lifts prepared... Until tomorrow - the first day for nighta. (I just realise that sounds a bit odd). --- Friday 8th 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 - Ace Family quad lift - King Number 3 quad lift - Hirafu Gondola - Holiday Number 1 pair lift - Swinging Monkey * All courses are open apart from Large and Dynamic. Konayuki and Miharashi now open. 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 - Dream Number 1 quad lift * Utopia, Shirakaba, Silver, Paradise, Family, Dynamic and Junior courses are open. Niseko Village Lifts operating: - Niseko Gondola - Banzai Chair - Community Chair - Upper Village Gondola (from today? * unconfirmed) - Village Express (from today? * unconfirmed) * Top of Gondola to base is skiable. --- Official resort snow depths on Friday 8th December 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 200cm Base - 80cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Top - 140cm Base - 70cm Niseko Village Top - 135cm Base - 80cm --- Floodlit 'nighta' skiing schedule: From tomorrow until Sunday 18th March 2018 Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Friday 8th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 268cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 29cm (20th November) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 80cm 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 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