Independent snow and weather reporting from the Nozawa Onsen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 17cm Posted on Saturday 10th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . Good morning from Nozawa and it really does feel like a good one. Snow is falling, 30cm being reported on the upper slopes by the resort, a chunk of 10cm down low at base and another lift (Yamabiko Four) and more courses (Yamabiko A and C) opening up. The snow is forecast to continue falling through today and tomorrow as well and then after a break around Monday there's more on the way from mid-week. We're getting there! Lifts that are planned to be operating: Nagasaka Gondola (8:30am-3:30pm) Yamabiko Four Lift (9:00am-3:30pm) Yamabiko Number 2 Four Lift (8:55am-3:40pm) Uenotaira Four Lift (9:00am-3:40pm) Courses that are planned to be open Yamabiko A course (1,300m in length) Yamabiko C course (850m in length) Yamabiko D course (1,250m in length) Uenotaira course (2,500m in length) Official snow depths Yamabiko: 75cm Uenotaira: 60cm Hikage: 20cm Nagasaka: 10cm Karasawa: 5cm Fresh snow reported by resort since yesterday Yamabiko: 30cm Uenotaira: 30cm Hikage: 10cm Nagasaka: 10cm Karasawa: 5cm Nozawa Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 10th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 17cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 9cm (10th December) November 2016 snowfall 2cm reported on 2 days December 2016 snowfall 15cm reported on 3 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 30cm Snowfall at base this season 67cm Posted on Saturday 10th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Real snow today! Just in time for the first "soft opening" at Akakura Onsen, which has three lifts operating (but which also warns about rocks and brush - but it's skiing!). In fact it was enough snow that I had to get busy today not only with the trusty peetah (the local name for the monster snowthrowers) as well as a new toy, a small front loader. Having fun with the heavy metal! Too much fun, as I realized I need to let you good people know about the snow coming down. We're seeing some good ongoing light to moderate snow at the moment. The sun tried to peek out a few seconds ago, but we're back to light snowfall. I'm also pleased to say that I'll be reporting most mornings from even closer to the base of Akakan Ski Area - moving from my house at 670 meters to right around 700. And it does make a difference! Only part of Akakura Onsen Ski Area open: Yodel No. 1 Triple, Yodel No. 3 Triple, Yodel No. 4 Pair Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 10th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 67cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (10th December) November 2016 snowfall 12cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 55cm reported on 2 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 162cm Posted on Saturday 10th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It's Saturday morning and there's a 15cm of lovely fresh light snow on the ground outside my place this morning. I am hearing of more than 20cm higher up on the mountains. It is back to being cold again and it has been pretty crazy weather overnight actually, with strong winds and the snow really dumping down at times - though as I put this report together it has eased off somewhat and it is now just coming down lightly and visibility has improved. Still, continued snowfall is forecast for the day and it's looking good for the weekend. (Though not if you want to see the sun!) Tonight is of course the planned opening of nighta operations. From what I can gather, Niseko Grand Hirafu plan to only have the Ace Family lift (and Family Course) open for nighta today as they are delaying the nighta operations of the Ace Number 2 Center Four and Gondola until there's more snow. Niseko Village plan to have their main Niseko Gondola operating from this morning and also plan to start nighta today. They plan to have the Village Express, Upper Village Gondola and Community Chair operating tonight. And over at Niseko Annupuri they also have another lift moving and a few more courses open, and are planning on opening for nighta tonight with the Jumbo Number 1 quad operating. Details as I have them updated below, hope they are all correct. Today will surely be the best day of the season so far, and while it's exciting to see more snowfall and more open up (obviously!), we're still not fully open. So there's lots to look forward to, and in the meantime I'm going to go and have some fun out there this morning. Take care out there! --- Oh yes, today is the first day of the 'on season' (ie. more expensive) lift ticket prices. Yey! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -4℃, 20cm snowfall in 12 hours, light storm and bad visibility. Coastal data: Kamui cape N15m/s, 1009hPa, 2.5m waves. The wind and snow has picked up under the winter weather pattern (High West/Low East), heavy snowdrift slabs are developing fast, reaching up to 80cm in leeward knoll terrain above 800m and are easily collapsing from the weak bonding between the low-pressure snowfall of Dec 9th. Looking at all observations, data and snowfall transition, the avalanche risk is high. Better not carelessly drop into course side steep slopes or under chairlifts. Many of the avalanche accidents occur during storms. The unstable snowdrifts will stabilize as the weather turns better. Better not push limits today. Treacherous conditions not only in the mountain but on the road as well. Beware of slippery mirror-like road and limited visibility. Drive safe. --- 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, though watch out for windy conditions that might affect some lifts. 