Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 91cm Posted on Saturday 24th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao and just a light sprinkling of fresh snow to report. Better than yesterday which was definitely one to forget, though we still of course need a lot more snow to really get things going properly for the season. If you check the forecast you'll see bits of snow falling here and there over the coming week though there doesn't appear to be anything major over the coming week. Hmmm... In the meantime generally the upper areas of Zao Onsen is open with lower slopes and lifts on standby and waiting. The current snow situation means that the planned light up for tonight has been cancelled (as was last night). The following lifts are not operating: Astraea Number 3 pair Kurohime Number 1 quad Onsen Number 2 quad Onsen Number 3 parallel AB Onsen Number 4 quad Zao Kokutai pair Ryuzan pair Karamatsu pair Sunrise pair AB Nakamori Number 1 triple Nakamori Number 2 pair Zao Paradise Number 3 pair Yokokura Number 1 pair A Yokokura Number 2 Astraea Number 1 pair Astraea Number 2 pair Omori quad Official snow depths: Chuo - 50cm Utopia - 35cm Uwanodai - 15cm Paradise - 40cm Juhyo 'Ice Monsters' Light Up night time Zao Ropeway operations December 2016: 29th-31st January 2017: 1st-3rd, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, 27th-31st February 2017: 1st-28th March 2017: 1st-5th 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 Saturday 24th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 91cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (on 17th December) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 80cm observed on 12 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 14cm Snowfall at base this season 257cm Posted on Saturday 24th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Wow a perfect morning with great news. There has been an additional 14cm of fresh snow since yesterday. All lifts are operating except the Kitanomine Gondola. More of Kitanomine has been opened up except the terrain that can only be accessed by the Gondola. No wind, blue sky, sunshine and fresh snow will make a great day. With all that fresh snow out there it will be a great powder day. Enjoy! All lifts expected to operate except Kitanomine Gondola. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 24th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 257cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 147cm 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 17cm Snowfall at base this season 126cm Weather overview Snow Wind NW Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Saturday 24th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Good morning from Madarao. I am happy to report that this morning is much improved with fresh snow. The resort are reporting 20cm of fresh snow and I can attest to 17cm. It's a more winter-like cold as well this morning, I'm not complaining about the need for an extra layer. The snow clouds aren't expected to last through the day and tomorrow clearer skies are forecast but happily it should remain cold. Further snowfall expected around Tuesday. Conditions will be much improved this morning so time to go and have some fun in the snow. Operating status at Madarao Kogen (at time of report): - Number 1 lift - Number 2 quad lift - Number 5 lift - Super quad lift - Number 11 lift - Number 12 lift - Number 15 lift - Moving walkway - Kids Park - Freeride Park Official snow depth: - 50cm Lifts currently operating at Tangram Ski Circus: - Number 1 Madarao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 24th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 126cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (on 11th December) November 2016 snowfall 9cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 117cm 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 87cm Posted on Saturday 24th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Ah yes, we like to see snow falling. It's not the driest and fluffiest variety of snow, but it sure is better than rain and so a big improvement on yesterday. There is the best part of 10cm of fresh snow on the ground at base level this morning and 25cm of fresh being reported by the resort up top. Lower courses are not yet able to re-open but they will surely do so just as soon as there's enough snow. Tomorrow the forecast tells us to expect clearer skies and sunshine. Look for the next snow (after today) to be falling around Tuesday. Fingers crossed we can get a fairly decent amount out of today. Conditions should be fun up there on that there mountain. I'm going to go and check for myself. Until tomorrow... Lifts that are planned to be operating: All lifts operating except for: - Hikage quad - Hikage triple - Kandahar pair - Nagasaka quad - Nagasaka triple - Nagasaka pair - Karasawa pair Courses that are planned to be open: - Yamabiko A course - Yamabiko B course - Yamabiko C course - Yamabiko D course - Yamabiko E course - Kokenashi course - Uenotaira course - Paradise course - Paradise link - Mizunashi A - Mizunashi B - Bunabayashi course - Yunomine A course - Yunomine B course Official snow depths: - Yamabiko: 90cm - Uenotaira: 50cm - Hikage: 20cm - Nagasaka: 20cm - Karasawa: 10cm Fresh snow reported by resort since yesterday morning: - Yamabiko: 25cm - Uenotaira: 15cm - Hikage: 11cm - Nagasaka: 11cm - Karasawa: 11cm Nozawa Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 24th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 87cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (11th