Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 1031cm Weather overview Cloudy, some blue sky Wind Varied Temperature -3C base / -9C top Visibility Good Posted at 9:23am on Friday 8th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Around 20cm of fresh snowfall to report this morning from Niseko. The Avalanche Report below is reporting up to 40cm in places I see. It's not as windy as well today and while there's a moderate wind here at base, it seems that all the lifts on the mountain are going to be open as scheduled. The only exception I can see right now is the top Hanazono lift which is operating at reduced speed. With the fresh snowfall, it has probably been a rush to get on the first lifts to access that new snow. Unfortunately, I'm sat here writing this report - but I'm happy for the people up there now! It has been a cloudy start to the day but actually now the sun is out and there is an increasing amount of blue sky up there. It may well not last though as the forecasts have snow and windier conditions lined up for later on in the day, so it looks like things might change fairly quickly. Another reason to get on those early lifts. A fairly calm day tomorrow with cloud and snow showers on the current forecast. We have a three day weekend coming up as Monday is a holiday in Japan. Sunday is also the Chinese New Year and so with lots of visitors celebrating that event, Niseko is heading into possibly the busiest week of the season. Expect some crowds! Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -5C, 20cm of broken particles snow, mild wind with moderate development of snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: NE5m/s, 30cm snowfall and the snowdrifts are unstable. Annupuri peak: SSW5.9m/s, -11.6C. Coastal data: SSE5m/s, 1.3m waves and 993hPa. Feb 7-8th low-pressure snowfall has left 40cm of snow (mixed graupels) in 800m slopes. Wind affected (20m/s) snowdrifts has developed in leeward slopes and formed unstable slabs. The avalanche risk is high in 800-1100m leeward slopes in the Backbowl & Osawa SE facing slopes and Higashione. Loose snow avalanche are also likely to occur in steep slopes in the trees or under lift lines. Gates 2 & 3 will be closed and other gates still to be determined. Another storm is forecasted to pick up again before noon. In Niseko, where so many people ski/ride the out of bounds area, one avalanche triggered in the upper section will easily burry a number of people at the bottom. We have no choice but to be conservative in the gates opening. The habit of traversing across the whole Backbowl just to access a short steep section of the west-face or Mikaeri must stop. Guides/leaders must stop taking guests & beginners to this route and showing a bad example. Leading a group across a slope just under cornices is pure foolishness and terrible manner. The freedom to ski/ride the out of bounds area in Niseko is only sustainable by having people accepting and respecting the Niseko Rules. Beware!! Most accidents occur during and just after storms. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 8th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1031cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 69 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 52cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 1076cm Weather overview Cloudy, light snow Wind OK Temperature -9C base / -14C top Visibility Good Posted at 9:06am on Sunday 10th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here So yesterday was the first day of the long weekend and it was busy. Lots and lots of people. Only to be expected though. I was in last night with a bit of a cold but I have heard that it was a particularly lively night out in Hirafu. Hopefully you remembered to book a table at your fave restaurant well in advance! Anyway, yes, the excellent snow conditions made up for the crowds (maybe). But it was really great yesterday. This morning we have up to 10cm of new snow to report and it is a cold start to the day. -9 degrees now with a low up top of -14 being reported by Niseko Grand Hirafu as of just after 7:30am. Overnight temperatures were down to minus sixteen. There's not much of a wind either and so lifts on the mountain are all planned to be running as normal. An overcast kind of look of things over towards Mt Yotei, but we have blue skies over the Niseko mountains with just a few white fluffy clouds hanging around. The sun is shining down. It will be another good day. Perhaps some snow showers later on and into tomorrow morning, but nothing major is forecast for the moment. Happy Chinese New Year! Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -12C, 15cm of crystal snow in the past 12 hours and calm morning. Moiwa 800m: W3m/s, no development of snowdrifts, clear sky and -15C. Annupuri peak: SW1.1m/s, -16.4C. Coastal data: SW2m/s, 0.8m waves and 1014hPa. The atmospheric pressure isobars are spaced out and the weather is calm. There are no notable developments of snowdrifts, the snowpack is stable and the general avalanche risk is low. Peak gates are scheduled to open at 10am. Although the snowpack is mostly stable, possibilities of surface slab avalanches (from Feb 7th low-pressure snowfall layer) are still to be considered in leeward slopes of Kozannosawa (Backbowl), Osawa, Mikaeri bowl and Higashione. A 120cm slab slide has been observed yesterday. Better not stimulate knolls and upper areas of open steep slopes. Do not traverse under cornices; if an avalanche is triggered, it might kill everyone skiing at the bottom. Always avoid the valley bottoms when skiing out of the valleys and do not stop until you reach a safe zone. Surface slab avalanches runs down and along the valley bottom at high speed (>100km/h). Always keep in mind that skiing out of bounds involves great dangers. Ask the ski patrol's advice and be well prepared before stepping out of the gates. Beware of cracks, as they are difficult to see from above. Have a nice day. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 10th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1076cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 71 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 97cm 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 35cm Snowfall at base this season 1066cm Weather overview Cloudy, light snow Wind Varied Temperature -6C base / -11C top Visibility Fair Posted at 8:02am on Saturday 9th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another 30-40cm of new snowfall this morning in Niseko in the base village area to report, so we can expect more than that up on the slopes. I like it when we get back to reporting big numbers and it was great to see the snow really coming down from last night. Grand Hirafu now up to 440cm official snow depth. There's less wind as well this morning and so while it is still early I would expect the lifts to be moving as normal. It's a good job because there'll be plenty of people out there. As I mentioned yesterday, today is the first day of a three day long weekend here in Japan as Monday is National Foundation Day. So there should be lots of Japanese people enjoying the long weekend and also visitors enjoying the Chinese New Year. Race you to the lifts! Currently it is cloudy with light snow falling and about -6 degrees. Snow might ease later on and light snow showers forecast for tomorrow, hopefully remaining calm. It should be a very good one. Very easy to get excited on a day like today but keep in mind the potential dangers out there and I hope you can enjoy it. Take care! Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -6C, 30cm of broken particles snow and graupels with development of snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: heady snowdrift development, unstable, -10C. Annupuri peak: NW15.8m/s, -14.3C. Coastal data: NW13m/s, 2.3m waves and 1013hPa. 24hours of storm (20m/s wind and heavy snowfall) made cornices and heavily wind-affected snowdrifts develop drastically in leeward slopes. The conditions are extremely unstable and the avalanche risk is very high in the Niseko range and the surrounding peaks. All open steep slopes, leeward knolls and cornice slopes above treeline are likely to slide with 80+cm thickness. The weather is calming down however the wind is still blowing relatively strong as the isobars spacing is still tight, delaying the stabilization process. Gate 2 & 3 will be closed, other gates will also be kept closed at least during the morning. Please respect the ski patrol’s instructions. Most avalanche accidents occur during or just after storms. The snow in the trees is good but heavy and easy to loose control. Better not count too much on the performance of the gears, be reasonable and think safety first. Beware of over-speeding, hitting trees, falling into cracks and creeks. The mountain conditions will turn better soon. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 9th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1066cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 70 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 87cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1011cm Weather overview Cloudy Wind Moderate Temperature -4C base / -10C top Visibility Fair Posted at 8:47am on Thursday 7th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. 0cm of fresh snow this morning. A cloudy start to the day. It's about -4 degrees here in the Hirafu village area. There's a moderate wind as well this morning which might mean lifts are affected again today. Early on the top lifts at all four ski resorts on the mountain are on hold, as well as the Niseko Gondola at Niseko Village. If conditions improve they might get moving, though the forecast is for the wind to continue and for snow to be falling soon. This is just my personal observation but it does seem to me that this season we have been affected by wind more than usual... So, the snow should be falling soon and hopefully continue through into the weekend. Here's hoping for a good amount of fresh snow to report soon. It seems that yesterday a group of people were ascending Mt Yotei and encountered an avalanche, as mentioned in the Avalance Report this morning. Details are sketchy but apparently one member of the group has a broken femur (now in hospital) and happily there were no fatalities. Yotei is of course not a ski resort area and so you are on your own. It could very probably have been much worse. Another reminder of the real risks and potential dangers. Take care out there. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -7C, no snowfall and calm morning. Moiwa 800m: -7C, no snowfall and no snowdrift development. Annupuri peak: S21.0m/s, -12.5C. Coastal data: SSE8m/s, 1008hPa, calm ocean. A strong southerly wind is blowing in high altitude and the weather will come in later this morning. According to all data, the general avalanche risk is low. However gate 3 will be closed due to high winds. Other gates are yet determined, please respect the ski patrol's decisions. Although the avalanche risk is low, the mountain is tracked out, beware of tracks and carefully remain in control. An avalanche accident has occured in Mt. Yotei's Makkari (south) face yesterday. Details not available. Skiing/riding skills will not prevent accidents; in Winter Mountains touring, the leader/guides responsibility consciousness in the decision-making process is extremely important. Avalanches will happen when the conditions allow, and becomes an accident if a person is involved in it. Cautious assessment of the existing risks is required whether in lift-access or hike-access backcountry. Don’t be overconfident of your skills and experiences. The groomers are hard but nice and fast. Have a nice day. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 7th 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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1096cm Weather overview Overcast but bright Wind Light Temperature -8C base / -11C top Visibility Good Posted at 9:20am on Wednesday 13th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. And what a fine morning it is as well. Calm. There's no new snow to report this morning in village and just a slight snowfall since yesterday on the mountain. Actually not much to report really this morning. It's a bright but overcast kind of start to the day with the sun trying to break through. We could even end up with clear blue skies I reckon, though the forecast for the day is generally cloudy conditions. The summit of Mt Yotei is currently covered in cloud. Light snow showers on and off over the next few days seems to be what we have in store. Right now it is -7 degrees here. Hope you have a fun day. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -12C, no snowfall, calm morning. Moiwa 800m:-14C, light dusts and no development of snowdrifts. Annupuri peak: SW1.3m/s, -14.3C. Coastal data: SSE4m/s, calm ocean, 1018hPa. No notable snowfall and development of snowdrifts in the past 12 hours. Avalanche risk is low according to all data and observations. Many tracks all over the mountain, but the snow is still in good quality. Peak gates are scheduled to open at 9:30am. Crossing boundary ropes is prohibited and entering strictly off-limits areas is forbidden. The freedom and minimum safety of out of bounds riding in Niseko is barely protected by having everyone respect the Niseko Rules. Never enter Yunosawa and Harunotaki for any reasons. Ignorantly following unknown tracks might lead you straying far away from the resort. Get a map at lift stations so you can spot where you are. Bear in mind that outside the ropes is outside the resort responsibilities, be conscious of the hazards, know your limits and go out at your own risk. Beware of hitting trees and falling into cracks. Cracks are the result of the slope releasing its own tension and will not necessarily trigger a slide, however can involve serous consequences when falling into them. Ride carefully. Many dangers are lurking in winter mountains. Have a nice day. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 13th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1096cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 73 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 117cm reported on 9 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 1086cm Weather overview Cloudy, light snow Wind OK Temperature -7C base / -13C top Visibility Variable Posted at 9:01am on Monday 11th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just a thin layer of light snow to report since yesterday in Niseko. I'm pretty sure earlier on when I got up it was clear out there, but it's actually snowing now. Conditions can change really quickly. (Or perhaps I was imagining it!?) The forecast seems to be snow showers on and off for the day and indeed tomorrow as well. It's coming down pretty good right at this moment though and visibility right now is fairly poor on the slopes. Temps about same as yesterday and wind isn't affecting lifts apart from the Hanazono Number 3 and also the King Number 3 lift at Niseko Grand Hirafu operating at reduced speed. Possibly clearing up tomorrow and particularly on Wednesday, but it should stay cold. JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency) snow fall numbers for Kutchan Town update time. So far in February 2013, 57cm has been recorded in Kutchan town. The total number for February last season was 216cm and the season before was 142cm. Let's see how that turns out come the end of the month. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -12C, light snowfall, calm morning. Moiwa 800m: mild wind, no development of snowdrifts and -14C. Annupuri 1308m: SW3.5m/s, -16.3C. Coastal data: S4m/s, 0.8m waves and 1009hPa. Looking at the past 12 hours weather transition, data and observations, the snowdrift development is small and the general avalanche risk is low. Peak gates are scheduled to open at 9:30. Listen to the ski patrol's advice before stepping out the gates. Avalanches are not the only dangers in winter mountains. Be prudent and better not overestimate your gears and your skills. Wind and snow is forecasted to pick up in areas above 800m as the low-pressure system passes. Visibility will turn bad. Do not duck ropes to access the out of bounds area. Strictly off-limits areas, Harunotaki and Yunosawa, are closed for a good reason, do not go in there for any reason. The Niseko Rules only exists to protect the freedom and the minimum safety of out of bounds riding. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 11th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1086cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 72 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 107cm reported on 8 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 1096cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature -7C base / -11C top Visibility Fair Posted at 8:44am on Tuesday 12th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here This morning we have another 10cm of fresh snow to add to that tally. Freshly fallen earlier on this morning and temperatures are nice and cold so snow conditions on the resort slopes should be great this morning. Yes, I know that's hardly news... ;) It has calmed down since earlier on and now there's just a slight breeze but it is snowing at the moment. Forecasts seem to be saying that the snow won't last long and we're due for a generally cloudy day in Kutchan and Niseko and perhaps more of the same tomorrow. The sun make make appearances as well. All resorts open as normal today. We're still in peak season of course, but things should generally be quieter today now that the long weekend if over. I think it's time to get out there and enjoy it. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -8C, 5cm of crystal snow. Moiwa 800m: westerly wind and heavy snowfall since pre-dawn, no development of snowdrifts. Annupuri peak: NW5.2m/s, -13.5C. Coastal data: WNW11m/s, 0.8m waves and 1023hPa. A strong snowfall since pre-dawn has reset the snow surface above and below treeline. The isobars are spaced out, the wind is mild and there are no notable development of snowdrifts. The general avalanche risk is low. Gates 2 & 3 are scheduled to open at 10am. Listen to the ski patrol’s advise before stepping out of the gates. Ride carefully as the snowfall is heavy and the visibility is bad in the morning. Better not stimulate knolls and cornices, possibilities of slides from deeper layers are always present. Refrain from traversing steep slopes and riding the same slope at once. Skiing or resting at the valley bottoms should also be avoided. Beware of falling into cracks. Always use gates to access the out of bounds area. Never duck ropes. The snow is good today. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 12th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1096cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 73 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 117cm reported on 9 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 1151cm Weather overview Cloud, snow Wind Moderate to strong Temperature -4C base / -7C top Visibility Poor Posted at 9:02am on Saturday 16th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another 10cm or so of fresh snow to report from Niseko this morning, more in places. Looking out of my window here, looks like a complete white-out situation. Can't see a thing! Webcams are all showing very poor visibility this morning as well, so got to watch out where you're going. Windy on the mountain as well this morning. Niseko Annupuri is reporting wind speeds of up to 18m/s, Niseko Village up to 14m/s. Niseko Grand Hirafu wind speeds of between 5m/s on lower areas and 10m/s at the top. Guess what I'm going to say next? ;) Yes, the wind is affecting some lifts. It's not actually too bad here in the village area, but here's a rundown of how things look on the mountain at 9am: Niseko Annupuri: Jumbo Number 1, Family, Jumbo Number 2 operating. Annupuri Gondola, Jumbo 3 and Jumbo 4 top lifts not moving due to wind and poor visibility. Niseko Village: The lower Banzai, Community and Morino Chairs are moving. Niseko Gondola and top Wonderland Chair not moving. Niseko Grand Hirafu: Top lifts not moving (Ace 4, Ace 3, King 3, King 4, Swinging Monkey). Ace Number 2 Center Four operating at reduced speed. Niseko Hanazono: Top lift not moving, the other two at reduced speed. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -12C, 20cm of broken & crystal snow. Moiwa 800m: -13C, strong westerly wind with snow, developing snowdrifts. Annupuri peak: NW10.8m/s, -15.3C. Coastal data: NW16m/s, 2m waves and 1007hPa. The wind and snowfall has picked up during the night due to winter pressure pattern and snowdrifts have been developing drastically. The avalanche risk is high and rising. Potential sliding scale up to 60cm thickness in 800m SE facing knolls; the developing slabs are extremely unstable and could collapse/slide with the slightest stimulation. Potential trigger layer is Feb 15th’s facets layer. The avalanche hazard level depends on how the snow fell, not how much it snowed. No matter what layers are present; the avalanche risk will be high in leeward steep slopes in a stormy day. The snow in the trees is heavy but good. Visibility is bad. Beware of loosing track or falling into cracks. Peak gates will be closed. Others to be determined; please respect the ski patrol’s decision. Still plenty of powder left in and around the courses. Do not duck ropes to seek fresh lines. Have a safe day. The snow condition is constantly changing every day. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 16th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1151cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 76 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 172cm reported on 12 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 1171cm Weather overview Cloud, snow Wind Varied Temperature -8C base / -14C top Visibility Variable Posted at 8:45am on Sunday 17th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Yesterday was a bit of a wild day, and while the wind hasn't exactly gone and it is still snowing, it is a somewhat calmer start to the day. If the local forecast is correct conditions may well clear up as the day progresses. It's a colder start to the day than yesterday and right now around -7 degrees. We have perhaps 20-25cm of new snow to report from the village area and likely more on the mountain, but again with the conditions yesterday blowing it all around it's difficult to put a number on it. A good new layer though. With these new layers though come increased risk of avalanche, so do take note of the report below and take care out there on the mountain. Winds of up to 16m/s recorded on Annupuri and Niseko Village areas earlier on, but as of 8:45am it looks like the lifts around the mountain will be operating as normal today. Conditions may well clear up today but generally snowy conditions are likely to continue through the coming week in Niseko. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -8C, 30cm of broken particle snow. Moiwa 800m: 30cm of new snow with development of snowdrifts, -12C. Annupuri peak: NW13.1m, -16.5C. Coastal data: NW12m/s, 2.2m waves and 1019hPa. The winter pressure pattern is persisting and a northwesterly snowstorm continues above 800m. Heavy snowfall. The stabilization is progressing from the base of the new snowdrifts, however the snowpack is still unstable, easily collapsible. Potential sliding thickness up to 80cm in 800m leeward knolls and 120cm in 1100m. According to the snowfall transition and other data evaluation, the avalanche hazard is high in leeward slopes and knolls above treeline. High risk of large surface slab avalanche in Osawa cornice slope, Kozannosawa (Backbowl), Mikaeri bowl and Higashione until the afternoon today. Gates 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 will be closed. Do not duck ropes. One track left under the rope will lead many others to do the same and increase the chances of accidents. The weather is forecasted to calm down in the afternoon but the risk will remain high for a while. Stick within the resort today. The snow is typical storm snow, little heavy but good. Beware of cracks and trees. Do not overestimate your gear's performance and your own experience. Be safe, have fun and have a nice day. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 17th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1171cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 77 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 192cm reported on 13 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 7cm Snowfall at base this season 1178cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light Temperature -6C base / -11C top Visibility Fair Posted at 8:28am on Monday 18th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko and Happy Monday(s) to you. Into a new week after another busy weekend. The absolutely peak weekends of the season are probably now behind us with the long weekends and Chinese New Year. Those few weekends are always particularly busy in Niseko. Anyway it's a relatively calm morning here, I'm happy to report. It's not a Blue Monday, with very light snow falling as I write this. Just a bit of new snowfall since yesterday, with around 5-10cm or so of fresh since yesterday at base. Out on the mountain lifts will be moving as planned, though it seems the Annupuri Gondola may get off to a later-than-usual start this morning after undergoing some kind of inspection/maintenance. Hopefully nothing significant. Other than that, all open. The forecast over the coming week into next weekend is looking very snowy. Consistent snowfall is something that Niseko is great at and the coming week looks like it won't disappoint. Look to Wednesday in particular for some significant snowfall. From tomorrow we can expect temperatures to drop somewhat as well. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -8C, 5cm of crystal snow and calm morning. Moiwa 800m: mild wind, -8C and moderate development of snowdrifts. Annupuri peak: S1.6m/s, -12.3C. Coastal data: SSE7m/s, 0.5m waves and 1013hPa. Annupuri 1000m snowpack: 370cm. The isobars are spaced out and the mountain is calm. The new snowdrifts have stabilized and the general avalanche hazard is lowering. Peak gates are scheduled to open at 9:30am. Another storm is forecasted to pick up from this afternoon as a new low-pressure is approaching. Seek for advice from the ski patrol before stepping out of the gates. Avalanche hazard is permanently present during winter in leeward steep slopes in heavy snowfall area such as Niseko. Whether it says “low hazard” in this information, it will never be 100% safe. Think safety first and be prudent. Visibility is bad up high; beware of cracks and hitting trees. Better not overestimate your gears’ performance or your own skills. Be safe, have fun and enjoy your day. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 17th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1178cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 78 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 199cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 1208cm Weather overview Cloud, very light snow Wind Varied Temperature -10C base / -14C top Visibility Fair-poor Posted at 8:56am on Wednesday 20th February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here This morning I bring you news of 20cm of fresh snow at Niseko base. It's colder again with a temperature close to minus 10C a little earlier on. There was some blue sky to see also earlier on but that has been covered up now and snow is falling as I write this report. That didn't last long. Looks like visibility has decreased as well. It's one of those mornings when I need to mention the wind conditions. Hirafu reporting wind speeds of up to 11m/s but the Annupuri area is reporting strong winds of up to 19m/s this morning. Here's the current situation with lifts: Niseko Annupuri - the Gondola and top Jumbo Number 4 lift are not operating Niseko Village - the Niseko Gondola is operating at reduced speed, and the top Wonderland Chair is not moving Niseko Hirafu - the top Ace Number 4 and King Number 4 lifts are not operating Niseko Hanazono - the top Hanazono Number 3 quad lift is operating at reduced speed Depending on how the wind bears out during the day the above may well change of course. Looking at the forecast, seems we can still expect snow to be falling each day through into next week. The big question is how those winds turn out each day. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -11C, 20cm of broken particle snow and stormy. Moiwa 800m: strong westerly wind and development of snowdrifts. Annupuri peak: WSW17.7m/s, -18.1C. Coastal data: NW17m/s, 3.6m waves and 1009hPa. The typical winter pressure pattern is generating a strong storm. According to observations and data evaluations, the snowdrifts are developing big and leeward steep slopes and knolls are very unstable. The avalanche risk is very high today. Peak gates will be kept closed for the sake of all resort users. Please respect the decisions of ski patrols regarding other gates. The snow has been reset, however is heavily wind affected and heavy. The visibility is bad and the snow surface is hard to see. Beware of falling into cracks and lost of control. There are many unexpected cracks in the out of bounds areas. And if you fell into those, you would go headfirst. Beware. Better stick within the resort and enjoy the powder of the side of the pistes today. Do not seek fresh tracks outside the ropes or in the strictly off-limits areas. Beware of frostbites. Be safe, have fun and have a nice day. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 20th February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1208cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 80 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 229cm reported on 16 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 1223cm Weather overview Cloud, snow Wind Varied Temperature -10C base / -14C top Visibility Fair-poor Posted at 9:15am on Thursday 21st February 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko and this time I bring you about 10-15cm of new snowfall and it continues to snow as I write this report. Currently it is about -7 degrees and there's a moderate wind. The Gondolas are all operating, but on checking just now the top lifts at all but Hanazono area are not, though the top two lifts over at Hanazono are operating at reduced speed for the moment. The mountains are covered in cloud though visibility doesn't seem too bad generally on the resort courses. Looking at the forecast, it would seem that we can still expect similar conditions to continue for the next few days and through the weekend and into next week. So that means regular topups of fresh powder, though perhaps no bluebirds for the time being. I'm sure most won't complain! Have fun out there. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -10C, 15cm of broken particle snow, moderate storm. Moiwa 800m: W10m/s, -10C, development of heavy and unstable snowdrifts. Annupuri peak: WNW16m/s, 1.8waves and 1011hPa. Annupuri 1000m snowpack: 375cm. Heavy snowfall has continued under a typical winter pressure pattern and cornices and snowdrifts are continuing to develop in leeward slopes. The development speed has slowed down, however stabilization is delayed and is likely to slide in large blocks. The avalanche risk is high. All peak gates will be kept closed for the sake of all resort users. Do not duck ropes to access the out of bounds area. The snow is heavy and slow, cornices has grown big and easily collapsible. There are high chances of surface slab slides up to 80cm thickness in steep slopes and knolls above 800m. Many cases of loosing tracks and/or falling into cracks are being reported in the Higashione/Jackson's area. The more people goes, the more chance of accidents increases. Every individual consciousness is key to reduce accidents. Better not rely too much on the gear's performance or overestimate your skills. The snow in the trees is heavy but good. The visibility is bad. Beware of hitting trees or falling into cracks. Cracks are barely visible from above, and likely to fall headfirst. The conditions will turn better soon, have a nice day. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 21st February 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1223cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 81 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 244cm reported on 17 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com