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 - Swinging Monkey Courses planned to be open: - Family course - Alpen course (experts only) - Green - Beginners access course - Shirakaba course - Center course - Boyo (lower part only) - Kokutai (experts only) - Holiday - Rinkan - Jumbo course - Parallel course Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be operating: - Hanazono 1 quad - Hanazono 2 quad - Hanazono 3 quad Courses planned to be open: - Silver Dream - Stairway to Heaven - Setsuzoku - Legend of Shinya - Crystal Garden - Renraku - Yotei Sunset Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - Niseko Gondola - Community Chair - Upper Village Gondola - Village Express Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - Jumbo Number 1 quad - Jumbo Number 2 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair - Annupuri Gondola Courses planned to be operating: - Utopia - Shirakaba - Silver - Paradise - Junior - Family --- Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 10th December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 175cm Base - 60cm Niseko Village Top - 70cm Base - 50cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 70cm Base - 50cm --- Night skiing is planned from today 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 Saturday 10th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 162cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 21 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (25th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 52cm reported on 7 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 170cm Posted on Friday 9th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The rain that was previously on the forecast for today seems to have vanished and instead some light snow is predicted which will likely be right as there are snow flurries coming down at the moment and temperatures are cold at village level, currently at -5c. There has been a light dusting of snow overnight and this light snowfall should continue over the weekend. While there is no significant snow event forecast over the next few days, constant cold temperatures and a light refresh each day will keep the slopes in good condition. There is cloud around the top of the resort and the upper half of the mountain is foggy, with better visibility on the lower part. Furano Ropeway 8:30am-15:00pm. Furano Downhill Romance 2 chairlift 8:40am-15:00pm. Furano Downhill Romance 3 chairlift 9:00am-15:00pm. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 9th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 170cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 60cm reported on 6 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 147cm Posted on Friday 9th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello again and I have another 10cm of fresh snowfall to report to you this morning outside my place here in Hirafu. It's gradually adding up and I noticed that I have now observed just under 150cm of snowfall here since that first snow of the season. It's not quite as cold this morning and the snow isn't quite as dry and fluffy (not the stuff I had in my hand a short while ago anyway), but it should still be a fun morning out there. The forecast is still looking good too with snow lined up most days over the coming week. It does feel like the season has got started now with everything falling into place, even though what is open in terms of lifts and courses remains limited. With the snow due over the coming days though, I expect that to change quite quickly. As mentioned at the bottom of my reports, floodlit night skiing ('nighta') is planned to start from tomorrow. Nighta is available at the Niseko Annupuri, Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village resort areas - none over at Hanazono. No specific nighta news yet regarding operations from tomorrow, but hopefully I will have more information in my report in the morning. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -2℃, 10cm snowfall in 12 hours, light snow and calm. Coastal data: Kamui cape ENE7m/s, 1011hPa, 1.0m waves. Wind and snow are forecasted to pick up above 800m as the next low-pressure system approaches and passes. The snowpack is still very shallow and the out of bounds areas are not suitable for riding yet. The groomers are in better condition, but today’s light is weak and undulations are hard to see. Beware of over speeding. Looking at the snowfall transition and other data, the general avalanche risk is low today, however cornices formed at steep slopes and under chairlifts could fall anytime, better beware. Observatory equipment for Nagoya University Snow & Ice Research Center will be installed at Mikaeri area in Moiwa today. The 20th Niseko Avalanche Meeting will be held at Niseko Chomin Center today at 6pm. Everyone is welcome. Have a nice day. --- 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 - Swinging Monkey Courses planned to be open: - Family course - Alpen course (experts only) - Green - Beginners access course - Shirakaba course - Center course - Boyo (lower part only) - Kokutai (experts only) - Holiday - Jumbo course - Parallel course Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be operating: - Hanazono 1 quad - Hanazono 2 quad - Hanazono 3 quad Courses planned to be open: - Silver Dream (experts only) - Stairway to Heaven (experts only) - Setsuzoku - Crystal Garden - Renraku - Yotei Sunset (experts only) Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - Community Chair - Upper Village Gondola - Village Express Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - Jumbo Number 1 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair - Annupuri Gondola Courses planned to be operating: - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior You can now ski down to base at Niseko Annupuri. --- Official resort snow depths as of Friday 9th December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 155cm Base - 55cm Niseko Village Top - 50cm Base - 40cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 60cm Base - 40cm Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 