Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 64cm Posted on Wednesday 16th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . The weather has snapped back from a warmish spell that brought with it a fair amount of rain and cleaned up most of the snow lying around the village. Late last evening it started to snow heavily but soon eased up and there has just been a light flurry since. Overnight there has been 2cm of new snow. Today and tomorrow should see continuing light snow and cold temperatures. From Friday through to Sunday temperatures will rise above zero and there is some rain on the forecast, hopefully this will be snow at higher elevations on the mountain. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 16th November 2016 Total snowfall at base 64cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 64cm 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 62cm Posted on Monday 14th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . We are currently experiencing a blip in the wintery weather here in Furano. On Saturday morning there was 3cm of new snow but temperatures rose well above zero during the day and the snow around the village receded significantly. Sunday was also very warm with raining falling for the whole day which continued to melt the snow on the roads and gardens. Today started with a hard frost but temperatures quickly rose with the rising of the sun and temperatures are forecast to hit +8c later in the day. From evening until tomorrow morning heavy rain is forecast. The good news is that from Tuesday afternoon continuous snow is predicted through until Friday. Hopefully this will allow the resort to open on 19th November as planned. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Monday 14th November 2016 Total snowfall at base 62cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 62cm 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 18cm Snowfall at base this season 44cm Posted on Thursday 10th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I'm really not getting to enjoy much rest before the season starts! I am, however, enjoying seeing all of the fresh snow. I must say, I really wasn't expecting this much... perhaps I am not paying enough attention to the forecasts, or I am just not into the groove yet. For which I apologise. But anyway, there's a solid 18cm of fresh snow outside my place this morning and since my last report. This really is a very promising start to the pre-season. I have already reported 46cm of snowfall and there is still nearly two weeks left before the lifts plan to start moving. There's definitely going to be some decent depth of snow at higher elevations already and some people have been spotted walking up there. Might the ski resorts be tempted or able to open earlier than planned? Well, let's not get ahead of ourselves right now. We are still due for slightly warmer conditions into early next week, with more snowfall lined up on the forecast around Tuesday. Next report when I have more fresh snow to tell you about... --- Below are the planned dates for the four main resorts: Niseko Grand Hirafu: Wednesday 23rd November 2016 until Sunday 7th May 2017 Niseko Annupuri: Saturday 26th November 2016 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 Thursday 10th November 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 44cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (10th November) November 2016 snowfall 44cm 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 59cm Posted on Thursday 10th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . We have more snow to report in this update with a further 4cm accumulating on the ground overnight. There is a light breeze at the moment making things feel chilly when in reality it is only 0c on the thermometer. There is not much more snow on the weather map for the rest of the week, and Saturday through Monday it is expected temperatures will rise into the low positives and bring a little rain with it. The original opening date of 26 November 2016 has been reviewed and Furano Ski Area now plans to open on 19 November 2016, subject to snow and weather conditions permitting. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 10th November 2016 Total snowfall at base 59cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 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 Shiga Kogen region of Nagano New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 10cm Posted on Thursday 10th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Shiga Kogen Now report can be found here . I'm very pleased to be able to start the reports for the 2016/2017 season. Last season was a strange one, as I remember all too well having to report on it every day. So fingers crossed that the coming season will be one of much more snowfall and much more consistent conditions. There has already been a few snowfalls on the mountains here, with the first creeping down to base areas on 1st November, though no cm to report. We enjoyed a run of days with clearer weather since then, until yesterday morning when I woke up and there was 6cm on the top of my car. Oh yes, it felt good to be wiping snow off the car. No doubt there was more snow in higher areas up on the slopes of course and the snow continued throughout the day, along with some strong winds blowing about as well. So my first snowfall report for the season in total since yesterday is a decent 10cm, with the chance of a bit more falling overnight tonight as well (though it may be rain in lower areas). The first ski lift movement of the season should be on Saturday 