Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 620cm Posted on Monday 1st February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning to you and this morning I have another 12cm of fresh snowfall overnight to report which makes for a decent start to February. The last day of January saw some nice blue skies in the morning with clouds moving in and then some fresh snow falling. Snowfall overnight is the kind I like best - fill in the tracks... reset the mountain... nice. (Just one thing, bring us 20+cm each night, ok?) Actually, I see that the Avalanche Report is reporting 20+cm on the mountain. So all is good. It is another very cold morning here, but I doubt that will put people off wanting to get up for early tracks and enjoy the conditions. Snow continues to fall and I expect visibility to be somewhat limited in places at the moment but once again the snow is expected to stop and leave us with a cloudy day; perhaps even a bit of blue sky again? The Hanazono webcam is showing hints of that just now... The Early Morning lift service at Niseko Grand Hirafu has now finished for the season. It sounds a bit odd thinking about things already finishing up for the season, but then we can remember that lifts and runs are scheduled to be open until early May. So like I mentioned yesterday, we have over 3 months to go! --- So here we are in February 2016 already and it's time for my monthly look back - and forward - to see where we stand this season. First of all, here are my observed snowfall numbers. As always, recorded here near Hirafu base: Observed snowfall during January 2016: 303cm Observed snowfall during January 2015: 257cm Observed snowfall during January 2014: 461cm Total observed snowfall for the 15/16 season up until end January 2016: 611cm Total observed snowfall for the 14/15 season up until end January 2015: 806cm Total observed snowfall for the 13/14 season up until end January 2014: 859cm So I observed nearly 50cm more snowfall during January 2016 than I did in January 2015, but it was still over 1.5m less than in January 2014. Looking at the season as a whole, we are still 2-2.5m behind the previous two seasons - the main reason this time round of course being the late/poor start to the season. How will February shape up? Here's what I observed last season and the one before: February 2015: 196cm February 2014: 178cm I always like to emphasise this so forgive me for repeating it. More snow falls higher up on the mountain than does here at base. The popular thinking is that there's probably up to/around 1.5 times the amount up there. It would of course be ideal to be able to report a number from there as well, but unfortunately it's just not possible to do that every morning... Let's also take a look at the official snowfall numbers that are published by the Japan Meteorological Agency. These numbers are taken from their point in Kutchan town which is a bit lower than here at Hirafu base, so you would expect them to be less than the snow that I observe myself. January 2016: 246cm January 2015: 230cm January 2014: 317cm January 2013: 268cm January 2012: 290cm January 2011: 420cm January 2010: 331cm January 2009: 286cm January 2008: 336cm 15/16 season so far at end of January 2016: 476cm 14/15 season so far at end of January 2015: 658cm 13/14 season so far at end of January 2014: 674cm 12/13 season so far at end of January 2013: 672cm 11/12 season so far at end of January 2012: 721cm 10/11 season so far at end of January 2011: 668cm 09/10 season so far at end of January 2010: 680cm 08/09 season so far at end of January 2009: 612cm 07/08 season so far at end of January 2009: 621cm It is a 'danto' (mild winter) season for most of Japan this time around. Lots of popular ski regions - mostly on the main island of Honshu - are this season getting much less snowfall than they usually enjoy. Take a look at the Yuzawa Now report today and tomorrow for some similar 'analysis' of what is going on down there. Last season the Yuzawa Now reports recorded over 13m of snowfall, which was actually over 1.5m more than I observed for these Niseko Now reports! Happily for us up here in Hokkaido, we have been doing well once the season got going and have enjoyed regular fresh snowfall for the most part. But still, for the season so far we also have been getting less snowfall than we usually get. Let's hope that February brings with it some good numbers - not just for here in Niseko, but for all of the ski resort regions of Japan. