Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 13cm Snowfall at base this season 563cm Posted on Friday 24th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A nice layer of snow this morning. Yes, 13cm of it here at base and the report below is mentioning up to 25cm on mountain, so it should be a decent new layer to enjoy this morning. And I see a lot of activity out there with people eager to get up and enjoy it. I hope they didn't sacrifice their toast. Pesky wind is causing problems for top lifts at the start of the day I'm afraid. Anyway, (as always) take care out there and have fun. Looks like it will be just cloudy once this light snow stops sometime during the day today. I would say the forecast is looking pretty good for some snowy conditions over the weekend (starting just cloudy in the morning tomorrow?) and it should be keeping cold too. So here's to a good upcoming weekend! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base: -5℃, 15cm snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -8.1℃, W13.2m/s, 3am 23.2m/s, 20-25cm snowfall with large development of snowdrifts and cornices. Annupuri 1150m: -12℃, W29m/s, large snowdrift development. Hirafu 1250m: -12℃, strong westerly wind with large snowdrift development. Kamui cape lighthouse: NNW13m/s, 1002hPa, 3.7m waves. A strong westerly wind is blowing towards the low-pressure system laying on the sea of Okhostsk. Snowdrifts and cornices are developing big. The snowdrifts have reached 100-150cm thickness in leeward areas around 800m elevation and are very prone to collapse with a slight stimulation. The general avalanche risk is high today. Predicted trigger layer is Feb 23rd’s low-pressure snowfall. All peak gates will be closed. The hazard level will remain high a while after the wind calms down. This info is issued in hopes to prevent accidents and is not for reporting make any comments of any avalanches or accidents. Niseko have been through bitter experiences in the past and know that analyzing the cause of an accident after it happened would not help much about preventing further similar cases. There has been 8 fatalities in the decade between 1980 and 1990 in this small mountain. Some good snow can be found in the tree runs. Have a safe day. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu The top Ace Number 4 and King Number 4 lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. Looks like the Ace Number 2 Center quad might be a bit delayed opening too. Niseko HANAZONO Resort The top Hanazono Number 3 lift is on hold at the start of the day due to wind and fog/poor visibility. Niseko Village The Niseko Gondola and top Wonderland Chair lift are on hold at the start of the day. Niseko Annupuri The Annupuri Gondola, Jumbo 3 and Jumbo 4 lifts are on hold at the start of the day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Friday 24th February 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 330cm Base - 130cm Niseko Village Top - 300cm Base - 140cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 315cm Base - 140cm --- Night skiing is planned until Monday 20th March 2017 at the Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village resort areas. There is no nighta in the Hanazono area. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 24th February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 563cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 70 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 181cm reported on 22 days January 2017 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days February 2017 snowfall 120cm 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 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 21cm Snowfall at base this season 525cm Posted on Friday 24th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Kitanomine Gondola and Downhill Romance 3 chairlift ***CLOSED DUE TO WIND*** Welcome to a windy Friday. As the forecast predicted the winds increased from late last night and are now moderate at base, gusting to strong intermittently. On the resort itself expect very strong winds. The ski area has just announced Kitanomine Gondola on the Kitanomine side, and Downhill Romance 3 chair on the Furano Zone side are closed due to wind. Visibility is poor due fog and high winds whipping up snow, and at times whiteout is occurring. New snow overnight is 21cm in the village, but due to winds the amount of fresh snow will be variable on the slopes and is likely to be inconsistent. Take care of the limited visibility and inconsistent snow. The outlook is for continuous snow through the day with wind gradually reducing to a reasonable level by tomorrow morning. FURANO ZONE Furano Ropeway 8:30am-15:50pm. Furano Downhill Romance 2 chairlift 8:45am-15:50pm. Furano Downhill Romance 3 chairlift ***CLOSED DUE TO WIND*** Prince Romance chairlift 8:30am-16:30pm. Downhill Swift Lift 1 9:00am-19:30pm KITANOMINE ZONE Kitanomine Gondola ***CLOSED DUE TO WIND*** Kitanomine Swift Lift 1 8:30am-19:30pm. Kitanomine Romance Lift 2 8:45am-15:50pm. Link Lift 9:00am-16:00pm Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 