Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 108cm Posted on Friday 30th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Hello from Zao. I was looking at some of the other early morning reports just before and noticed some pretty impressive snowfalls in Nagano and Niigata. I must admit I am a bit jealous really, but there you go... just 3cm to report here in Zao! It's cold so the snow is keeping decent but we do need more of it. It's going to be a busy weekend - be prepared. And I recommend getting up for first lifts too (more so than usual!) Doesn't look like there's going to be the major snowfall even we would like over new year but let's keep an eye on that forecast. Further to my frustrations at finding information from official resources. I've got to say that the new official website for the resort to me anyway is a real 'level down' rather than an improvement. It might look nicer than before, but it is just so hard to find good information... info that is important to us skiers and snowboarders. You'd think that a ski resort would be pretty clued in as to the information that is important - how much snow is falling, conditions, exactly what is open etc - so it's difficult to understand why this kind of thing can apparently be overlooked. This is my personal opinion of course (you may disagree; or I may just be looking in the wrong place). Just for the record I am also referring to the official Japanese website, and I can read and speak Japanese pretty decently. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 30th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 108cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 21 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (on 17th December) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 97cm observed 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 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 275cm Posted on Friday 30th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is a nice morning here in Furano with blue sky over the resort and town, but beyond those boundaries it is cloud cover. I would expect that the clouds will come over the resort later in the day. Not long after the report was posted yesterday it started to snow and continued through out the day, and that event has added 8cm of new snow at village level with substantially more on the resort itself. More light snow is expected to fall today and there should be some tomorrow as well. Tomorrow looks like it will be another pleasant day with clear skies and patches of cloud, calm conditions and slightly warmer than today. Lift operation times are expected to be... FURANO ZONE Furano Ropeway 8:30am-15:10pm. Furano Downhill Romance 2 chairlift 8:40am-15:10pm. Furano Downhill Romance 3 chairlift 9:00am-15:10pm. Prince Romance chairlift 8:30am-16:30pm. Downhill Swift Lift 1 9:00am-19:30pm KITANOMINE ZONE Kitanomine Gondola 9:00am-15:10pm Kitanomine Swift Lift 1 8:30am-19:30pm. Kitanomine Romance Lift 2 8:45am-15:10pm. Link Lift 9:00am-15:20pm Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 30th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 275cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 38 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 165cm reported on 19 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 7cm Snowfall at base this season 65cm Posted on Friday 30th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Morning from Hakuba and more snow to report. As noted in the details below resorts are reporting generally around 20cm of snow on upper slopes, with Cortina coming in and reporting an impressive 40-50cm up there. (Less here at base levels, as is often the case of course, so keep an eye on all of these numbers). At the moment it is mostly cloudy but there's a bit of blue sky to be seen in places too. Local forecasts do say we can expect clearer skies this afternoon so perhaps it's going to gradually clear up. There's a bit of a wind causing issues over at Hakuba Goryu and 47 early on by the looks of things - at the time of writing top lifts were on standby waiting for the wind to ease off. Good to see Hakuba Sanosaka opening up as well, at last. Enjoy the day. Hakuba 47: The resort is reporting 10-20cm of fresh snowfall. The upper course connection with Goryu is open. Operating lifts and course info: - All lifts operating - All courses now open apart from Route 7. - The Tree Riding Zones are not yet open. Official snow depth Line C Upper: 110cm Base: 20cm Hakuba Goryu: Hakuba Goryu is currently part open. The resort is reporting 1cm (?, Toomi), 5cm (Iimori) and 25cm (top) of fresh snowfall. The upper course connection with Hakuba 47 is open. Operating lifts and course info: - Gondola - Alps Number 1 - Alps Number 3 - Alps Number 2/4 - Toomi Sky Four - Toomi Number 1 pair - Toomi Number 2 pair - Milky Four The following courses are open: - Grand Prix - Panorama - Super - Toomi - Soft Cream Official snow depth Alps: 125cm Toomi: 35cm Iimori: 20cm Hakuba Happo-one: Hakuba Happo-one is currently part open but more opening up now. You can now ski or board back down to base via the Riesen Slalom and Nakiyama courses. Downloading