Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 53cm Snowfall at base this season 205cm Posted on Wednesday 27th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . It is a fantastically snowy morning in Nozawa. True Nozawa style. The resort has reported over 50cm of fresh snow over the entire mountain since yesterday with closing in on 70cm up at Yamabiko. Tons of snow. It's still snowing and windy and should be through today and tomorrow. Visibility is limited and very poor in places. Be excited, but always be careful and know where you are going. There's more than enough fresh snow to play in today. If you want sunshine, maybe Sunday. Excellent. I'm off out there! Fresh snowfall (as reported by the resort): - Yamabiko (1407m): 67cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 58cm - Hikage (660m): 55cm - Nagasaka (615m): 55cm - Karasawa (563m): 50cm Official snow depth numbers: - Yamabiko (1407m): 225cm - Uenotaira (1230m): 180cm - Hikage (660m): 120cm - Nagasaka (615m): 115cm - Karasawa (563m): 100cm All lifts operating except the following: - Mizunashi triple - Utopia pair - Kandahar pair All courses now at least part open except the following: - Challenge 39 wall - Mukobayashi - Grand Prix - Hachiman - Kandahar Nozawa Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 27th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 202cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 53cm (27th December) November 2017 snowfall 21cm reported on 2 days December 2017 snowfall 184cm 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 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 58cm Snowfall at base this season 280cm Weather overview Heavy snow Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Wednesday 27th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Wow, it really is snowing big time at the moment. The resort is reporting 50cm, I am measuring 58cm. Probably more in places; wind has been blowing it around. Great quality too. And, it is still coming down and forecast to continue. Not the kind of weather that some people want, but the delivery of snow is most welcome. Wrap up; know where you're going; take care. Have fun! I need to go and dig myself out of my home. Madarao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 27th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 280cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 58cm (on 27th December) November 2017 snowfall 60cm reported on 3 days December 2017 snowfall 220cm 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 32cm Snowfall at base this season 179cm Posted on Wednesday 27th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . You want fresh snow. We got snow! I am very happy to report heavy snowfall in Hakuba this morning - been spending time checking information which has led to a later-than-usual report... apologies! So let's get to it: First of all the headlines. The the fresh snowfall that resorts are reporting this morning: Hakuba Cortina: 70-80cm (!) Hakuba Iwatake: 30-40cm Hakuba 47: 20-40cm Hakuba Goryu: 10-30cm Hakuba Happo-one: 20cm Check out Hakuba Cortina. WOO-HOO!! I know where I want to be this morning. Some of the official snow depth numbers have taken a big jump this morning too, notably Tsugaike which has added close to 1m to some of the numbers. With that set of numbers, you can get a pretty good idea that there's a very nice layer of fresh snow on the slopes this morning and I can indeed report 32cm of snow at base with snow still falling now too. All good. Well, perhaps apart from windy conditions - which are affecting some lifts. Tsugaike and Happo-one seem to be the worst affected at the start of the day. If you plan to get out today, best to check with the resorts. I have updated info as I have it below. Snowfall is expected to continue through today and tomorrow. Perhaps a break at the weekend before more snow into the new year. Things are looking good. Take care out there. Danger as well as endless fun awaits. Let's not forget that. Hakuba Happo-one Operating lifts: - Most lifts (apart from a few lower lifts) are generally operating - But many on hold this morning due to weather conditions Courses open: - All course are now open - Only the Kurobishi Off-Piste Area remains closed Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 215cm - Usagidaira: 160cm - Lower: 60cm Hakuba Goryu Operating lifts: - All lifts apart from Alps Number 2 & 4 are operating - Scheduled to be open for nighta until 9:30pm, daily in the Toomi area Courses open: - All courses apart from Cosmo River, Straight Whisky, Snow Diving and Adventure are open Official snow depth: - Top: 235cm - Toomi: 80cm - Iimori: 60cm Hakuba 47 Operating lifts: - All lifts apart from Line D are operating Courses open: - All main courses are open - The Tree Riding Zone is now open (Gate 3 closed) Official snow depth: - Top: 210cm - Base: 70cm Tsugaike Kogen Operating lifts: - Most lifts are now operating for the season - However, weather conditions affecting a number of lifts including the Gondola this morning Courses open: - All courses areas apart from Kane-no-naru-oka 2 are open Official snow depth: - Tsuga-no-mori: 250cm - Han-no-ki: 240cm - Maruyama: 90cm - Shirakaba: 150cm - Oya-no-hara: 130cm - Kane-no-naru-oka: 90cm Hakuba Cortina Operating lifts: - All lifts apart from Number 5 are operating Courses open: - Ikenota - Ikenota Forest - Hieda Forest - Mt Hieda 1 - Mt Hieda 2 - Mt Hieda 3 - Itadaira - Ipponmatsu - Rabbit - Snake - Kamoshika Official snow depth: - Top: 200-230cm - Base: 130-150cm Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Operating lifts: - Most lifts are now operating for the season, though some affected by weather conditions this morning Courses open: - View C - View D - East - South - Gezan (part) - Sunny Valley (part) - Paradise (part) - by1 - by2 - by3 Official snow depth: - Top: 140cm - Base: 60cm Hakuba Norikura Onsen Operating lifts: - All lifts apart from Alps Number 7 and Alps Number 10 are operating Official snow depth: - 80cm Hakuba Valley Kashimayari Operating lifts: - Number 2, 3, 6 and 7 lifts are operating Official snow depth: - 80cm Hakuba Sanosaka Operating lifts: - All three lifts are operating Official snow depth: - 80cm Hakuba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 27th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 179cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (27th December) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 132cm 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 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 Yuzawa & Minamiuonuma region of Niigata New snowfall at base 54cm Snowfall at base this season 214cm Posted on Wednesday 27th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Yuzawa Now report can be found here . Excellent news this morning. Heavy snow (and wind) overnight and as of 8:30am I am measuring 54cm of fresh snowfall. That's Yuzawa-style snowfall! Here is what resorts are officially reporting (very probably 'under-reporting'): Kagura - 40cm Kagura Mitsumata - 20cm (!) Kagura Tashiro - 40cm ...though no increases in official snow depths (!!) Naeba - 20-30cm Maiko Snow Resort - more than 50cm Interesting to see some official snow depths staying where they are and some taking big jumps. As we have said before, once we have the base it's the fresh snow that is the most interesting number. Some lifts appear to be affected by the conditions this morning - either closed (Tashiro area, Maiko gondola) or possibly delayed as staff cope with the heavy snow. The individual resort info below is updated as much as we can each morning. It is continuing to snow now with more expected through today and tomorrow. Hopefully it will continue to pile up and bring us some deep conditions out there - and everywhere. Perfect for the New Year period. With some more snow, we should very soon be at a stage where everywhere is open as normal. Obviously with the snow and wind visibility is reduced and it feels cold out. Wrap up well and take care if you brave these conditions. --- Ski resorts in Yuzawa: GALA Yuzawa GALA Yuzawa is open with 6 lifts operating and 8 courses (Central and Northern Areas) open. The sledding area is also open. - 120cm Iwappara - Iwappara is open with the central and upper area available (4 lifts and 11 courses). Nighta until 8pm. - 130cm Kagura Almost all of Kagura is open. Tashiro Ropeway and area closed today. Mitsumata open up to Kagura Number 1 Romance lift. The Dragondola connecting Kagura with Naeba is now operating. The top Kagura Number 5 lift should be open from 1st January. - Kagura area: 180cm - Mitsumata area: 120cm - Tashiro area: 140cm Kandatsu Kogen Kandatsu Kogen is mostly open. - 90cm Naeba Most of Naeba is now open. The Dragondola connecting Naeba with Kagura is now operating. - Base: 100cm NASPA Ski Garden - NASPA Ski Garden is open with all lifts operating and all the main courses available. The Mogul and Slopestyle areas are not yet available. - 150cm Yuzawa Kogen Yuzawa Kogen is open with all lifts operating and courses open. - Top: 130cm - Base: 70cm Yuzawa Park Yuzawa Park is now open with all lifts operating - 110cm Yuzawa Nakazato Yuzawa Nakazato is part open with six lifts operating. - 80cm --- Ski resorts in Minamiuonuma (just to the north of Yuzawa): Ishiuchi Maruyama Ishiuchi Maruyama is open. - 110cm Joetsu Kokusai Joetsu Kokusai is open with 19 courses available. - 120cm Maiko Snow Resort All three of the main areas of Maiko Snow Resort are (at least part) open. Gondola on hold this morning due to strong winds. Nighta operations are scheduled to begin from 28th December. - Top: 160cm - Base: 80cm Muikamachi Hakkaisan Most of Hakkaisan is now open. - 150cm Yuzawa Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Wednesday 27th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 214cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 54cm (14th and 27th December) November 2017 snowfall 14cm reported on 3 days December 2017 snowfall 200cm 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 Yuzawa. 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 13cm Snowfall at base this season 495cm Posted on Tuesday 26th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I promised better news this morning. And yes, sort of because it has got much colder once again and we do have some fresh snow. My number is 13cm but wind was a big factor yesterday so it's may well be wildly different in places. I suspect much more than that actually fell, but I record from the same place every day, so... So yes, pretty intense weather since my last report. From around mid-morning things started getting a bit wild with snow and very strong winds blowing things about. There may have even been some flying cows. I think I made the right choice in staying in, eating and drinking. I am having trouble accessing official information this morning, but expect lift disruptions today too. If you do decide to venture out, take extra care. These are not friendly conditions. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 5.00am: -10°, 20cm new snow, snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m : -12.4°, W15.5m/s, 200cm snowdrift. Annupuri 1150m: -13.5°, W25m/s, major snowdrift development on eastern side slopes, 30cm new snow. Hirafu 1250m: 16°, strong wind, snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW25m/s. Kamui Cape: WSW21m/s, 997hPa, wave 7.5m. Currently there is a high pressure to west and massive low pressure 943hPa in the Sea of Okhotsk, bringing strong winds that are savaging the mountains and the sea. A W30m/s blizzard continues blowing above 1000m and 7m swell on the ocean. Survey at 800m shows rapid snow drift development, drifts are unstable and more than 3m in some locations. Blade test instantly fractured, propagating over long distance. Snowdrift development continues. Avalanche risk is extremely high. It is yet to be decided if top lifts will run. All gates will be closed. Steeps slopes at Nitonupuri, Iwaonupuri, Mikaeri Bowl, Kozan no Sawa, lower Osawa and Higashi One there is high possibility of over 100cm deep surface avalanches over wide areas. Best not to go backcountry today. Onsen or a Sushi resturant is a better plan. Roads are dangerous too, so be careful driving. The weather and snow will soon get better. This low pressure is the biggest on the Pacific at the moment. Accidents can easily happen in bad weather. Take precaution --- Tuesday 26th December 2017 Resort specific information (operations subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts except Ace Number 4 and King Number 2 are operating ** Strong winds are affecting lifts at the start of the day - details unconfirmed Official snow depth: - Top: 270cm - Base: 110cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts are operating ** Strong winds are affecting lifts at the start of the day - details unconfirmed Official snow depth: - Top: 210cm - Base: 160cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts except Country Road Chair are operating ** Strong winds are affecting lifts at the start of the day - details unconfirmed Official snow depth: - Top: 220cm - Base: 170cm --- Floodlit 'nighta' skiing: Night skiing is planned for every evening at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Ski lifts that are scheduled to be operating for nighta are noted below (subject to change): * Niseko Grand Hirafu - Ace Family quad, Ace Number 2 quad, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 pair * Niseko Annupuri - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift * Niseko Village - Village Express, Upper Village Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 26th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 495cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (21st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 307cm reported on 23 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 18cm Snowfall at base this season 303cm Posted on Tuesday 26th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Christmas day was warm and wet. Temperatures went up to +6c, and that combined with heavy rain saw the snow base around the village collapse and become a slush bath which caused a lot of vehicles to become bogged. Overnight, temperatures have returned to wintery norms. Yesterday's winds are still with us and are currently gusting moderately and are forecast to stick with us until at least tomorrow. It is likely the wind will affect some lift operations. The snow news is 18cm of fresh snow in the village which will help start to repair the damage to the snow base cause by the warm temperatures yesterday. Light to moderate snow is expected to fall continuously for the next few days. Take it easy out there today. Conditions will be varied with icy patches under wind blown new snow. Ungroomed areas will be very rough under the new layer of snow. Kitanomine Zone open Furano Zone open Furano Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 26th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 303cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (5th December) November 2017 snowfall 125cm reported on 13 days December 2017 snowfall 178cm reported on 19 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 216cm Posted on Tuesday 26th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Morning from Shiga Kogen. The sometimes very strong winds from yesterday have calmed down somewhat this morning, though it is still windy in places from what I hear, and might still affect some more exposed lifts. I am actually seeing some sun at the moment, after a very pretty sunrise earlier. Right now the clouds are gathering and it is generally cloudy with decent visibility. Snow is expected later and potentially heavy snow over the next few days. Shiga Kogen Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 26th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 216cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (14th December) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 6 days December 2017 snowfall 169cm reported on 16 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 357cm Posted on Tuesday 26th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Nice snowfall overnight, nothing too heavy. Yet. The forecast is for the heaviest snow tonight, and it looks very likely over the mountains. It was clear out very early this morning (the sound of snowplows still