Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 1372cm Weather overview Snow, cloud Wind Moderate-strong Temperature -2C base / -10C top Visibility Not very good Posted at 8:40am on Sunday 10th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here 5-10cm of new snow this morning to report since yesterday here from my vantage point in the Hirafu village area. Snow and wind is what's happening this morning. It's not as cold as yesterday, but stronger winds and top lifts at each of the resorts (as well as the Niseko Gondola at Niseko Village) are closed this morning. Looking forward to more snow today and overnight into tomorrow. I have been reading some of the reports from other areas of Japan. Happily, spring hasn't taken a hold on Niseko as it seems to have other places. Long may it continue. Update at 1pm: Winds. Currently only the lower lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu (Ace Family, Ace No1, King No1, Holiday No1) and Niseko Village (Banzai Chair, Community Chair, Morino Chair) are operating. The Niseko Annupuri and Hanazono areas are completely closed. Niseko Village reporting wind speeds of up to 29m/s! Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -6C, 5cm of new snow this morning with low pressure front. Moiwa 800m: 10cm of new snow, no snowdrift development, -6C. Annupuri peak: -9.8C,snow depth at 1000m: 400cm, wind predicted to be WNW25m/s at 1500m. Coastal data: wind SE13m/s, 0.5m waves, pressure 993hPa. Crystaline snowfall with the passing of low pressure system. Under lift lines and steep slopes will easily avalanche. Even though slabs are small, they are heavy and dangerous. As westerly wind picks up this morning, avalanche risk will become HIGH due to rapid growth of snowdrifts. All peak gates will be closed for the safety of all users. Be careful of lightening strikes on ridge lines. Do not duck ropes to leave the resort area. Most accidents occur during bad weather. Be aware, the avalanche risk is HIGH on all the local mountains, careful planning and route selection is needed. Just because a slope was safe yesterday doesn't mean it is safe today. Spring conditions are not here yet. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 10th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1372cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 95 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 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 77cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 1387cm Weather overview Snow, cloud Wind Moderate-strong Temperature -7C base / -10C top Visibility Not very good Posted at 8:51am on Monday 11th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Colder again this morning at -6C now, and lots of new snow in the Hirafu area. 15-20cm or so of it, and undoubtedly more on the mountain. The Niseko Grand Hirafu resort area reports their upper areas snow depth as back up to 500cm. Great stuff for getting on mid-March. The persistant 'w' is affecting lifts again this morning. Over at Annupuri, the Gondola and Jumbo 3 and 4 lifts are not moving, at Niseko Village the gondola and top Wonderland Chair are stationary and so are the top lifts at Hirafu and Hanazono. Once they open up, there should be some nice renewed conditions to enjoy up there. For now most of the other lifts seem to be running (or scheduled to run) as planned. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -5C, 30cm new snow, snow drift development. Moiwa 800m: 40cm new snow, snowdrift development, -10C. Annupuri peak: -15.6C. Coastal data: wind NW14m/s, 3.3m waves, pressure 1012hPa. Avalanche risk is VERY HIGH due to extreme snowdrift growth at all elevations on the mountain from the continuous high winds over the weekend. All gates will be closed today except for gates 7 & 9. The wind is expected to weaken this morning however the avalanche risk will remain VERY HIGH. Snow drifts that have developed the high wind(18m/s) will easily collapse and cause surface slab avalanches. Also note that with the expected decrease in winds(<10m/s) the high avalanche risk will continue for estimated 4-8 hours. Many accidents occur on slopes holding snowdrifts during and directly after storms. Do not risk riding leeward and steep slopes today. Avalanches always run to the valley bottoms, try to avoid spending time there too. The snow in the trees is heavy and deep from the high winds, the groomers are better choice today. Spring is not here yet. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 11th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1387cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 96 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 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 92cm 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 1401cm Weather overview Cloud, clear patches Wind Moderate+ Temperature -4C base / -8C top Visibility OK Posted at 9:17am on Friday 15th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here 10cm or so of new snow to report from Hirafu this morning and with Niseko Grand Hirafu's resort snow depth increasing a fair bit to an impressive 520cm, we can of course expect more snow on the mountain. 