Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 12cm Posted on Friday 2nd December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . There was some rain yesterday but the sooner we forget that the better. This morning I have (just about) 1cm of snow to report, though I may be being slightly generous there. A thin layer of snow once again as we wait for some decent snow to fall in the region. When will that be? It's still looking like Monday into Tuesday is when to expect some potentially decent snow. Zao Onsen will open as soon as there is enough snow. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Friday 2nd December 2016 Total snowfall at base 12cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 2cm (on 10th, 24th, 25th, 29th and 30th November) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 1cm observed on 1 day 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 110cm Posted on Wednesday 30th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here What about this then? While it is always the most exciting to be able to report heavy snowfall, it's always good to be able to report some blue skies and sunshine as well. (Though admittedly, it's much better once everywhere is open and the season gets going properly, after 30cm of fresh snow overnight...! I know, I can be hard to please.) Still, with 10cm of fresh snow overnight, it should be a good morning to get in some of those early turns. Niseko Grand Hirafu have added 15cm to the official snow depth up top this morning. Though seemingly resort operations at Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Annupuri remain unchanged. So yes, there is lots of blue sky around this morning with just a bit of cloud. A lovely morning. It's good and cold too, and calm. Perhaps I will see some of you out there in a short while. After the fine weather of today, tomorrow is forecast to get milder but we should be seeing a return to snow clouds later in the day and on Friday. After Friday there doesn't seem to be much chance of snow on the forecast with milder conditions again over the weekend and into early next week, but let's deal with that later. More people are seemingly arriving in the area by the day now, so expectations continue to rise. What will December bring us this year? --- What should be open today? Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be part open from 8:30am with the Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift taking folk up to the Ace Number 3 pair lift and the open Center Course. The last lift servicing the open run will be at 3:30pm and the last quad lift coming back down to base at 4pm. Lift tickets for 1 day are 2,000 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children and seniors. Niseko Annupuri also plans to be part open. The Annupuri Gondola starts moving at 8:30am, taking people up to the Jumbo Number 3 pair lift which is open from 8:45am until 3:15pm. The last Gondola down is at 3:30pm. 1 day lift tickets for this limited Niseko Annupuri opening are 2,100 yen for adults and seniors, and 1,300 yen for elementary school age children. --- Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 30th November 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu Top - 110cm Base - 60cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 50cm Base - 30cm --- Planned season dates for the four main Niseko United ski resorts: Niseko Grand Hirafu: partly open already, until Sunday 7th May 2017 Niseko Annupuri: partly open already, until Sunday 7th May 2017 Niseko Hanazono: Saturday 3rd December 2016 until Sunday 2nd April 2017 Niseko Village: Thursday 1st December 2016 until Sunday 2nd April 2017 Night skiing is planned from Saturday 10th December until Monday 20th March 2017 at the Annupuri, Grand Hirafu and Village resort areas. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 30th November 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 110cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (25th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 11cm Snowfall at base this season 110cm Posted on Wednesday 30th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Today is one of those days that seems perfect in every way. The resort is surrounded by blue sky with just the odd cloud sitting in the sea of blue. There is no significant wind and the sun is out in full strength. The cream on the pudding of course is the 11cm of new snow that has been received since yesterday's report was written. The slopes are in superb condition and there will be plenty of the new powder to have a play in today. Tomorrow we will have warm temperatures into positive territory and that will bring with it rain at least at village level. Heavy snow is forecast from Thursday evening into Friday so hopefully that will eventuate and it may allow the resort to open the slopes back to the resort base. Furano Zone is partially open with Furano Ropeway operating to upload and download skiers to and from the upper mountain. It is not possible to ski from the top to bottom of the mountain yet. The skiable lift is Downhill Romance no.2 chair and the skiable courses are the upper part of Sailer and Spies Course, and Shirakaba Course. Restaurant Downhill is open. Kitanomine Zone is closed. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 30th November 2016 Total snowfall at base 110cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Zao region of Yamagata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 11cm Posted on Wednesday 30th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . 2cm more fresh snow to report from Zao Onsen. Clearer conditions this morning after the snowy clouds of yesterday. There's still a lot of cloud around but the sun is out and it feels like it is going to be a fine day. Lower slopes by the village area here have some snow on them but not a complete cover, so it's pretty thin on the ground. As I mentioned in my report yesterday, there's not much snow action expected in the coming in the next 6 days... and tomorrow we will probably get rained on and we'll be experiencing milder conditions. Zao Onsen will open as soon as there is enough snow. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 30th November 2016 Total snowfall at base 11cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 2cm (on 10th, 24th, 25th, 29th and 30th November) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed 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 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 12cm Posted on Wednesday 30th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . A quick note today so we get our snowfall totals in order: the snow has stopped after getting about 5 cm over night (that familiar sound of snow rumbling off the roof sending us off to bed). It's sunny at the moment, the freezing line is about to head up the mountain and rain is forecast. For the moment it's all nice and white and snowy at base level. Very pleasant to look at, even if it's not going to last. Yet. (that familiar sound of snow rumbling off the roof sending us off to bed). It's sunny at the moment, the freezing line is about to head up the mountain and rain is forecast. For the moment it's all nice and white and snowy at base level. Very pleasant to look at, even if it's not going to last. Yet. Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 30th November 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 12cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 5cm (9th and 30th November) November 2016 snowfall 12cm 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 Myoko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1cm Posted on Wednesday 30th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning from Hakuba and the sun is out as I write this report. There's a fair bit of cloud around too but a good share of blue skies too and I think it will turn into a generally fine day weather-wise. It was fairly cold early on this morning but things are going to warm up during the day today with a top temperature of around 7C expected this afternoon. It will probably warm up a bit more still tomorrow, with rain expected. After that and through into early next week it looks as if high temperatures in the village are going to be lingering around the 8C-10C area. There is perhaps a chance of snowfall at higher elevations tomorrow (when we get rained on down here), but apart from that it's looking fairly dry as we go into December. Below are the official planned season opening dates for the ski and snowboard resorts in the Hakuba region. There are all subject to change depending on what happens weather-wise: Hakuba Happo-one: as soon as there is enough snow Hakuba 47: as soon as there is enough snow Hakuba Goryu: as soon as there is enough snow Tsugaike Kogen: as soon as there is enough snow Hakuba Cortina: from 10th December Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: from 16th December Hakuba Norikura Onsen: from mid December Hakuba Sanosaka: from mid December Reports will be posted daily once the lifts get moving. Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 30th November 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 1cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 1cm (24th November) November 2016 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day 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 9cm Snowfall at base this season 100cm Posted on Tuesday 29th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It's a nice and cold morning here and I measured 9cm of fresh snowfall a short while ago. It was snowing more when I first got up this morning but as I write this it is snowing lightly and that seems to be what is forecast for the morning, with the snow easing off later on leaving us with a generally cloudy end to the day. Look for a return to snowfall later on Thursday. Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Annupuri are updating their official snow depth numbers so I have added those to the report here. (The numbers on the right hand side of the report will begin updating some time in the first half of December. And that's about it for today really. The same lifts and courses should be open again today, same as since opening. We could do with some big dumps of snowfall to really get things kicking off but at the same time must remember that is it still November! Have fun. --- What should be open today? (Weather permitting) Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be part open from 8:30am with the Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift taking folk up to the Ace Number 3 pair lift and the open Center Course. The last lift servicing the open run will be at 3:30pm and the last quad lift coming back down to base at 4pm. Lift tickets for 1 day are 2,000 yen for adults and 1,000 yen for children and seniors, and those charges are valid until 30th November. Niseko Annupuri also plans to be part open. The Annupuri Gondola starts moving at 8:30am, taking people up to the Jumbo Number 3 pair lift which is open from 8:45am until 3:15pm. The last Gondola down is at 3:30pm. 1 day lift tickets for this limited Niseko Annupuri opening are 2,100 yen for adults and seniors, and 1,300 yen for elementary school age children. --- Official resort snow depths as of Tuesday 29th November 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu Top - 95cm Base - 55cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 50cm Base - 30cm --- Planned season dates for the four main Niseko United ski resorts: Niseko Grand Hirafu: partly open already, until Sunday 7th May 2017 Niseko Annupuri: partly open already, until Sunday 7th May 2017 Niseko Hanazono: Saturday 3rd December 2016 until Sunday 2nd April 2017 Niseko Village: Thursday 1st