Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 562cm Posted on Saturday 23rd January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko where the headline for the day is 12cm of fresh light snowfall round my place here near Hirafu base. Interestingly the Avalanche report (below) is reporting 20-40cm of snow on the mountain which I think definitely needs to be investigated first hand this morning. I will selflessly volunteer for such a job! It was a lovely day yesterday and there's lots of blue sky around this morning as well. There is more cloud around than yesterday and shadows being cast, but still the blue skies are generally winning out just at the moment. It is pretty calm here at base though I hear there's a moderate westerly wind as you get higher up the mountain. As of 8:30am though all of the resorts appear to be opening up as normal. We are told to expect the chance of some snow later on today - and regular top-ups through the coming week as well. What we can expect over the coming days still seems to be more a case of 'steady regular' than 'huge dumpage'. --- Niseko Grand Hirafu today have upped their snow depth for upper slopes to 315cm. Of more interest, as of yesterday I had recorded/observed more snowfall for the month of January 2016 than I did for the whole of December 2015. Today that January 2016 observed snowfall number for here at base rises to 257cm... which just so happens to be exactly the number that I recorded for the whole of January 2015 (last season). That means that any further snowfall we get this month will be more than January last season. We're still quite a ways behind the ongoing total for the season though. You can find these numbers lower down on this page. (If you are viewing this on the mobile site, please go to the PC version to see it all). --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -7°C, 20cm new snowfall, calm. Moiwa 800m: -10°C, NW8m/s, 30cm new snowfall. Mikaeri 740m: -9.7°C, light winds, 40cm new snow, no snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -13°C, NW13m/s, 40cm new snowfall. Hirafu 1000m: -10°C, NW10m/s, 30cm new snow, snowdrift development on eastern aspect.. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW10m/s. Kamui Cape SW8m/s, 1017hPa, wave 2.3m. A passing small low pressure system has dropped 30cm of crystal snow overnight. Above 1000m there is moderately strong NW wind and on leeward slopes snowdrifts are growing gradually. From data and observation general avalanche risk is low. All peak gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice before passing through gates. Take care in Higashi one(east ridge) area, the surface has been scoured by past wind and now covered by snowdrifts. The newly developed cornice will easily fracture which can trigger an avalanche below. Dont wait on steep leeward slopes or at the valley bottoms. Always be aware of avalanches from above. Snow around 800m is reset and the snow in the trees is very good. Do not overestimate your skills or equipment. Through caution and care avoid having an accident. --- Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 23rd January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 315cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 250cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 23rd January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 562cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 41 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 257cm reported on 20 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 14cm Snowfall at base this season 576cm Posted on Tuesday 26th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A very good morning to you from here near Hirafu base. I have 14cm of fresh snow to report here at base this morning with most of that was falling later on in the day yesterday and late night. Not bad! More please. (I always want more). First lifts should be good today and it looks like there are lots of people thinking the same too waiting for the lifts to start moving. Wind doesn't seem to be an issue this morning and so I expect the resorts to be opening as planned and gates are expected to be open. It is snowing as I write this and indeed the 6-day forecast has regular snow lined up each day so hopefully we will get the daily top-ups. --- It is Australia Day today and of course there are more than a handful of good Australian folk here in Niseko, either on holiday or working. No doubt there will be some fun celebrations as well, so I will see you in the bar tonight! --- A close friend mentioned to me last night that I'm still not half way through my daily reporting duties for the season (if you didn't know, I continue posting these reports every day right through until the end of the season in early May). It's pretty daunting when I think about it like that, just have to take it one day at a time. Help me out by keeping on reading even if your Niseko visit is over and done for the season, ok! Arigato. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -7°C, 15cm crystal snowfall, calm. Moiwa 800m: -8°C, W5m/s, 20cm new snow, minor snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -8.0°C, light winds, 30cm new snow. Annupuri 1150m: -9°C, W10-15m/s. Hirafu ridge line -10°C, w5m/s, 20cm new snow, minor snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:WNW14m/s. Kamui Cape SW14m/s, 1015hPa, wave 1.4m. Isobars are far apart and the weather is calm. Snow fell till around midnight and has settled till dawn. Leeward slopes are reset. From data and observation general avalanche risk is low. All peak gates are expected to be open. Please talk to the patrol before going out of bounds. It is possible the wind will pick up above 1000m with the passing of a low pressure trough. Be aware of a sudden change in the weather and bad visibility. Snow conditions above 1000m are crusty, snow in the trees is good. Do not enter Strictly Off Limits areas(Yu no Sawa, Haru no Taki). If you get caught you will loose your pass and you season will be finished. Respect and follow Niseko Rules. Your freedom and a minimum level of safety to ride out of bounds is protected by Niseko Rules. Have a safe day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Tuesday 26th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 310cm Base - 135cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 250cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 26th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 576cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 42 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 271cm reported on 21 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 24cm Snowfall at base this season 256cm Posted on Monday 28th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. My report is going to be a bit on the shorter side this morning as I need to get myself to Sapporo. I have another 24cm of fresh snowfall to report to you as the plenty refills continue with easily more than 30cm higher up. And it keeps on snowing and is due to for most of the coming week. Brilliant! There might be wind issues today again up there, it looks like early morning the situation is quite similar to how things were yesterday. It should be a very excellent day on the slopes and I hope you can enjoy it. See just how quickly things can change? ;) --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -8℃, 30cm of crushed crystal snow, ne snowdrift development. Moiwa peak: NW15m/s, -10℃, large development of snowdrifts and cornices delaying grooming operations. Annupuri 1000m: NW25m/s, snowdrifts growing and poor visibility. Coastal data: Benkei cape WNW20m/s, Kamui cape W16m/s, 1013hPa, 3.0m waves. The isobars on the pressure distribution chart are still tight and the storm is persisting above 600m. Some cornices’ overhangs have grown up to 5m in Moiwa 800m area, snowdrifts up to 2m in some knoll terrain. Both extremely unstable and easily collapsing. According to observations and snowfall transition, the avalanche hazard is very high and surface slab slides of up to 1m thickness are likely to occur in 800m leeside knolls, open steep slopes and areas with large cornices development. Avalanches are natural phenomena that only become an accident if human beings are in the way. Know where/what/when needs to be avoided. Slopes conditions are ever-changing, a slope that was good yesterday may be in critical condition today. Always be prudent and humble in the mountains. The snow in the trees is deep and little heavy due to the wind. Gates will start to open once the storm calms down and the snowpack stabilizes. Please respect the Niseko Rules. --- Planned resort operations (subject to change due to weather conditions during the day) The lifts market with an asterix (*) below are planned to be open for night skiing Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts planned to be running: - Ace Family pair* - Ace Number 1 pair - Ace Number 2 Quad Center Four* (for transport) - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola* - King Number 1 pair - King Number 3 triple - King Number 4 - Holiday Number 1 pair* - Swinging Monkey Courses planned to be open: - Family - Beginners access - Center - Shirakaba - Green - Kokutai - Ni-kabe - Alpen - Sennoki - Kogen - Boyo - Rinkan - Jumbo - Dynamic Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be running: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad Courses planned to be open: - Connecting - Parallel - Silver Dream - Stairway to Heaven - Setsuzoku course - Crystal Garden - Yotei Sunset (ungroomed) Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - Niseko Gondola - Community Chair* - Banzai Chair* - Morino Chair - Wonderland Chair Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts planned to be operating Courses planned to be open: - Champion - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior - Family - Dynamic - Silver --- Official resort snow depths as of Monday 28th December 2015: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 245cm Base - 90cm Niseko Village: Top - 180cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 105cm Base - 80cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 28th December 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 256cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (26th and 28th December) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 195cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 318cm Posted on Sunday 3rd January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Sorry, I don't have that 20cm to report to you, as it's another modest delivery of 5cm this morning since my last report. Still, 5cm is better than 0cm. And Hokkaido regions do seem to be doing considerably better than many regions of Honshu this winter so far. It doesn't make me happy to hear of other regions struggling with snow - we all know what it's like and the more snow the better in all Japan if you ask me. Here's hoping that we all get our fair share for the remainder of the (long) season! Anyway back to the details. Yesterday felt a bit odd in some ways. At times it was snowing quite heavily though it remained relatively mild and so the snow falling was not top quality and somewhat wetter than we are used to. There are no major wind issues this morning affecting lifts with them all moving as planned early on. It's currently cloudy and overcast with the earlier snow now eased off, and it might just end up being a generally cloudy day and not too cold again. Having said that, it should stay just below zero through the day. We are expecting the snow to return overnight tonight and the forecast still has snow at times every day through until at least the end of the week. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -3℃, no snowfall and calm. Moiwa 800m: -5℃, W8m/s, no snowfall and light development of wind snowdrifts. 1000m: W10m/s, Annupuri 1150m: W12m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW12m/s, Kamui cape W11m/s, 1012hPa, 2.2m waves. Although no snow-clouds can be observed over the Sea of Japan, a moderate westerly wind is persisting in higher elevation. New snowfall is almost non-existent, but the wind has moderately reset the slopes around 800m. Sasa-bamboo and bushes are still thick below 500m, making route finding difficult. Gates 4, 5, 6 and 10 will open. Gate 11, Mizuno no sawa, is scheduled to open tomorrow. Please follow the patrol’s instructions. Do not enter strictly off-limits areas (Haru no taki & Yu no sawa) to seek fresh tracks or duck any ropes to step out of bounds. The freedom to ride the out of bounds area in Niseko can only be maintained by having everyone respect the Rules. There’s been many reports of inbounds collision injuries. Always keep an eye around you and ride within your limits. Your safety is our number one concern. Have a nice day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Sunday 3rd January 2016: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 240cm Base - 100cm Niseko Village: Top - 185cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 130cm Base - 100cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Sunday 3rd January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 318cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (26th and 28th December) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 13cm reported on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 328cm Posted on Tuesday 5th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Greetings from Niseko and this morning I have 10cm of fresh snow to report from my base here in Hirafu. I have been talking about 'lots of snowfall on the forecast over the next week' for a few days now I recall, but so far over the last few days it has been somewhat modest deliveries rather than blizzard snowstorms depositing huge amounts of deep. Still, we'll happily take it. The updated forecast still has regular snowfall on it right through until at least the end of the weekend. Just how much snow actually falls I suppose we will have to just wait and see. As well as regular snowfall, it's also very likely to keep cold and maybe some stronger winds at times. Oh yes, talking about those strong winds. They're here this morning and stopping some lifts from moving - the situation at the time of writing has been added below. Fingers crossed the affected lifts will be able to start during the day. Wind is expected to get less later on but still might cause problems. Check with the resorts. Other than that, it is continuing to snow lightly again this morning and mostly rather grey and cloudy, current temperature of -5C. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: There is no Niseko Avalanche bulletin today. Please seek further information from the ski patrols before stepping out of the gates. There are many risks involved in out of bounds riding. Avalanches, hitting trees, falling in creeks, sudden changes of weather, suffocation and loosing way are some of them. The out of bounds area is outside the ski resort’s management. You are self-responsible for all your actions. Be prepared and be prudent. Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 5th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 328cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (26th and 28th December) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 23cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 593cm Posted on Thursday 28th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just a little bit of fresh snow at base since my last report, 1cm of it in fact. Wind caused some problems with lifts once again yesterday - early afternoon with the Gondola and two top lifts at Annupuri coming to a halt as well as the Niseko Gondola and top Wonderland lift at Niseko Village and the two top lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu. Just leave us alone wind, ok?! That's what I said yesterday, but it doesn't seem to be listening for now as at the start of the day top lifts at Hirafu, Village and Annupuri are at a standstill, as noted below. This morning light snow is falling and visibility seems fairly decent. The forecast is still telling us of regular snowfall on and off through the coming week, maybe more around Sunday than other days. ...and hopefully less wind! Naughty wind. --- Just a few more days left in January and so far for this month I have observed 288cm of snowfall here at base. 31cm more than January last year. The running total for the season so far is 596cm; at the end of January last year the running total for the season so far was 806cm. So we're currently just over 2m of snow behind where we were last season. One interesting thing is that if you look at the numbers you'll see that last season the snowfall was somewhat front-loaded with the most falling in December and then less each month from then on. Let's hope for a bumper February. I'll look back over the statistics once again once we get into February. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -5°C, trace new snow, minor snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m: -10°C, W8m/s, trace new snow, snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -8°C, SW3.7m/s, Annupuri 1150m: -11°C, W10m/s, poor visibility. Hirafu ridge line -12°C, W18m/s. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW15m/s. Kamui Cape WSW12m/s, 1020hPa, wave 2.1m. A steep atmospheric pressure gradient is producing a westerly wind 10-18m/s above 1000m. Although only a trace of snow has fallen, due to the strong wind there has been significant cornice and snowdrift development above 900m. Groomed runs higher on the mountain are hard. From observation Kozan no sawa(backbowl) side wall 1000m and Osawa SE side 1000-1100m, Higashi One (east ridge)1000m cornice slopes, the avalanche risk is high, surface slabs fracturing at about 50cm depth. Do not duck ropes to enter these areas. Gates 2,3 will be closed. Until the current weather system changes please be patient. Below 1000m don't carelessly ride open steep slopes, cornices, knoll terrain, you may have an accident. The snow in the trees is reset. Have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 28th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 320cm Base - 135cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 260cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 28th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 593cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 288cm reported on 23 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 6cm Snowfall at base this season 599cm Posted on Friday 29th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning. It has been snowing lightly again here this morning though as I look outside the window it seems to have stopped for the moment. It's actually quite bright looking up towards the mountain... might it even clear up a bit today? Anyway, there's 6cm of fresh new snowfall here near base since my last report. It does feel colder out there this morning and the resorts are indeed reporting lower temperatures than yesterday and with the wind it'll probably feel very cold. Wind unfortunately continues to affect us I'm afraid. As of 8:30am, it looks like again we are going to be starting the day with top lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri not able to open as planned, though it's just the top lifts right now with all of the Gondolas operating. Please see the info below for the situation as it is right now. Snow is still expected on and off over the coming week, but tomorrow might well start off with some sunshine. Again, if the forecasts are correct I wouldn't expect heavy snow (best chance of decent snow looks like Sunday night) but rather modest amounts. It should be keeping cold through as we venture into February. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -8°C, 3cm new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m: -12°C, NNW10m/s, 15cm new snow, snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -11.6°C, SW1.0m/s, 25cm new snow, snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -15°C, NW20m/s, cornice and snowdrift development. Hirafu ridge line -15°C, strong wind, snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NNW14m/s. Kamui Cape WNW10m/s, 1026hPa, wave 2.1m. A strong westerly wind above 1100m from the high pressure system to the west is producing rapid cornice and snow drift development on leeward slopes. Osawa cornice slope 1000m, Kozan no sawa (backbowl) sidewall, Higashi One(east ridge) cornice slope and other steep leeward slopes the avalanche risk extremely high. Gates 2,3 will be closed. Gates 1,5,6 yet to be decided. Listen to the patrols advice. From observation leeward slopes below 800m are starting to stabilize, although cornice and knoll areas are still easily fracturing by ski stimulation. Do not enter these areas carelessly. When the atmospheric pressure gradient flattens out the wind will drop and slabs will stabilize. Don't over estimate your skills or knowledge, make prudent safe decisions. This information is issued to aid in accident prevention. Your freedom to ride out of bounds will be protected if you follow the Niseko Rules. Be careful of frostbite. Use caution to avoid accidents. --- Official resort snow depths as of Friday 29th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 320cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 270cm Base - 150cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 29th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 599cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 45 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 294cm reported on 24 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 600cm Posted on Saturday 30th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is a lovely morning here in Niseko. I think I said there was a chance of a sunny start to the day in the report yesterday. And so it is, big time! It is really very cold as well this morning, down into minus double digits here at base. But that won't stop people from wanting to get up out there as early as possible. With little wind to mess things about today (hurray!), all of the resorts are be planning on having all of the lifts moving as normal as normal - though just at the moment the Ace Number 2 Center Quad at Niseko Grand Hirafu seems to have a few early morning issues and is being delayed much to the dismay of the people lining up for it, who are currently being re-directed to the nearby Ace Number 1 lift. Let's hope they get that fixed quickly. Just 1cm of snow since yesterday so no deep fresh out there this morning but the weather should make up for that. The groomed runs all look very neat and tidy ready to be messed up! The clear blue skies might not last the day and it's forecast to be cloudy but we probably can't expect much snow before the end of tomorrow, so maybe that's our lot for January. It's going to be a busy one today. Take care and have fun. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -12°C, no new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m: -15°C, light winds, minor snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -13.4°C, W0.2m/s, Annupuri 1150m: -13°C, light winds, trace new snow. Hirafu 1000m -15°C, light winds, minor snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:S3m/s. Kamui Cape NE3m/s, 1023hPa, wave 1.1m. Under the influence of high pressure area, both the sea and mountains are calm. Following inspection of Higashi One area, peak gates 2,3 will be opened. Kozan no sawa (backbowl) sidewall, Osawa cornice 1100m, snowdrift stabilization is delayed and from observation surface slab fractures 40cm depth are likely to occur. Today there will be many mountain users, don't downplay the dangers on the mountain. Carelessly starting an avalanche could take out many people below you in the valleys. Snow in the forest is good, although take care with your route finding. Don't traverse cornice slopes or knolls just to get where you want to go. Niseko mountain management and the Avalanche Institute spend a lot of energy balancing providing a minimum level of safety and the freedom to ride out of bounds for all mountain users. If you are riding out of bounds there is a strong expectation on you to have consideration for the safety of other mountain users. Please listen to the patrols advice before exiting the gates. Have a great day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 30th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 320cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 270cm Base - 150cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 30th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 600cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 295cm reported on 25 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 608cm Posted on Sunday 31st January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Yesterday there was more cloud at the end of the day than the beginning, but generally a very fine day yesterday weather wise with a lot of people out enjoying it as well. Come the evening and it was snowing again, just how it should be! It looks like Grand Hirafu got their Ace Number 2 quad going eventually (about an hour late I hear), and hopefully there'll be no more problems there... looks like it is open as normal at 8:30am. I have measured 8cm of new snowfall this morning and with the resorts reporting around 15cm up top it's a reasonable refresh so conditions early on in particular should be very good. It's another cold morning, currently -9C degrees here at base and light snow was snowing just before but has stopped now. There's even some blue sky to be seen through some breaks in the cloud, quite a lot looking back over towards Mt Yotei, and the sun is starting to break through as well. More wind this morning than yesterday but as I write this report the lifts that should be moving are and there's no sign of disruptions to top lifts; and the peak gates are expected to be open. So here we are at the end of January 2015. Just over 3 months to go! Sounds good that, doesn't it. Either tomorrow or Tuesday I'll look back over the statistics for January and for the season so far and look forward to what we can hope for an expect for February. In the meantime, it's time for me to get some skiing in! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -8°C, crystal snow, 15cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: -10°C, N5m/s, 20cm new snow. Mikaeri 740m: -12.0°C, W2.7m/s, Annupuri 1150m: -18°C, NW15m/s, 15cm new snow. Hirafu 1000m -10°C, 15cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW16m/s. Kamui Cape WNW8m/s, 1020hPa, wave 1.4m. Above 1000m on western aspects, NW wind around 15m/s continues, cornices and snowdrifts are slowly growing. All peak gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice. You can still see yesterdays tracks but the snow in the forest is reset. From observation and data general avalanche risk is low, however caution is always advised. There is no guaranteed safety on the mountain. Cracks are starting to form in Mizu no Sawa, they are difficult to see from above. Don't be to over confident, new ski designs allow high speeds, but trees still hurt when you hit them. Be careful of holes. Yesterday over 1000 people went through the gates to ride out of bounds and we are thankful there was no big accidents. We appreciate everyone who respects Niseko Rules and ski safely on the mountain. Have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Sunday 31st January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 320cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 280cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 270cm Base - 150cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Sunday 31st January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 608cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 47 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 4cm Snowfall at base this season 729cm Posted on Monday 15th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is a better morning here in Niseko - a hearty welcome back to colder conditions and snow. I'm certainly glad that nasty weekend is over, I can tell you. Hopefully all thoughts of those silly warm conditions and even sillier rain are out of the system for the moment and we can all get back to some winter. Strong winds are still with us though and almost certainly going to be playing naughty with the lifts this morning - details as they are at 8:30am added below. Probably best to keep an eye on that information if you are planning on venturing out. It's definitely colder this morning and there is some fresh snow on the ground - slightly over 4cm here at my base - but that of course won't be