520cm in the middle of March. It's pretty good isn't it. A quick glance over at the JMA snowfall numbers for Kutchan shows that last March for the whole month there was 79cm. So far we are on 73cm half way through the month. (We shouldn't get too excited over the numbers though as the previous two seasons say over 2m in March). Anyway, just a cloudy morning at the moment - quite bright and actually some blue sky opening up as well. I almost don't want to mention it, but wind is preventing the top lifts at all 4 resort areas on the mountain from operating once again. But nice new snow and so some decent conditions to be found out there I would say today. I'm off to Sapporo today and so I won't be able to test it out myself. The forecast for the weekend. Cloud with the chance of snow showers, keeping fairly cold tomorrow, but a chance of rain later Sunday going into Monday. As we come out of of the peak season, things have been beginning to quieten down somewhat and we can expect that to continue over the next few weeks and then accelerate as we get into April when things start to get quiet. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -5C, 5cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: -7C, wind W10m/s, small amount snow drift development. Annupuri peak: -11.9C, snow depth at 1000m: 400cm. Coastal data: wind SW5m/s, 1.4m waves, pressure 1015hPa. Wind has dropped and snow pack is stabilising. Avalanche risk is lowering. Peak gates 2 & 3 are expected to open at 10am, dependent on lift operations. Gate 6, Moiwa peak, will be closed in the morning due to snow clearing operations. From observation around 800m, snow drift above the 11th Mar layer will easily fracture, dependent on location. Yesterday close to a Hirafu ski run at around 900m, a surface avalanche occurred, depth about 40cm. Also note that in Haru No Taki off limits area full depth avalanches have started to occur. Take care on steep slopes close to ski runs as well. Never enter Haru No Taki, even a rabbit wouldn't want to be in that valley! Niseko Rules only exist to protect the freedom and minimum safety of out of bounds riding. All riders need to respect and understand the rules. Although carrying a beacon is not compulsory, it is recommended you carry safety equipment. The weather can change quickly, be prepared to change your plans. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 15th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1401cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 99 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 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 106cm reported on 11 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 1391cm Weather overview Cloud, snow Wind Moderate+ Temperature -7C base / -11C top Visibility Not good Posted at 9:41am on Thursday 14th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Back to colder conditions once again this morning in Niseko and right now it is around -5C. Unfortunately, wind is hampering things once again with upper lifts at all of the resort areas closed. Niseko village is reporting winds of up to 22m/s up top. A small amount of new snow since yesterday, just a few cm. The wind is blowing things around this morning and so the new cm won't be covering up the somewhat icy conditions out there at the moment. It looks like it is going to remain cold over the next few days - at least no significant warm up on the horizon - and we should see a mix of cloud and snow showers from time to time. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -7C, 2cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: -12C, wind NW15m/s, snow drift and cornice development. Annupuri peak: -15.3C, wind predicted to be WNW15m/s at noon, snow depth: 400cm at 1000m. Coastal data: wind NW17m/s, 2.6m waves, pressure 1004hPa. Typical winter weather pattern with strong NW wind, rapid snow drift growth from wind blown snow. Potential for knolls and cornices to easily collapse. Leeward slopes above 800m and open steep slopes the avalanche risk is HIGH. Although there has been little new snow, due to high wind, slabs have developed rapidly. There is potential for up to 60cm surface layer avalanche. Assess the dangers before riding a fresh line. All peak gates will be closed, other gates depend on lift operations. Please respect the patrols decisions. We highly recommend carrying beacon, probe & shovel when leaving resort, however don't overestimate this equipment or your knowledge. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 14th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1391cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 98 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 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 96cm reported on 10 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 1389cm Weather overview Light snow Wind Moderate Temperature 0C base / -6C top Visibility Varied Posted at 10:00am on Tuesday 12th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just a few cm of new snowfall to report this morning and feeling milder than the same time yesterday. At the moment it is borderline 0 degrees and light snow is falling, wet variety. Hopefully we will avoid it getting too... wet. It's due to be falling on and off today, and snow tomorrow too - hopefully a bit colder as well. Moderate wind this morning and stronger higher up with top lifts again not moving this morning and a few others running at reduced speed. The Gondola at Hirafu was delayed a bit but doing it's thing now. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -4C, trace of new snow. Moiwa 800m: wind NE10m/s, 5cm new snow, snowdrift development, -7C. Annupuri peak: -9.3C. Coastal data: wind W17m/s, 2.1m waves, pressure 1011hPa. Wind at 1500m is expected to be WSW20m/s at noon. Annupuri snow depth: 400cm at 1000m. Peak gates will be closed today due to the strong winds above 1000m. Because of the ability for many people to enter the Niseko backcountry by ski lift, the decision whether or not to open gates is made conservatively through objective hazard evaluation to minimize danger for all users. According to data and observation the general avalanche risk is lower than yesterday. However above 900m, from the 9th Mar pre-low pressure layer, there is danger of avalanche on leeward slopes and knolls. Take care not to trigger cornices and knolls. The snow in the trees is not bad today but visibility not good. Be careful of cracks and holes. Gates other than 2 and 3 may open if conditions allow. Please respect ski patrols decision. Ducking ropes is a serious offence. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 12th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1389cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 97 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 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 94cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1389cm Weather overview Light snow, sleet, rain Wind Varied Temperature 1C base / -2C top Visibility Poor Posted at 8:17am on Wednesday 13th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Not the best of things to report this morning. The resorts are calling it snow or sleet - and I have no reason to doubt them of course, and a look at the webcams shows it to be the case - but here at village level it has been raining. The temperatures is just nudging over into the positives and it feels rather mild. Not enough wind today to cause the lifts any issues and so it looks like the resorts will all be open as planned this morning. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: 0C, sleet. Moiwa 800m: wind SW5m/s, wet snow falling from low pressure system, -2C. Annupuri peak: -4.5C. Coastal data: wind W13m/s, 1.5m waves, pressure 1003hPa. Annupuri snow depth: 400cm at 1000m. Warm air flowing in with current low pressure system, visibility poor above 600m. Snow and westerly wind is expected to intensify as the day progresses. From data and observation the 9th Mar layer has stablised and avalanche risk in the morning is low. Below 500m, wet snow avalanches will easily trigger under lift lines and other steep slopes. 12th Mar layer will become significant in future snowpack. Peak gates 2 & 3 and all other gates will be open as soon they can be prepared, but are dependent on weather. Please follow ski patrols instructions. Over many years Niseko Rules and the gate system have been developed and allow anyone to enter side and backcountry. However please remember that once you pass through the gates you are not in the resort anymore and there are many dangers present. It is recommended you carry at least beacon, probe and shovel. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 13th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1389cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 97 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 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 94cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 1403cm Weather overview Fine some cloud Wind Varied Temperature -2C base / -6C top Visibility Good Posted at 8:52am on Sunday 17th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Ah a clear Sunday morning. As good as it is to have snow falling most days, it's really nice to have clearer days every now and again. And it's a lovely morning here in the Niseko area and we can actually see the mountains. Cloud still around but they are just looking good rather than threatening snow or even worse rain. Yotei is looking good at the moment with a plume of cloud coming up off the top - it almost looks like it's doing it's 'volcano thing'! Luckily it isn't, it's just a cloud. Don't worry. :) It has quickly warmed up from the -4C I saw on the thermometer earlier on when I got up to hovering around 0 degrees as I write this report and I would expect it to continue to rise. A few cm of fresh snow on the ground to report earlier on. For now not much of a wind here in the Hanazono area (where I'm reporting from this morning), but I see that Annupuri in particular is reporting stronger winds this morning and winds are indeed expected to get stronger as we approach the middle of the day. At the moment just the top lift at Annupuri (Jumbo 4) seems to be affected, but we might expect more to be later on. Time to get an early start to the day I think! Tomorrow is set to get a bit warmer still and it's looking like rain is expected. A return to colder conditions and snowfall around mid-week though... Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -5C, 2cm new snow, sunny. Moiwa 800m: -8C, wind NW 10m/s, 3cm new snow, snow drift development. Annupuri peak: -12.8C, expected wind speed at noon: SW20m/s. Coastal data: wind WNW20m/s, 2.3m waves, pressure 1016hPa. Westerly wind of 14m/s has caused significant snow drift growth. Above 800m, leeward slopes, knolls and cornice slopes, avalanche risk is HIGH this morning. Although there has not been much new snow an avalanche can happen anytime if conditions are right. Peak gates are expected to open at 9.30am. Please listen to the ski patrols advice before passing through the gates. As the day progresses the wind is expected to increase as warm air flows in. Take note of slab development on leeward and steep slopes. Avoid riding alone, rescue may not arrive if no one knows what happened to you. Please carry beacon, probe, shovel. However don't overestimate your equipment, careful route planning, knowledge and experience are your best assets to avoid accidents in the first place. Never enter strictly off limits areas, Haru No Taki or Yu no Sawa. With spring comes the increased risk of large avalanches. Don't ride in the valley bottoms of Back Bowl or Osawa. Take care. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 17th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1403cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 100 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 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 108cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1401cm Weather overview Light snow at times Wind Varied Temperature 0C base / -3C top Visibility Fair to poor Posted at 9:20am on Saturday 16th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko and welcome to another weekend. Already mid-March! Just a trace of new (wet-type) snow on the ground to report this morning, but it has been snowing lightly early on. As I type this, eased off. Around 0C at the moment. I'm happy to report that apart from a few lifts operating at reduced speed, the lifts are all moving this morning and so the whole mountain is open and according to the avalanche report gates will be open too. Tomorrow is forecast to be just generally cloudy - we might get to see some sun - and then we are expecting to have some rain falling on Monday. Have a fun weekend. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: 1C, 2cm sleet. Moiwa 800m: -1C, trace new snow. Annupuri peak: -5.9C, expected wind speed at noon: NW18m/s, snow depth at 1000m: 400cm. Coastal data: wind NNW8m/s, 1.9m waves, pressure 1011hPa. Wet snow conditions, by noon the pressure gradient will have increased along with strong NW wind and snow. Avalanche risk is low in the morning, gates 2 & 3 are expected to open at 10am. Full depth avalanches have stated to occur on valley side walls as snow pack is changing to spring season. Avoid riding or resting in the valley bottoms. In Niseko, whether cracks are present or not, full depth avalanches can happen at any time without warning. When leaving the resort area through the gates it is recommended to ride with someone else and take beacon, probe, shovel. Snow is not bad at the moment. Be careful of cracks, cornices breaking, poor visibility and high winds. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 16th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1401cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 99 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 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 106cm reported on 11 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 1418cm Weather overview Snow Wind Varied Temperature -7C base / -12C top Visibility Varied Posted at 9:02am on Thursday 21st March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko and I have good news. Yes, a nice new delivery of snow to report. About 15cm outside where I am but strong winds mean that it's one of those days when you'll get different numbers with every person you ask - some places less, some places more. I can imagine though that this morning there'll be some very nice spots to find on the mountain though. Nice and cold too. Unfortunately those same winds mean that it's not fully open this morning. Actually, the Annupuri area is completely closed (as of their latest update). Niseko Village has the lower lifts running - Banzai, Morino and Community - and they have been reporting wind speeds of up to 26m/s. At Grand Hirafu the lifts operating as of 9am were the Ace Family, Ace Number 1, King Number 1, Holiday Number 1 and the Hirafu Gondola. Hanazono only has the lower lift operating at reduced speed at the moment. It seems unlikely that the wind situation will improve much during the day today, we can only hope. So fairly blizzard-like conditions out there this morning and a return to mid-winter with generally poor visibility out on the slopes. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -7C, 20cm new snow, snowdrift development, blizzard. Annupuri peak: -16.1C. Coastal data: wind WNW20m/s, 2.1m waves, pressure 1000hPa. Snow depth at 1000m: up from 390cm. Blizzard conditions due to a strong winter weather pattern, new snowdrift growth on top of 20th Mar layer resulting in HIGH avalanche risk. From snowfall data, on SE facing slopes and knolls above 800m there is risk of 50cm surface slab avalanches. The wind is expected to drop after lunch and snowdrifts will begin to stabilse, in the morning, however, do not ride steep or leeward slopes. Peak gates will be closed today. Hirafu Center 4 lift is expect to operate. Do not enter strictly off limits area Haru no Taki looking for fresh snow. Other gates openings are yet to be decided. Please respect Patrols decisions. All lifts at Moiwa are expected to be closed. Please be careful driving and getting stuck on backroads today. If you get stuck, turn your engine off and wait. The wind and snow can block the exhaust from exiting the vehicle and you can become asphyxiated by exhaust fumes. In the car, even in negative temperatures, you wont immediately freeze to death. The storm will finish soon. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 21st March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1418cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 101 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 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 123cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 1433cm Weather overview Cloud, fog up top Wind Varied Temperature -4C base / -12C top Visibility Varied Posted at 8:56am on Friday 22nd March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from the Niseko area and we have another 15cm or so of snow to report this morning here in Hirafu since yesterday. Should be some good snow conditions to be found out there this morning. After the wilder conditions we had yesterday, this morning is somewhat calmer. Here at base level anyway, though the flags around village are still moving about in an at times moderate wind. Seems the only resort disruption today is the top Wonderland Chair lift at Niseko Village not opening up due to poor visibility up there. Dense fog, as they explain. Oh, and also the top King Number 4 and top Hanazono lifts are currently on stand-by due to the same poor visibility and wind conditions. Visibility generally fine on lower areas of the mountain though. Generally cloudy conditions over the region with a few hints of small clearer patches with sky on show behind the cloud. We should see temperatures remain low and below zero over the weekend and into next week with scattered snow showers possibly through tomorrow. Check it out... the Niseko Grand Hirafu official upper slopes snow depth up to 515cm again (up 30cm since yesterday) and it's 22nd March. Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -5C, 10cm new snow, cloudy. Annupuri peak: -11.1C, expected wind speed at noon: WNW15m/s. Coastal data: wind SSE5m/s, 1.5m waves, pressure 1005hPa. Below 800m, wind and driving snow is easing and snow layers above 21 Mar layer are stabilising. However on leeward slopes around 1000m the avalanche risk is still HIGH. Cornices are unstable and will fracture easily due dramatic growth recently. They can collapse instantly with no warning. Dont go near cornices. The snow is good in the trees, although wind effected. Be careful of cracks and other objects under the snow. Avoid steep open leeward faces. The mountain has returned to winter conditions. Gate opening is yet to be decided, dependent on weather and lift operations. Follow patrols advice. Dont duck ropes, this is prohibited and strictly enforced in Niseko. Many accidents happen during or just after a storm. Ride cautiously and dont be overconfident. Please carry your own rescue equipment and know how to use it. Warm air is expected to flow in from noon. Get some good powder. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 22nd March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1433cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 102 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 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 138cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1403cm Weather overview Snow on the way Wind Varied Temperature -2C base / -6C top Visibility Varied Posted at 10:02am on Wednesday 20th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Yesterday cleared up to be a nice day in terms of the clouds clearing up and we got some nice sunny conditions as well - lovely evening - though top lifts were on and off during the day with the wind conditions. Clouds moved back in and there was some light snow overnight, but nothing in terms of new cm - not here at base level anyway. It's noticeably colder this morning, but still not winter-like cold. About -1C in Hirafu now. It remains just cloudy though it should soon snowing (already on mountain?) and fingers crossed for some good news in my report tomorrow morning. It's a national holiday here in Japan today. Mid-week of course, but we can expect it to be busier than a normal Wednesday. All lifts seems to be open as scheduled with not that much of a wind today, though I see the top King 4 lift at Hirafu has been closed due to some maintenance. Snow conditions hopefully though into the weekend. Fingers crossed. See you tomorrow! Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: -3C, no new snow, cloudy. Annupuri peak: -10C, expected wind speed at noon NNW10m/s. Coastal data: wind W11m/s, 1.2m waves, pressure 1010hPa. Calm weather preceding low pressure system. Upper levels of the snowpack have stabilized and avalanche risk is low. Gates are expected to open at 9.30am. Please listen to ski patrol advice when passing through the gates. Because of the deep snowpack this season and recent rapid temperature changes, the risk of full depth avalanches is rising in Osawa, Kozan no Sawa(back bowl) and Higashione around 1000m elev. These avalanches occur regardless of air temperature, so even on cold days avoid riding in valley bottoms. Full depth avalanches can easily have a fracture over 5m deep, an avalanche this size is devastating and will wipe out everything in its path. Cracks are a sign that a full depth avalanche could occur, however not always the case. Sometimes the crack and avalanche occur simultaneously. Use caution on leeward and open steep slopes. Please make sure everyone in your group is carrying beacon, probe, shovel. Dont overestimate your equipment or knowledge, safe decisions are your best asset. Avoid riding alone. Have a safe day. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 20th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1403cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 100 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 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 108cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1403cm Weather overview Cloud, light rain Wind Varied Temperature 3C base / 1C top Visibility Varied Posted at 8:42am on Tuesday 19th March 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here And yes, rain happened. This morning it is raining lightly and it's a rather warm 5 degrees here in Hirafu village area. As you might expect, no new snow to report. Resorts on the mountain are reporting conditions varying from foggy to sleet and light snow up top this morning. Poor visibility up top along with moderate to strong winds is preventing some lifts to operate this morning again. It's mostly top lifts and the gondolas at Niseko Annupuri and Niseko Village that are affected. Wind has been mentioned a fair deal this season in these reports and one comment coming in to SnowJapan was whether that should be mentioned or not. My take on this - and that of SnowJapan - is that... of course it should! Lifts moving or not is a rather important piece of info. It may not be fun having to report things like that, but we're certainly not going to conveniently ignore it. If winds are an issue, we'll report it here. Of course, weather conditions can change at any time during a day and we highly recommend that people check with the resorts for all the latest updates during a day. Anyway, snow conditions are generally rather hard, icy... and fast! Avalanche Information Niseko base 6am: 3C, snow melt, light winds. Annupuri peak: -0.5C, above freezing to 800m overnight. Coastal data: wind W13m/s, 0.8m waves, pressure 997hPa. Peak gates expected to open when fog lifts. However if westerly winds increase there is high possibility lift operation will be suspended. Please respect ski patrols decisions. Dont duck ropes, regardless of location. Once one person ducks a rope others will follow increasing the chances of an accident. The mountain is changing to spring conditions, the risk of large avalanches is increasing in the valleys. These avalanches start at around 1100m elevation. They initially trigger deep within the snow pack as full depth avalanches, which in turn trigger surface avalanches which gain speed and power as they travel down the valley bottoms. This type of avalanche is the same as the avalanche several years ago that traveled right through the lower section of the Osawa creek(half pipe). Avoid riding in the creek bottom. Be careful of cornices breaking off and falling into cracks. Ride and traverse one by one. Have a safe day. Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 19th March 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 1403cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 100 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 316cm reported on 24 days March 2013 snowfall 108cm 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