24th February 2017 Total snowfall at base 525cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 68 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days January 2017 snowfall 126cm reported on 15 day February 2017 snowfall 111cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 452cm Posted on Friday 24th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . After a rather wet and stormy day and evening yesterday - the evening light up operations were cancelled - early morning snow has stopped and the poor visibility is getting much better and things are clearing up nicely. There's actually quite a lot of blue sky up there now and the sun is shining down on us. Colder too this morning so I expect some rather icy slope conditions this morning. Chance of light snowfall at times over the weekend though nothing too much and it should be keeping fairly cold. All lifts apart from the following appear to be operating today: Paradise Number 3 pair Karamatsu pair All courses apart from Kotan should be open. Official snow depths (as published by the resort itself): Summit - 145cm Paradise - 220cm Chuo - 220cm Utopia - 180cm Uwanodai - 130cm Yokokura - 145cm Juhyo 'Ice Monsters' Light Up night time Zao Ropeway operations Every day until 5th March 2017. Operating from 5pm until 9pm; last ropeway up at 7:50pm. Ropeway return charges are 2,600 yen for adults and 1,300 yen for children. In the event of poor weather conditions, operations are sometimes cancelled. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 24th February 2017 Total snowfall at base 452cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 39cm (on 16th January) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 98cm observed on 16 days January 2017 snowfall 241cm observed on 16 days February 2017 snowfall 102cm observed 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 Zao 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 823cm Weather overview Cloudy Wind Light to moderate Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Friday 24th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . And a very good morning to you. Things are much improved this morning! :) There's fresh snow on the ground - Madarao is reporting 10cm and 15-20cm (official site and that Facebook thingy), and I am measuring 11cm for this report. Very nice to see. Don't you just love snow! Lots of cloud still around but actually in places the sun appears to be making an effort to shine through... might it just clear up? Yes, it might well do. The forecast for the weekend seems to be a mix of cloud, sun and snow showers - nothing major - so keep that in mind if you are coming our way. Madarao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 24th February 2017 Total snowfall at base 823cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 53cm (on 14th and 15th January) November 2016 snowfall 9cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 211cm reported on 14 days January 2017 snowfall 408cm reported on 23 days February 2017 snowfall 195cm reported on 20 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 21cm Snowfall at base this season 1309cm Posted on Friday 24th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Sorry for the late day; high winds through the night filled in the front of my house (although we really didn't get that much more than the Niigata Prefecture prediction of 15cm), meaning a lot more snowplowing than I thought. That was compounded a bit with that wet, soft, warm snow underneath that was making cars slide and nice cold hard surfaces turning mushy. Anyway, got the clearing done, then time to take some folks out snowshoeing, and now I'm finally here at the keyboard! It was pretty out there today, with all the snow sticking up in the trees. Lots of really beautiful drifts and swirls on the surface of the snow (snowshoeing does let you appreciate the woods and hills and animals and trees....). Not a lot of snow ahead, although we could use a good reset out there in the natural world. Plenty out there for snowshoeing, though. Akakura Kanko: 360cm, -5° Akakura Onsen: 330cm, -5° Ikenotaira Onsen: 290cm, -4° Myoko Suginohara: 275cm, -6° Seki Onsen: 500cm, -4° Myoko Ski Park: 300cm, -2° Kyukamura RunRun: 320cm, -2° Tangram Ski Circus: 260cm, -3° Madarao Kogen: 300cm, -6.5° (gold star for accuracy) Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 24th February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 1309cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 91cm (15th January) November 2016 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 345cm reported on 13 days January 2017 snowfall 629cm reported on 21 days February 2017 snowfall 323cm 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 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 721cm Posted on Friday 24th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Hello from here in Nozawa. And once again we can quickly (try to) forget the rain with a fresh blanket of snow this morning. The resort is reporting 10cm across the mountain (15cm at Uenotaira) and