Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 13cm Snowfall at base this season 354cm Posted on Saturday 14th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I had an excellent day on the mountain yesterday even though those clearer early morning skies I was reporting yesterday didn't last too long. And so, Saturday morning. And I have 13cm of fresh snow to report on the ground here at base. It is another very cold morning and the snow looks top quality again so conditions should be very good. There's not much of a wind around, here at base at least, and I would think that resorts should be opening as planned this morning. This is not 'being negative' - I must admit I was hoping for more snow than that really. It seems that lots of areas on the main Honshu island to the south of us are getting some serious numbers at the moment. Hokkaido seems to be hogging the 'crazy cold news' while lots of the Honshu areas are hogging the 'crazy snow news' this weekend. I'm actually really pleased to see that regions that were struggling a bit for snow now seem to suddenly have rather a lot of it! And we can't get all the headlines all the time. I know, I'm greedy when it comes to wanting endless supplies of fresh powder. It's one of the things you increasingly become especially after having lived here for a while... :) This morning as I prepare to post this report there's a lot of cloud hanging around the mountain but some blue sky appearing and a bit of sun in places as well. Perhaps a mix of light snow at times and clearer spells today? We'll have to see what nature sees fit for the day. The forecast? Hmmmm, clearer skies ahead for a few days by the looks after more snow tomorrow. See the forecast page for more on that. So yes anyway, it should be very fine morning out there. And I hope to speak with some of you on the lifts. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -11℃, 10cm of crystal snow. Moiwa850m: -12℃, 15cm snowfall, no snowdrift development. Annupuri1150m: -18℃, WNW10m/s, 10cm new snow and no snowdrift development. Hirafu 1250m: slight snowfall and snowdrift development. Kamui cape lighthouse: SW7m/s, 1001hPa, 1.3m waves. A small Low-pressure system is slowing the weather down around the northern sea of Japan. New snowfall is scarce and the old tracks aren’t buried below 1000m elevation, however the snow remains good and good condition continues. The formation of slabs isn’t prominent and the general avalanche risk is low. The present Jan 14th layer below 800m elevation will turn into a surface hoar layer in the future snowpack. Keep an eye on it. All gates are scheduled to open from the morning. Ask the ski patrol’s advise before stepping out of the gates. Risk of a 100cm thick slab slide is present in strictly off-limits Haru No Taki area, should the sun affect the surface snow forming into slabs. Do not step into strictly off-limits areas. The snow is stable, however 100% safety does not exist in the mountains and there are no inevitable accidents. Stay away from valley bottoms. --- Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 14th January 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 270cm Base - 120cm Niseko Village Top - 190cm Base - 120cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 190cm Base - 120cm --- 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 14th January 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 354cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 43 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 63cm 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 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 26cm Snowfall at base this season 373cm Posted on Saturday 14th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. 26cm of fresh snow on the ground to report this morning with heavy snow still falling and forecast to continue doing so for the next few days. The forecast is actually look good beyond that as well so we should be getting regular (and considerable) top-ups over the coming days. Couldn't ask for much more than that! Care needed on the roads this morning. Snow on the road and heavy snow falling with poor visibility makes for pretty hairy conditions. Just now there's a slow stream of cars coming up on Route 292, it looks pretty slow moving. A fair few people will surely be sitting out these heavy snow conditions, but snow conditions should be excellent and once the storm passes we'll be on for prime time. Fantastic. Shiga Kogen Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 14th January 2017 Total snowfall at base 373cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (24th December) November 2016 snowfall 27cm reported on 5 days December 2016 snowfall 215cm reported on 18 days January 2017 snowfall 131cm reported on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 13cm Snowfall at base this season 224cm Posted on Saturday 14th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . It's a cold and snowy morning in Zao. Feels like it could be one of the coldest of the season, if not the coldest. Wrap up well. And goggles needed too with poor visibility out on the slopes this morning. Over 10cm of fresh snow on the ground and surely more than that higher up. The snowy conditions are expected to continue today and through tomorrow too. Maybe we will get to see some sunshine on Monday. The following lifts are not operating: Paradise Number 3 pair Yokokura Number 2 pair Official snow depths: Chuo - 110cm Utopia - 100cm Uwanodai - 65cm Paradise - 100cm Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 14th January 2017 Total snowfall at base 224cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 31 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (on 5th January) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 98cm observed on 16 days January 2017 snowfall 115cm observed on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 60cm Snowfall at base this season 582cm Posted on Saturday 14th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . The national news is focused on one thing this morning, it seems: snow, snow, snow. Myoko is getting its share as well, with 60cm out there, and counting (and it really was exactly 60cm on my plot out back - OK, two spots at 59, one at 61, one at 60....). We're seeing that continuous, heavy snow that almost looks like a heavy rain coming down. After a year without it, we're having a real Myoko snow day. And it looks like it's just going to keep on going into tomorrow. One note: a local guide told me about seeing lots of people in the sidecountry with absolutely no gear - no backpack, and certainly no beacon, probe or shovel. That was risky before, and just plain stupid today. When you go off the ski area, you're entering the backcountry, and you need all the gear that people hiking up carry. A fatality we had two years ago, after a heavy snow with wind, was a guy just climbing alone a short way up off the runs and heading across to another part of a resort. He was found under 2.5 meters of snow. Go with a friend, go with the gear. We want you to come back! Akakura Kanko: 230cm, -7° Akakura Onsen: 220cm, -5° Ikenotaira Onsen: 150cm, -3° Myoko Suginohara: 170cm, -11° (top) Seki Onsen: 240cm, -8° Myoko Ski Park: 230cm, -2° Kyukamura RunRun: 240cm, -4° Tangram Ski Circus: 160cm, -4° Madarao Kogen: 200m, (no temperature report) Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 14th January 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 582cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 63cm (30th December) November 2016 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 345cm reported on 13 days January 2017 snowfall 225cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 31cm Snowfall at base this season 184cm Posted on Saturday 14th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Snow and more snow! It's great to be able to say that. The snow has continued falling and this morning the reports are reporting this much fresh snow: Hakuba Goryu: 30-40cm Hakuba 47: 30cm Hakuba Happo-one: 50cm Hakuba Cortina: 20-30cm Interesting to see Hakuba Cortina not 'winning' the new snow biggest number award in the past few days... it's often been the case that they report the most. It's really great to see pretty much all of Hakuba Happo-one now open and also they are going to be starting night skiing in the Nakiyama area from tonight. But anyway, wherever you choose to ski or snowboard this morning there will be lots of fresh snow. And that is exactly what we want. This is the Hakuba I love so much. I love Hakuba whenever, of course, it's just best to see it like this! I'm getting all emotional... (笑) Not much more to say other than please enjoy it - wrap up well and please do take extra (extra) care. Best to stick to the runs today, there's enough fresh for everyone. Hakuba 47: Hakuba 47 is reporting 30cm of fresh snowfall. Info: - All planned lifts are operating. - The Tree Riding Zones are not yet open, but hopefully soon. Official snow depth Upper: 270cm Base: 110cm Hakuba Goryu: Hakuba Goryu is reporting 30cm-40cm of fresh snowfall. Info: - All lifts plan to be operating. - Nighta from 6pm until 9:30pm on the Toomi area. Official snow depth Alps: 230cm Toomi: 105cm Iimori: 90cm Hakuba Happo-one: Hakuba Happo-one is reporting 50cm of fresh snowfall. Info: - All courses apart from the top Riesen Grat are now open! - Kurobishi off-piste area not open yet. Official snow depth: Usagidaira: 170cm Kurobishi: 195cm Lower: 80cm Tsugaike Kogen: Info: - Uma-no-se course closed. - Kane-no-naru-oka and Forest areas are only part open. Official snow depth: Tsuga-no-mori: 235cm Han-no-ki: 200cm Maruyama: 100cm Oya-no-hara: 80cm Kane-no-naru-oka: 110cm Hakuba Cortina: The resort is reporting 50cm of fresh snowfall. Info: - Number 7 lift is not operating yet. - Nighta (Number 2 pair lift) from 5pm until 9pm. Official snow depth: Top: 230cm Base: 160cm Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: Info: Hakuba Iwatake is part open with about half of the courses currently available. Official snow depth: Top: 130cm Base: 70cm Hakuba Norikura Onsen: Info: Hakuba Norikura is mostly open. Official snow depth: Top: 130cm Kashimayari: Kashimayari is mostly open. Official snow depth: Top: 110cm Hakuba Sanosaka: Hakuba Sanosaka is fully open. Official snow depth: Top: 90cm Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 14th January 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 184cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 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 119cm 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 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 18cm Snowfall at base this season 341cm Posted on Friday 13th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It's