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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 906cm Weather overview Cloud, some sun Wind Moderate on mountain Temperature -2C base / -8C top Visibility Good Posted at 11:53am on Monday 21st January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here We ended up with a (relatively ) warm day yesterday. Up to 3cm or so since yesterday, with the avalanche report below reporting 10cm. It's a calm morning and starting off with some clouds around but it has since cleared up and we now have lovely blue skies above us. Some white clouds lingering here and there but for the most part it's clear blue skies. It's warm again today. With these warmer conditions the snow was somewhat firmer out there this morning than what we have been enjoying of late and as the days goes on we might even experience some slushy kind of conditions. Still fairly decent though by non-Niseko standards, and the groomed runs were fun early on. It looks unlikely we'll get snow over the next few days, other than perhaps the occasional snow shower. Look to later in the week for the next potential heavy snowfalls and a drop in temperature. Mountain all open. Enjoy! Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 21st 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 906cm Weather overview Clear blue skies Wind Light Temperature -5C base / -9C top Visibility Very good Posted at 9:27am on Wednesday 23rd January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning from Niseko. So, we're going through this calm and dry spell at the moment. A run of days when we don't get any snowfall is something that we don't get that much of here in Niseko peak season, as those of you following the reports will no doubt know. It's a good time to get the cameras out though and enjoy the surroundings. It's also keeping very cold. Grand Hirafu this morning is putting a lower area temp. of -5C on their site (date stamped at 7:40am), but it was certainly much colder than that earlier on, getting down into minus double figures. Hardly any clouds in the sky overnight kept things cold, though it might rise to around -2C as the day progresses today. The sun is out and we have blue skies all around this morning with just some pretty white clouds here and there, adding to the picture. Peak gates should be opening shortly. Similar weather conditions into tomorrow perhaps, though it should be snowing later in the day and into Friday. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 23rd 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 969cm Weather overview Blue skies with some cloud Wind Light to moderate Temperature -5C base / -10C top Visibility Excellent Posted at 9:38am on Tuesday 29th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here No new snow to report from Niseko this morning. And a beautiful morning it is too. The sun is out, blue skies all around, a cute little fluffy cloud thing going on over the summit of Mt Yotei. All is calm. Well actually there's a bit more wind this morning than yesterday, but not enough to cause the lifts any problems and it looks like the resorts on the mountain are all open and operating as normal. All I can see at the moment is King Number 3 lift at Niseko Grand Hirafu opeating at a reduced speed, but apart from that... Looking at one of the local forecasts here, it says cloud and light snow at times. Hmmm, well, that's wrong. Perhaps it will cloud over later on and snow is expected tomorrow though I wouldn't expect anythig major. That one day aside, it has been a relatively 'dry' week or so here. The January 2013 snow fall for Kutchan town announced by JMA stands at 254cm. The number for the whole of January 2012 was 290cm and so if we want to 'beat' last year then we could do with another 36cm. Always good to beat previous years. Yesterday was a fine day outside, but of course the talk was all about the two incidents on the mountain mentioned in the report - apparently they were both totally seperate accidents. It is sobering to hear of such stories and perhaps a chance for people to keep in their mind the potential dangers out on the mountain as well as all the excitement of the fun to be had. Take care. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 29th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 969cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 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 433cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 969cm Weather overview Blue skies with some cloud Wind Calm Temperature -6C base / -10C top Visibility Excellent Posted at 8:40am on Monday 28th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here After that bumper report of snow yesterday, just a bit this morning. It is a much calmer morning this morning and all of the mountain should be open. The sun is out and we have clear skies up there. Calmer conditions look set to continue. Some very sobering news has been reported in the avalanche report this morning - see below. Let's take care out there. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -9C, no snowfall and calm morning. Moiwa peak: NW5m/s, -10C and light development of snowdrifts. Annupuri peak: N8.1m/s, -12.8C. Coastal data: NNE5m/s, 1.3m waves and 1014hPa. The atmospheric pressure gradient is shelving and the weather is calm. No notable development of snowdrifts can be observed and the new slab formed on top of Jan 24-25 is stable. The avalanche risk is low. Gates 2 & 3 are scheduled to open at 10am. There have been 2 fatal accidents yesterday. In both cases, the Niseko Rules has been ignored and disrespected. It is really sad to apprehend this reality. Both victims fell into a crack and lost their lives. Dangers about cracks have been repeatedly mentioned in this information, but ended up in vain. Disrespecting, ignoring or criticizing this Information or the Niseko Rules is not a problem as long as people take care of themselves and avoid thoughtless actions that could lead to serious accidents. It is a very sad morning. May their souls rest in peace. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 28th January 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 969cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 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 433cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 979cm Weather overview Blue skies, some cloud Wind Moderate Temperature -4C base / -10C top Visibility Excellent Posted at 9:05am on Wednesday 30th January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning from Niseko. I have around 10cm or so of very nice quality snowfall to report in the village area this morning - a light delivery both in terms of cm and quality of snow. The sun is out for the moment and while looking over in the direction of Yotei I can't see that particularly mountain, there is lots of blue sky above the resorts here in Niseko with just a bit of cloud hanging around up there. Wind on the mountain again today, I'm afraid, with wind speeds of up to 20m/s. Somewhat inevitably, lifts are affected and the top lifts at each of the resort areas are not operating this morning. At Grand Hirafu it's the top Ace Number 4, King Number 3 and King Number 4 lifts that are affected as well as the Hanazono Number 3 quad over on the Hanazono side. At Niseko Village, the Gondola and Wonderland Chair are not moving at the time of writing. Over at Annupuri, the Annupuri Gondola, Jumbo 3 and Jumbo 4 lifts are on hold with just the Jumbo 1 and Jumbo 2 lifts open. All subject to change of course if conditions allow, but strong winds are forecast for the day... Friday and Saturday look set to be somewhat warmer, with a return to colder conditions hopefully from Sunday. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 30th January 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 979cm Weather overview Blue skies, some cloud Wind Moderate Temperature -4C base / -10C top Visibility Excellent Posted at 8:47am on Thursday 31st January 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here No new cm of snowfall to report from Niseko this morning, there has just been a slight dusting here in the Hirafu village area. It is a relatively mild and calm morning here. Right now the thermometer is telling me it's -1C and that's in fact what Niseko Grand Hirafu is reporting as well. Coldest temperature reported from the resorts this morning is -8C over at Annupuri. So it's all calm conditions out there this morning and all of the lifts on the mountain look set to be operating this morning as normal. It's a more cloudy and overcast feel to the morning early on. Lots of grey cloud over in the direction of Mt Yotei. Similar conditions are currently forecast for tomorrow as well. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 31st January 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 1006cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Strong Temperature -7C base / -14C top Visibility Poor Posted at 8:55am on Tuesday 5th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Around 15cm of new snowfall this morning in the village. Nice and cold with a temperature of -7C at the moment. Almost reluctant to mention it but... it's very windy. Strong winds during the night last night and continued strong winds now this morning. The Niseko Village resort is reporting a NW wind speed of up to 26m/s as of 8:30am. As you might imagine, it's affecting the resort operatings on the mountain. Looks like at Niseko Annupuri just the Jumbo Number 1 lift operating with the Jumbo Number 2 to start moving at 9am. At Niseko Village, the Banzai Chair, Morino Chair and Community Chair lifts are operating. Niseko Grand Hirafu have the Ace Family and Holiday Number 1 Pair lifts operating, with the Hirafu Gondola moving at reduced speed. The Ace Number 1 and King Number 1 lifts will open at 9am and 10am respectively. Unfortunately it looks like all three lifts over at Hanazono are affected by the winds and not moving. It's snowing at the moment still and the wind is really blowing it around. This means of course that there will again be places where there's pretty deep new snow and others with more icy conditions. So very likely variable conditions out on the slopes today. Take care. Tomorrow should be calmer but some potentially very special conditions are forecast for Thursday and Friday, possibly into Saturday, with some heavy snowfall due. Fingers crossed the wind doesn't mess us about at the same time! Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -9C, 15cm of broken particle snow and notable development of snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: NW15m/s, -15C, snowy with strong wind, bad visibility and newly formed snowdrifts are unstable. Annupuri peak: NW27.9m/s, -17.6C. Coastal data: NW20m/s, 3.2m and 1013hPa. Northwesterly storm is covering the Niseko area. According to all data, snowfall transition and observations, the avalanche risk is very high in leeward steep slopes, knolls and cornice slopes of all Niseko range. The Feb 4th layer and the newly formed slabs on top are very unstable, and although the slab's thickness differ from locations, surface slab slides of up to 60cm thickness are likely to occur in 800m leeward slopes. Most avalanche related accidents happen during or just after storms. The weather is forecasted to calm down, however hazards remain high for a while. All gates above 800m will be closed during the morning. Please follow the ski patrol's instructions. Do not duck ropes to access the out of bounds areas. The snow in the trees is little heavy but has been reset and in good condition. Beware of falling into cracks, hitting trees and frostbites. Have a nice & safe day. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 5th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1006cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 67 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 February 2013 snowfall 27cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 1011cm Weather overview Fine Wind Calm Temperature -7C base / -14C top Visibility Very good Posted at 8:53am on Wednesday 6th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Later on in the morning yesterday a few more lifts did open up but the top ones remained closed with the strong winds persisting. This meant for some rather long queues for the lifts that remained open at times. I'm glad to be able to report a much calmer morning here in Niseko. Wind speeds of between 2m/s and 6m/s reported from around the mountain, so all the lifts should be open as planned this morning. With the snow until yesterday and the 5cm or so of fresh snow to add to that at village level, there should be some decent conditions up there this morning. As reported below, Gates 2 & 3 are scheduled to open at 10:30am this morning. Earlier clouds have been clearing and as I write the report now the sun is shining through the window. Looks like it is going to be a fine day. Snow should be back in style from tomorrow and hopefully through into the weekend. Would be good, so let's hoping! Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -11C, light dusts overnight, surface hoar and calm morning. Moiwa 800m: 15cm of crystal snow, WNW5m/s, -9C, snowdrifts are packed and break in large chunks. Annupuri peak: NW7.8m/s, -14.3C. Coastal data: WNW4m/s, 0.6m waves and 1017hPa. A high-pressure system overlaying and the weather is calm. The snowpack is stable and the general avalanche risk is low. Gates 2 & 3 are scheduled to open at 10:30am. Always keep in mind that outside the gates is outside the resort management. Listen to the ski patrols advice before stepping out of bounds. According to observations, the new snowdrifts are stable, however the cornices and slabs around 800m altitude are likely to collapse largely if strongly stimulated. Pick your route carefully. The cracks have been hidden with the last snowfall and are hard to notice from above. Be careful not to fall in them. Always remain in controllable speed and beware of hitting trees. Hazards of 80cm thick surface slab slides are still present in 1000m big open slopes during the morning. It is strongly advised not to remain in valley bottoms and not to stimulate cornices and knolls. Have a nice day. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 6th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1011cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 68 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 February 2013 snowfall 32cm 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