indeed I agree. It is not top season dry snow, but sure beats the wet of rain. Probably not going to last long today with the snow clouds due to retreat and while we may get a slight bit of snow again overnight tonight, I think there's probably a decent chance of some sunshine tomorrow. Fresh snow reported by resort since yesterday morning: - Yamabiko: 10cm - Uenotaira: 15cm - Hikage: 10cm - Nagasaka: 10cm - Karasawa: 10cm Official snow depths: - Yamabiko: 365cm - Uenotaira: 280cm - Hikage: 190cm - Nagasaka: 185cm - Karasawa: 145cm Lifts operations: - All lifts operating except: - Yunomine pair (usually closed on weekdays) - Mizunashi triple (usually closed on weekdays) - Challenge pair (usually closed on weekdays) - Utopia pair (usually closed on weekdays) Courses not open today are: - Grand Prix Nozawa Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 24th February 2017 Total snowfall at base 721cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 52cm (14th January) November 2016 snowfall 2cm reported on 2 days December 2016 snowfall 161cm reported on 14 days January 2017 snowfall 366cm reported on 20 days February 2017 snowfall 192cm reported on 18 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 7cm Snowfall at base this season 453cm Posted on Friday 24th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . So... yesterday. Rain, clouds, some sunshine, some rainbows. Kind of odd weather, and late yesterday afternoon the field of snow behind my place was looking rather pockmarked due to it all. There has been a bit of snowfall overnight to make things look a bit more pleasing - and resorts are reporting varying small layers of fresh, the most being reported by Hakuba Cortina (10cm). So I would imagine rather varied conditions this morning, some fresh snow on some hard scratchy ice and the wind blowing it around will make it more hit and miss. We must seek out the best. Oh yes, the wind. Some fairly strong winds higher up appear to be stopping some top lifts at Goryu and Happo-one from opening at the start of the morning. Down at village level this morning the sun is out and there's some nice blue skies as well as the cloud that is covering lots of the upper parts of the ski course areas. Webcams are showing limited visibility in places on mountain due to that cloud. Perhaps it will clear up... let's see how things go. We might get a bit of snow overnight tonight but don't expect much. And a decent chance of sunshine during the day tomorrow and fingers crossed it'll keep chilly. Hakuba 47: Hakuba 47 is reporting 3cm of fresh snowfall. The resort appears to be opening as planned this morning. Official snow depth Upper: 265cm Base: 130cm Hakuba Goryu: Hakuba Goryu is reporting 3-5cm of fresh snowfall. The resort appears to be opening as but top lifts are on hold due to strong wind. Official snow depth Alps: 330cm Toomi: 180cm Iimori: 120cm Hakuba Happo-one: Hakuba Happo-one is reporting 2cm of fresh snowfall (Riesen quad top). The resort appears to be opening but Gondola and top lifts on hold due to wind conditions. Official snow depth: Usagidaira: 265cm Kurobishi: 320cm Lower: 150cm Tsugaike Kogen: The resort appears to be opening as planned this morning. Part of Champion not open; Uma-no-se closed. Official snow depth: Tsuga-no-mori: 385cm Han-no-ki: 375cm Maruyama: 170cm Oya-no-hara: 160cm Kane-no-naru-oka: 150cm Hakuba Cortina: Hakuba Cortina is reporting 15cm of fresh snowfall. The resort appears to be opening as planned this morning. Official snow depth: Top: 350cm Base: 240cm Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: Official snow depth: Top: 200cm Base: 110cm Hakuba Norikura Onsen: Official snow depth: Top: 230cm Kashimayari: Official snow depth: Top: 215cm Hakuba Sanosaka: Official snow depth: Top: 140cm Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 24th February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 453cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 47 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 57cm (13th January) November 2016 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2016 snowfall 64cm reported on 11 days January 2017 snowfall 242cm reported on 20 days February 2017 snowfall 146cm reported on 15 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 990cm Posted on Friday 24th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Naeba everybody. Good news as we have received a decent amount of fresh snow overnight. Whilst it is not a massive powder day there is a lot of good riding to be had today! Caution should still be advised however as the snow underneath the fresh is rock hard like a race course. It is fairly cold out there today with a sharp wind so wrap up warm! Looking on we have snow predicted every day except for Tuesday which should be clear. Nice! Naeba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 24th February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 990cm Number of days snowfall observed 58 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 80cm (15th January) November 2016 snowfall 17cm observed