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -10°C, 20cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: NE8m/s, 20cm new snow, snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -12.9°C, WSW2.7m/s, 30cm new snow, snow drift development. Annupuri 1150m: -15°C, NW15m/s, 20cm new snow, snow drift development. Hirafu 1000m -16°C, 20cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW13m/s. Kamui Cape WNW6m/s, 1019hPa, wave 1.3m. Currently we under the influence of typical winter weather pattern. Light winds and snow continue, On upper sections of leeward slopes above 700m, there has been 40cm of snowdrift growth. Above 900m snowdrift growth has been faster, forming soft slabs likely to fracture on the Jan 30 layer. From observation and data, general avalanche risk is low, but risk can be higher depending on aspect and elevation. Avoid cornices and knolls. All gates are expected to be open. If you ignore Niseko Rules and enter Strictly Off Limits areas expect to be banned from all Niseko ski areas. For your own safety follow the rules. Once one person ducks the ropes, other follow, increasing risk of an accident. This cannot be tolerated. Snowfall is expected to continue. Take care falling into cracks when visibility is poor. It's cold today, beware frostbite. Have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Monday 1st February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 325cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 280cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 285cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 1st February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 620cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 48 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 12cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 670cm Posted on Friday 5th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There's another 10cm more fresh on the ground this morning, thank you very much! That makes my observed total 62cm in the 5 reports so far this month so the great start to the month continues. There is a lot of cloud around at the moment but good visibility and areas of blue sky also appearing. There's also more of a wind around this morning and strong westerly winds blowing around higher up according to the resorts (Annupuri reporting a blowy 22m/s) - unfortunately top lifts don't look like they are going to be starting the day as planned. Latest info at time of writing added below, let's hope it calms down. Some more snowfall is due overnight once again and at times tomorrow too; oh yes, and on Sunday too. If you are looking for some sunshine, Monday is still looking like it will be the main day for you. Hope you all have a very fine day. --- One rather angry person sent an email yesterday to the SnowJapan folk asking why 'the Niseko reporter is doing his best to get people to go to other areas'. Apparently, that's what he - for it was a he - took from my report yesterday morning. Huh?! No, I'm not 'doing my best to get people to go to other areas'. I'm also actually not 'doing my best to get people to come to Niseko' either.* I'm simply reporting honest conditions from here in Niseko and at times adding a bit of commentary (for want of a better word). I think lots of people will be interested in how the season is going not only here in Niseko but in Japan in general; and how this season may be different from other seasons... that kind of thing. I give the readers of these reports more credit than just being exclusively interested in Niseko and nothing else. I do want to perhaps add that I hope that my love of Niseko - and indeed Japan in general - also does come through in these reports. (But that's not me trying to sell anything to anyone). The person who sent that was probably the same type of person who would prefer that I don't talk about rain if it is raining**, and would prefer if I didn't talk about rubbish snow when the snow is rubbish***. --- * BOOK NOW! ** It never rains in Niseko in winter. *** Snow is never rubbish in Niseko. (Not even when it's rubbish). --- Resort specific lift opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu The top Ace Number 4 and King Number 4 lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. Niseko HANAZONO Resort For the moment, open as planned. Niseko Village The top Wonderland lift are on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. Niseko Annupuri The Gondola and top Jumbo 4 lift are on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -5℃, 10cm snowfall, no snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m: -8℃, NW5m/s, 15cm snow with might snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -8.3℃, SW3m/s. Annupuri 1150m: -13℃, W15m/s. Hirafu peak ridge 1250m: -11℃, 10cm snow and light development of snowdrift. Benkei cape: NW15m/s, Kamui cape: W14m/s, 1011hPa, 1.3m waves. A NW wind has picked up as the small Low passed, generating snowdrifts on top of Feb 4th pre-low pressure snowfall layer above 900m elevation, making the layer under Feb 4th transform into a hoar layer due to the temperature changes. Thin surface slab slides are to be expected in the Bckbowl sidewalls, below Osawa cornices, Mikaeri bowl and other leeside steep slopes. Peak gates are scheduled to open, please follow the patrol’s instructions. Be careful digging easy pits, they could trigger a slid. Remember to always belay yourself when pit-checking in knolls or steep slopes. The leeside aspects are pretty much reset but the snow is a bit heavy. Have you turned your beacon on?? Have nice day. Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 5th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 670cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 62cm 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 685cm Posted on Saturday 6th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko and the very fine start to the month continues this morning with another good 15cm of fresh snow and the good Avalanche folk reporting up to 30cm on mountain. That brings up my total observed snowfall in my last six reports to 77cm. Yey! And, it continues to snow at the time of writing - rather heavily at the moment too. Note: the snow itself isn't heavy! It's lovely and light. Sunshine is still looking likely for Monday. Before and after that though just expect snow to keep on falling. It's surely going to be a busy weekend here in Niseko, and so it's great that everyone will be able to enjoy fresh conditions each morning. There's lots of visitors here now and also arriving for the Chinese New Year celebrations. Enjoy your time here everyone! --- Yesterday was the opening day of the ever-popular Sapporo Snow Festival. This year it's the 67th time that this event is being held and it's going to be running until 11th February at the main Odori site in downtown Sapporo, and until 18th February at the Tsudome site. It's highly recommended, and no doubt already in the plans of a fair few of you reading this. Apparently about 2 million people visit each year! That's a lot of people. I haven't been myself yet but hope to get to see it in the next few days. I saw on the news last night that one of the snow sculpture attractions this year is of the new Shinkansen train that is going to be opening next month (the first time a Shinkansen bullet train line comes up to Hokkaido, initially to Hakodate). Looks like they have lots of images beaming onto the ice to make it almost like a cinema experience. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 5am: -8℃, 20cm snowfall, calm. Moiwa 800m: -11℃, WSW5m/s, 30cm crystal snowfall. Mikaeri 740m: -10.2℃, light breeze, 30cm snowfall. Annupuri 1150m: W15m/s, 30cm snowfall with snowdrifts. Hirafu ridge line: -13℃, light wind, 15cm snowfall. Benkei cape: NNW14m/s, Kamui cape: WNW10m/s, 1011hPa, 1.2m waves. The atmospheric pressure gradient is small, but snow clouds are flowing in Niseko area, dropping 30cm of crystal snowflakes above 800m elevation. According to observations and weather transition, the development of snowdrifts is minor and the avalanche risk under 1000m elevation is low. However, 60cm surface slab slides are to be considered in area above 1100m elevation where relative strong westerly wind has been blowing, namely Annupuri’s Osawa cornice slopes and the Backbowl sidewalls. A slide triggered at the top of the slope, will clean everything on its way down, including people at the bottom of the valley. The snow is in really good shape, overhead blower condition in some areas. Beware of hitting trees and falling into cracks. Uncontrolled speed range can be very dangerous; do not overestimate the performance of the skis and boards. Many cases of people entering Haru no Taki strictly off-limits area from the Mizuno no Sawa area are being reported. It is very unfortunate to have a minority always disregarding the Rules wen most people are respecting it. We hope for a safe and enjoyable day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 6th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 355cm Base - 165cm Niseko Village Top - 300cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 310cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 6th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 685cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 53 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 77cm 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 9cm Snowfall at base this season 660cm Posted on Thursday 4th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here After an excellent day on the slopes yesterday, do I have news of our 'daily refresh'? Yes I do! This morning I measure 9cm of fresh snowfall and it's still snowing. I have just wiped the area to reset it and start recording new snow for my report tomorrow. And there's going to be some to report as well - the snow clouds are going to remain over Niseko (or at least be very close by) through until the end of the weekend. Forecasts seem to show a break in the snow on Monday and some sunshine (Happy Chinese New Year!) but then more snow after that from Tuesday. We are certainly enjoying conditions at the moment, that's for sure. --- I have heard a few conversations over the last week or so from people who have decided at the last minute to come up to Hokkaido (and specifically Niseko or Furano) after originally booking places down in some popular resort areas on Honshu. It seems that they didn't like hearing about the relative lack of snow down there and at the same time hearing about the regular snowfall up here, and it's hard to argue with that. I must admit though it does seem a pretty stark contrast this season. As I have said before in these reports - and as the statistics show - such a big contrast isn't 'the norm' and I'm sure that lots of SnowJapan readers are interested in the bigger picture rather than just snapshots. It is interesting to read through the reports from, say, last season and look at some of the statistics here. I find it really interesting anyway. Whatever, it is certainly going to be interesting to see how the rest of the season shapes up, both up here in Niseko and in other regions. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -5℃, 10cm snowfall. Moiwa800m: -8℃, mild wind, 10cm snow. Mikaeri 740m: -7.3℃, calm, 15cm crystal snow. Annupuri 1150m: -9℃, W5m/s, 15cm snowfall, excellent groomer conditions. Hirafu 1150m: W10m/s, 15cm snowfall, no notable development of snowdrifts. Sea of Japan Benkei cape:W11m/s at 5am, Kamui cape: SW11m/s, 1016hPa, 1.1m waves. A small low-pressure system is present in western Sea of Japan, however the pressure gradient is small and the mountain is in a calm condition this morning. Light snowfall overnight without notable development of snowdrifts. The general avalanche risk is low. All gates are scheduled to open from the morning. Get information from the ski patrol and be well prepared before going out of the gates. Always be ready for sudden weather changes, especially in higher elevation. The snow condition is ever changing. Paying attention to the weather transition is key to evaluate the hazards. Accidents mostly occur during stormy weather. Stay humble, hone your senses and always be prudent. The Niseko community respects the freedom to ride, but is also deeply concerned about all user’s safety. The snow is in good condition. Be careful not to hit trees and not to fall in cracks. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 4th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 350cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village Top - 290cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 300cm Base - 170cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 4th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 660cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 52cm 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 700cm Posted on Sunday 7th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello to you all, and it is another very good morning here in Niseko. Another 15cm to add to the snowfall, bringing us to 92cm here at base since we entered February - that's almost half the total haul for the full month of February last season. Let's have a record breaking month! Yesterday seemed to pass without any drama other than the top King Number 4 lift at Grand Hirafu being closed for an hour or so early afternoon due to some kind 'mechanical failure'. Let's hope it's all open and smooth operations today. There's not much of a wind and so lifts are starting their journey for the day as planned, and the earlier snowfall has eased off. In fact, just as I write this the sun is shining through my window and I can see some patches of blue sky as well.. it may well just be a sneaky short blast because snow is actually still forecast for the day. Tomorrow lots of sun is still looking very likely to be making a special appearance. Getting to the lifts for early tracks is wholeheartedly recommended (just don't be too upset if you find quite a lot of other people are thinking the same!) I hope you have a great Sunday. I'm off out there to have some fun. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -10℃, 15cm of crushed crystal snow. Moiwa 800m: -11℃, NW10m/s, 20cm snowfall with snowdrifts. Mikaeri 740m: -12.8℃, WSW4.1m/s, 20cm snow with developing snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -12℃, N10m/s, 15cm snowfall with snowdrifts developments. Hirafu peak ridge 4am: 16℃, light breeze and scarce snowfall. Benkei cape 5am: NNW11m/s, Kamui cape: W6m/s, 1013hPa, 1.3m waves. A westerly wind is forecasted to pick up later in the day, and will make snowdrifts develop in leeward slopes. According to morning observations, reports from patrols and cat operators, weather data and oceanic data, the avalanche risk in area below 1000m elevation is low this morning. All gates are scheduled to open. Listen to the patrol’s instructions and be prepared before you go out of bounds. We see some people doing pit-checks around the ski resort. Evaluating avalanche risk by observing layers is difficult in Niseko. Finding weak layers after accidents happened is too late. This information is released in hope to prevent accidents. Beware of falling into cracks, frostbites and sudden weather changes. Better not overestimate gears, skills and knowledge. Keep a scientific attitude and enjoy your day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Sunday 7th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 365cm Base - 170cm Niseko Village Top - 300cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 315cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Sunday 7th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 700cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 92cm 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 Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 600cm Posted on Saturday 30th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is a lovely morning here in Niseko. I think I said there was a chance of a sunny start to the day in the report yesterday. And so it is, big time! It is really very cold as well this morning, down into minus double digits here at base. But that won't stop people from wanting to get up out there as early as possible. With little wind to mess things about today (hurray!), all of the