Independent snow and weather reporting from the Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 18cm Snowfall at base this season 303cm Posted on Friday 13th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Naeba everybody. The snow has been falling in Naeba constantly since yesterday morning. It has not been all that heavy all the time so not too much has accumulated during the day. However overnight the snow really thickened up resulting in a nice 17cm of snow on the ground this morning. As a result conditions are nice and powdery and will remain so most of the day. The weather forecast is predicting snow still every day going on with no end in sight. Fresh! Naeba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 13th January 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 303cm Number of days snowfall observed 27 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 32cm (6th January) November 2016 snowfall 17cm observed on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 150cm observed on 14 days January 2017 snowfall 136cm 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 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 323cm Posted on Thursday 12th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There is more snow to report today - 12cm of fresh snow on the ground at base this morning. It's also continuing to be very cold indeed, with my thermometer here currently saying -12C. Light snow is continuing to fall (though just a short while ago I also see a little patch of blue sky over to the east - it's been covered again by cloud now though). It should generally be snowing through the day. As yesterday, it looks like the top lifts are going to be affected this morning due to windy conditions though they are expected to ease off later on. Weather conditions are forecast to be generally calmer tomorrow, so if we get more snow before then the conditions should be very fine tomorrow. The weather was making the top headlines on the national news here in Japan last night. It looks like a lot of Japan is at last getting the decent snowfall that it has been waiting for which is great to see. Loads of snow for all of the mountains please. Take care out there. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base: -12℃, 15cm snowfall and snowdrift development. Moiwa850m: -14℃, W15m/s, cornices and snowdrifts developing. Annupuri1150m: -24, WNW30m/s, large cornices and snowdrifts (up to 150cm) developing. Hirafu1250m: -19℃, cornices and snowdrifts developing. Kamui cape lighthouse: WSW19m/s, 997hPa, 3.1m waves. The tight isobars have brought the storm. Snowdrifts are developing drastically and cornices around 800m elevation have grown big rapidly. The newly formed wind-drifts on top of Jan 9th layer have reached up to 80cm and growing in east-facing slopes. The overall avalanche risk is extreme today. All gates above 800m will be closed. Similar hazard level applies to surrounding mountains. Today is not the right day for touring. The hazard level will stay high for a while after the wind calms down in the afternoon. This information is issued in hopes to prevent accidents. Avalanches are natural occurrences and only become an accident only if a person is involved in it. Never underestimate the risk you’re taking. Being prudent and making conservative decisions are key to avoid accidents. The conditions will turn better soon. We strongly hope there will be no accidents during this storm. It’s cold out there, beware of frostbite. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu The top Ace Number 4, King Number 3 and King Number 4 lifts will be on hold due to wind conditions. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Not confirmed. Niseko Village The Gondola and top Wonderland Chair lift will be on hold due to wind conditions. Niseko Annupuri The Gondola and top Jumbo Number 4 lifts will be on hold due to wind conditions. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 12th January 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 260cm Base - 110cm Niseko Village Top - 180cm Base - 110cm 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 Thursday 12th January 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 323cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 41 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 32cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 9cm Snowfall at base this season 325cm Posted on Thursday 12th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is another great powder morning with a further 9cm having fallen overnight. Once again this snow is quite a bit heavier than the usual Furano powder, and because of that it will be ideal for filling i tracked out areas. From tomorrow the snow has disappeared off the forecast for a few days. It is fairly windy around the village right now so expect it to be chilly out on the mountain with the winds combined with -14c temperatures. Weather wise apart from the wind it is nice with a lot of cloud, but huge clear patches of blue between the clouds letting in the nice morning sun. With the daylight hours getting longer the lift closing times have been extended 10 minutes. See below for times. Tonight the night skiing is extended until 9pm on both sides of the mountain, so if you are feeling like having the day off, you will be able to go out at night and make up for it. Also tonight there is a special night skiing promotion - if you do not already have you lift ticket you can purchase a night ticket valid from 4:30pm-9pm for the bargain price of 500 yen. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 12th January 2017 Total snowfall at base 325cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 47 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 37cm 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 Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 333cm Posted on Thursday 12th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Hello from Shiga Kogen. I was looking at the news yesterday and noticed that Niigata in particular was getting dumped on - Tsunan town always seems to make the news. Not that much up here with clearer skies in the day, though we do have a fresh overnight layer of snow all the same. I see that this morning Kumanoyu are reporting 10-15cm of fresh snowfall, but I measure 5cm this morning. It would actually be nice of more of the individual areas posted information like that each morning. If that were the case I would of course pass it on to you in my report. (And if someone knows of a secret place where they are doing that, please do tell me about it as I haven't been able to find it!) The forecast is for continued snowfall with particularly heavy snow (though I certainly hope of the light variety!) over the weekend. Anyway, a few more days of snow to look forward to. Nothing like a fresh later of snow. :) It's really cold at the moment and with gusty winds likely at times and continued snow falling... come prepared for such conditions. Shiga Kogen Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 12th January 2017 Total snowfall at base 333cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 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 91cm 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 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 193cm Posted on Thursday 12th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Zao. It's a suitably cold and snowy January morning here and I have 13cm of fresh snow to report on the ground. It's all adding up and I see that the official snow depth for Chuo and Paradise have at last risen to 1m! The forecast still tells us to expect a lot more snow over the next four days so we can hope to see those numbers rise more. As long as wind doesn't affect things, conditions should be good for the weekend. Do get suitably kitted up though as it very likely won't be the friendliest of weather conditions. If you prefer clearer skies and some sunshine, that is probably going to happen early next week. After a busy New Year and long weekend, things have quietened down considerably this week. The following lifts are not operating: Karamatsu pair Paradise Number 3 pair Yokokura Number 2 pair Official snow depths: Chuo - 100cm Utopia - 95cm Uwanodai - 60cm Paradise - 100cm Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 12th January 2017 Total snowfall at base 193cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 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 84cm observed 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 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 286cm Weather overview Light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Fair Posted on Thursday 12th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Hi from Madarao. I must admit I was expecting more, but just another 5cm of snow to report this morning. And this morning the snow clouds are still with us. And still the forecast is promising big things for the weekend as well as steady snowfall up until then too. If you are planning a weekend trip to the region, do keep an eye on the forecast and come prepared for some mid-winter and possibly stormy windy conditions. The Kamoshika run is back open by the looks. Must.. check..! Conditions are very nice. With more nice-ness lined up. Madarao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 12th January 2017 Total snowfall at base 286cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 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 66cm 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 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 13cm Snowfall at base this season 478cm Posted on Thursday 12th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . A slightly late report today, as I finally got a good night's sleep (the early season is tough; we wake up when we hear the snowplows moving, knowing we have to get out and do our own place, or for me, places! very shortly). I could do this because the snow tapered off last night, and I found only 13cm of new on the ground this morning. But having said that, the snow is back on again right now, and coming down pretty steadily. Even getting that lovely rumble as snow sluffs off the roof. Ah, real winter in Myoko! Looks like lots of good snow ahead, so this is a bit of a lull before the storm, it seems. Could be some pretty high winds, too, the forecasts say, but it's calm, snowy and a great day to be out skiing in Myoko! Akakura Kanko: 145cm, -5° Akakura Onsen: 190cm, -4° Ikenotaira Onsen: 110cm, -4° Myoko Suginohara: 115cm, -8° (top) Seki Onsen: 200cm, -5° Myoko Ski Park: 150cm, -1° Kyukamura RunRun: 160cm, -1° Tangram Ski Circus: 135cm, -3° Madarao Kogen: 140m, -5° Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 12th January 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 478cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 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 121cm 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 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 96cm Posted on Thursday 12th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. And it is another good one with fresh decent amounts of snow being reported on the mountain and a new layer on the ground here at base too. Before I continue I just want to mention the rather rude mail that was sent in regarding snowfall numbers posted on my report. We've been over this before but I'd like to respond to it once again today. Every morning I check what each of the ski resorts are reporting in terms of fresh snowfall and I add that information to the report. I update the resort-specific information in the report (below) and I