Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 603cm Posted on Monday 27th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here And wow, after the snow clouds clearing yesterday to give us a clear evening, it is a lovely morning. Almost totally clear blue skies all around - just a few white clouds hanging on for the scenery in places - making for a beauty of a morning. (The snow added to the report this morning fell during the day yesterday). It's really cold too. Very cold. A mix of sunshine and cloud is forecast over the next few days with the next snow apparently due later in the week. That means that we probably have our 'snowfall total' for February as it stands now. I will of course go over the numbers and do a season update - that will probably appear on Wednesday or Thursday. Extra layer, check. Time for me to go---! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base: -12℃, no snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -11.3℃, NW2.3m/s. Annupuri 1150m: -13℃, NE8m/s, no snowfall. Hirafu 1250m:-16℃, light NE breeze and some dust. Sea of Japan Kamui cape lighthouse: WSW3m/s, 1026hPa, 1.2m waves. A high-pressure system is dominating and barometric gradient is flat. Calm condition over the mountain and the ocean. According to observations, the general avalanche risk is low. All gates are opening from the morning. The slabs are mostly stable, however strong stimulations can make the Feb 23rd layer to slide and cause a large avalanche. Beware especially in south facing steep slopes where sun affects the snow the most. Today’s surface will remain as a hoar layer under the future snowpack and is highly likely to become the next trigger layer. Keep an eye on the snowfall transition. Please respect the Niseko Rules and stay away from the strictly off-limits areas. Nobody wants another accident. --- Official resort snow depths as of Monday 27th February 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 360cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village Top - 315cm 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 Monday 27th February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 603cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 73 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 160cm 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 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 1319cm Posted on Monday 27th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Not a lot of snow through the day yesterday. It was pretty nice with some sun out there in the hills; the snow that started to fall later looked like it might just amount to something. But in the end we only got about 5cm of fresh. Could really use more in the natural world to cover over that big layer of wet stuff below (knowing that does bring some potential issues as fresh snow accumulates on that old wet, potentially hardening stuff). It's trying to be sunny at the moment. The streets are pretty wet and nasty, but the temperature at base level is still in the minus numbers. Akakura Kanko: 350cm, -6° Akakura Onsen: 320cm, -5° Ikenotaira Onsen: 280cm, -2° Myoko Suginohara: 270cm, -9° Seki Onsen: 500cm, -4° (no new report) Myoko Ski Park: 290cm, 0° Kyukamura RunRun: 300cm, -1° Tangram Ski Circus: 250cm, -5° Madarao Kogen: 290cm, -3° Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Monday 27th February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 1319cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 56 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 333cm 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 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 455cm Posted on Sunday 26th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . This morning started off with light snow and cloudy conditions but we're expecting the snow to ease off leaving us with generally cloudy skies for the day. A few cm of snow to report this morning at base so hopefully there'll be a bit more than that at higher elevations. No snow on the forecast over the next few days and generally a tendency for clearer skies by the looks of the forecast, with the next snow due later in the upcoming week. Just a few more days left in February and a week of the night time light-up Ropeway operations. All lifts apart from the following appear to be operating today: Paradise Number 3 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 - 175cm Uwanodai - 130cm Yokokura - 145cm Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Sunday 26th February 2017 Total snowfall at base 455cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 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 105cm observed 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 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 19cm Snowfall at base this season 544cm Posted on Sunday 26th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . There has been a solid dump of snow overnight with 19cm accumulation at the moment and still snowing. Despite the continued precipitation visibility is pretty reasonable. There are currently only light winds and temperatures are warm. The snow at village level reflects that warmth and is relatively heavy. For Monday through Wednesday, winds should be almost non existent, no fresh snow is on the forecast, but we should see some nice sunny days. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Sunday 26th February 2017 Total snowfall at base 544cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 69 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 130cm 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 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 18cm Snowfall at base this season 600cm Posted on Sunday 26th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here The morning a similar amount of snow on the ground and another cold morning. Snow conditions should be really good out there but visibility remains generally limited and winds are causing top lifts to be on hold at the start of the day again. Forgive me for being a bit quiet this morning as I have just heard the news in the Avalanche Report (below). While I don't know any more details myself, it is of course extremely sad to hear such things and thoughts are with his family. Do take care out there everyone. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base: -8℃, 20cm snowfall. Moiwa800m: -11.5℃, W16.8m/s, 20cm snowfall with snow drifts development. Annupuri 1150m: -16℃, NNW18m/s, 30cm snowfall. Hirafu 1250m: -16℃, light breeze, 20cm snowfall. Kamui cape lighthouse: W12m/s, 1014hPa, 2.6m waves. A westerly wind with snowfall is persisting as a cold front passed and barometric longitude shifted and delivered 20-30cm of fresh snow at the base overnight. The snow drifts have developed slowly around 800m elevation. Avalanche risk remains high around cornices and knoll terrains at Annupuri Osawa, Backbowl and Higashi-One. Potential trigger layer is Feb 23rd’s low-pressure snowfall. The stabilization of the newly formed snowdrifts is progressing, however hazard level remains high and caution is required at all times. Do not enter the south facing strictly off-limits areas. Traversing across cornice or steep slopes and/or many people dropping into the same slope at the same time is a very bad idea. Peak gates’ opening is yet to be decided. The snow in the tree runs is very good. We strongly demand everyone to play by the rules. We would like to express our deepest condolences for Sam Armstrong who passed away in an avalanche in Haru No Taki area south-east slope yesterday and offer our heartfelt sympathy for his family and friends. --- 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 and poor visibility. Niseko HANAZONO Resort All three lifts operating at the start of the day. Niseko