resorts are be planning on having all of the lifts moving as normal as normal - though just at the moment the Ace Number 2 Center Quad at Niseko Grand Hirafu seems to have a few early morning issues and is being delayed much to the dismay of the people lining up for it, who are currently being re-directed to the nearby Ace Number 1 lift. Let's hope they get that fixed quickly. Just 1cm of snow since yesterday so no deep fresh out there this morning but the weather should make up for that. The groomed runs all look very neat and tidy ready to be messed up! The clear blue skies might not last the day and it's forecast to be cloudy but we probably can't expect much snow before the end of tomorrow, so maybe that's our lot for January. It's going to be a busy one today. Take care and have fun. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -12°C, no new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m: -15°C, light winds, minor snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -13.4°C, W0.2m/s, Annupuri 1150m: -13°C, light winds, trace new snow. Hirafu 1000m -15°C, light winds, minor snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:S3m/s. Kamui Cape NE3m/s, 1023hPa, wave 1.1m. Under the influence of high pressure area, both the sea and mountains are calm. Following inspection of Higashi One area, peak gates 2,3 will be opened. Kozan no sawa (backbowl) sidewall, Osawa cornice 1100m, snowdrift stabilization is delayed and from observation surface slab fractures 40cm depth are likely to occur. Today there will be many mountain users, don't downplay the dangers on the mountain. Carelessly starting an avalanche could take out many people below you in the valleys. Snow in the forest is good, although take care with your route finding. Don't traverse cornice slopes or knolls just to get where you want to go. Niseko mountain management and the Avalanche Institute spend a lot of energy balancing providing a minimum level of safety and the freedom to ride out of bounds for all mountain users. If you are riding out of bounds there is a strong expectation on you to have consideration for the safety of other mountain users. Please listen to the patrols advice before exiting the gates. Have a great day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 30th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 320cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 270cm Base - 150cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 30th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 600cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 295cm reported on 25 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 608cm Posted on Sunday 31st January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Yesterday there was more cloud at the end of the day than the beginning, but generally a very fine day yesterday weather wise with a lot of people out enjoying it as well. Come the evening and it was snowing again, just how it should be! It looks like Grand Hirafu got their Ace Number 2 quad going eventually (about an hour late I hear), and hopefully there'll be no more problems there... looks like it is open as normal at 8:30am. I have measured 8cm of new snowfall this morning and with the resorts reporting around 15cm up top it's a reasonable refresh so conditions early on in particular should be very good. It's another cold morning, currently -9C degrees here at base and light snow was snowing just before but has stopped now. There's even some blue sky to be seen through some breaks in the cloud, quite a lot looking back over towards Mt Yotei, and the sun is starting to break through as well. More wind this morning than yesterday but as I write this report the lifts that should be moving are and there's no sign of disruptions to top lifts; and the peak gates are expected to be open. So here we are at the end of January 2015. Just over 3 months to go! Sounds good that, doesn't it. Either tomorrow or Tuesday I'll look back over the statistics for January and for the season so far and look forward to what we can hope for an expect for February. In the meantime, it's time for me to get some skiing in! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -8°C, crystal snow, 15cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: -10°C, N5m/s, 20cm new snow. Mikaeri 740m: -12.0°C, W2.7m/s, Annupuri 1150m: -18°C, NW15m/s, 15cm new snow. Hirafu 1000m -10°C, 15cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW16m/s. Kamui Cape WNW8m/s, 1020hPa, wave 1.4m. Above 1000m on western aspects, NW wind around 15m/s continues, cornices and snowdrifts are slowly growing. All peak gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice. You can still see yesterdays tracks but the snow in the forest is reset. From observation and data general avalanche risk is low, however caution is always advised. There is no guaranteed safety on the mountain. Cracks are starting to form in Mizu no Sawa, they are difficult to see from above. Don't be to over confident, new ski designs allow high speeds, but trees still hurt when you hit them. Be careful of holes. Yesterday over 1000 people went through the gates to ride out of bounds and we are thankful there was no big