on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 150cm observed on 14 days January 2017 snowfall 550cm observed on 23 days February 2017 snowfall 273cm observed on 17 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 550cm Posted on Thursday 23rd February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just a little bit of snow to report from later on in the day yesterday... not much more than a dusting really, but I will be on the generous side and give the report a 1cm. Whoo-hoo! Yes, while today is milder from the start, it is going to get colder later on with snow forecast into tomorrow and hopefully over the weekend too. For the moment it is cloudy and fog is covering the upper areas too with poor visibility halting the top Annupuri and Hanazono lifts, wind also being mentioned by Hanazono. Doesn't feel windy down here at base though. I have observed 107cm of snowfall here at base in February so far - we need a lot of snow over the next 6 days to catch up with February in previous recent seasons. Come on, let's finish the month in style please! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -2℃, some sprinkles. Moiwa800m: -3.9℃, E2.5m/s, light sprinkles. Annupuri1150m: -6℃, W2m/s, sprinkles. Hirafu1250m: -8℃, S10m/s, sprinkles. Kamui cape lighthouse: ENE3m/s, 1005hPa, 1.1m waves. Being in between two high pressure systems, the wind stays low and not much snowfall. Thick fog and low visibility above 800m elevation. Looking at the snowfall transition and observations, the snowpack is stable and the avalanche risk is low. More than 1000 people went out the gates, but no accidents or lost people were reported. We are grateful that people are acting with common sense. All gates are expected to open today, please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Please refrain from entering strictly off-limits areas to seek fresh snow. One track left under the rope would lead many others to do the same and increase the chances of accidents to happen. There are strict rules regarding out of bounds riding in Niseko. Today’s freedom to step out of bounds rely on those Rules, please respect them. Yesterday’s tracks are still present. Beware of falling & crashing. The light is flat. Today’s surface layer will turn into a hoar layer in the future snowpack (Feb 23rd low-pressure system snowfall) and potentially become a notable weak layer. Beware of sudden weather changes. Have a safe day. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu The top Ace Number 4 and King Number 4 lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to wind and fog/poor visibility. Niseko HANAZONO Resort The top Hanazono Number 3 lift is on hold at the start of the day due to wind and fog/poor visibility. Niseko Village The top Wonderland Chair lift is on hold at the start of the day. Niseko Annupuri The top Jumbo 4 lift is on hold at the start of the day due to poor visibility. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 23rd February 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 310cm Base - 120cm Niseko Village Top - 300cm Base - 140cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 315cm Base - 140cm --- Night skiing is planned until Monday 20th March 2017 at the Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village resort areas. There is no nighta in the Hanazono area. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 23rd February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 550cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 69 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 181cm reported on 22 days January 2017 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days February 2017 snowfall 107cm reported on 15 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 504cm Posted on Thursday 23rd February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The day started off with clouds rolling a little way down the resort from the tops, but creating flat light conditions down to base. The flat light lifted mid morning improving visibility. Despite seeming like a light breeze at base, the wind was fairly strong further up the mountain and this meant that the Kitanomine Gondola was not able to operate today. There was a couple of centimetres of accumulation of new snow overnight, and then another couple later on mid morning. The pistes are in very nice condition, and the off piste areas are a little more challenging with a firm layer under the fresh dusting. Temperatures have certainly risen during the day and it was +3c in the village a short time ago with much melt evident on main roads. The wind is expected to increase tonight and be extremely strong tomorrow morning but the good news is there should be a decent amount of snow fall overnight. Let's hope that it doesn't all blow away! Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 23rd February 2017 Total snowfall at base 504cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 67 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days January 2017 snowfall 126cm reported on 15 day February 2017 snowfall 90cm reported on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 446cm Posted on Thursday 23rd February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . There is a bit of fresh snow being reported by Goryu (5cm), Happo-one (3cm) and Cortina (10cm) and some fresh to be seen to areas around base levels too... but rain is what is happening now, even at higher elevations. Hopefully it will sooner-than-later changing into snow and in my report tomorrow I will have some fresh cm down to village to report. Hakuba 47: Hakuba 47 is reporting 0cm of fresh snowfall. The resort appears to be opening as planned this morning. Official snow depth Upper: 280cm Base: 150cm Hakuba Goryu: Hakuba Goryu is reporting 0cm of fresh snowfall. The resort appears to be opening as planned this morning but top lifts may be opening late. Official snow depth Alps: 340cm Toomi: 175cm Iimori: 120cm Hakuba Happo-one: Hakuba Happo-one is reporting 3cm of fresh snowfall (Riesen quad top). The resort appears to be opening as planned this morning. Official snow depth: Usagidaira: 265cm Kurobishi: 330cm Lower: 150cm Tsugaike Kogen: The resort appears to be opening as planned this morning. Part of Lower Han-no-ki and Champion not open; Uma-no-se closed. Official snow depth: Tsuga-no-mori: 395cm Han-no-ki: 355cm Maruyama: 160cm Oya-no-hara: 160cm Kane-no-naru-oka: 150cm Hakuba Cortina: Hakuba Cortina is reporting 10cm of fresh snowfall. The resort appears to be opening as planned this morning. Official snow depth: Top: 370cm Base: 240cm Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: Official snow depth: Top: 190cm Base: 110cm Hakuba Norikura Onsen: Official snow depth: Top: 250cm Kashimayari: Official snow depth: Top: 215cm Hakuba Sanosaka: Official snow depth: Top: 140cm Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 23rd February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 446cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 57cm (13th January) November 2016 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2016 snowfall 64cm reported on 11 days January 2017 snowfall 242cm reported on 20 days February 2017 snowfall 139cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 549cm Posted on Wednesday 22nd February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Some blue skies and sun at times through the day yesterday and just slightly over 1cm of fresh snow on ground by base to report to you all this morning. I see the Avalanche Report is reporting 10-15cm in places higher up. It was very cold overnight and is keeping cold at the moment which is all important. And after just saying that, it does seem to be the case that tomorrow will be milder during the daytime but with snow starting to fall once again later on. And then fingers crossed we'll see some consistent snow through Friday and over the weekend. There's quite a lot of blue sky now and the sun is out. It should be a lovely morning. Things seem calm this morning and all lifts will be opening so I expect a rush to get up top. That's about it really for today I think. Until tomorrow! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -9℃, light snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -8.6℃m, W2.9m/s (20.2m/s at 2pm and 16.2m/s at 6pm yesterday), 10cm snowfall. Annupuri 1150m: -13℃, W13m/s, 15cm snowfall. Hirafu 1250m: -9℃, light breeze and light snowfall. Kamui cape lighthouse: SW9m/s, 1022hPa, 2.0m waves. The isobars are spreading out and the wind is calming down, The wind’s peak reached 20.2m/s at 2:20pm yesterday at 800m elevation in the west-side of the mountain, stagnating below 12m/s after 6pm. The snowdrifts that developed under this storm is consolidating and no outstanding instability has been observed during this morning’s pressure test. The general avalanche risk is lowering, however slides are still to be expected in leeward knolls and cornice slopes with large snowdrift development around 1100m elevation. Extended stimulation could trigger an avalanche any time. Expected sliding layer is Feb 17th hoar layer. Gate 1 and 4 will be kept closed during the morning, but 2, 3, 5 and 8 are expected to open. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Do not duck ropes to enter O-sawa, Fujiwara-no-sawa, or any other area that are restricted. Today’s snow is fantastic. --- Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 22nd February 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 315cm Base - 120cm Niseko Village Top - 300cm Base - 140cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 315cm Base - 140cm --- Night skiing is planned until Monday 20th March 2017 at the Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village resort areas. There is no nighta in the Hanazono area. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 22nd February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 549cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 68 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 181cm reported on 22 days January 2017 snowfall 152cm reported on 18 days February 2017 snowfall 106cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com