gets me up early in the season; time to get ready to clear out the snow) but there was snow blowing up high over Mt. Myoko. Pretty windy at moments too, with a strong wind coming from the ocean to the west. Hopefully week get a nice big dump of snow. Yes, it’s hard work clearing up the driveways and parking lots, but that’s part of life in Myoko. And I am up early today, so I’ll give as many new reports as possible, but many don’t come out until around 9 am. Akakura Kanko: 140 cm, -4° Akakura Onsen: 155cm, -5° Ikenotaira Onsen: 75cm, -3° Myoko Suginohara: 100cm, -3° (no new report yet) Seki Onsen: 150 cm, -5° Myoko Ski Park: 90 cm, 4° Kyukamura RunRun: 170 cm, -1° Tangram Ski Circus: 100 cm, 0° Madarao Kogen: 100 cm, 0° Myoko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 26th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 357cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 54cm (14th December) November 2017 snowfall 61cm reported on 3 days December 2017 snowfall 296cm 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 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 152cm Posted on Tuesday 26th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Good morning from Nozawa. Bit of a curious one this morning. After the rain/snow mix that we got yesterday turning into snow proper later on and apparently set for the night - I was expecting to wake up to snow falling. But there are breaks in the cloud and even a bit of sun breaking through at times this morning. Still, that is not set to last with snow on the forecast for the day and the 'main event' - heavy snow - due tonight into tomorrow. That sounds good to me. We do actually have fresh snow on the ground. Not so much on lower levels but the resort reported 15cm yesterday afternoon and another 20cm this morning so I make that over a foot of fresh snow on the top Yamabiko area. That sounds good to me, I know where I am heading. Like I said, good snow expected into tomorrow and beyond so hopefully the whole mountain will be getting a significant upgrade! Nighta operations are scheduled for every day over the New Year period, from Thursday 28th December until Wednesday 2nd January. Nozawa Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 26th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 152cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 41cm (14th December) November 2017 snowfall 21cm reported on 2 days December 2017 snowfall 131cm 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 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 11cm Snowfall at base this season 222cm Weather overview Light snow Wind Moderate Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Tuesday 26th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Morning! The resort is reporting 11cm of fresh snowfall this morning, I am measuring a little less but still good to see a new layer. We are expecting more though and some bigger numbers over the next few days. Earlier on in particular things were clearer but the clouds have been moving in and fingers crossed we'll be seeing heavy snow very soon. Lift operations remain the same for the moment. Bring on the heavy snow! Madarao Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 26th December 2017 Total snowfall at base 222cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 49cm (on 14th December) November 2017 snowfall 60cm reported on 3 days December 2017 snowfall 162cm 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 147cm Posted on Tuesday 26th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Lots of strong wind yesterday which ended up affecting lifts. It was one of those days that is probably best reserved for a soak in the onsen. This morning it has started snowing again and the webcams show some poor visibility out on the slopes. Here's the fresh snowfall that resorts are reporting this morning: - Hakuba Cortina 5-10cm - Hakuba Goryu 1-5cm - Hakuba 47 0-5cm - Hakuba Happo-one 2cm So just a bit of fresh snow out there for the moment, but the promised heavy snow still seems to be imminent and I should be reporting some good numbers over the next few days. :) It looks like most areas are able to open as normal this morning though I notice that the Skyline Number 2 pair lift at Happo-one will be delayed due to maintenance. See you tomorrow. Hakuba Happo-one Operating lifts: - Most lifts (apart from a few lower lifts) are operating Courses open: - The majority of course areas are (at least part) open - Areas still closed: Kurobishi off-piste, Nakiyama Wall, Nakiyama North, Central, Shirakaba North Official snow depth: - Kurobishi: 185cm - Usagidaira: 110cm - Lower: 50cm Hakuba Goryu Operating lifts: - All lifts apart from Alps Number 2 & 4 are operating - Scheduled to be open for nighta until 9:30pm, daily in the Toomi area Courses open: - All courses apart from Cosmo River, Straight Whisky, Snow Diving and Adventure are open Official snow depth: - Top: 205cm - Toomi: 70cm - Iimori: 35cm Hakuba 47 Operating lifts: - All lifts apart from Line D are operating Courses open: - All main courses are open - The Tree Riding Zone is now open (Gate 3 closed) Official snow depth: - Top: 165cm - Base: 50cm Tsugaike Kogen Operating lifts: - Most lifts are now operating Courses open: - All courses areas apart from Kane-no-naru-oka 2 are open Official snow depth: - Tsuga-no-mori: 175cm - Han-no-ki: 175cm - Maruyama: 45cm - Shirakaba: 60cm - Oya-no-hara: 45cm - Kane-no-naru-oka: 35cm Hakuba Cortina Operating