accidents. We appreciate everyone who respects Niseko Rules and ski safely on the mountain. Have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Sunday 31st January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 320cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 280cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 270cm Base - 150cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Sunday 31st January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 608cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 47 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm 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 18cm Snowfall at base this season 651cm Posted on Wednesday 3rd February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning and there's another very good layer of beautiful fresh snow to report. 18cm of it actually and the Avalanche Report mentioning numbers up to 40cm. It has really been coming down hard at times since my last report. Wind doesn't look like it is going to be an issue at all today and so it should be an excellent morning once again. I have observed 43cm of fresh snowfall here at base in my first three reports of February - an excellent start to the month! And there doesn't look like there'll be much of a let-up in the snow falling over the next few days and into the weekend either. If the snow eases off, more snow probably won't be too far away. The Niseko Grand Hirafu resort upper slopes official snow depth is now up to 350cm and 160cm for base (this time last year it was on 350cm and base at 125cm). --- The Chinese New Year is coming up and while Niseko doesn't really have many 'quiet periods' during the peak months, we are entering 'peak' peak territory now with lots of people coming to celebrate here. There are so many languages to be heard being spoken here now, and it is clear that people are coming to Niseko from pretty much all corners of the world. Let's international! I even heard some Japanese being spoken the other day! ;) --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -8℃, 20cm of fresh snow. Moiwa 800m: -11℃, W8m/s, 30cm new snow. Mikaeri 740m: -10.1℃, WSW1.1m/s, 40cm snowfall and development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -13℃, W10m/s, 40cm snowfall. Hirafu ridgeline: -13℃, mild wind, 20cm snowfall. Benkei cape: NW14m/s, Kamui cape W7m/s, 1018hPa, 1.4m waves. 40cm average snowfall below 1000m altitude. The wind remained mile and no drastic development of snowdrifts and cornices have been observed. A moderate westerly wind, however, kept blowing above 1100m elevation and made snowdrifts develop slowly. The general avalanche risk is low, however 60cm thick surface slab avalanche is to be considered in Haru no Taki area due to sun-affected slabs. Most avalanches occurring in maritime weather areas (as in Niseko) are caused by collapse of unstable slabs during their development stage, however sun-affected slabs can also become a trigger to slide. Many cases of people being lost are being reported. Know where you go, don’t blindly follow others. Respect the rules, they are here to protect you and protect the freedom to ride the out of bounds area. Please listen to the patrol’s instructions at the gates. All gates will open from the morning. Have you turned your beacon on?? The snow is in excellent condition. --- Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 3rd February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 350cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village Top - 290cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 290cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 3rd February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 651cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 50 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 43cm 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 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 13cm Snowfall at base this season 633cm Posted on Tuesday 2nd February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning and it's an early report this morning as I need to get out early today*. This morning there's another 13cm of fresh snowfall to report here at base so the overnight refills keep on coming - and it's still snowing. A special hello to the guy with the red jacket and his friends who seem to be waiting at the Ace Number 2 quad lift from 7:45am - looks like he's keen to get in first tracks today, and I don't blame him! Snow conditions should be quality out there this morning. Maybe limited visibility especially early on as it's snowing quite hard right now in places; probably going to ease off soon. Just cloud and maybe some sunshine forecast for tomorrow before we get back into hopefully decent snow in the run up to the weekend. --- * Sadly not out onto the slopes! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -10°C, 15cm new crystal snow, calm. Moiwa 800m: -12°C NW8m/s, 20cm new snow, no snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -11.6°C, light winds, 20cm new snow. Annupuri 1150m: -13°C, W15m/s, 15cm new snow. Hirafu 1000m snowpack 205cm. Hirafu Peak Ridgeline: -14°C, W10m/s, 15cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW13m/s. Kamui Cape W8m/s, 1014hPa, wave 0.8m. Below 1100m there is light winds, no snow drift development, 15-20cm on new snow, no obvious weak or unstable snowdrifts and lower levels of the snow pack are stable and compacted. General avalanche risk is low. Be careful carrying too much speed and hitting a tree. Also take care of falling into creeks, if you rescue someone who has fallen in a creek and is completely wet, use rescue blanket, hot water in PET bottles under arms. If the victim keeps shivering uncontrollably, looses consciousness or is becoming seriously hypothermic it is a very dangerous situation. Avalanches are not the only danger in the winter mountains. People deliberately continuing to enter Haru no Taki will be banned from Niseko ski areas. If you don't care about your own safety, think about others who will have to come and rescue you if you have an accident. Today's snow is excellent. --- Official resort snow depths as of Tuesday 2nd February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 330cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 280cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 285cm Base - 160cm --- Lifts planned to be open for night skiing: Niseko Grand Hirafu: Ace Family Pair lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift (There is no night skiing at the Hanazono area) Niseko Village: Community Chair and Banzai Chair Niseko Annupuri: Jumbo Number 1 Quad Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 2nd February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 633cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 49 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 25cm 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 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 8cm Snowfall at base this season 819cm Posted on Tuesday 23rd February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There's 8cm of fresh snow on the ground to report this morning, and as I write this report light snow continues to fall. It was coming down a bit heavier just a little earlier on so might be easing off for the day... with more forecast for tonight. A good pattern that, I reckon! Wind seems to be less of an issue this morning and so I would expect all of the lifts to be open as planned this morning, and gates to be open as well. There's not much else to report this morning really. Regular snowfall is still forecast through the week and up until around Sunday. We expect regular snowfall here of course, but so do lots of other areas of Japan who still seem to be battling against a relative lack-of-snow situation which is sad to see. It sure has been an odd winter season for many areas of Japan! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -5°C, 5cm new crystal snow, calm. Moiwa 838m: -7.3°C, NNE0.7m/s, 20cm new snow, calm. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: SSE3m/s. Kamui Cape W10m/s, 1020hPa. Hirafu Peak ridge line: W10m/s, -13C, 10cm new snow. Annupuri 1150m: -11°C, N8m/s, 20cm new crystal snow. The atmospheric pressure gradient is shallow, seas and mountains are calm. 10 to 20cm of good snow has fallen unaffected by wind. From observation the avalanche risk at 1000m is low. All peak gates are expected to open. Please listen to the patrol and respect their decisions. Do not duck ropes. Don't carelessly traverse under cornices and knolls. When performing a pit check anchor yourself with rope. The no such thing as a safe mountain in winter. Always make safe and cautious decisions, so when bad luck comes your way, its not a deadly encounter. Mikaeri Ridge road is closed today while avalanche experiments are being conducted. Due to some mechanical maintenance issues, the daily avalanche report will not be released for the next few days. Have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Tuesday 23rd February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 370cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village Top - 340cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 350cm Base - 170cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 23rd February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 819cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 65 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (17th February) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 211cm 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 18cm Snowfall at base this season 854cm Posted on Friday 26th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello and good morning once again from Niseko. The days are just whizzing by. Still, by my reckoning I still have over 70 Niseko Now reports to go for this season! And it is a happy report that I am able to post this morning, with 18cm of fresh snow measured just a few moments ago here at Hirafu base. Expect more on the mountain of course and I would expect this will be a very fine overnight refresh. Getting up for first tracks will definitely have been worth it this morning. There are lots of people lining up for those first lifts, despite the actually quite heavy snow falling at the moment. I doubt any of them are complaining! Might be limited visibility up on the mountain though