December) November 2016 snowfall 2cm reported on 2 days December 2016 snowfall 85cm 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 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 21cm Snowfall at base this season 222cm Posted on Saturday 24th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . OK, today we have good news: 20+ centimeters of snow (a little wet and heavy, but snow) and the fall keeps coming. I measured 18 centimeters before starting the throwing of snow here and there, and another 3 after two hours of power-shoveling joy (at least I get to sit in a warm cabin, not trudge behind the snowthrower (beloved as it is). Some days will need both if we get a genuine, snow-pounded Myoko ski season. I can't understand some of the reports today: Suginohara, which closed yesterday due to low snow and high winds, is reporting 40cm in part of the report, then 15cm and 20 cm for the base and top, respectively (which I guess means new snow, not total, although that's actually what it says in Japanese). Well, everybody's got fresh new snow and it's coming down very nicely, so no complaints.... Actually, as I write the pace has picked up a bit, so we could see an extra couple of centimeters per hour. And all the resorts are open as of today! Your Christmas Eve present. Akakura Kanko: 70cm, -2° Akakura Onsen: 65cm, -3° Ikenotaira Onsen: No new figures today—update, guys! Myoko Suginohara: 40cm, -2° Seki Onsen: 80cm, -5° Myoko Ski Park: No new data Kyukamura RunRun: 80cm, 2° (that should be -2°, methinks) Tangram Ski Circus: 45cm, -3° Madarao Kogen: 50m, (no temperature listed) Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 24th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 222cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 53cm (12th December) November 2016 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 210cm 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 6cm Snowfall at base this season 47cm Posted on Saturday 24th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Fresh snow for Christmas, yey! Good morning from Hakuba and things are looking much better this morning. Here's how much fresh snow resorts are reporting this morning: Hakuba 47: 10-15cm at base; 25cm higher up Hakuba Happo-one: 20cm Hakuba Cortina: 17-35cm Hakuba Goryu: up to 30cm on upper slopes That sounds much more like it doesn't it. :) Cortina is back open, runs that had been closed are back open... and things just seem a lot more sane and 'real world'! Phew. I have updated the resort specific information below (as I do every day, so always keep an eye on for the latest details). The snow might ease off sometime during the day today and then we are expecting fine weather tomorrow, with a return to snow around Tuesday. (I'm trying to ignore the chance of rain before snow, perhaps we can will it not to happen). We still need a lot more snow of course, but for the moment it is time to get the gear on and enjoy todays delivery of fresh. Have a fun Christmas Eve, wherever you are. Hakuba 47: Hakuba 47 is currently part open. The resort is reporting 20-25cm of fresh snowfall. Gondola downloading no longer required - you can ski/board to base but not recommended for beginners. The upper course connection with Goryu is now open. Lift & course info: The Gondola, Line A.B, Line C and Line E lifts are operating. All courses now open apart from Route 7 (Route 3 and 8 are back open). The Tree Riding Zone is not yet open. Official snow depth Line C Upper: 90cm Base: 20cm Hakuba Goryu: Hakuba Goryu is currently part open. The resort is reporting up to 30cm of fresh snowfall on upper slopes. Gondola downloading required back to base. The upper course connection with Hakuba 47 is now open. Lift & course info: The Gondola, Alps Number 1, 2, 3, Toomi Sky Four, Toomi Number 1 pair lift and the Milky Four lift in the Iimori area are operating. The following courses are open: - Grand Prix - Panorama - Super - Toomi - Soft Cream Official snow depth Alps: 110cm Toomi: 30cm Iimori: 20cm Hakuba Happo-one: Hakuba Happo-one is currently part open. Lift & course info: The Gondola, Alpen quad, Panorama pair, Kokusai Number 1, Kokusai Number 3 and Kurobishi Number 2 quad lifts are operating. Downloading via Gondola or Kokusai Number 1 pair lift required. The following courses are open: - Kurobishi (part) - Usagidaira - Panorama Official snow depth: Usagidaira: 80cm Kurobishi: 60cm Tsugaike Kogen: Tsugaike Kogen is currently part open. Lift info: The Eve Gondola and the top Han-no-ki pair lift and Tsuga Number 2 pair lift are operating. The following courses are open: - Han-no-ki - Tsuga-no-mori Official snow depth: Tsuga-no-mori: 100cm Han-no-ki: 100cm Oya-no-hara: -cm Kane-no-naru-oka: -cm Hakuba Cortina: Hakuba Cortina is currently part open. The resort is reporting 17-35cm of fresh snowfall. Lift info: The Number 1 pair lift, Number 2 quad and Number 4 pair lifts are operating. The following courses are at least part open: - Ikenoda - Mt Hieda Rinkan - Mt Hieda 1 - Itadaria - Ipponmatsu Official snow depth: Top: 90cm Base: 60cm Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field is currently part open. Lift info: The Gondola, 3-sen North and 4-sen East lifts are operating. The following courses are at least part open: - East - North Official snow depth: Top: 50cm Base: -cm Kashimayari: Kashimayari is currently part open. Lift info: The Number 1 quad, Number 2 pair, Number 3 quad and Number 6 quad lifts are operating. Official snow depth: Top: 30cm Hakuba Norikura Onsen: Hakuba Norikura Onsen is currently part open. Lift info: The Alps Number 1 pair lift is operating with one course open. Official snow depth: Top: 30cm Hakuba Sanosaka: Hakuba Sanosaka planned to open but has delayed opening. Please note that Yanaba ski hill will not be opening for the 2016-2017 season. Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 24th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 47cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (8th December) November 2016 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2016 snowfall 46cm 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. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 250cm Posted on Friday 23rd December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Oh dear. It's raining. Yesterday there was snow falling and I measured 2cm of it, but later in the afternoon it was wiped out fairly quickly as the snow turned into rain. It's just too mild and it seems to be something that all of Japan is enduring at the moment. Here in Niseko we are actually getting off relatively well by the looks of things. It is due to be getting colder and snowing today so I'd be happy if soon after I post my report it suddenly changed. If I see Santa on the slopes today, I'm going to jolly well tell him that we want snow and hopefully he'll get on the case in time for dinner tonight. Please do the same. Let's see what I can get to report to you tomorrow morning... --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: +4℃, rain and thaw. Moiwa 850m: +1℃, wet snowfall and snowpack sinking. Annupuri 1000m: -1℃, E5m/s, light snowfall. Hirafu 1000m: -1℃, 15cm of wet snow. Coastal data: Kamui cape E5m/s, 993hPa, 2.0m waves. The low-pressure system has pulled warm air from the south and passed. Little snow has fallen in the Westside of the mountain and melting in areas below 800m elevation. The snow in the out of bounds is heavy and not suitable for skiing. Sticky snow on the groomers too. Heavy wet snow slides can occur at on & off piste steep slopes. A wet & heavy slab is forming on top of Dec 21st layer and can easily slide at slopes above 1000m altitude. Those type of avalanches are very dangerous. Stay away from valleys and steep slopes. Road conditions is also treacherous. The temperature will drop from now and a snowstorm will pick up. Roads will freeze, be careful driving. This information is issued for the safety of all resort users. The weather changes in the last few years seem quite unusual. All we can do is adjust to it. Have a great Christmas weekend. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): All four of the resort areas appear to be opening as planned at the start of the day - a few delays for higher lifts but that should clear soon. Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts planned to be operating: - Ace Family pair* - Ace Number 2 Center Four* - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola* - King Number 3 quad - Holiday Number 1 pair* - Swinging Monkey Courses that are not yet open: - Large - Miharashi - Dynamic Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts operating Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts operating apart from top Wonderland Chair (and Country Road which isn't usually open anyway) Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts operating apart from top Jumbo Number 4 --- Official resort snow depths as of Friday 23rd December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 220cm Base - 90cm Niseko Village Top - 120cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 100cm Base - 80cm --- 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. The lifts marked with a * above are the lifts that are planned to be operating for nighta. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 23rd December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 250cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 140cm reported on 15 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 29cm Snowfall at base this season 243cm Posted on Friday 23rd December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . There is good news and not so good news out of Furano this morning. The good news is that we have been hit by a snow storm that arrived yesterday afternoon and has delivered a significant amount of snow. At the moment 29cm has accumulated since yesterday in the Kitanomine village. The not so good news is that the snow storm has come with much wind. At village level the winds went from strong yesterday to severe overnight and back to strong. On the ski area itself wind is between strong and severe at the moment and this means that the resort is not able to operate any lifts except for the Prince Romance lift on the Furano Zone. Around the resort there are some very deep drift areas of snow and some roads in Kitanomine have drifts up to a metre high and will require grading before cars can get out or use the roads. Snow is expected to continue to fall during the day but the winds should start to reduce in intensity from now on. Courses expected to be open today: Prince Course & Todomatsu Course only. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 23rd December 2016 Total snowfall at base 243cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 133cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 248cm Posted on Thursday 22nd December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Talking about white fluffy things, where's the fresh snow then? Well, it was snowing as I was posting the report yesterday of course. That snow didn't really last long where I make my measurements - but it was there, so it's valid. The forecast is looking pretty good from now - apart from perhaps the rather wet looking snow that is due overnight tonight. Let's hope it still falls as something we can classify as 'snow', even if it isn't light and fluffy. Fresh snowfall is due on most days in the weekly forecast though which sounds good to me. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -3℃, no snowfall. Kamui cape (sea of Japan): E6m/s, 1024hPa, 0.9m waves. Moiwa 850m: -2℃, mild easterly wind, no snowfall. Annupuri 1150m: -4℃, NW5m/s, no snowfall. Barometric pressure gradient is flat this morning, however the next storm is approaching and the wind is forecasted to pick up before noon. Yesterday morning’s snowfall is covering the surface and will potentially turn into a weak layer in the future snowpack. It is the weak bonding in the snowpack that triggers avalanches but those weaknesses are not only the layers deep inside. The highly wind-affected snowdrifts are extremely unstable in their developing stages (during and just after strong winds) and take some time until they stabilize. Leeward slopes with heavy snowdrift deposit during and just after snowstorms are most hazardous. The conditions are forecasted to deteriorate later today through tomorrow. Pay close attention to the coming weather. The access gates are yet to open due to lack of snow. Follow the patrol’s instructions and respect the Niseko Rules. Please refrain from ducking ropes. The freedom to ski out of bounds in Niseko can only be protected if people play by the Rules. Hard pack condition continues, carefully remain in control. Wearing helmets is recommended. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): All four of the resort areas appear to be opening as planned at the start of the day. Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts planned to be operating: - Ace Family pair* - Ace Number 2 Center Four* - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola* - King Number 3 quad - Holiday Number 1 pair* - Swinging Monkey Courses that are not yet open: - Large - Miharashi - Dynamic Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts operating Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts operating apart from top Wonderland Chair (and Country Road which isn't usually open anyway) Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts operating apart from top Jumbo Number 4 --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 22nd December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 200cm Base - 80cm Niseko Village Top - 120cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 100cm Base - 90cm --- 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. The lifts marked with a * above are the lifts that are planned to be operating for nighta. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 22nd December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 248cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 138cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 247cm Posted on Sunday 18th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There is just a small amount of snowfall to report falling since my report yesterday and it is looking like we're now going to have a run of a few days without any fresh. Yes, the forecast is still showing lots of clearer and sunny weather conditions along with milder temperatures as well, though it shouldn't be rising much into positive (temperature) numbers. It's important that it keeps cold of course so that the snow we have keeps in good condition. I had a fantastic morning yesterday and at this stage of the season the bar has been set. I expect big things in the coming weeks and months. So when can we expect fresh snowfall? It looks like it might be around Thursday-Friday. In the meantime there's a lot of snow out there to enjoy and - for now - very good conditions. Let's enjoy the sunshine and blue skies while we can... Niseko doesn't usually get a whole lot of that in mid-season. Having said that, there is still quite a lot of cloud around at the moment. The sun has been shining through at times this morning and it is forecast to be a fine day with temperatures forecast to rise to around +2C at base later on. Unfortunately it appears that strong gusty wind on the mountain is going to be an issue this morning (Niseko Grand Hirafu reporting westerly winds of 22m/s up top). Please see the resort-specific information below for the latest as I post this report. It is of course now just one week to go before Christmas and with people continuing to arrive for the holidays, things continue to get livelier here. It should be noted of course that generally Christmas isn't a holiday as such here in Japan. Even with the 'tradition' of eating Kentucky Fried Chicken and light sponge cake on 24th December and then promptly taking the Christmas tree down! There's a handful of folk visiting Niseko from overseas though in recent years, so here in Niseko it is something of a holiday. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -2℃, no snowfall and calm. Coastal data Kamui cape SSW25m/s, 1013hPa, 1.8m waves. Moiwa peak: -3℃, no snowfall but the wind is blowing up the snow from the ground. A strong SSW (20+m/s) is blowing above 1000m. There are no snowfall, however the wind is blowing the surface snow and developing unstable snowdrifts. Areas under 800m elevation are not affected by the wind, however is forecasted to pick up later. Some packed soft-slabs of 15cm thickness are forming in south facing slopes above 800m due to the wind and temperature. Boards and skis can get caught in those layer and make you loose control. Beware. The avalanche risk is relatively low during the morning. 