lifts: - All lifts apart from Number 5 are operating Courses open: - Ikenota - Ikenota Forest - Hieda Forest - Mt Hieda 1 - Mt Hieda 2 - Mt Hieda 3 - Itadaira - Ipponmatsu - Rabbit - Snake - Kamoshika Official snow depth: - Top: 161cm - Base: 85cm Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field Operating lifts: - Gondola - View 2 - 4 East - 5 South - Paradise triple - Line Courses open: - View C - View D - East - South - Gezan (part) - Sunny Valley (part) - Paradise (part) - by1 (part) - by2 (part) Official snow depth: - Top: 100cm - Base: 30cm Hakuba Norikura Onsen Operating lifts: - All lifts apart from Alps Number 3, Alps Number 7 and Alps Number 10 are operating Official snow depth: - 70cm Hakuba Valley Kashimayari Operating lifts: - Number 1, 2, 3 and 6 lifts are operating Official snow depth: - 60cm Hakuba Sanosaka Operating lifts: - All three lifts are operating Official snow depth: - 60cm Hakuba Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Tuesday 26th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 147cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 23cm (21st November) November 2017 snowfall 47cm reported on 5 days December 2017 snowfall 100cm 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 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 482cm Posted on Monday 25th December 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas! Again! (Remember to take the Christmas tree down this morning before you go out...) It may be Christmas Day, but I'm afraid I cannot report lots of fluffy white snow to you this morning. Instead, I'm lumped with talking about very mild conditions, wind and rain. Yuck. Of course things can't be perfect all the time. Not even in Niseko 17/18. But the good news is that we are looking at a quick turn around with conditions and snow is due to be falling by this evening - possibly much sooner - and then we are on for snow falling throughout the coming week and heavily at times. And we'll need to keep an eye on the winds as well. But we should be able to forget this rainy blip quite quickly. My recommendation is some bonus festive toast with extra jam this morning and a relaxing day, perhaps a good soak in an onsen. Or if you are particularly keen you could perhaps bravely battle the conditions; though wind looks like it's going to be playing against you though with mostly only lower lifts looking to be open at the start of the day. See below for the situation at 8:30am. I will bring you much better news tomorrow morning. Promise. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: +5°, rain, snow melt. Moiwa 800m : +2.4°, ESE6.4m/s, fog. Annupuri 1150m: +2°, light easterly winds, thick fog. Hirafu 1250m: +1°, SE10m/s, fog. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:S8m/s. Kamui Cape: SW10m/s, 987hPa, wave 0.9m. Above zero temperatures have made runs difficult to groom. A low pressure system will pass through before noon. Expect temperature drop, blizzard and conditions to deteriorate even more than now on the mountain. With the rain and heavy melt snow, snow bridges over the creeks can easily collapse. Also under lift lines, off the side of the course and even snow on the roof will crumble easily. This snow is heavy and very dangerous. If you get buried you cant inflate your chest and will suffocate. Winter rain causes unexpected problems. It's no fun riding in these bad conditions. Make flexible plans according to the situation. The snow is soft and skiis tips can dig into the snow, careful going fast, crashing and breaking bones. It is foggy with poor light and bad visibility, better not go out of bounds today. Stay in the ski resort. To avoid accidents all gates are closed today. Dont duck ropes to ride out of bounds. No1 tip for things to do today: go to an onsen. --- Monday 25th December 2017 Resort specific information (operations subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu & Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts except Ace Number 4 and King Number 2 are operating ** Strong winds are affecting all but the lower lifts at the start of the day Official snow depth: - Top: 270cm - Base: 110cm Niseko Annupuri Kokusai Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts are operating ** Strong winds are affecting Gondola, Jumbo 3 and 4 lifts at the start of the day Official snow depth: - Top: 210cm - Base: 160cm Niseko Village Lifts scheduled to be operating: - All lifts except Country Road Chair are operating ** Strong winds are affecting Gondola and top Wonderland lift at the start of the day Official snow depth: - Top: 220cm - Base: 170cm --- Floodlit 'nighta' skiing: Night skiing is planned for every evening at the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas. There is no nighta at the Niseko HANAZONO area. Ski lifts that are scheduled to be operating for nighta are noted below (subject to change): * Niseko Grand Hirafu - Ace Family quad, Ace Number 2 quad, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 pair * Niseko Annupuri - Jumbo Number 1 quad lift * Niseko Village - Village Express, Upper Village Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair Niseko Now 2017-2018 season Data as of Monday 25th December 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 482cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (21st December) November 2017 snowfall 188cm reported on 11 days December 2017 snowfall 294cm reported on 22 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