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

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