9th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 147cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (25th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 37cm reported on 6 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 Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 24cm Posted on Thursday 8th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Well, the sun was out yesterday but the news this morning (apart from the nearly 10cm of fresh snow on the ground) is that the Chuo Number 1 pair lift will be operating today meaning that Zao Onsen is now officially open for the 16-17 season. Hurray! The Chuo Ropeway is open from 8:30am and the Chuo Number 1 pair lift from 8:45am, closing at 3:30pm. Special tickets costing 3,000 yen for adults and 1,500 yen for children are available in this early part of the season. The resort is reporting 30cm of snow on the ground up there and a temperature of -5C. It's all very limited of course, but we need to start somewhere. The forecast for the weekend shows snow to be falling. Yes please! What is currently open at Zao Onsen: Chuo Nunber 1 pair lift Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 8th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 24cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 9cm (on 8th December) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 13cm observed on 3 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 169cm Posted on Thursday 8th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is another day of cold temperatures with -12c at the base of the resort. There has been a small amount of snow overnight amounting to 3cm and there are light snow flurries at the moment. Some light precipitation is expected to continue through today. Tomorrow the forecast is for a warm blip again with temperatures in town breaking into positive digits and bringing with it some light rain. Temperatures higher up the mountain will probably be below freezing, so hopefully the mid to upper slopes at least will see some kind on snow instead of rain. Furano Ropeway 8:30am-15:00pm. Furano Downhill Romance 2 chairlift 8:40am-15:00pm. Furano Downhill Romance 3 chairlift 9:00am-15:00pm. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 8th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 169cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 59cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 14cm Posted on Thursday 8th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Hello and I bring good news. Today is the first day of the season! Yes, with a good 10cm on the ground in base areas and more up on the mountains, the first ski lifts are going to be moving this morning - and as far as I can confirm early morning, it's Happo-one and Tsugaike Kogen that win the first lifts of the season prize. Hakuba Happo-one is going to be open from 11am with the Adam Gondola, Kokusai Number 3 pair lift and Panorama pair lift operating. It's just the Panorama course that will be open on this first day. Tsugaike Kogen will have both sections of the Eve Gondola operating as well as the top Han-no-ki high speed pair lift. Part of the Upper Han-no-ki course area will be open. Right now I don't have any word from Hakuba 47 or Hakuba Goryu but you can bet they'll be trying to open as well. It's all panic-stations now with places now rushing to open and as such the situation may well change during the day. I'll give you an update on the situation tomorrow morning. Right now the snow has eased off and there's more and while there is still a lot of cloud around there's more blue sky starting to appear and sun is on the forecast with a high of a mild +5C expected in the village. Later tomorrow we should see a return to snow and there's a decent chance of some cm piling up over the weekend too. Exciting times. Here's to a great 16-17 season. Planned season opening dates for the ski and snowboard resorts in the Hakuba region: Hakuba Happo-one: part open from today Hakuba 47: as soon as there is enough snow Hakuba Goryu: as soon as there is enough snow Tsugaike Kogen: part open from today Hakuba Cortina: from 10th December Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: from 16th December Hakuba Norikura Onsen: from mid December Hakuba Sanosaka: from mid December Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 8th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 14cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (8th December) November 2016 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2016 snowfall 13cm reported on 2 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 30cm Weather overview Cleared up Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Very good Posted on Thursday 8th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . More snow to report today with another 8cm on the ground and hopefully somewhat more on the mountain. It has cleared up again by lunchtime and now there's blue sky and sun once again but with more snowfall due over the weekend, things are looking positive for that opening next weekend. The official opening date for Madarao Kogen this season is Saturday 17th December. Madarao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 8th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 30cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 13cm (on 7th December) November 2016 snowfall 9cm reported on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 21cm reported on 2 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 137cm Posted on Thursday 8th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have 10cm of fresh snowfall to report to you on this Thursday morning here at Hirafu base. It's good quality snow as well, nice and light. Oh yes. It is another cold morning, -6C as I write this and expected to remain well under zero through the day, and hopefully snowfall will continue through the day today - at