Independent snow and weather reporting from the Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 42cm Weather overview Light rain Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 8:04am on Saturday 15th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Greetings to everyone from Madarao. Today is the first day for the 2012/13 season and there is plenty of early season snow. In hindsight the resort probably would have been able to open last Tuesday as there was powder galore. Today it is much warmer with a strong wind blowing, and a light rain falling early on so really not the best of conditions. But there is enough snow to burn a few runs and get those summer legs back in shape. In Madarao we have two lifts open today. Ticket prices are cheap though... only 2500 yen for all the runs you can eat! Lifts operating: Number 1 Number 2 Quad Madarao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 15th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 42cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (1st December) November 2012 snowfall 0cm December 2012 snowfall 42cm 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 Madarao. 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 30cm Weather overview - Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 10:15am on Sunday 9th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . The Number 1 lift was moving for the first time this season yesterday and more of the same today, with 10+cm of fresh snow to report as well. The crazy snow and wind blizzard like storm we were expecting this weekend somehow hasn't happened - not yet anyway - and the wind has been relatively calm. Makes for a more comfortable day out though and it was good to get the first turns of the season in. Madarao Kogen officially opens properly for the season on Saturday, so will be closed again from tomorrow until Friday. Hopefully by the time Saturday comes around we will have a decent base to play with. Madarao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 9th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 30cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (1st December) November 2012 snowfall 0cm December 2012 snowfall 30cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Madarao. 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 43cm Weather overview Light snow Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 9:41am on Tuesday 18th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Just about 1cm of snow to report this morning in Madarao, and rather wet snow is falling as I write this report. Fairly windy out there but the lifts that are due to open are moving this morning. It is definitely colder than yesterday and it should be getting colder still, and we can expect snowfall into tomorrow. Not a whole lot more to report at the moment. After tomorrow the snow looks set to ease off and it be Sunday before we can expect more decent snowfall. Lifts operating: Number 1 Number 2 Quad Kids Park moving walkway Madarao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Tuesday 18th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 43cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (1st December) November 2012 snowfall 0cm December 2012 snowfall 43cm 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 Madarao. 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 42cm Weather overview Light rain Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 8:23am on Sunday 16th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . We have woken this morning to light rain and misty conditions. Yesterday cleared up beautifully in the afternoon, so we are hoping for some improvement in the weather later on today. There is still enough base for the brave to get out and do some runs. To be honest though, could be a good day for an onsen and a big bowl of noodles. In Madarao we have two lifts open today. Ticket prices are still cheap though... only 2500 yen. Lifts operating: Number 1 Number 2 Quad Madarao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 16th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 42cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (1st December) November 2012 snowfall 0cm December 2012 snowfall 42cm 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 Madarao. 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 32cm Weather overview - Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 10:15am on Monday 10th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Snow is falling, though Madarao will be closed from today and then re-opening for the proper official opening of the season on Saturday 15th December. Hopefully we will see more runs and lifts open with the snowfall we are getting now. I'll bring you more news later on in the week nearer the time. Madarao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 10th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 32cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (1st December) November 2012 snowfall 0cm December 2012 snowfall 32cm 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 Madarao. 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 98cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Calm Temperature - Visibility Variable Posted at 8:42am on Sunday 23rd December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Lets be honest - yesterday was not good. It was misty, slushy, rainy and any other word you want to use ending with 'y' and having some slightly unpleasant undertones. Thankfully though, sometime during the night the rain turned to snow and this morning it is decidedly more crunchy under foot. I still wouldn't be using the word 'powder', but also won't be using the word slush. At the moment the conditions are improved, but the really good news is that big snow front that is still due tonight. So tomorrow promises the possibility of a real powder day, just in time to celebrate the Emperor's birthday and Christmas. So if you've only got one days skiing in you for this long weekend, I would be doing it tomorrow! There is 15-20cm of new snow at the moment and all lifts, except the Number 3 & 13 lifts will be open. Lifts operating: Number 1 Number 2 Super quad Number 5 Number 11 Number 12 Number 15 Kids Park The Powder Wave, Usagi, River Line and Powder Theater courses at not yet open. Madarao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Sunday 23rd December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 98cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (19th December) November 2012 snowfall 0cm December 2012 snowfall 98cm 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 Madarao. 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 83cm Weather overview Cloud Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 9:50am on Friday 21st December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Snow clouds moved in yesterday and this morning we have 10-15cm of fresh snow on the ground in Madarao. It's -4C this morning and a thick layer of cloud covers the upper half of the mountain. The snow has eased off for the moment but might be back later on. Tomorrow we're due milder temperatures and quite possibly rain falling at base. Fingers crossed that doesn't happen and if it does it is snow. Decent snowfall still due later in the weekend. Madarao plans to have the following lifts moving from Saturday: Number 1 Number 2 quad Super quad Number 5 Number 11 Number 12 Number 15 The connection with Tangram Ski Circus will also be open from Saturday. Still looking good for heavy snowfall late weekend, though hopefully the snow will be with us from Saturday. Lifts operating: Number 1 Number 2 Quad Kids Park moving walkway Madarao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Friday 21st December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 83cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (19th December) November 2012 snowfall 0cm December 2012 snowfall 83cm 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 Madarao. 