also very often make clear mention of the reported snowfall in the text bit of my report as well. Just like I did yesterday, and just like I will do now: Hakuba Goryu: 15cm-30cm Hakuba 47: 30cm Hakuba Happo-one: 30cm Hakuba Cortina: 5-10cm (base); 15-20cm (top) That's pretty clear, isn't it? But it is not what I personally observe. It is the information that ski resorts publish. I wish that it was snowing more here in the village than it has been (my measurement is 12cm today), but sadly I really cannot do anything about that. Nature is in control of that. But the base area is where I am based. It is where I can observe snowfall from with my own eyes each morning. It is what I can consistently report every day. It is the place where I have done that same thing over the years... and from exactly the same place. (Making comparisons valid, if you find that kind of thing interesting). And sorry, I don't live at the top of the mountain. (By the way: Which mountain? There's a few of them. Where exactly on the mountain? etc) Comments and feedback are welcome but, please, read what is written in the reports before snapping at me. And ultimately if you don't like them for whatever reason, just don't read them. Sorry, I think I need to get some fresh air and go strap on the skis! Cold and limited visibility in places aside, the snow conditions should be great this morning. (And there's still lots more on the forecast). Hakuba 47: Hakuba 47 is reporting 15cm of fresh snowfall on the upper slopes. The top connection with Hakuba Goryu is open. Operating lifts and course info: - All planned lifts are operating (Line D usually only operates when the gondola is not operating). - All courses now open -- Route 7 is open from today. - The Tree Riding Zones are not yet open. Official snow depth Upper: 160cm Base: 50cm Hakuba Goryu: Hakuba Goryu is reporting 15cm-30cm of fresh snowfall (lower > upper areas). The top connection with Hakuba 47 is open. Operating lifts and course info: - All lifts apart from the Alps 2/4 and Cosmo quad lift are operating. The following courses are open: - Grand Prix - Panorama - Super - Champion Dynamic - Woody - Toomi - Soft Cream - Merry Land - Powder Snow Official snow depth Alps: 165cm Toomi: 60cm Iimori: 40cm Hakuba Happo-one: Hakuba Happo-one is again reporting up to 30cm of fresh snowfall on the slopes. 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. 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 Official snow depth: Usagidaira: 150cm Kurobishi: 175cm Lower: 40cm Tsugaike Kogen: Tsugaike Kogen is mostly open. Operating lifts and course info: - Most lifts are now operating. The following courses are open: - Kane-no-naru-oka areas are part open. - All other course areas are available. Official snow depth: Tsuga-no-mori: 160cm Han-no-ki: 120cm Maruyama: 55cm Oya-no-hara: 45cm Kane-no-naru-oka: 35cm Hakuba Cortina: Hakuba Cortina is now mostly open. The resort is reporting 5-10cm of fresh snowfall at base and 15-20cm at top. Operating lifts and course info: - Number 6 lift is not operating yet. - Part of Warabidaira course closed; otherwise open. - Connection to Hakuba Norikura from top area only. Official snow depth: Top: 160cm Base: 95cm Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field is part open. Operating lifts and course info: - Gondola - Paradise triple - 3-sen North lift - 4-sen East lift - 5-sen South lift The following courses are at least part open: - East - North - South (part) - Gezan (part) - Sunny Valley (part) - Paradise (part) - by1 Official snow depth: Top: 70cm Base: 40cm Hakuba Norikura Onsen: Hakuba Norikura Onsen is mostly open. Lift info: - All but one lift are now operating with most courses planned to be open. Official snow depth: Top: 90cm Kashimayari: Kashimayari is part open with all but two lifts operating this morning. Official snow depth: Top: 40cm Hakuba Sanosaka: Hakuba Sanosaka is part open. Official snow depth: Top: 50cm Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 12th January 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 96cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (8th December and 12th January) November 2016 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2016 snowfall 64cm reported on 11 days January 2017 snowfall 31cm reported on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Hakuba. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 285cm Posted on Thursday 12th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Morning all and just 5cm to report to you this morning - the resort themselves are reporting 5-10cm of fresh snow on the courses. It seems to be one of those mornings when there's more snow down in the Yuzawa town area than up here in Naeba. But anyway yes a fresh layer and more is still forecast to be on the way. Looking good for steady snow through until early Saturday, with heavy snow likely over the weekend. So it should be piling up. And should be a good weekend but be aware of those likely weather conditions. All courses open apart from Splash Bowl. Lifts running today are: -Beginner lift No.4 08:00-17:00 -High Speed lift No.5 08:30-20:30 -Prince Gondola No.2 08:30-16:00 (last ride up 15:30) -Takenokodaira Romance Lift 08:45-15:45 -Takenokoyama Romance Lift 09:30-15:00 -High Speed Lift No.4 09:00-16:30 -High Speed Lift No.3 08:00-17:00 -Huichi Pair Lift No.1 09:00-16:00 -The Dragondola 09:00-15:30 (last ascending lift 15:00) (the Dragondola is currently on wind hold and will more than likely not open today) Today the only closed run is the Splash Bowl Naeba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 12th January 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 285cm Number of days snowfall observed 26 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 32cm (6th January) November 2016 snowfall 17cm observed on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 