least on and off, hopefully more on than off. Right at this moment as I look out of the window it is snowing very nicely. It looks like it will probably get a bit warmer tomorrow, but with snowfall forecast over the coming days and through the weekend, we should be seeing more lifts and courses opening up soon. Indeed, some of the courses that were open but then closed have re-opened at Niseko Grand Hirafu. You can see what is planned to be open in the information posted below. It's sometimes a fast-moving situation and hard to keep track of, so please do check with the resorts for their very latest if required. We will need more open as more highly expectant and excited folk are continuing to arrive in Niseko. As we get closer to Christmas, those numbers are only going to increase. I even saw Santa last night - in a bar in Kutchan! - so he's obviously up for some early season turns too. Always a good sign that the season has started, the Niseko Avalanche Reports are up and running and once again a very big thank you to the good folk who put them together each day... --- Niseko Avalanche Report: The atmospheric pressure gradient is lenient and the weather is relatively calm. Mild wind and -7℃ at base level with 15cm of fresh snowfall in the past 12 hours. Kamui cape weather WSW11m/s, 1014hPa, 1.6m waves. The snowdrifts that developed above 800m have stabilized and the general avalanche risk is low. This information is issued in order to prevent accidents in the out of bounds areas. Avalanches occur when the conditions aligns and does not depend on the amount of snow. They are natural occurrences that only become an accident if somebody is caught in it. Leeward slopes during storms are the most dangerous as they are where unstable snowdrifts mostly develops. Highly wind affected snow is heavy and loose and most likely to slide. Niseko area respect the freedom to ski out of bounds, however is also deeply concerned about all visitors’ safety. Avalanches are not the only hazard in Winter Mountains. Be aware of the risks you’re taking and it is your responsibility to be well prepared for anything that could happen. Today’s snow is light and lighter snow is usually stable. Have a nice day. --- 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 - Swinging Monkey Courses planned to be open: - Family course - Alpen course (experts only) - Green - Beginners access course - Shirakaba course - Center course - Boyo (lower part only) - Kokutai (experts only) - Holiday - Jumbo course - Parallel course Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be operating: - Hanazono 1 quad - Hanazono 2 quad - Hanazono 3 quad Courses planned to be open: - Silver Dream (experts only) - Stairway to Heaven (experts only) - Setsuzoku - Crystal Garden - Renraku - Yotei Sunset (experts only) Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - Community Chair - Upper Village Gondola - Village Express Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - Jumbo Number 1 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair - Annupuri Gondola Courses planned to be operating: - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior You can now ski down to base at Niseko Annupuri. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 8th December 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 135cm Base - 45cm Niseko Village Top - 45cm Base - 30cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 45cm Base - 30cm Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 8th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 137cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (25th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 14 days December 2016 snowfall 27cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 15cm Posted on Wednesday 7th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . The sun is out! Yes, it's a fine morning here in Zao, but importantly there's 3cm of fresh snow on the ground here at base as well. Not a huge amount of course, but it all adds up as that base needs to be made! It is also a cold morning. When I got up it was -4C outside and it's still a few under zero. There's a good chance of more snow tonight. Zao Onsen will open as soon as there is enough snow. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 7th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 15cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 3cm (on 7th December) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 4cm observed on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Zao Onsen. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 14cm Snowfall at base this season 166cm Posted on Wednesday 7th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . It is a pretty pleasing update that I can provide this morning. After the report was posted yesterday we received a further 11cm of snow up until evening and then another 3cm was recorded this morning, which make a total of 14cm for today's update. Furano is doing really well so far this season with a total of 110cm falling in November, making this the best November on record for the last 5 seasons. December is also off to a very promising start with 56cm being recorded over the last 7 days. The upper mountain is enveloped in cloud with the lower mountain being clear. Temperatures have plummeted again with -9c in the village this morning. With all the fresh snow it promises to be a great day to get out there and have a ski, and it cant be too long now before the resort can open up some more terrain. Furano Ropeway 8:30am-15:00pm. Furano Downhill Romance 2 chairlift 8:40am-15:00pm. Furano Downhill Romance 3 chairlift 9:00am-15:00pm. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 7th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 166cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 56cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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