a good morning from here in Niseko. Nature has blessed us a very nice delivery of quality snowfall since my last report. First of all just looking back to yesterday... the Swinging Monkey lift at Niseko Grand Hirafu didn’t make it to 10am yesterday morning and the lower Morino Chair and Village Express lifts at Niseko Village also had to halt mid-morning before being able to re-open again early afternoon. It was windy out there. So onto today. And it looks like it should be a very good day indeed. Decent amount of quality dry and light powder - check! Cold - check! Some blue skies and sunshine - check! Much less wind - check! Top lifts open - check! On that last point, I think that today the top lifts should be operating as planned. And because they were closed yesterday there will very probably be people fighting to get up and play in that untouched snow. That's it for me. Time to put on my own 'fighting gear'! Can't wait. --- I sometimes hear people asking about the mysterious Country Road Chair ski lift which can be seen lurking around on the trail map and indeed in person on the upper half of the Niseko Village resort area in a seemingly permanently resting kind of state. Why isn’t it moving? Does it ever open? Does it have magical powers? I spoke with someone from Niseko Village (located in Niseko Town, ba-dum-tsh!) about said lift to try and get some official word. Basically, this pair lift isn’t scheduled to open - but from time to time you might catch it moving. From what I gather that will most likely happen at times when it’s extremely busy or some kind of special event. It obviously is kept in working order as it can be called into action when called upon, and it does keep its place on the trail map. So now you know, sort of. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -8℃, 15cm snowfall and calm. Moiwa850m: -11℃, W5m/s, large development of cornice and snowdrifts. Annupuri1150m: -20℃, the snow is blown and cornices and snowdrifts have developed. Hirafu1250m: -12℃, mild westerly wind, 15cm snowfall and cornices/snowdrifts developed in Higashi-One. Kamui cape lighthouse: WSW8m/s, 1000hPa, 2.1m waves. The wind is calming down. Newly formed wind-drifts of 100cm thickness have been observed. The new layer is stabilizing as we speak, but the avalanche risk will remain high all day. The cornices have grown big and are likely to fall and trigger a slide as they do. Beware and don’t stimulate them. Stay away from cornices and knolls and do not traverse steep slopes. Gates opening is undecided. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Surface slab avalanches occur as slabs slide in leeward slopes. Slopes near cornices in Higashi-One, Backbowl (Kozan no sawa), Annupuri bowl (Osawa) are all in critical conditions. Do not stay put in valley bottoms, avalanches strike from above. The snow in the treeruns is a little wind-affected and heavy but light snow is blanketing and is in great conditions. Wearing helmets, beacons and other safety equipments is strongly recommended when stepping out of bounds. --- Official resort snow depths as of Friday 13th January 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 265cm Base - 115cm Niseko Village Top - 190cm Base - 120cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 185cm Base - 115cm --- 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 13th January 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 341cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 42 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 50cm 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 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 326cm Posted on Friday 13th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . After checking for a second time incase I had misread it, "wow" is what I uttered as I confirmed the thermometer was showing -24c in the village and -26c on the resort. Now that is cold! Yesterday was cold, but 10c lower than yesterday is taking cold to a completely different level. These are the kinds of days where the little heat packs that you can buy need to be inserted into gloves and strategically placed over your body. I suspect a few people will be deciding to invest in new gloves. The day is a crystal clear bluebird one with great views on the resort, over the town through until Tokachidake in the distance. Great for photos but I guarantee you wont have your gloves off for long when taking out the camera. Overnight there was a very light dusting which amounted to 1cm on the village. Tomorrow looks like it will be similar weather. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 13th January 2017 Total snowfall at base 326cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 48 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 38cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 14cm Snowfall at base this season 347cm Posted on Friday 13th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Morning from Shiga Kogen. Another 14cm of fresh snowfall to report this morning as snow clouds remain over the region. Here in the Hasuike area right now there's a cloud/fog making visibility very limited though I see it is better in other areas (looking at webcams). Snow is falling moderately here at the moment and snow is still on the forecast and set to continue throughout the weekend. Looks like we should be getting a fair bit more