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 83cm Weather overview Cloud, light rain Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 8:18am on Saturday 22nd December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Happy Saturday from Madarao! We have been greeted this morning by light rain and cloud. Not the greatest start to the weekend, but there is a promise from the weather bureau that snow is coming. We are hoping that the rain will turn to snow around lunch time and the next few days will see the return of some good powder days. There was that decent dump through the week though, so there is a good base for the start of the season. The backside of the mountain is open from today, so Madarao Now are now connected to Tangram Resort for those people who want to make use of the Mountain Pass. More of the mountain is open from today with the following lifts operating: Lifts operating: Number 1 Number 2 quad Super quad Number 5 Number 11 Number 12 Number 15 Kids Park Madarao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Saturday 22nd December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 83cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (19th December) November 2012 snowfall 0cm December 2012 snowfall 83cm 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 Madarao. 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 73cm Weather overview Sun Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 9:14am on Thursday 20th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Add a bit more fresh snow, some blue skies above and you get a very nice day to be out on the mountain. It's a shame that the resort still only has the two lifts open at the moment. The good news on that front is that from Saturday much more of the mountain will be open. Madarao plans to have the following lifts moving: Number 1 Number 2 quad Super quad Number 5 Number 11 Number 12 Number 15 The connection with Tangram Ski Circus will also be open from Saturday. Still looking good for heavy snowfall late weekend, though hopefully the snow will be with us from Saturday. Lifts operating: Number 1 Number 2 Quad Kids Park moving walkway Madarao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Thursday 20th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 73cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (19th December) November 2012 snowfall 0cm December 2012 snowfall 73cm 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 Madarao. 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 Madarao region of Nagano New snowfall at base 25cm Snowfall at base this season 68cm Weather overview Snow clearing up Wind - Temperature - Visibility - Posted at 9:41am on Wednesday 19th December 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Madarao Now report can be found here . Some decent snowfall to report this morning from Madarao with 25-30cm or so of fresh snow on the slopes. There's a lot of cloud out there still but right now there is some sun casting shadows on part of the mountain as well. Changeable conditions though the snow is forecast to ease off today and we will have a few more days of clearer conditions. It's a cold morning too... -8C out there early this morning and about -5C now. The next winter storm looks set to be with us late weekend. Lifts operating: Number 1 Number 2 Quad Kids Park moving walkway Madarao Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 19th December 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 68cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 25cm (19th December) November 2012 snowfall 0cm December 2012 snowfall 68cm 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 Madarao. 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 41cm Weather overview Cloud, light snow Wind Light to moderate Temperature -1C base / -4C top Visibility Fair Posted at 8:58am on Wednesday 21st November 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here . Things started off well yesterday with the snow falling and it continued throughout the day with some decent snowfall to report this morning. There has been over 20cm here in Hirafu, up to 30cm in places and no doubt more as you get higher up on the mountain. It's a nice and cold -1 degrees at the moment on the old thermometer and I can't see much of the mountain. Looking at the forecast, we can likely expect snow on and off - hopefully more on than off - into the weekend. It would seem that winter has properly arrived in Niseko and there's no going back. I'd say we were all going to be good for a Friday opening. Not long now! Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Wednesday 21st November 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 41cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (19th and 21st November) November 2012 snowfall 41cm 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 81cm Weather overview Cloud Wind Light Temperature 2C base / -1C top Visibility Fair Posted at 9:44am on Monday 26th November 2012 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here . Yesterday was a beauty and actually, on a personal note, my first slide of the season. That first time is just the best isn't it. With the new snow to play in, perhaps 15cm or more higher up, conditions were really good out there and the clear weather that opened up really added to it all, giving us some fine views of the surrounding mountains. On to today... after those few days of very cold conditions, it's somewhat milder this morning. The temperature is above zero, currently around 2 degrees. Overnight around 5cm of snow has fallen, a somewhat wetter variety than we have had until now. It's a much more cloudy and misty start to the day, though it has been lifting even as I write this and I can gradually see more of the slopes now. (Clouds covering the mountain once again a few minutes later!) As I reported yesterday there's a chance of some rainfall today especially in lower areas, though hopefully it will be falling as snow higher up. Fingers crossed. The good news is that we can expect snow overnight and perhaps a decent load to be deposited on the mountains as well. It might be a bit wild with some very strong winds forecast tomorrow morning, so much so that it might well affect lift operations. Looking beyond tomorrow though and the forecast is looking promising with changes of snow pretty much every day through into the weekend. Lifts currently operating in Niseko: Grand Hirafu - Ace No2 Quad (Center Four) and Ace No3 Pair lifts. Annupuri - Gondola and Jumbo No3 pair lift. 8 hour lift tickets are 2000 yen for adults and 1000 yen for children and seniors, these special prices are valid until Friday 30th November. Hirafu now have 7 courses open and 4300m of skiable area. Look for more to open as we get more snow. Word has it that the Ace Family pair should be opening on Saturday. We shall see. Until tomorrow! Niseko Now 2012-2013 season Data as of Monday 26th November 2012 Total snowfall at base so far 81cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (19th and 21st November) November 2012 snowfall 81cm 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