December 2016 until Sunday 2nd April 2017 Night skiing is planned from Saturday 10th December until Monday 20th March 2017 at the Annupuri, Grand Hirafu and Village resort areas. Niseko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Tuesday 29th November 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 100cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (25th November) November 2016 snowfall 100cm 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 99cm Posted on Tuesday 29th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . There was a couple of centimetres of new snow on the ground this morning and it has continued snowing since but not as much as the forecast predicted. There is a reasonably significant wind blowing around at the moment but other than that it is a great day and the slopes that are open are in great condition. Later in the week the winds will increase to very strong levels and heavy rain is forecast at village level, but this is likely to be a significant snowfall on the mountain itself - fingers crossed for that one. Furano Zone is partially open with Furano Ropeway operating to upload and download skiers to and from the upper mountain. It is not possible to ski from the top to bottom of the mountain yet. The skiable lift is Downhill Romance no.2 chair and the skiable courses are the upper part of Sailer and Spies Course, and Shirakaba Course. Restaurant Downhill is open. Kitanomine Zone is closed. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Tuesday 29th November 2016 Total snowfall at base 99cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 99cm 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 27cm Posted on Tuesday 29th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . Hello from Shiga Kogen and it is a snowy morning here. Yesterday it was snowing pretty good in the morning but it eased off and left us with some really blowing winds for lots of the day. There has been about 4cm on the ground since my last report and it is currently snowing lightly, but it doesn't look like we can expect much more once the clouds clear. Yakebitaiyama have their opening day as 3rd December... but... looking at the same official information this morning, it looks like they are opening their Number 4 pair lift today with (part of) the 960m long South Course open. Yes, I'm unclear on that too, will have to go check... In the meantime, Kumanoyu remains open as it has been the last few days. Areas of Shiga Kogen currently open: A 600m long run at Kumanoyu area, serviced by one pair lift. Part of the 960m long South Course at Yakebitaiyama (apparently). Shiga Kogen Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Tuesday 29th November 2016 Total snowfall at base 27cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 11cm (24th November) November 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 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 9cm Posted on Tuesday 29th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Hello again from Zao, and there's another dusting of snow to report - well actually 2cm outside my place. It is continuing to snow now so fingers crossed there might be a bit more to come, especially as there doesn't look to be much beyond today in the coming week. I'll post my next report when there is any more fresh snowfall or any news. Zao Onsen will open as soon as there is enough snow. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Tuesday 29th November 2016 Total snowfall at base 9cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 2cm (on 10th, 24th, 25th and 29th November) November 2016 snowfall 9cm observed 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 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 2cm Posted on Tuesday 29th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Nozawa Now report can be found here . It's snowing again this morning. The resort have reported 10cm of fresh snowfall since yesterday afternoon on the top Yamabiko area, and here by base there is right now a modest speckled-like covering of white, though the snow that is falling is of the very wet variety. Still, it is better than being rained on and we have to start somewhere. Unfortunately the forecast isn't currently showing much in terms of snow to expect over the coming few days and if anything falls it will more than likely be rain rather than snow. Nozawa Onsen will open as soon as there is enough snow. Nozawa Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Tuesday 29th November 2016 Total snowfall at base 2cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 1cm (9th and 29th November) November 2016 snowfall 2cm 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 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 7cm Posted on Tuesday 29th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Just a quick note here, as the snow is slowly drifting down. Just a nice white dusting, but enough to give that tingle to the spine and that snow smell for the nose (why does snow smell different than rain?). It's that kind of snowy day that hints that we might really be in winter now, and that snow just might keep on coming (although the weather forecast courtesy of SnowJapan shows that the freezing line is going to be moving up the hill over the coming days - oh well). Just as a hint, check out the freezing level section of the weather report; precipitation can be hard to predict up here on the hill, but the freezing line prediction is pretty accurate and really helpful. Back when we get more accumulation! Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Tuesday 29th November 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 7cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 5cm (9th November) November 2016 snowfall 7cm 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 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