before Monday rolls around. If you plan to be here over the weekend - come prepared for full on winter conditions! Snow should be fantastic if you are ok with such conditions. Question from reader: how can snow be falling and the snow depths still be so low? Ah, a common one! And I don't know the answer. And as I often say, it's almost ok to ignore the official numbers (I feel) as the resorts somehow never seem to want to increase them too much. The number to keep a track of is my observed snowfall each day... that is how much snow is falling at base - and you can probably add to that for higher up too. Official snow depths numbers reported by different areas of Shiga Kogen: Most of ski lifts and courses in Shiga Kogen are now open. Please note that these numbers are the official numbers that ski resorts publish. Giant 100cm Higashitateyama 90cm Ichinose Family 110cm Ichinose Diamond 110cm Kumanoyu 115cm Maruike 60cm Nishitateyama 60cm Okushiga Kogen 110cm Sun Valley 60cm Takamagahara Mammoth 110cm Terakoya 90cm Yakebitaiyama 120cm Yokoteyama 70cm Shiga Kogen Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 13th January 2017 Total snowfall at base 347cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (24th December) November 2016 snowfall 27cm reported on 5 days December 2016 snowfall 215cm reported on 18 days January 2017 snowfall 105cm 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 Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 18cm Snowfall at base this season 211cm Posted on Friday 13th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . More fresh snow in Zao this morning. And this snowfall is due to last through the weekend as well so fingers crossed we'll be getting some more decent numbers in the next few days. All good. Clearer conditions are forecast for Monday. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 13th January 2017 Total snowfall at base 211cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 30 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (on 5th January) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 98cm observed on 16 days January 2017 snowfall 102cm observed 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 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 23cm Snowfall at base this season 309cm Weather overview Snow Wind Varied Temperature - Visibility Limited Posted on Friday 13th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Morning from Madarao. And it's another good one with a good layer of fresh snow, more falling and more on the way over the weekend. The resort is reporting 20-30cm of fresh on the mountain as of 8am, and I just measured 23cm... with more being added pretty quickly. Very nice. What more is there to say? Just if you are planning a weekend visit to Madarao, be ready for very snowy conditions. If that's your bag, you'll be in for a treat. The next time we see the sun will probably be early next week. Operating status for the day at Madarao Kogen (at time of report): - Number 1 lift - Number 2 quad lift - Number 3A lift - Super quad lift - Number 11 lift - Number 12 lift - Number 13 lift - Number 15 lift - Moving walkway - Kids Park - Freeride Park - Powder Theater - Adventure Aisle - Crystal Bowl - Ninja - Rabbit - Kamoshika - Bear - Nighta at Madarao Kogen is every Saturday until 25th March (and also 8th January and 19th March) Official snow depth: - 160cm Madarao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 13th January 2017 Total snowfall at base 309cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 48cm (on 30th December) November 2016 snowfall 9cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 211cm reported on 14 days January 2017 snowfall 89cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Madarao. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 44cm Snowfall at base this season 522cm Posted on Friday 13th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . After a year when the faucet seemed all plugged up, the snow is flowing in real Myoko style today. The total I got was a little less than expected, part of which could be a little natural settling of the snow. But 44cm (the average of a series of pokes on my study plot) is nothing bad, and it's likely more up high. Add to that the promise of even heavier snow from later today, and things are starting to look very good in Myoko! We haven't had much of the winds that are also expected; it was pretty blustery last night, but only light winds this morning. There are strong northerly and western winds off the coast, which is always a good sign of snow, too. Akakura Kanko: 180cm, -4° Akakura Onsen: 205cm, -3° Ikenotaira Onsen: 120cm, -2° Myoko Suginohara: 130cm, -11° (top) Seki Onsen: 210cm, -6° (the town site says 2cm, so there are other bad typists besides me out there) Myoko Ski Park: 180cm, 0° Kyukamura RunRun: 190cm, 1° Tangram Ski Circus: 145cm, -3° Madarao Kogen: 160m, -3° Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 13th January 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 522cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 63cm (30th December) November 2016 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 345cm reported on 13 days January 2017 snowfall 165cm 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 57cm Snowfall at base this season 153cm Posted on Friday 13th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning to you from here in Hakuba. And this is what you've been waiting to hear. Close on 60cm of fresh snowfall in places. At base. It might even be more, but I'll keep it on the conservative side and from my usual measuring point. My car was almost buried this morning. Actually it still is. But what a sight to behold. There has been some serious snowfall overnight in the region. So much so that early morning the ski resorts are struggling to get open as planned. Not because of bad weather as such, but because of having to deal with all of the snow. Hopefully that should quickly not be an issue and places will open as normal. Here is what the resorts are reporting this morning (fresh snowfall): Hakuba Goryu: 40-60cm Hakuba 47: 50cm Hakuba Happo-one: 60cm Hakuba Cortina: 50cm Heavy snowfall is likely to not be far away through the coming weekend and so it looks like there's going to be more piling up. With such large amounts of sudden snowfall, it's a case of resort folk running around and being... rather busy. Once things settle down I would expect lifts and course that have until now been unable to open to start opening up. Things might change very quickly too - parts of the resort-specific information may well be out of date soon after I post it. I will try to keep the information on this page up to date but if fine details are important to you over the next few days I would contact resorts directly to get their latest. If you are heading out there in these conditions: don't forget the dangers out there especially with the sudden increase in fresh snow and visibility issues as well. Extra caution and calm thinking absolutely required. Take care. I'm so incredibly happy to see this happen at last. :) And those of you planning to be here next week --- very nice timing! Hakuba 47: Hakuba 47 is reporting 50cm of fresh snowfall. Early morning snow-moving delaying opening of some areas. Operating lifts and course info: - All lifts plan to be operating (Line D usually only operates when the gondola is not operating). - The Tree Riding Zones are not yet open. Official snow depth Upper: 220cm Base: 80cm Hakuba Goryu: Hakuba Goryu is reporting 40cm-60cm of fresh snowfall. Early morning snow-moving delaying opening of upper areas. Operating lifts and course info: - All lifts plan to be operating apart from the Alps 2/4 and Cosmo quad lift. - Nighta from 6pm until 9:30pm on the Toomi area. Official snow depth Alps: 205cm Toomi: 90cm Iimori: 70cm Hakuba Happo-one: Hakuba Happo-one is reporting 60cm of fresh snowfall. You can ski or board back down to base via the Riesen Slalom and Nakiyama South course. Downloading via Gondola or lift required in the other areas. I'd expect that to change soon with this new snowfall. Operating lifts and course info: - Most lifts are now operating with just a number of base area lifts still to get moving. The following courses are open: - Kurobishi - Usagidaira - Skyline - Riesen - Panorama - Nakiyama South - Kita-one 3 - Shirakaba (part) Official snow depth: Usagidaira: 150cm Kurobishi: 185cm Lower: 70cm Tsugaike Kogen: Operating lifts and course info: - Most lifts are now operating. - Uma-no-se and Forest course closed. - Kane-no-naru-oka areas are only part open. - All other course areas are available. Official snow depth: Tsuga-no-mori: 220cm Han-no-ki: 180cm Maruyama: 55cm Oya-no-hara: 70cm Kane-no-naru-oka: 35cm Hakuba Cortina: The resort is reporting 50cm of fresh snowfall. Operating lifts and course info: - Number 7 lift is not operating yet. - Part of Warabidaira course closed; otherwise other courses open. - Nighta (Number 1 pair lift) from 5pm until 8pm. Official snow depth: Top: 190cm Base: 140cm Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: Operating lifts and course info: - Gondola - Paradise triple - View 2 - 3-sen North lift - 4-sen East lift - 5-sen South lift The following courses are at least part open: - View C - East - North - South (part) - Gezan (part) - Sunny Valley (part) - Paradise (part) - by1 Official snow depth: Top: 110cm Base: 60cm Hakuba Norikura Onsen: Info: All lifts but one are now operating with most courses available. Official snow depth: Top: 90cm Kashimayari: All but two lifts are operating at Kashimayari. Official snow depth: Top: 80cm Hakuba Sanosaka: Hakuba Sanosaka is part open. Official snow depth: Top: 50cm Planned nighta operations - be sure to check with resorts for latest: Hakuba Goryu: Planned to be open daily from 6pm until 9:30pm Tsugaike Kogen: Planned at the Kane-no-naru-oka area on January 14th, 21st, 28th; Febraury 4th, 11th (6pm until 8:50pm) Planned at the Katamatsu-Shirakaba area on January 14th, 21st, 28th; February 11th, 18th; March 4th, 11th, 18th, 19th (6pm until 9pm) Hakuba Cortina: Planned to be open daily from 5pm until 8pm (until 9pm on Saturdays) Hakuba Happo-one: Planned to be open daily on the Nakiyama area. Will open when there is enough snow. Kashimayari: Planned to be open daily. There is no night skiing at the other resorts in the area. Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 13th January 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 153cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 21 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 88cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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. 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