150cm observed on 14 days January 2017 snowfall 118cm 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 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 311cm Posted on Wednesday 11th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here And it is an extremely cold one too. Feels like the coldest of the season to me for sure. -10 degrees my thermometer was saying. There is new snow out there, I measure just over 8cm, which is very nice though personally I wouldn't imagine it to be enough to properly cover that harder layer that we've been gliding on over the last few days. Perhaps there's much more higher up. Whatever, the next few days should see to that with decent snowfall still showing on the forecast. Snow is expected to continue falling throughout the day today and tomorrow. And hopefully beyond that. It is going to be windy too and we can expect lift disruption - at the start of the day the top lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri are on hold. Usually I'd be a bit put out by that, and I can certainly sympathise with the good folk visiting Niseko for their holidays just at this moment. But I think we would all agree with the real need of lots of fresh snow and a run of days of stormy conditions. Let's hope disruption is kept to a minimum. There's lots of people out early this morning eager to claim first tracks this morning. I'm going to join them soon. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -11℃, 10cm new snow. Moiwa850m: -12℃, W15m/s, cornice and snowdrifts developing. Annupuri1150m: -19℃, W24m/s, 70cm snowdrifts. Hirafu1250m: -18℃, NW15m/s, snowdrifts developing. Kamui cape lighthouse: W13m/s, 1007hPa, 2.6m waves. The current strong wintery pressure system is bringing cold air and strong westerly wind. The gates’ opening is yet to be decided, please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. The snow below tree level has been reset and in good shape. The storm is forecasted to pick up and make the snowdrifts and cornices drastically grow. The avalanche risk is already high and will rise accordingly. Most avalanche accidents occur in leeward heavily snow-loaded slopes during strong storms. Today’s conditions are different from yesterday’s. Make conservative decisions today. A guided tour tried to walk over the net of the closed Gate 6 yesterday afternoon. Moiwa may not be within the Niseko United group, but is strictly conforming the Niseko Rules. Anyone disregarding the Rules will be refused to use the resort premises. The freedom to ride out of bounds and the guiding business relying on that can only be guaranteed by abiding the Rules. Better not make light of them. Beware of frostbites. --- 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 due to wind conditions. Niseko HANAZONO Resort All three lifts appear to be opening as planned. Niseko Village The top Wonderland Chair lift is on hold due to wind conditions and the Gondola is running at reduced speed. Niseko Annupuri The Gondola and top Jumbo Number 4 lifts are on hold due to wind conditions. --- Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 11th January 2017: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 250cm Base - 100cm Niseko Village Top - 150cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 155cm Base - 95cm --- 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 11th January 2017 Total snowfall at base so far 311cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 40 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 20cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 316cm Posted on Wednesday 11th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . All signs are pointing to a great day ahead with 10cm of new snow having fallen overnight. This is not as fluffy as the usual Furano powder, being a bit denser and heavier. Still though, it is a fine product. The forecast is showing significant snowfall during today and tomorrow, and then from Friday onwards there will be light falls to replenish the slopes. Driving around the village this morning the wind is evident with a stream of snow being whipped off exposed snow banks. Winds are strong in some places on the upper mountain, but so far this is not interfering with any lift operations. Temperatures are cold at -11c at base, and factoring in the wind it will be a good idea to tighten up all draw cords and put on an extra layer. For those heading out early it is going to be a fantastic powder morning! Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 11th January 2017 Total snowfall at base 316cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 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 28cm 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 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 11cm Snowfall at base this season 328cm Posted on Wednesday 11th January 2017 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Hello from a snowy and very cold Shiga Kogen. (Sounds good, right?) I have measured another 11cm or so on the ground this morning. And it's quality stuff too. With more on the way. Yes, things are good at the moment and set to get better with that forecast showing a lot of snowfall over at least the next six days. The heaviest apparently is due over the weekend. As I write my report it is just snowing lightly with a moderate wind. And as I said at the beginning, it's really very cold this morning. Extra layers required. But those heading out should be rewarded with some great conditions. Shiga Kogen Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 11th January 2017 Total snowfall at base 328cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 31 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 86cm 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 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