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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 269cm Posted on Wednesday 28th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Yikes it was cold when I got woken up for some reason at 6am this morning. When I finally got up it wasn't that much 'less cold' with the thermometer telling me it was -7C. There's also some fresh snow on the ground. Not as much as we would like - slightly over 4cm but with it being so cold the quality of that 4cm looks pretty good. The forecast over the next few days is for continued snowfall and so hopefully this is the start of a decent delivery. As always, expect more at higher elevations so there should be some decent turns on offer especially if you are getting some of the first lifts to top. Did I say continued snowfall over the next few days? Well, it was snowing earlier on but the sun has actually broken through a few of the clouds as I am about to post this report, and over to the east I can see some bits of blue sky too. So perhaps it's 'continued' as in 'on and off'. Or something. Whatever, I will of course be reporting the latest to you about this time tomorrow. Oh yes - from today, the Miharashi course at Niseko Grand Hirafu is planned to be open. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -8C, 5cm new snow. Moiwa peak: -10℃, 15cm new snow, 60cm snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -16℃, NW15m/s, snowdrifts developing. Hirafu 1200m: -16℃, N15m/s, wind exposed. Many development of snowdrifts around 800m elevation. Coastal data: Kamui cape N13m/s, 1016hPa, 2.0m waves. The barometric pressure gradient is steep and strong wind is blowing above 1000m altitude. The snowdrifts at 800m has been tested and are unstable. The avalanche risk will remain high in leeward knolls and cornice slopes above 800m elevation. Potential slide layer is Dec 26th, and the new snowdrift above it would collapse. The snowpack is gradually growing, however access to the out of bounds area from the resort is still restricted. All resorts are doing their best to prepare the gates, however is delayed due to lack of snow. Please respect to the Niseko Rules. They were born from bitter lessons in the past and are here for the safety of all guests. Realizing the risk you've been taking after an accident is too late. A great variety of people come to ski resorts and the community is mindful of the freedom and safety of ALL of them. The Niseko Rules is not a tool to promote tourism. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): The mountain is nearly (but not yet quite) fully open. Niseko Grand Hirafu The top Ace Number 4 lift remains closed. Niseko HANAZONO Resort All lifts appear to be operating as planned. Niseko Village All lifts appear to be operating as planned. Niseko Annupuri All lifts appear to be operating as planned. --- Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 28th December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 220cm Base - 80cm Niseko Village Top - 130cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 115cm 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. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 28th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 269cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 159cm reported on 19 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 31cm Snowfall at base this season 199cm Posted on Wednesday 28th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . How things can change in just one day! Around 30cm of fresh snowfall in places this morning. More in some places (someone I know is saying 50cm, though that seems a little... what's the word... optimistic?!), and probably less in others as wind has been a factor overnight (a bit less for now, though still gusty in places). Whatever the number, a good amount. Happy this morning. It's really snowing good and proper now as well which is fantastic to see. If this continues there should be more piling up during the day today. Tonight is forecast to be clearer and there may be some sun in the morning before more snow clouds move in by tomorrow night. Come on, bring it on! From what I can gather the only (small) areas that remain closed are Hasuike and Kidoike. All other areas of Shiga Kogen are now at least part open. Shiga Kogen Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 28th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 199cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (24th December) November 2016 snowfall 27cm reported on 5 days December 2016 snowfall 172cm 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 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 103cm Posted on Wednesday 28th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Morning from Zao. This is better. Just over 10cm of fresh snowfall on the ground here in the village this morning so I would expect more than that up there on the mountain. All very much needed of course and we need more than that, but just for the moment conditions should be very much improved. Phew! 10cm or so isn't enough to get all of the lifts and courses open so I can't see any changes in that respect at the start of the day. It's cold too this morning, with the top of the resort reporting a temperature of -11C at 9am. Not quite that cold down here but still well under zero. Forecast? Looking improved actually. While no mega-dumps on the horizon, there is snowfall scattered across the coming week so perhaps we'll get little by little into the New Year. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 28th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 103cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 17cm (on 17th December) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 92cm observed on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 267cm Posted on Wednesday 28th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . You would think we were entering the month of February given the temperature that has been thrown at us this morning. -20c in the village and -21c at the top of the resort! So if you woke up and felt chilly chances are it is because it is cold rather than you have caught a cold. In classic Furano style those cold temperatures are combined with clear weather and plenty of sunshine. On the snow front there has been a light 2cm dusting in the village overnight. No further snow is expected today. Tomorrow will be a little windy but the snow will start again and should fall continuously through until Saturday night. The slopes are in excellent condition. Giant has opened today for the first time this season, which is interesting as there wasn't any significant snow yesterday to change things significantly. All courses are now open on Furano Ski Area except Premium. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 28th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 267cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 37 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 157cm reported on 18 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 22cm Snowfall at base this season 156cm Weather overview Snow Wind Varied Temperature - Visibility Limited Posted on Wednesday 28th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Morning from Madarao and yes, this is more like it with a decent amount of fresh snow on the ground. With associated wind overnight blowing it all around it is one of those days when you ask 5 different people in slightly different areas and they'll all give you a different number. The resort are saying 0-40cm of fresh snow (along with a smiley face mark), and on their daily report they are posting 20cm. I have taken measurements in a few different areas around my base and I think that the 20cm is probably a fair number to go with this morning though I'm going a bit higher as that is what I found in my usual measuring place. Some places more, some places less. The most important thing is that we have this lovely fresh layer of snow and that conditions should suddenly be much improved. We still need much more though of course. The forecast is for more snow today and then perhaps tomorrow night but after that over the New Year a run of drier days. So it doesn't look like we're on for a long consistent blast just for the moment. Still if we can get some more during the day today we should be good for a while. I'm off out there to check it all out. Hope you can too. Wrap up well - it's cold! Have a good one. Operating status for the day at Madarao Kogen (at time of report): - Number 1 lift - Number 2 quad lift - Number 5 - Super quad lift - Number 11 lift - Number 12 lift - Number 15 lift - Moving walkway - Kids Park - Free ride Park Official snow depth: - 60cm Lifts currently operating at Tangram Ski Circus: - Number 1 - Number 3 - Number 5 - Number 6 Madarao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 28th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 156cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (on 11th December) November 2016 snowfall 9cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 147cm 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 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 109cm Posted on Wednesday 28th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Ah yes this looks more like our beloved Nozzle! A nice new fresh layer of snow on the ground and snow falling as I got up this morning. 20cm I measure it and that is pretty much what the resort is reporting top to bottom, though I would imagine (and hope) for some more than that up on the top slopes. It's a good cold morning too. Feels like winter. (As it should feel at this time of the year!) Some more snow due today but it should ease off later on and then after perhaps clearer skies to start the day tomorrow more snow is forecast to be falling by night time tomorrow. Doesn't look like it'll continue much beyond Friday on the current forecasts, so we just hope for as much as possible. One day can make a big difference and that is what we are seeing this morning. Time to strap on the skis! Lifts that are planned to be operating: All lifts appear to be operating except for: - Kandahar pair - Nagasaka quad - 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 - Rinkan course - Utopia - Challenge course - Challenge 39 - Hikage - Ushikubi - Nagasawa link Official snow depths: - Yamabiko: 105cm - Uenotaira: 60cm - Hikage: 25cm - Nagasaka: 20cm - Karasawa: 20cm Fresh snow reported by resort since yesterday morning: - Yamabiko: 20cm - Uenotaira: 15cm - Hikage: 10cm - Nagasaka: 20cm - Karasawa: 20cm Nozawa Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 28th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 109cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (11th December) November 2016 snowfall 2cm reported on 2 days December 2016 snowfall 107cm 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 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 33cm Snowfall at base this season 278cm Posted on Wednesday 28th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Once again, just when things were looking a little grim (snowpack disappearing, dirt and dog leavings emerging), we're back with some really nice fresh snow. Pretty nice flakes, too, sparkly and big and falling pretty steadily. There was a lot of wind overnight, and a lot of drifting as a result I thought there would be a little deeper snow, but poking into some sheltered areas very early this morning gave me an average of 28cm, with another 5cm since then to now. Could be super nice out there. If there were a deeper base I'd warn about avalanche dangers following all the wind, but it's still hard to get out of bounds due to brush. If you are out there, be careful on lee slopes where snow has piled up. We did have a fatality here a few years ago just off the runs, and just due to a sluff, so always think carefully! Akakura Kanko: 100cm, -5° Akakura Onsen: 110cm, -4° Ikenotaira Onsen: 60cm, -2° Myoko Suginohara: 60cm, -9° Seki Onsen: 110cm, -5° Myoko Ski Park: 80cm, -1° Kyukamura RunRun: 70cm, 0° (how did they LOSE 30cm in one day?) Tangram Ski Circus: 75cm, -4° Madarao Kogen: 60m, -6° Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 28th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 278cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 53cm (12th December) November 2016 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 266cm reported on 10 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 26cm Snowfall at base this season 134cm Posted on Wednesday 28th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Good news everybody! Well it has been a very unusual start to the season this year with plenty of snow having fallen combined with warm temperatures in between. As a result the snow on the hill has varied a lot between excellent and patchy. As of around 1300 yesterday however we have been getting pounded with snow. In just over 20 hours more than 26 cm's of snow has fallen in the base area and it doesn't look stopping any time soon. Looking on the weather forecast is predicting snow for the next two days which is just what we want to hear. I would still be exercising caution today as there are some areas of the slope where we still do not have much of a base despite the heavy snow we are currently experiencing. 