Independent snow and weather reporting from the Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 29cm Posted on Sunday 11th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Morning from Hakuba. I had some fine turns yesterday at Hakuba 47 - it is great to be able to do that on 10th December. May it be a long and particularly snowy season. Light snow is falling here this morning in the village with lots of cloud and resorts are reporting up to 20cm of fresh on the slopes this morning with a bit on the ground at base areas. Tomorrow we are expecting some sunshine and with it being Monday it should be an excellent day to get out there. Snowfall is due back according to the forecasts and the forecast is looking very promising. It's looking like a good chance we will get rained on around Tuesday, but that will be turning into snowfall and especially at higher elevations there might be quite a lot of it falling. We still have the large four resorts part open this morning along with Kashimayari doing it's 'pre-open' thing before officially opening fully for the season next weekend. Hopefully by next weekend with fresh snow lined up we'll be seeing much more open. Bring it on, as they say! Hakuba 47: Hakuba 47 is currently part open. Gondola downloading required. The resort is reporting 5cm of fresh snow since yesterday evening. 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 5 - Route 6 - Route 8 (Lower) Hakuba Goryu: Hakuba Goryu is currently part open. Gondola downloading required. The resort is reporting 5cm of fresh snow on the upper slopes. Lift & course info: The Gondola and the Alps Number 1 and 3 lifts are operating. The following courses are open: - Grand Prix - Panorama Official snow depth Alps: 65cm Toomi: -cm Iimori: -cm Hakuba Happo-one: Hakuba Happo-one is currently part open. Lift & course info: The Adam Gondola, Alpen Quad, Panorama pair, Kokusai Number 3 pair and Kurobishi Number 2 quad lifts are operating. Gondola downloading required. The following courses are at least part open: - Kurobishi - Usagidaira - Panorama Official snow depth: Usagidaira: 85cm 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 at least part open: - Han-no-ki - Tsuga-no-mori Official snow depth: Tsuga-no-mori: 85cm Han-no-ki: 90cm Oya-no-hara: 20cm Kane-no-naru-oka: -cm Hakuba Cortina: Hakuba Cortina is currently part open. The resort is reporting 10-20cm of fresh snowfall. Lift info: The Number 2 quad lift and Number 4 pair lifts are operating. The following courses are at least part open: - Ikenoda - Mt Hieda Rinkan - Mt Hieda 1 - Itadaria Official snow depth: Top: 110cm Base: 40cm Kashmayari: Kashimayari will be part open today ('pre-open') before the official opening on Saturday 17th December. Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field plans to open from Friday 16th December. Hakuba Norikura Onsen: Hakuba Norikura Onsen plans to open from Saturday 17th December. Hakuba Sanosaka: Hakuba Sanosaka plans to open from Saturday 17th December. Please note that Yanaba ski hill will not be opening for the 2016-2017 season Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Sunday 11th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 29cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (8th December) November 2016 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2016 snowfall 28cm 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 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 17cm Snowfall at base this season 54cm Posted on Sunday 11th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Good morning everybody! Well the last 24 hours have seen the heaviest snowfall so far for this season. There is fresh powder and face shots for all. On top of this it doesn't look as though the snow is stopping anytime soon with snow forecast every day for the coming week. Good job with those prayers to the snow gods everyone. It has obviously paid off. Only two lifts are running today however the ski trails have opened up far more than yesterday, meaning there is way more terrain to ride. There is also much less chance of hitting bottom from now on as we have a decent base of snow on the mountain. Today only beginner lift No.4 and High Speed No. 5 are running. Night skiing is planned to run tonight. Naeba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Sunday 11th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 54cm Number of days snowfall observed 7 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 17cm (11th December) November 2016 snowfall 17cm observed on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 37cm 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 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 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 13cm Snowfall at base this season 183cm Posted on Saturday 10th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Good morning on a Saturday, and what a great day it is looking. The news today is that the resort has opened another lift. This time it is the Prince Romance lift for beginners. Night skiing will also start from tonight on this lift with the Prince Romance Course being the night skiing course for now, and open until 19:30pm. Lift operations aside there is good news on the snow front too, with 13cm of very light snow blanketing the village this morning. The weather is moderate snow with low cloud, but no wind. The snow should continue all day and the forecast is saying that tonight will be the heaviest fall. Fingers crossed we wake up tomorrow to find the same as today or better. Furano Ropeway 8:30am-15:00pm. Furano Downhill Romance 2 chairlift 8:40am-15:00pm. Furano Downhill Romance 3 chairlift 9:00am-15:00pm. Prince Romance chairlift 9:00am-19:30pm. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 10th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 183cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 110cm reported on 19 days December 2016 snowfall 73cm 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 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 65cm Posted on Saturday 10th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . More snow in Shiga Kogen this morning and at least 15cm piled up and more coming down nicely now. As far as I can tell there are no major changes to report in terms of resort operations, but if this snow continues today and tomorrow as forecast I would expect there to be some. Shiga Kogen Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 10th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 65cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 15cm (10th December) November 2016 snowfall 27cm reported on 5 days December 2016 snowfall 38cm 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 26cm Posted on Saturday 10th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Just 2cm of fresh snow this morning but with a bit more of the resort opening - namely part of Uwanodai area. It is still very limited though as we wait for more snow to accumulate, and if the forecast is correct we should be seeing more during the day today and through tomorrow as well. After that later on in the week. At 11am this morning the ceremony for a safe season will be held at the resort (Uwanodai) Lifts that are planned to be operating today at Zao Onsen: Zao Ropeway Chuo Ropeway Sky Cable Mikari Pair Chuo Number 1 pair AB Onsen Number 1 pair Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 10th December 2016 Total snowfall at base 26cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 9cm (on 8th December) November 2016 snowfall 11cm observed on 6 days December 2016 snowfall 15cm observed 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 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 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 23cm Posted on Saturday 10th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Morning from Hakuba. There's a lot happening this morning with more snow to report, more resorts opening, more lifts starting up for the season and more courses opening up. I have updated all of the information available below and will continue to do that in my reports every day, so do keep an eye on that for the latest. With snow falling from the skies, things can change during a day with the resorts wanting to get as much open as possible as quickly as possible... as you would, of course! Anyway, yes, it has been snowing again and I measure 6cm on the ground at base and resorts are reporting 20cm of fresh on higher elevations. The forecast has more snow on and off today and tomorrow, perhaps some sun on Monday and then back to snow by mid-week. I'm off out to check out that fresh snow. All information as available and subject to change during the day due to weather and snow conditions Hakuba 47: Hakuba 47 is open from this morning. The resort is reporting 10-20cm of fresh snow. Lift & course info: The Gondola, Line A and Line C lifts are operating. The following courses are open: - Route 1 Upper - Route 2 - Route 3 - Route 5 - Route 6 - Route 8 (Lower) Hakuba Goryu: Hakuba Goryu is currently part open. The resort is reporting 15cm of fresh snow on the upper slopes. Lift & course info: The Gondola open from 8:15am until 4:00pm and the Alps Number 1 and 3 lifts are operating. The upper Grand Prix and Panorama courses are open. Official snow depth Alps: 60cm Toomi: -cm Iimori: -cm Hakuba Happo-one: Hakuba Happo-one is currently part open. Lift & course info: The Adam Gondola, Alpen Quad, Kokusai Number 3 pair lift, Panorama pair lift and Kurobishi Number 2 quad lifts are operating. The following courses are at least part open: - Kurobishi - 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 Han-no-ki and Tsuga-no-mori courses are open. Official snow depth: Han-no-ki: 68cm Maruyama: -cm Kane-no-naru-oka: -cm Hakuba Cortina: Hakuba Cortina is currently part open. Lift info: The Number 2 quad lift and Number 4 pair lifts are operating. Official snow depth: Kashmayari: Kashimayari will be part open today and Sunday 11th December ('pre-open') before the official opening on Saturday 17th December. Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field plans to open from Friday 16th December. Hakuba Norikura Onsen: Hakuba Norikura Onsen plans to open from Saturday 17th December. Hakuba Sanosaka: Hakuba Sanosaka plans to open from Saturday 17th December. Please note that Yanaba ski hill will not be opening for the 2016-2017 season Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 10th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 23cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 12cm (8th December) November 2016 snowfall 1cm reported on 1 day December 2016 snowfall 22cm 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 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 13cm Snowfall at base this season 37cm Posted on Saturday 10th December 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Naeba Now report can be found here . Welcome to the first day of the season in Naeba! It has been snowing overnight and has continued this morning so there is lots of fresh snow to enjoy! Looks like the great start to the season we have been looking forward to is finally here! Grab your skis and snowboards and　enjoy the fresh snow! Please stick to the marked ski areas today as there is not a large snow base outside of these areas. Opening, lift & other notes Today only beginner lift 4 and high speed 5 are running. Naeba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Saturday 10th December 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 37cm Number of days snowfall observed 6 days Most snowfall observed on 1 day 13cm (10th December) November 2016 snowfall 17cm observed on 4 days December 2016 snowfall 20cm 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 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 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 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