Village The top Wonderland Chair lift is on hold at the start of the day. Niseko Annupuri The top Jumbo Number 4 lift is on hold at the start of the day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Sunday 26th February 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 370cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village Top - 315cm 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 Sunday 26th February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 600cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 72 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 157cm 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 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 725cm Posted on Saturday 25th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Morning from Nozawa. No fresh overnight but the resort was reporting 5-10cm during the day yesterday by 3pm and I measured 4cm - so that's what is shown in the report this morning. It's a cloudy start to the day with light snow falling in places especially higher up on the mountain where there's still fairly limited visibility. Forecasts point to things clearing up though and I notice variable conditions in other nearby regions so anyone's guess as to what might happen! If you like clear and sunny, early week looks like it should be good for you. Anyway, hope you have a good last Saturday of February. Wow, it's nearly March. Crazy. Fresh snow reported by resort since yesterday morning: - Yamabiko: 10cm - Uenotaira: 10cm - Hikage: 9cm - Nagasaka: 7cm - Karasawa: 5cm Official snow depths: - Yamabiko: 365cm - Uenotaira: 285cm - Hikage: 190cm - Nagasaka: 180cm - Karasawa: 145cm Lifts operations: - All lifts operating Courses not open today are: - Grand Prix Nozawa Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 25th February 2017 Total snowfall at base 725cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 55 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 196cm 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 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 824cm Weather overview Cloudy Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Saturday 25th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Some light flakes falling earlier when I was outside but it's generally just a cloudy start to this Saturday morning here in Madarao. It's nighta tonight, to be followed by by some fireworks. Not a whole lot of snow lined up on the forecast for the coming days - perhaps some tomorrow - but early week we can possibly expect some clearer and sunny skies... then back to snow around Thursday. Enjoy your weekend. Operating status for the day at Madarao Kogen (at time of report): - Number 1 lift - Number 2 quad lift - Number 3A lift - Number 5 lift - Super quad lift - Number 11 lift - Number 12 lift - Number 13 lift - Number 15 lift - Moving walkway - Kids Park - Free Ride Park Tree runs should be open, currently being checked - Powder Wave I - Powder Wave II - River Line - Powder Theater - Adventure Aisle - Crystal Bowl - Ninja - Sawa - Rabbit - Kamoshika - Bear - Nighta at Madarao Kogen is every Saturday until 25th March (and also on 19th March) Madarao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 25th February 2017 Total snowfall at base 824cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 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 196cm reported on 21 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 19cm Snowfall at base this season 582cm Posted on Saturday 25th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko and it is another good one.. we're on a bit of a mini-roll at the moment. I like it - let's keep it up! So this morning I have measured 19cm of nice light snowfall here at base. It's good and cold too, so it should be a very agreeable morning out on the slopes. Visibility looks limited and rather poor higher up and while it doesn't feel windy to me down here, top lifts at Hirafu, Village and Annupuri are all waiting out on the conditions for the moment. From the looks of the forecast, I should be reporting more snow in my report tomorrow too. :) Take care out there and have fun. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -8℃, 20cm snowfall. Moiwa 800m: light breeze, -9℃, 20cm snowfall with large development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -13℃, W15m/s, blizzard and poor visibility, 30cm snowfall. Hirafu 1250m: -13℃, W10m/s, good visibility. Kamui cape lighthouse: WW8m/s, 1010hPa, 1.4m waves. Westerly wind is staying in higher altitude but is forecasted to calm down. 20cm of light crystal snow is blanketing the mountain. 800m elevation impact test showed that a weak layer (Feb 23rd ) is present at around 60cm depth, but the snowdrift are mostly stable. Stimulation to knolls and cornices, and/or traversing leeward slopes around 1000m are highly likely to trigger a slide. The general avalanche risk is lowering but is still considerable. Gates are scheduled to open. Listen to the ski patrol’s opinion before stepping out the gates. Do not duck ropes and do not enter strictly off-limits areas. Some east-European group tried to go through closed Gate 6 and got scolded. They probably didn’t know about the Niseko Rules, but selfish interpretation or neglecting the Rules will be strictly prosecuted. The snow is in really good shape. --- 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 and poor visibility. Niseko HANAZONO Resort All three lifts operating at the start of the day. Niseko Village The top Wonderland Chair lift is on hold at the start of the day. Niseko Annupuri The top Jumbo 4 lifts is on hold at the start of the day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 25th February 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 350cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 315cm 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 Saturday 25th February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 582cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 71 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 139cm reported 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 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 1314cm Posted on Saturday 25th February 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Very light snow has continued since yesterday, but has resulted in only a few cm of new snow. Apparently there is more down low than high up in the mountains, with some icy conditions in places above the ski areas as the rain-soaked snow of a few days ago is freezing. In fact, I got a call from one of our most expert local skiers, who we'll call E. Climbing high above the resorts, he said the new snow on the icy layer below wasn't so much a worry for instability as it was very difficult to climb up on skins. WE don't have a lot of snow forecasted, but if heavy stuff does fall on this now-icy layer, it could also mean some instability. Let's take E's advice, and enjoy some lower-angle slopes on the more mellow (and better snow-covered) slopes further down. Akakura Kanko: 350cm, -6° Akakura Onsen: 330cm, -5° Ikenotaira Onsen: 290cm, -4° Myoko Suginohara: 260cm, -10° Seki Onsen: 500cm, -4° Myoko Ski Park: 300cm, -2° Kyukamura RunRun: 320cm, -3° Tangram Ski Circus: 260cm, -5° Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 25th February 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 1314cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 55 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 328cm reported 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 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 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 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 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