19th November, if there is enough snow of course. After that there's an opening ceremony on Saturday 3rd December and then the 'grand open' (everywhere open?) on Friday 23rd December. Lets see what the weather brings. I will post a few more reports before the season gets going. Shiga Kogen Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 10th November 2016 Total snowfall at base 10cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 10cm (10th November) November 2016 snowfall 10cm reported on 1 day 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 2cm Posted on Thursday 10th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Zao Now report can be found here . Hello and a very good afternoon to you from here in Zao Onsen. It has been a beautiful autumn - it always is! - and in recent weeks and days it has been getting decidedly colder. And after a few dustings of snow coming down to near village level, this morning we were treated to a few cm of snow in the village. It was cold too, early on in particular, with temperatures down below zero. It is definitely feeling like winter is definitely just around the corner, if not here already. I am hearing that this snowfall in the village is about 10 days earlier than last season - though last season may not be the best comparison, it being a disappointing season all round snow-wise. It looks like there is a chance of more snow tonight as well, though it may just be rain here at base. I will post more reports if and when it snows, and then my reports will be daily as the ski season gets started. Zao Onsen is planning on opening at the beginning of December. Zao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 10th November 2016 Total snowfall at base 2cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 2cm (on 10th November) November 2016 snowfall 2cm observed on 1 day 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 Hakuba region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 0cm Posted on Thursday 10th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Hakuba Now report can be found here . Good morning and a cheery hello from Hakuba. It has been 6 months since my last Hakuba Now report at the end of the 15-16 season, and here we are now with the 16-17 season just ahead of us. Everyone in Hakuba, and everyone who loves Hakuba of course, are excitedly looking forward to what 16-17 has in store. We are all hoping that it will be a lot of consistent snowfall and excellent conditions. I'll take you through the season with my daily reports, so let's see! It was snowing yesterday. I was over at the base of Hakuba 47 and while it the snow was not sticking down to village level, it felt good to have snow falling on my head once again. This morning it is cloudy but we may get some sunshine later on, though it is going to remain chilly. Overnight it will probably be raining down here but more snow is forecast for up on the mountains. After that slightly warmer conditions are forecast (10 degrees and slightly above) as well as a decent chance of sunny conditions again into at least early next week. Here are the official planned season opening dates as I have been able to find. Of course, they are all subject to change depending on what happens weather-wise: Hakuba Happo-one: from 19th November Hakuba 47: from late November Hakuba Goryu: from late November Tsugaike Kogen: from 28th November Hakuba Cortina: from 10th December Hakuba Norikura Onsen: from mid December Hakuba Iwatake Snow Field: from 16th December Hakuba Sanosaka: from mid December I will post more reports if and when it snows before the season starts, and then the reports will be daily throughout the season. Hakuba Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Thursday 10th November 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 0cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 0 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 0cm November 2016 snowfall 0cm 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 5cm Posted on Wednesday 9th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . It's still more than a month until the ski areas have their scheduled openings (and all you people making early-season reservations: it's iffy until around Christmas, and often not so great even then), but it is snowing, so I have to make a report! We're got about 5cm on the ground of good, heavy, wet, early-season snow, and it's coming down pretty steadily at the moment. The forecast is for up to about 10cm, which looks about right. The roads are pretty wet, so all of us who haven't put on our snow tires are still OK (although I did see some tire tracks for someone who couldn't make it up the long slope up to the ski area, and decided to turn around). Does it really predict the season ahead? Probably not, but there's something special about that snow smell, and the first minus temperature on the car's display (hey, it's the first "on the ground" data I get every day). It's also amazing to see the jungle of sasa — the grass bamboo — getting flattened down almost immediately. If you visit here in the summer, you know how green and lush it is. Then we all forget when everything is under meters of snow )and the reverse, too. We forget how green it gets when everything is white for a long time). Not a lot of changes to report locally. The lift ticket prices were released, and there's only a tiny increase in the rates. So we remain a true bargain; great value for your snow dollar. Or yen. I suspect it will be a few weeks before I'm back with any snow news, but you never know. But, yes, that first snowfall