Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 32cm Snowfall at base this season 858cm Weather overview Cloud and snow Wind Moderate Temperature -9C base / -14C top Visibility Generally poor Posted at 9:26am on Friday 18th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here The clearer skies didn't last. They tend not to here in Niseko. Not only did the clouds move back in but they brought us another whopping amount of fresh snow overnight. How does 30-35cm sound? Sounds good to me. And that's here in the village, not on the mountain. Let's imagineing how much more fell up there! Whatever the number there's really only one thing that matters and that yet another lage delivery of light fresh Niseko powder has fallen since those sunny skies yesterday morning. I haven't done the numbers but we must surely be close to 9m of snowfall here now. Any guesses as to how much up top? In Monday's report, I mentioned that the JMA snow fall in Kutchan number for January so far was 159cm. This morning it stands at 194cm... and I'm not even sure if that takes into account this morning's new snow. Anyway, enough of numbers. What's with the weather? Well, it's snowing. For a change! -9C, so temperatures have been fairly consistent of late. Generally poor visibility out on the mountain this morning. And happily while there is a wind, it doesn't seem to be hindering people's enjoyment this morning as all resort lifts seem to be operating as planned. The only exception at the moment is a late start by the Swinging Monkey lift at Niseko Grand Hirafu. They might be digging it out from the snow. (Actually, officially it is late due to maintenance). More of the same on the forecast for tomorrow with snowfall perhaps easing off later in the day and Sunday. Simply fantastic conditions here at moment. Can you tell I'm excited? Time to get out on the snow I think... Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 18th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 858cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 56 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 322cm 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 Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 786cm Weather overview Fine Wind Moderate to strong Temperature -6C base / -13C top Visibility Good Posted at 9:39am on Tuesday 15th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Lovely conditions yesterday on the mountain - great snow conditions, great weather and fine visibility. This all while on the news we were watching people in Tokyo coping with 10cm of snowfall. Obviously they are not quite as well equipped as we are up here, and so it looks like it was causing considerable problems. Anyway this morning we have a shockingly small amount of snow since yesterday in Niseko - less than in Tokyo! - with just a few cm to report. Winds are messing us about again this morning though with top lifts out of action. In yesterdays report I remember saying we were in for a few days of 'calm' conditions. Oops! Clearer skies, yes, but not calm with the wind today I'm afraid. The top lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu (Ace Number 4 and King Number 3 & 4) are not moving. King Number 2 operating at reduced speed early on; the top lift at Hanazono is also not open. At Niseko Village the top Wonderland Chair is not operating and the Niseko Gondola is operating at reduced speeds. At Annupuri, the Gondola was not moving early on but has since started, but the top Jumbo Number 4 is still stationary. They are reporting winds of up to 21m/s up at the top of Annupuri there. Wind aside, looks set to be another fine day. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 15th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 786cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 53 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 250cm reported on 15 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 783cm Weather overview Cloud, clearing up Wind Light Temperature -7C base / -12C top Visibility Good Posted at 10:02am on Monday 14th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Right now a temperature of -7C outside. Earlier on it was snowing lightly but right now it has stopped and we are increasingly seeing clouds clear up and more blue sky appear. The sun is out and we look set to have a fine day here. Snowfall is never that far away though and we might get another sprinkling tonight, but generally we look set to enjoy a few days of calm conditions. Not much wind about means all the lifts are up and running and gates should be open. Let's take another look at snowfall numbers. So far, adding up the numbers on these reports we come to over 8m of snow fallen here in the Hirafu area since the beginning of the season. 800cm! For Kutchan town, the official JMA snowfall number for January 2013 stands at 159cm at the moment. Remember, for the whole of January 2012 the number was 290cm, and January 2011 it was an impressive 420cm. We'll keep you updated on that from time to time. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 14th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 783cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 247cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 826cm Weather overview Clear and sunny Wind Light Temperature -10C base / -12C top Visibility Very good Posted at 9:18am on Thursday 17th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. How about another 20cm or so of new snow this morning? Sounds good? It just keeps on coming. It's cold, cold morning in Hirafu here with temperatures down to minus double digits. Not much of a wind and all lifts on the mountain resorts opened as planned. The sun is out and we have some nice clear blue skies above us. The forecast has clouds and possible snow later on today so it may well not last. For now at least it is a very good day to be out playing in the snow. All is good. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 17th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 826cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 55 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 290cm reported on 17 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 916cm Weather overview Cloudy, snow Wind Moderate to strong Temperature 2C base / -8C top Visibility Variable Posted at 9:38am on Friday 25th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have some new snow to report. Yes, about 10cm or so of it. It started snowing in the evening yesterday. We're still not back into prime Niseko weather though as it's very mild this morning. Above zero in fact, and currently the resort is saying +2C at base though down to around -8C up top. 10cm is good to report but that's on top of conditions we had until today and so not enough to cover up the harder conditions underneath it. Extra care needed as looks can be deceiving. Hopefully we'll get a decent amount today. Until not long ago it was just being generally grey and overcast this morning but I'm happy to report that it has started snowing once again and that the forecast is for the weather conditions to 'deteriorate' as the day goes on. Heavy snow is expected which of course is great. But along with it strong winds, which is less good. But we can't have it all, all of the time! There's already a moderate wind even at village level and stronger winds are affecting lift operations on the mountain. Niseko Annupuri is reporting a wind speed of 17m/s at the top area of the resort. Due to the wind, none of the top lifts are moving early this morning: Hanazono - just the lower quad lift is currently operating. Niseko Grand Hirafu - at the time of writing just the Ace Family, Ace Number 1 and Holiday Number 1 lifts are operating as normal. The Ace Number 2 Center Four lift is moving at reduced speed and the King Number 1 lift due to open at about 10am. Other lifts waiting (very possibly in vain today) for winds to change. Niseko Village - the lower Bandai Chair, Morino Chair and Community Chair lifts are operating. Niseko Annupuri - the lower Jumbo Number 1 and Jumbo Number 2 lifts are moving at reduced speed. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 25th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 916cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 60 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 380cm reported on 22 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 45cm Snowfall at base this season 966cm Weather overview Blue skies with some cloud Wind Strong Temperature -3C base / -8C top Visibility Very good Posted at 9:24am on Sunday 27th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Tons of snow in the afternoon yesterday along with some wild conditions out on the mountain. I think some of the Australia Day parties might have started a bit early yesterday! More snow to add to that this morning and there must be up to half a metre of so of freshly delivered stuff piled up this morning. Strong winds both yesterday and today means that it's going to be more in places and less in other places, making extra caution advised out on the mountain this morning as it's going to be more difficult to read than usual. Generally though, it's going to be deep. Which sounds like a lot of fun. And the clouds have cleared up quite quickly and right now while cloud still covers the top of Yotei-san, there's some lovely blue sky over the mountain. Unfortunately, the whole mountain isn't going to be open due to the strong winds. Annupuri and Niseko Village both reporting winds of up to 20m/s, with the Niseko Grand Hirafu side also up to 18m/s on upper elevations. None of the top lifts are open, with lift operations at the moment looking like this: Niseko Grand Hirafu - Ace Family, Ace Number 1, Ace Number 2 Center Four (reduced speed), Holiday Number 1 pair, Hirafu Gondola (reduced speed) and King Number 1 (from 10am). Niseko Hanazono - Hanazono Number 1, Hanazono Number 2 Niseko Annupuri - Jumbo Number 1 and Jumbo Number 2. Family lift planned to open today. Niseko Village - Banzai Chair, Morino Chair, Community Chair Subject to change of course. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 27th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 966cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 62 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 430cm reported on 24 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 921cm Weather overview Cloudy Wind Light Temperature -11C base / -14C top Visibility Fair Posted at 9:10am on Saturday 26th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Well not much snow to report this morning, just 5cm or so around the Hirafu village since my last report. It's a very, very cold morning here which is a real contrast with yesterday. How does -15C grab you? That's what my trusted thermometer told me earlier, with Grand Hirafu reporting -11C at base and -15C up top. Less wind today as well and it seems that lifts on the mountain are mostly operating as normal. The top Hanazono quad is running at a reduced speed but other than that, all open for the weekend. Strong winds are forecast for the region a bit later on this morning though, along with snowfall, so changes are possible and probable. For now though fairly calm and just generally cloudy conditions. As noted below it seems most of the Gates will be closed today with the snow pack as it is now. Let's see how the day turns out. Have a good one. Oh yes, today is Australia Day. There might just be one or two Australians in Niseko at the moment, so I'm sure they will be out having a good time tonight! Should be a lively one. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 26th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 921cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 61 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 385cm reported on 23 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 906cm Weather overview Cloudy, overcast Wind Light to moderate Temperature -5C base / -7C top Visibility Good Posted at 8:56am on Thursday 24th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Blimey, another Niseko Now report without any new snow to report. What's going on!? Bit lost for words. But seriously... Yesterday was another day to enjoy some sun and spectacular scenery. Which is great, but I think most of us just want more snow. It got real cold last night, down to around -15C but as we are approaching 9am it is about -7C now. This morning it's a more cloudy and overcast start to the day, but having said that the sun has been peeking through in places. But I reckon the clouding over will continue as I bring some... Good news! The snow we are waiting for is nearly here. Probably starting before the end of the day today and then looking likely to set in once more through into next week. Heavy snowfall is likely tomorrow and Saturday, though it will probably be accompanied by strong winds as well, so we can totally expect lift operations on the mountain to be affected. It might even get real windy later on in the day today, but for now lifts on the mountain seem to all be opening as normal. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 24th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 906cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 59 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 370cm reported on 21 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 979cm Weather overview Cloud, rain Wind Light Temperature 4C base / -1C top Visibility Fair to good Posted at 8:43am on Saturday 2nd February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. Actually, it's not really a good morning. It's quite miserable really. Wet, grey and windy. Let's go back to yesterday. It was warm and grey, a showing of light snowfall from time to time. Rain started to come down properly earlier this morning and it continues now, agonisingly further spoiling our precious snow! It's +4C here at the moment which is obviously way too warm. What's more, strong winds are affecting lift operations with the top lifts at each of the resorts on hold this morning due to the conditions. The gondola at Niseko Village is also not moving this morning. All the signs really of one of those rare days when a fair few people will opt out to do something else. If you do wish to venture out, be aware of the risks. Avalanche warnings are out and as the report below suggests, it's probably a day for the groomers. Or an onsen. I know you want some good news and I have some of that as well. Hurray! Yes, looks like it should get cold later on today quick quickly to be followed by snow. Possibly heavy snowfall. That's more like it. At the risk of being a bit gloomy today, I need to also add that strong winds are very likely tomorrow as well as the snow. Take care and have fun where you can find it. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: +3C, rain melting snow. Moiwa 800m: SE10m/s gusts, -1C, wet snowfall and bad visibility with development of snowdrifts. Annupuri peak: WNW14.9m/s, -38C. Coastal data: S23m/s, 1.5m waves and 998hPa. A strong warm air mass is flowing in due to the approaching low-pressure system. Rain below 500m altitude and wet snow above 600m. Heavy snowdrifts are developing in various areas and heavy slabs are likely to slide in areas above 800m. Cracks are forming and enlarging in steep slopes below 500m. Full-depth avalanches risk will rise as the rain infiltrates between the ground and the snowpack. Wet & heavy slabs are likely to slide under lift-lines and gullies. All gates will be closed today due to high risk of avalanches. The snow is heavy and difficult to control; be prudent. Better stay on the groomers today. Do not duck ropes and have a safe day. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 2nd February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 979cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 64 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (27th January) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 443cm reported on 26 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 903cm Weather overview Cloud, some sun Wind Moderate on mountain Temperature -2C base / -8C top Visibility Good Posted at 10:13am on Sunday 20th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just about 10cm of snow this morning to report from base here. It is a milder morning here in Niseko and only about -3C here at the moment. The closest we have been to positive numbers in a while. Things are fairly calm and there is just a slight wind, but more moderate winds higher up on the mountain. Not enough to prevent the lifts from opening as planned. As yesterday, it