via Gondola or lift required in the other areas. The resort is reporting 20cm of fresh snowfall. Operating lifts and course info: - Gondola - Grat quad (for climbing) - Alpen quad - Riesen quad - Usagidaira pair - Nakiyama 3 triple - Panorama pair - Kokusai Number 1 - Kokusai Number 3 - Kurobishi Number 2 quad - Kurobishi Number 3 pair - Skyline Number 2 pair - Sakka Kita-one quad The following courses are open: - Kurobishi - Usagidaira - Skyline - Riesen (part) - Panorama - Nakiyama South (part) - Kita-one 3 Official snow depth: Usagidaira: 90cm Kurobishi: 110cm Lower: 25cm Tsugaike Kogen: Tsugaike Kogen is currently part open. Operating lifts and course info: - Eve Gondola - Han-no-ki pair - Tsuga Number 1 pair - Tsuga Number 2 pair - Shirakaba quad - Maruyama Number 1 quad - Tsugaike Number 1 pair - Tsugaike central triple - Kane-no-naru-oka Skyliner II - Kane-no-naru-oka Skyliner III The following courses are open: - Upper Han-no-ki - Lower Han-no-ki - Tsuga-no-mori - Forest course (part) - Shirakaba - Champion (part) - Maruyama - Kane-no-naru-oka - Oya-no-hara (part) Official snow depth: Tsuga-no-mori: 125cm Han-no-ki: 105cm Oya-no-hara: 40cm Maruyama: 40cm Kane-no-naru-oka: -cm Hakuba Cortina: Hakuba Cortina is currently part open. The resort is reporting up to 30cm of fresh snowfall on lower areas and 40-50cm on upper areas. (Note to self: worth investigating!) Operating lifts and course info: - Number 1 pair - Number 2 quad - Number 3 quad - Number 4 pair - Number 5 pair The following courses are at least part open: - Ikenota - Hieda Rinkan - Mt Hieda 1 - Itadaira - Ipponmatsu - Rabbit - Snake - Kamoshika - Itadaira Rinkan Official snow depth: Top: 140cm Base: 100cm Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field is currently part open. Operating lifts and course info: - Gondola - View 2 - 3-sen North lift - 4-sen East lift The following courses are at least part open: - View C (part) - East - North - Paradise (part) Official snow depth: Top: 55cm Base: -cm Kashimayari: Kashimayari is currently part open. Operating lifts: - Number 1 quad - Number 2 pair - Number 3 quad - Number 6 quad - Number 7 pair Official snow depth: Top: 35cm Hakuba Norikura Onsen: Hakuba Norikura Onsen is currently part open with 4 courses available. Lift info: - Alps Number 1 - Alps Number 4 - Alps Number 5 - Alps Number 6 Official snow depth: Top: 70cm Hakuba Sanosaka: Hakuba Sanosaka is opening at last from today! Official snow depth: Top: 25cm Please note that Yanaba ski hill will not be opening for the 2016-2017 season. Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 30th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 65cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (8th December) November 2016 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2016 snowfall 64cm 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 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 Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 42cm Snowfall at base this season 159cm Posted on Friday 30th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Excellent news to report this morning with a very nice delivery of fresh snow from top to bottom. The resort is reporting 40cm at base areas (I'm measuring slightly more) and an impressive 50cm up on Uenotaira and Yamabiko. Such a decent amount will have done wonders for the resort... just what we wanted. (Though we want more, of course!) Other big news this morning is that the popular Skyline course is open. We're getting closer to the resort being 'fully open'. It's going to be pretty cold up there and visibility is limited as it continues to snow; but the snow conditions this morning should make up for all of that. This snowfall may not last much into this afternoon and clearer skies are likely by tomorrow morning with maybe more snow tomorrow night (hopefully it will keep cold enough). As we approach mid week too there's more snow on the horizon. I love it when there's snow on the horizon. Today should be great. I don't know about you but I'm raring to go! * Lifts opening 30 minutes early today, tomorrow and on Monday. Lifts that are planned to be operating: All lifts appear to be operating except for: - Kandahar 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 - Skyline - Uenotaira course - Paradise course - Paradise link - Mizunashi A - Mizunashi B - Bunabayashi course - Yunomine A course - Yunomine B course - Rinkan course - Utopia - Challenge course - Challenge 39 - Hikage - Ushikubi - Kitsune - Nagasawa link Official snow depths: - Yamabiko: 150cm - Uenotaira: 110cm - Hikage: 75cm - Nagasaka: 75cm - Karasawa: 50cm Fresh snow reported by resort since yesterday morning: - Yamabiko: 50cm - Uenotaira: 50cm - Hikage: 40cm - Nagasaka: 40cm - Karasawa: 40cm Nozawa Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 30th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 159cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 42cm (30th December) November 2016 snowfall 2cm reported on 2 days December 2016 snowfall 157cm 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 Nozawa Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 48cm Snowfall at base