this morning. Do take care. So yes, it's snowing quite heavily as I write this though perhaps it will be easing off this morning. Then snow showers for most days into mid-week next week. I feel the forecast is showing less potential snow than it was showing yesterday, but still we should be enjoying regular fresh. Not that these numbers matter that much really, but the official snow depth on the upper slopes of Niseko Grand Hirafu is today up to 395cm. I wonder if we can break through the 4m barrier! --- Interesting news about a development for next season. It looks like the King Number 3 lift at Niseko Grand Hirafu is going to be transforming (as if by magic) into a high speed quad lift, giving it an increased capacity of 600 people an hour. The lift will also be extended (lower part) by about 170m as well to make it all easier and smoother. The fancy new name of the lift will be 'King Number 3 quad lift'. In order to make these changes, the current King Number 3 and King Number 4 lifts will be closing from 4th April and it looks like there'll be some associated course area closings as well though that seems unclear at the moment. --- In just one month, the new ‘Hokkaido Shinkansen’ bullet train line will begin operations, marking the first time that a bullet train comes up into Hokkaido. The current Tohoku Shinkansen line currently stretches 675km from Tokyo Station to Shin Aomori Station in Aomori city, Aomori Prefecture. Construction on the new Hokkaido Shinkansen line started in 2005 and the first part of the new line from Shin Aomori Station to Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station (in Hakodate city) will open on 26th March 2016. When finished the Hokkaido Shinkansen line will eventually reach Sapporo city with a planned station close to us here in Kutchan. That is quite a way off yet though with the final stretch – including the planned Kutchan stop – not due until 2030. Once the line is completely open, it is estimated that the journey from Tokyo to Sapporo will be about 5 hours and of course less to Kutchan (4 hours 35 minutes I heard). It will be interesting to see how a Shinkansen station (not famous for being the most beautiful of buildings) fits into the surroundings here in Kutchan, and also how much of a difference it will make for people considering visiting. It will certainly be a viable and convenient alternative to taking a plane, but no doubt how much it eventually costs – and how it compares with cheap flights – will be a big factor. --- Official resort snow depths as of Friday 26th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 395cm Base - 170cm Niseko Village Top - 350cm Base - 180cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 380cm Base - 170cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 26th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 854cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 68 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (17th February) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 246cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 836cm Posted on Thursday 25th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning everyone from here in snowy Niseko. And this morning there's another 10cm of fresh snow here at Hirafu base. It's been there or thereabouts for the last five days now, so full marks for consistency! Good quality snow by the looks of it too - so conditions should be good up there this morning - even if I would prefer just a bit more each day. I must try to reign in my insatiable greed for fresh snow once again though after saying that. This new 10cm brings the February total up to 228cm (32cm more than February 2015) and the season total up to 839cm. Let's see where those numbers stand come the end of February. Over the previous two seasons, by the end of February we had received what ended up being just under 90% of the total snowfall of the season (here at base), with 139cm of snow observed in March 2015 and 113cm observed in March 2014. But back to today. It's nice and cold this morning and fingers crossed wind won't be an issue as well. I almost might as well copy and paste it*, but the 6-day forecast remains one of consistent and regular snowfall as well as cold temperatures. --- (* not that I would ever do such a thing!) --- Resort specific lift opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu Niseko HANAZONO Resort Niseko Village Niseko Annupuri Lifts at all four resort areas appear to be opening as planned at the start of the day. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: There is no report today. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 25th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 370cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village Top - 340cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 360cm Base - 170cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 25th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 836cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 67 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (17th February) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 228cm 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