seems only the top Hanazono lift and the King Number 3 lifts at Grand Hirafu are operating at reduce speed. It was snowing earlier on but has eased off now and as I type this out - from Hanazono this morning - there is a lot of cloud around but the sun is casting shadows down on the lower slopes. I can see a break in the clouds as well and some blue skies. Cloud and light snow actually on the forecast, but perhaps we are on for an early clearing? It does look like we are due a run of days with little or no snow and the chance of more sunny, clearer skies this coming week, with snow due back later in the week. I thought it worth reminding you about the early operations that Niseko Grand Hirafu are running every day right through until 3rd Febraury: If you want to get out just that bit earlier in a morning to enjoy all the fresh snow, you might appreciate the extra minutes available at Niseko Grand Hirafu and their 'Early Morning' service. For 500 yen (or free if you are a Grand Hirafu club member), you can jump on the Ace Number 2 Center Four lift from 8:00am and ride down the Super, Furiko, Green, Aplen and Sennoki courses before anyone else turns up. Note that a normal lift ticket is not valid during that time. Previously, I mentioned that this was running until 3rd March - the actual correct date is 3rd February. Sorry for that mistake.... I have edited the previous report to reflect this. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 20th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 903cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 58 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 367cm reported on 20 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 35cm Snowfall at base this season 893cm Weather overview Snow Wind Moderate Temperature -5C base / -10C top Visibility OK Posted at 9:30am on Saturday 19th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Dear oh dear oh dear. What can I say! We have another 30-35cm or so of snow to report from Hirafu this morning. It's almost getting silly. But silly is good, and it's silly amounts of snow we have once again this morning. The snow continues to fall this morning. It's not as cold as yesterday and about -5C outside here now, with just a slight wind. There more moderate winds on the mountain though, with Annupuri reporting a north-westerly 17.9m/s blowing on the peak over there. Ski lifts on the mountain seem to be mostly unaffected by the wind though with seemingly only the King Number 3 at Grand Hirafu and the Hanazono Number 3 lift at Hanazono operating at reduced speeds. Top lifts all open and apparently Gates 1, 4 and 6 are scheduled to open in the afternoon. Cloudy skies and snow falling from the skies at the moment, but visibility seems mostly decent out there. The forecast is still saying snow to ease off and perhaps leave us with just cloudy conditions today and tomorrow. This being Niseko though and the snow is never that far away of course. I was just looking back at the snow depth numbers reported by the ski resorts on the mountain last year. On 19th January 2012, Grand Hirafu was saying 345cm up top and 180cm at base. Today, one year on, those numbers are 430cm and 250cm. Interesting. Please keep an eye on the Avalanche Information (posted below) for more on any dangers to expect out there. Be sure to be prepared and careful as well as enjoying yourself. It's all too easy to get caught up in the excitement of the excellent snow we are enjoying but it's important to keep the potential dangers in mind as well. Enjoy! Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 19th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 893cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 57 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 357cm 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 Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 906cm Weather overview Fine Wind Light Temperature -4C base / -9C top Visibility Very good Posted at 8:55am on Tuesday 22nd January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Beautiful weather yesterday in Niseko with clear blue skies and stunning views on show. Warmer than we expect and want. Snow conditions of course not at their best in these conditions - there was even some slushy-like conditions later on in the day out there, though especially earlier on in the day the groomers were a lot of fun. There is no new snowfall to report this morning from Niseko, so we are going to have to wait for a refill and freshening up of conditions. It seems we might have to ride out a few more days of similar relatively mild conditions with no or little new snow for the next few days. Late Thursday and into Friday looks like it brings with it good potential for colder temperatures and heavy snow and that should continue through the coming weekend according to the latest forecast information. All resorts on the mountain are open as normal this morning and there's not much of a wind. There's a more overcast feel to proceedings early on this morning than yesterday but still I would guess we will see a fair bit of the sun today. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 22nd January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 906cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 59 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (10th, 11th, 19th December) November 2012 snowfall 118cm reported on 11 days December 2012 snowfall 418cm reported on 27 days January 2013 snowfall 370cm reported on 21 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