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 Naeba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 28th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 134cm Number of days snowfall observed 16 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 26cm (28th December) November 2016 snowfall 17cm observed on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 117cm 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 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 265cm Posted on Tuesday 27th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Yesterday... it did get a bit too mild for snowfall and... it rained. Oh dear. It got really foggy too later in the day, or it did where I was anyway. I got caught up in it and quickly decided to head back to my base asap. The good news is that the rain turned into snow and this morning I have a whopping 1cm to report to you. So you can probably take a decent guess at what conditions are going to be like this morning. Around 16th/17th December I remember congratulating people who chose to be here at that time due to the lovely snow conditions we were having. Well, unfortunately the last week has been something of a let down after that. That is of course not to say that there is not a lot of fun to be had - of course; no misunderstandings please! - just that we have not been getting the regular refills that we expect and require. It just goes to show how quickly things can change as well; though once we get into the main season we rightly hope it's more 'on' than 'off'. Taking another look at the updated forecast and it looks like we can expect light snow into tomorrow with perhaps heavier snow due around Thursday and into Friday. Having said that, as I am writing this report it is snowing quite nicely. Continue please! --- Today was that super special 'premium' early lift thing at Niseko Grand Hirafu, if I recall correctly. Wonder how that's going. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -3℃, no snowfall. Moiwa peak: no data. Annupuri 1150m: -11℃, NNE8m/s, light snowfall. Hirafu 1200m: -11℃, N10m/s, snowfall and small snowdrifts. Coastal data: Kamui cape ESE2m/s, 1009hPa, 1.3m waves. Although under typical winter barometric pattern, the isobars are spread out and the weather is relatively calm this morning. Snowdrifts and cornices development is small. The general avalanche risk is low. Too many people are ducking ropes with selfish interpretation. The gate system in Niseko is based on the premise that all users respect the Rules. Neglecting them is not good. The resort is considering partial opening of gates soon, please be patient. Moiwa gate 6 is scheduled to open this weekend as the rescue cat track has been groomed. However, the bushes are still thick. Make conservative decisions. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): The mountain is nearly (but not yet quite) fully open. Doesn't feel windy here at base but apparently a few top lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to windy conditions in upper areas. Niseko Grand Hirafu The top Ace Number 4 lift remains closed. King Number 4 lift is on stand-by at the start of the day, due to wind conditions. Niseko HANAZONO Resort All lifts plan to be operating as planned. Niseko Village Wonderland Chair is on stand-by at the start of the day, due to wind conditions. Niseko Annupuri All lifts plan to be operating as planned. --- Official resort snow depths as of Tuesday 27th December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 220cm Base - 75cm Niseko Village Top - 130cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 105cm 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. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Tuesday 27th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 265cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 32 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 155cm reported on 18 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 265cm Posted on Tuesday 27th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is looking like another great powder day with 6cm of new snow overnight and heavy snow falling at the moment. The flakes coming down are large and very fluffy, and accumulation is building quickly on the ground. There are very light winds and the snow coming down means that visibility is okay but not great. It should improve as the snow fall eases off. All lifts are operating and all courses are expected to be open except for Premium Zone and Giant Course, which looks to be in great shape but has a few dips in the piste. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Tuesday 27th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 265cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 36 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 155cm reported on 17 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 259cm Posted on Monday 26th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The weekend provided some great skiing on the snow that was delivered by the storm last week. Notably the temperatures were very cold on both Saturday and Sunday morning, and some kind of face mask was required to ward off the stinging cold. Apart from that small inconvenience those who made it out on Saturday were rewarded with some fantastic December powder skiing and there were plenty of opportunities for fresh tracks. On Sunday, Kitanomine Gondola started operation giving access to the upper half the Kitanomine slopes for the first time. Today there is high cloud sitting above the resort and it doesn't look like we will see any sun during the day. Light snow is coming down, but it is very fine and wont accumulate to much. There may be some moderate snow overnight and then from Thursday continuous snow is on the forecast for at least three days. There was 2cm of snow yesterday so there wont be any untracked snow to ski today but the groomed slopes are in beautiful condition for carving. The 2cm of new snow in today's report fell mid morning yesterday and was not reported yesterday. FURANO ZONE Furano Ropeway 8:30am-15:00pm. Furano Downhill Romance 2 chairlift 8:40am-15:00pm. Furano Downhill Romance 3 chairlift 9:00am-15:00pm. Prince Romance chairlift 8:30am-16:30pm. Downhill Swift Lift 1 9:00am-19:30pm KITANOMINE: Kitanomine Gondola 9:00am-15:00pm Kitanomine Swift Lift 1 8:30am-15:00pm. Kitanomine Romance Lift 2 8:40am-15:00pm. Link Lift 8:45am-15:10pm (Actual operation and times may change without notification). Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Monday 26th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 259cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 35 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 149cm reported on 16 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