does make things exciting.... Myoko Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 9th November 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 5cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 5cm (9th November) November 2016 snowfall 5cm reported on 1 day 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 26cm Posted on Wednesday 9th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here More snow! This is very nice. Another 8cm of lovely snow on the ground at my measuring point this morning and very cold this morning. Feels like the coldest so far this season. The snow quality looks pretty good too, even down here at base, so I can imagine some good things happening up there higher up. As I think I mentioned in my last report, we do expect things to get less cold and maybe sunny tomorrow and there's not much snow on the forecast over the coming week after tomorrow morning. Though early season forecasts have certainly been known to not be right before. --- Just 2 weeks now from the first ski lifts (planned) opening in Niseko. Below are the planned dates for the four main resorts: Niseko Grand Hirafu: Wednesday 23rd November 2016 until Sunday 7th May 2017 Niseko Annupuri: Saturday 26th November 2016 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 9th November 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 26cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 11cm (5th November) November 2016 snowfall 26cm 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 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 55cm Posted on Wednesday 9th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Yesterday the village was pelted by a significant amount of rain, and temperatures rose up to +6c. Things cooled down in the evening and by this morning it was pretty cold again and temperatures have remain negative all through the day. There was 4cm of new snow on the ground in the morning and another 6cm has fallen during the day. The forecast is for the snow to continue through tomorrow, but ease off in the evening. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 9th November 2016 Total snowfall at base 55cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 55cm 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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 4cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature - Visibility Limited Posted on Wednesday 9th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . After a long break and a good re-charge, it is nearly winter time once again here in Nagano Prefecture - and time for me to get ready to post my snow reports. And how about this? Snow on the ground! I was actually down in Iiyama overnight and this morning driving up to Madarao was a bit dicey in my car. You see, I haven't changed to my snow tyres yet, something that I now regret. But the mountain is looking white and there was 4cm on the ground. It is still really early of course, and this snow will melt away and we'll see more autumn-like warmer days again. So winter surely hasn't set in properly just yet, but it is a good sign. Madarao Kogen is one of the resorts that usually waits for a decent base and a set opening date in mid December to open up for the season. The official opening date for Madarao Kogen this season is Saturday 17th December. So hopefully by then, hopefully there will be a really good base building up by then. Who knows, how about an early opening? (Just wishing). It's all looking positive though for a good start to the 16-17 season. 15-16 was disappointing in many regions of Japan... here's to a real bounce-back-to-form 16-17 season. I will post more Madarao Now reports when there is further snowfall, and then the reports will be updating daily once the ski lifts start moving. Madarao Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Wednesday 9th November 2016 Total snowfall at base 4cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 4cm (on 9th November) November 2016 snowfall 4cm reported on 1 day 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 Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 32cm Snowfall at base this season 45cm Posted on Tuesday 8th November 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . Over the last few days Furano has been blessed with significant early season snowfalls. On Saturday 12cm was recorded in the Kitanomine village, followed by a further 15cm on Sunday morning. This morning a further 5cm accumulated on the ground. At the moment the snow has changed into light rain and this will persist until evening when the precipitation should revert back to snow. Wednesday looks like it will deliver moderate snowfalls again. The cooler temperatures combined with the early season snow has meant that the ski area has been able to retain and compound the early season snow. The upper mountain on the Furano Zone has been compacted and groomed and is looking fantastic. The resort had set an official opening date for Furano Ski Area of 26 November 2016. However with the current amount of snow on the resort, this date has been reviewed and the resort now plans to bring the opening date forward by one week to 19 November 2016, subject to snow and weather conditions permitting. Attached to this report are two photos taken yesterday. Furano Now 2016-2017 season Data as of Tuesday 8th November 2016 Total snowfall at base 45cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 32cm (8th November) November 2016 snowfall 45cm 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 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