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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 78cm Posted on Sunday 18th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Good morning from Nozawa and it's a beauty of a morning. Blue skies and sunshine. It's going to be beautiful up on the mountain this morning. The resort isn't reporting any fresh snow but there was a bit more since my report yesterday so I'm adding that this morning. There's more of the mountain open as well now with those details added below. Taking a look at the forecast - we're expecting fine, mild and dry weather over the next few days (today expected to rise to around +5c) and from mid week it's looking likely that rain will be falling - perhaps even at upper levels as the freezing point makes it's way up to close on 3000m. Please no! Hopefully by the time the weekend rolls around it will start getting colder once more and snow will be falling over Christmas. Lifts that are planned to be operating: All lifts are now operating except for: - Kandahar pair - Hikage Four - 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 - Mizunashi A - Mizunashi B - Bunabayashi course - Yunomine B course - Rinkan course - Utopia - Challenge - Ushikubi - Nagasaka link Official snow depths: - Yamabiko: 120cm - Uenotaira: 80cm - Hikage: 55cm - Nagasaka: 45cm - Karasawa: 40cm Fresh snow reported by resort since yesterday morning: - Yamabiko: 0cm - Uenotaira: 0cm - Hikage: 0cm - Nagasaka: 0cm - Karasawa: 0cm Nozawa Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Sunday 18th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 78cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (11th December) November 2016 snowfall 2cm reported on 2 days December 2016 snowfall 76cm 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 41cm Posted on Sunday 18th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba. And it's one of those really stunning mornings that Hakuba is so good at. There's new snow since last night but some since my report in the morning yesterday, so that is what is on the report today. Yesterday the snow generally started easing off from the early afternoon and visibility improved though there was still a lot of cloud around (and I am hearing some more light snow falling in places at higher elevations). None of the ski resorts around the valley are reporting any fresh snowfall overnight. We are expecting fine, sunny and clear skies today and after a cold start to the morning temperatures will probably rise to about 6-7C later at village base level. So rather mild... The forecast shows us sun over the next few days, and then rain around Wednesday-Thursday - even at higher elevations. It's going to be warming up much more than we would like. But there are good signs that come Friday we should be looking at a return to colder conditions and fresh snow too. So we can hope for snowfall over the Christmas weekend. In the meantime today should be a beautiful day to be out on the mountains. And that's where I am heading now. Until tomorrow! Hakuba 47: Hakuba 47 is currently part open. The resort is reporting 0cm of fresh snowfall. Gondola downloading required. Upper course connection with Goryu is now open. Lift & course info: The Gondola, Line A.B and Line C lifts are operating. The following courses are open: - Route 1 (Upper) - Route 2 - Route 3 - Route 4 - Route 5 - Route 6 - Route 8 Official snow depth Line C Upper: 110cm Base: 15cm Hakuba Goryu: Hakuba Goryu is currently part open. The resort is reporting 0cm of fresh snowfall. Upper course connection with Hakuba 47 is now open. Lift & course info: The Gondola, Alps Number 1 and 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 - Toomi - Soft Cream Official snow depth Alps: 90cm Toomi: 30cm Iimori: 20cm Hakuba Happo-one: Hakuba Happo-one is currently part open. Lift & course info: The Adam Gondola, Alpen Quad, Panorama pair, Kokusai Number 1 and 3 pair lifts, and Kurobishi Number 2 quad lifts are operating. Gondola downloading required. The following courses are open: - Kurobishi (part) - Usagidaira - Panorama Official snow depth: Usagidaira: 80cm Nakiyama: -cm Sakka: -cm Tsugaike Kogen: Tsugaike Kogen is currently part open. Lift info: The Eve Gondola and the top Han-no-ki and Tsuga Number 2 pair lifts are operating. The following courses are open: - Han-no-ki - Tsuga-no-mori Official snow depth: Tsuga-no-mori: 78cm Han-no-ki: 78cm Oya-no-hara: 20cm Kane-no-naru-oka: -cm Hakuba Cortina: Hakuba Cortina is currently part open. The resort is reporting 0cm of fresh snowfall. Lift info: The Number 1 quad, Number 2 quad and Number 4 pair lifts are operating. The following courses are at least part open: - Ikenoda - Ipponmatsu - Mt Hieda Rinkan - Mt Hieda 1 - Itadaria Official snow depth: Top: 110cm 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: - North - East Official snow depth: Top: 40cm Base: -cm Kashimayari: Kashimayari is currently part open. Lift info: The Number 1 quad, Number 2 pair, Number 3 and 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 and 4 pair lifts are operating. Official snow depth: Top: 25cm Hakuba Sanosaka: Hakuba Sanosaka planned to open today 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 Sunday 18th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 41cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (8th December) November 2016 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2016 snowfall 40cm reported on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Hakuba. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Naeba region of Niigata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 83cm Posted on Sunday 18th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Ohayo! Its going to be a stunning day here in Naeba with a near perfect bluebird day! The conditions under skis are good with a small amount of patchy ice, there is not much fresh snow as it fell mostly during the day yesterday and has been compacted down. There are 5 lifts open again today with high speed 5 staying open for night skiing until 08:00. Come and hit the slopes with us on this beautiful day! Open lifts are: -Beginner lift No.4 08:00-17:00 -High Speed lift No.3 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 Naeba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Sunday 18th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 83cm Number of days snowfall observed 13 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 17cm (11th December) November 2016 snowfall 17cm observed on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 66cm observed on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Naeba. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 24cm Snowfall at base this season 245cm Posted on Saturday 17th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A very good, cold and snowy morning to you from Niseko. Yesterday was excellent. And today is looking like it's going to be excellent too. 24cm of fresh snowfall on the ground is a sure sign and as I write this it is snowing quite heavily. And with that much falling down here at base, it's pretty certain that there's that much more higher up. For those of you who came to Niseko for a (some may say risky) mid-Christmas early season fix - congratulations! So yes, we have lots more fresh snowfall on the ground but it has me wondering when the remaining lifts and courses will be opened. Surely there's enough snow now - but it still looks like the top lifts are on stand-by. As of yesterday, Niseko Grand Hirafu were saying that they planned to have the King Number 4 lift operating from Saturday (today), but it has been delayed due to there being not enough snow. Interesting. I don't have any other news on that score this morning but it would surprise me if they kept them closed for much longer. Before we get carried away with too much excitement, it is worth taking a look at the forecast which unfortunately is looking rather dry after today. There's going to be lots of sunshine and temperatures are going to be on the milder side (though not enough for us to be worrying about a melt!) I'm personally looking forward to a day in the sun with this current snow we have, though it would be nice to have a few top-ups of snow following on quickly after. As the forecast stands, it's not looking like there's much chance of snow through until at least the end of the week. Time to ski! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -8℃, 30cm of crystal snow and calm morning. Kamui cape data: W11m/s, 1010hPa, 2.0m waves. Moiwa peak 800m: -10℃, W10m/s, 40cm snowfall and moderate development of snowdrifts. The typical winter barometric chart is generating abundant snowfall. The wind remained around 10m/s westerly around 1000m elevation. The cornices and snowdrifts are developing slowly. The new snow layer above Dec 14th is reaching up to 80cm in leeward slopes at 800m. Looking a observations, the snowdrifts are stable and the general avalanche risk is low. Although we had a good dump, bushes, bamboos and streams are yet to be covered. Accidents in the out of bounds areas will be difficult to rescue. Gates are closed and out of bounds riding is yet to be permitted. Do not duck ropes to seek fresh lines. One track under the rope leads many others to do the same and easily increase the chances of accidents to happen. Niseko area is doing the best to respect the freedom to ride, however is also deeply concerned about their safety. Please respect the Rules and have a nice day. Wonderful conditions today. --- Resort specific opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): All four resort areas appear to be able to open 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: - 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 --- Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 17th December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 240cm Base - 110cm Niseko Village Top - 120cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 100cm Base - 100cm Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 17th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 245cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (16th December) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 135cm 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 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 126cm Posted on Saturday 17th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Good morning from Shiga Kogen. And this morning sees the Ichinose Diamond, Sun Valley and Maruike areas of Shiga Kogen opening; as well as expanded operations at some of the areas that were already open. I have updated the list of lifts that are operating below. There's 4cm of fresh snowfall on the ground this morning but it is snowing now so hopefully there'll be more to report tomorrow. As with it seems other regions, there's clearer skies and a bit of a warm up (not too much please) in the coming week. After that, more snow back in time for Christmas? For now though conditions should be fun this morning and I'm off out to try them. Where to go...!? 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 Saturday 17th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 126cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 28cm (11th December) November 2016 snowfall 27cm reported on 5 days December 2016 snowfall 99cm reported on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Shiga Kogen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com