20cm thick surface slab slides can be triggered by riding stimulation in south-facing 30°slopes, which could also lead to a deeper layer slide. Be extra cautious in steep terrain. Although the snowpack is small, avalanches could happen anytime the conditions aligns. Not being in hazardous slopes and on the avalanche path is the best way to prevent accidents. Beautiful weather this morning, have a great day. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Wind on mountain is affecting some lifts early this morning - the Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri gondolas as well as the mid lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu (Ace 3, King 3 and Swinging Monkey). All three Hanazono lifts are on hold as well. Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts planned to be operating: - Ace Family pair* - Ace Number 2 Center Four* - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola* - King Number 3 quad - Holiday Number 1 pair* - Swinging Monkey Courses that are not yet open: - Large - Miharashi - Dynamic Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be operating: - Hanazono 1 quad - Hanazono 2 quad - Hanazono 3 quad Courses planned to be open: - All open apart from Hanazono Park Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - Niseko Gondola - Upper Village Gondola* - Village Express* - Community Chair* - Banzai Chair - Morino Chair Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - Jumbo Number 1 quad* (opening late this morning) - Jumbo Number 2 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair - Annupuri Gondola Courses planned to be open: - Utopia - Shirakaba - Silver - Paradise - Junior - Family - Dynamic - Marchen --- Official resort snow depths as of Sunday 18th December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 230cm Base - 105cm Niseko Village Top - 120cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 100cm Base - 100cm Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Sunday 18th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 247cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 137cm reported on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 129cm Posted on Sunday 18th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . It is a beautiful start to the day here in Shiga Kogen. Blue skies and sunshine and we might have more of this over the next couple of days. Clouds due back mid week along with gradually warmer temperatures too. It might even rain up here before it starts snowing again late week, which isn't something that we like the sound of. We need to get past this upcoming warmer spell though so let's get it out of the way. And lots of snow in time for Christmas please. Forgive me for not being able to update the below info this morning, I am having some serious connection problems and hope at least to be able to post this report. I don't expect any major changes though. Areas of Shiga Kogen currently open: Ichinose Family - Ichinose Quad - Ichinose Number 2 Pair A - Ichinose Number 2 Pair B Kumanoyu - Kumanoyu Number 1 Pair - Kumanoyu Number 2 Pair A - Kumanoyu Number 2 Pair B Maruike - Maruike Number 1 Triple Okushiga Kogen - Okushiga Gondola - Okushiga Number 2 Pair - Okushiga Number 3 Pair Sun Valley - Housaka Number 1 Quad - Housaka Number 3 Takamagahara Mammoth - Takamagahara Number 2 Triple - Takamagahara Number 3 Pair - Takamagahara Quad Yakebitaiyama - Yakebitaiyama Number 1 Gondola - Yakebitaiyama Number 2 Gondola - Yakebitaiyama Number 2 Rapid - Yakebitaiyama Number 4 Romance Yokoteyama - Yokoteyama Number 1 Sky B - Yokoteyama Number 2 Sky - Yokoteyama Number 3 Sky - Yokoteyama Number 5 Shiga Kogen Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Sunday 18th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 129cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (11th December) November 2016 snowfall 27cm reported on 5 days December 2016 snowfall 102cm reported on 12 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 89cm Posted on Sunday 18th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . This morning I can just about justify awarding 1cm to my report. More like 9mm! It is a fairly cold morning here with just that bit of new snow and generally cloudy conditions. A few more lifts open now including the high speed Kurohime quad - I like that one. Recommended parking area too away from the main village area... Looks like Japan is in for a mild spell this coming week and Zao won't escape that either. Rain is likely even on the mountain mid-week. But we should be back to snowy conditions by the weekend. Lifts that are planned to be operating today at Zao Onsen: Zao Ropeway Chuo Ropeway Sky Cable Mikaeri pair Chuo Number 1 pair AB Chuo Number 2 pair AB Onsen Number 1 pair Onsen Number 2 quad Zao Paradise Pair AB Shobunuma Number 2 pair Katakai triple Utopia Number 2 pair Astraea Number 3 pair Kurohime Number 1 Official snow depths: Chuo - 50cm Utopia - 50cm Uwanodai - 35cm Paradise - 50cm Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Sunday 18th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 89cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (on 17th December) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 78cm observed 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 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