this season 216cm Weather overview SNOW Wind Varied Temperature - Visibility Poor Posted on Friday 30th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Really excellent news this morning with a hefty chunk of new snow to report. I say 'chunk', but it's all nice and soft and light... what I mean is, there's lots of it. How much? The best part of 50cm, and that is what the resort is reporting this morning too. Can't ask for more than that. Well, not without sounding too greedy anyway. More tree run courses open as well this morning. There's really not much more to say on a morning like this. Conditions should be up there this morning. And I would be silly not to get out there and play in it. I hope that you can too. Nighta every evening through until 3rd January. Madarao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 30th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 216cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 48cm (on 30th December) November 2016 snowfall 9cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 207cm 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 Madarao. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 14cm Snowfall at base this season 286cm Posted on Friday 30th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko on this next to last day of the year. I have 14cm of fresh snow to report this morning here by my base in Hirafu. Nice and light and dry too, quality stuff. I am being told there's a good 20-25cm up top early on too. This morning should be very nice indeed. It is a cold morning - currently -6C here at base - so I'm going to be sure to get wrapped up good before heading out. Light snow has been falling this morning but as I am about to post this report the snowfall has eased off and it is just generally cloudy but likely still snowing higher up. The forecast seems to show that after today, things are going to be somewhat clearer and calm. We can perhaps expect some sunny skies tomorrow and conditions are probably not going to be quite as cold. Wind isn't an issue this morning and resorts appear to be opening as planned, along with the Moiwa gate 6. The Avalanche Report (below) notes that the snowpack is 1m lower than average years and that the Annupuri and Hirafu gates will follow as soon as they're ready. I'm off out there on my new skis! But just before that... --- Let's take another quick glance at my observed snowfall numbers for the month and season so far, up until and including today: December 2016: 176cm (up until 30th December) December 2015: 244cm (the full month) December 2014: 519cm (the full month) December 2013: 275cm (the full month) Season total up until 30th December 2016: 288cm Season total up until end of December 2015: 308cm Season total up until end of December 2014: 549cm Season total up until end of December 2013: 398cm I'll let you compare with previous seasons. For what they are worth, my own quick thoughts are - November was pretty good (and better than the previous two seasons), while December has been lagging a bit (rather a lot when you compare with 2014 and 2012). I'll take another look at some numbers once again once we get into January. Big numbers are great of course. But the most important thing is surely regular, consistent and quality snowfall. And what's best is to have all of that lot! Here's to a bumper January when hopefully we'll 'catch up' on previous seasons. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -8℃, 5cm snowfall in 12 hours. Moiwa 850m: -10, 20cm snowfall with 50cm snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150: -16℃, W12m/s, snowing with average 20cm snowdrifts. Hirafu 1200m: -13℃, WNW10m/s, light snowfall. Coastal data: Kamui cape WNW7m/s, 1016hPa, 1.8m waves. 50cm thick layers would break but won’t propagate to wider areas during 800m Mikaeri ridge impact test. The slabs are stable and the general avalanche risk is low. The Moiwa gate 6 will open today, Annupuri and Hirafu gates will follow as soon as they’re ready, however the snowpack is 1m lower than average years. Beware of bamboo grass. The Niseko Rules admits anyone to the out of bounds area, no matter their experience or skillsets, however it is everybody responsibility to be aware of the hazards involved. Out of bounds area is out of the resort, safety is not guaranteed. The ski patrols are getting their headlamps ready for night search and rescue operations. Please take the ski patrol’s advices seriously and step out from the designated gates. Duck ropes and lift passes will be confiscated. Beware of sudden weather changes. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu Niseko HANAZONO Resort Niseko Village Niseko Annupuri All lifts appear to be operating as planned. --- Official resort snow depths as of Friday 30th December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 250cm Base - 100cm Niseko Village Top - 130cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 130cm 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. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 30th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 286cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 35 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 176cm reported on 21 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 63cm Snowfall at base this season 352cm Posted on Friday 30th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Winter is really here in Myoko today. Stuck the ruler in our prime spot (away from the trees, not too much wind effect) and we got a good average of 63cm. Sixty-three; nice. That's about all I need say today, I think. Not all the areas reported early today, probably because they're fighting with snow. Akakura Kanko: 150cm, -5° Akakura Onsen: 160cm, -4° Ikenotaira Onsen: 70cm, -2° Myoko Suginohara: 90cm, -5° Seki Onsen: 160cm, -5° Myoko Ski Park: 80cm, -3° (yesterday's figures) Kyukamura RunRun: 70cm, 0° (how did they LOSE 30cm in one day?) Tangram Ski Circus: 120cm, -6° Madarao Kogen: 60m, -6° Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 30th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 352cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 63cm (30th December) November 2016 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 340cm 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 Myoko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 140cm Posted on Thursday 29th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Naeba everybody. Things are looking absolutely beautiful today with barely a cloud in the sky! As well as this the ski resort is opening up far more terrain today including the Dragondola to Tashiro and both Prince Gondolas Number 1 and Number 2. The only remaining closures are the terrain at the top of the mountain and the Challenge Course Run. Riding conditions are good today with perfectly groomed runs featuring on most parts of the mountain. So get out there and enjoy! The weather forecast is currently predicting heavy snow starting from tonight. Fingers crossed that comes through! Lifts running today are: -Beginner lift No.4 08:00-20:30 -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 -High Speed Lift No.4 09:00-16:30 -High Speed Lift No.3 08:00-17:00 -Prince Gondola No.1 09:00-16:00 -Huichi Pair Lift No.1 09:00-16:00 -The Dragondola 09:00-15:30 (last ascending lift 15:00) Naeba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 29th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 140cm Number of days snowfall observed 17 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 26cm (28th December) November 2016 snowfall 17cm observed on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 123cm observed on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Naeba. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 105cm Posted on Thursday 29th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. For the moment and while we had a bit more since my report, no fresh overnight. It is a calm morning here. Fairly cold, no wind, cloudy with decent visibility. There should be snow falling later today though and hopefully tomorrow too. Conditions were much improved on the slopes yesterday though I'm happy to report... we just want more, more, more! The Light Up operations are planned for tonight but I'm finding it almost impossible to find out if that is going to be happening or not. And I'm looking at all of the official Japanese information too. Hard to believe that they make it so difficult to find out basic stuff like this... /rant! Update: OK I have found it - apparently, going ahead as planned! On the subject of nighta by the way - open at Uwanodai (Onsen Number 1 pair lift); closed on the Yokokura area. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 29th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 105cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (on 17th December) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 94cm observed on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 117cm Posted on Thursday 29th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . What a beautiful morning it is here in Nozawa. No new snow overnight but yesterday the resort was reporting 10-20cm of fresh snowfall during the daytime as it did continue to snow after my report was posted. And the webcams show some very enticing images of the upper mountain this morning. I think I need to get out myself this morning once my report is posted. It should be a fun one. It might be fine and sunny just now, but snow is forecast to start falling again sometime this afternoon and continue into tomorrow afternoon. Big picture - we're still low on snow of course and with a lot of folk arriving here to enjoy New Year things are getting busier; the more snow tonight the better. (Obviously!) Fingers crossed. In the meantime, have a great day. Oh by the way, Challenge 39 and Kitsune courses are now open. Skyline - not yet. I am updating the details below with each report, so keep an eye on that info. Lifts that are planned to be operating: All lifts appear to be operating except for: - Kandahar pair - Nagasaka quad - 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 - Rinkan course - Utopia - Challenge course - Challenge 39 - Hikage - Ushikubi - Kitsune - Nagasawa link Official snow depths: - Yamabiko: 115cm - Uenotaira: 75cm - Hikage: 35cm - Nagasaka: 35cm - Karasawa: 25cm Fresh snow reported by resort since yesterday morning: - Yamabiko: 25cm - Uenotaira: 15cm - Hikage: 15cm - Nagasaka: 15cm - Karasawa: 10cm Nozawa Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 29th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 117cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (11th December) November 2016 snowfall 2cm reported on 2 days December 2016 snowfall 115cm 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 Nozawa Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 168cm Weather overview Blue sky some cloud Wind Slight Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted on Thursday 29th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Hello from Madarao on this beautiful morning. Yesterday the snowy conditions continued during the day time giving us just over 10cm of fresh snowfall. It was fun out there! The clouds cleared and this morning there's lots of blue sky and the sun is out. Good news this morning in that the top lift and also some of the tree run courses - Powder Wave I, Powder Wave II, River Line, Powder Theater and Adventure Aisle - are now open. Sounds good to me. Nighta tonight and every evening until 3rd January. With New Year just a few days away, things are getting busier and livelier. All we want now is more snow, and more snow due to arrive tonight. Fingers crossed. It should be a very good day. Maybe see some of you in the tree run courses. 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 - Free ride Park - Powder Wave I - Powder Wave II - River Line - Powder Theater - Adventure Aisle Official snow depth: - 70cm Lifts currently operating at Tangram Ski Circus: - Number 1 - Number 3 - Number 5 - Number 6 Madarao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 29th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 168cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (on 11th December) November 2016 snowfall 9cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 159cm 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 Madarao. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 272cm Posted on Thursday 29th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just three more days left in 2016; the mind boggles at how fast things whizz by. (And how you actually spell 'whizz'!) But anyway what do we have to report this morning. Well, there's a bit of snowfall again but nothing major. Just about 3cm on the ground this morning and snow is currently falling. It is a cold morning and keeping down at -4C at 8am. Visibility looks pretty low out on the mountain too at the start of the day. Snowfall is still lined up on the forecast over the next few days, but we should be hoping for more significant amounts. From this morning the top Ace Number 4 lift at Niseko Grand Hirafu is opening, as well as the King Number 2 quad - which means that all of the lifts and courses at that resort are now operating/open. All the lifts at Niseko Annupuri are now operating of course and at Niseko Village all of the lifts (apart from the Country Road lift) are open. At last! (By the way, I'll write more about that Country Road lift in another report). Next up, all the gates. As mentioned below it seems that the Moiwa Gate 6 is going to be opening from tomorrow. Have a fun day, and see you tomorrow. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -5℃, 5cm snowfall, calm. Moiwa peak: -8℃, SW5m/s, 10cm new snow with no snowdrift development. Hirafu peak ridge: light wind, -10℃, 10cm new snow. Annupuri 1150m: -8℃, W10m/s, light development of snowdrifts, good groomers condition. Coastal data: Kamui cape WSW7m/s, 1010hPa, 1.9m waves. The general avalanche risk low. Snow and wind is forecasted to pick up as a cold front moves across around noon. Moiwa gate 6 is scheduled to open tomorrow after the beacon checker is set. Avalanche beacons or helmets are not mandatory equipment however is strongly recommended to wear. The Japanese Park Law advocates the protection of the environment as well as the adequate use of it. The Niseko Rules acts as a safety guideline implemented by the local community and is the foundation for the local and federal government to tolerate the situation. Anyone has the right to freely climb and glide down a mountain in Japan. The Rules are here to protect the freedom and the safety of out of bounds riding. Please respect the Niseko Rules and let others now about it too. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu Niseko HANAZONO Resort Niseko Village Niseko Annupuri All lifts appear to be operating as planned. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 29th December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 230cm Base - 85cm Niseko Village Top - 130cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 130cm 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. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 29th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 272cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 162cm reported on 20 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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