enough to cover the damage done from the weather over the weekend... we need a decent amount of fresh snow for that. It was snowing just before but as I prepare this report there's actually a bit of sun peeking through the clouds and some blue sky to be seen in places as well. Hopefully that's just a temporary thing as we are actually forecast snow for the day. This week is looking promising and we will very probably get back to the regular daily snowfall that we all like to see so conditions should be gradually improving once again. Wind is also probably going to be something that I have to mention every day as well, but maybe we'll just have to put up with that if we want to get that fresh snow. Conditions are not ideal - as always, be careful out there and remember the dangers as well as the fun. --- Resort specific lift opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu The top Ace Number 4, King Number 4, Ace Number 3 and King Number 3 lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. Niseko HANAZONO Resort The top Hanazono Number 3 lift is on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. Niseko Village The Niseko Gondola and top Wonderland Chair lift are on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. Niseko Annupuri The Annupuri Gondola and top Jumbo Number 4 lift are on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -6°C, 10cm crushed crystal snow. Moiwa 800m: -10°C, SW15m/s, snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -10.6°C, S6.8m/s, 50cm snowdrift development. Hirafu Peak Ridgeline: -10°C, W10m/s, trace new snow. Annupuri 1000m: snowpack depth 250cm. Annupuri 1150m: -14°C, NNW29m/s, Coastal data: Benkei Cape: WNW21m/s. Kamui Cape W15m/s, 998hPa, wave 3.3m. After the passing of low pressure system and the steepening atmospheric pressure gradient, the mountains and seas are experiencing severe weather. Although only a small amount of new snow has fallen, leeward snowdrifts formed over yesterday's refrozen, rain effected snow will collapse easily. Wind and snowdrift development is expected to continue, increasing avalanche risk to high today. All peak gates will be closed. Although lower elevation lifts will be running today, avoid cornice slopes looking for fresh snow. From observation and data, there is a high possibility of very deep surface slab avalanches on steep slopes where deep snowdrifts have formed. Most accidents happen during storms on leeward slopes, Take care, even riding in the trees the snow is rough and tricky. Conditions should improve tomorrow. The weather is bad, make cautious decisions today. --- Official resort snow depths as of Monday 15th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 300cm Base - 130cm Niseko Village Top - 310cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 320cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 15th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 729cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 57 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 121cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 744cm Posted on Tuesday 16th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning from Niseko and it's a much improved picture this morning. There's 15cm of fresh snow to report this morning and with 20-30cm being reported in the Avalanche Report on mountain, I would expect a decent reset for this morning. I think I might just have to go and find out for myself. Looks like gates are going to be closed though. The overnight snow brings my observed snowfall number here at base for the month of February up to 136cm. Remember, last February it was 196cm for the month. If the forecast is correct and we can expect steady (and sometimes heavy) snowfall on most if not all days over the coming week, we should be well placed to do better than last year. Not that it's a competition or anything of course, just a bit of fun. And of course the more snow the better, not just when you think about daily refreshes but also when you start thinking about the spring season. So anyway it's snowing - and quite heavily just at this moment (though I see less so over at Hanazono from the webcam). But snow is forecast for the day and through the day tomorrow as well. We'll have to see how the winds shape up and if they are strong enough to affect lift operations again today - latest just before posting this report added below. Have a fine morning. --- Resort specific lift opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu The top Ace Number 4 and King Number 4 lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds and poor visibility. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Hanazono appears to be opening as planned at the start of the day. Niseko Village The top Wonderland Chair lift is on hold at the start of the day. Niseko Annupuri Niseko Annupuri appears to be opening as planned at the start of the day. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -10°C, 20cm new snow, light winds. Moiwa 800m: W12m/s, 25cm new snow, snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -13.1°C, SSW2.4m/s, 30cm new snow, snowdrift development. Hirafu Peak Ridgeline: -16°C, Strong westerly wind. Annupuri 1150m: -16°C, WNW15m/s, poor visibility, snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NW17m/s. Kamui Cape W11m/s, 1005hPa, wave 2.4m. At elevations above 800m wind slab development continues and although the storm is weakening, the upper 30cm of newly formed slabs is easily fractured. Kozan no Sawa, Osawa, Mikaeri Bowl and Higashi One cornice face, if a fracture propagates down to the Feb14 layer low pressure snow layer there is possibility of large avalanche with very deep crown. Gates 1,2, 3,4 will be closed. 5 and 6 yet to be determined. Please respect the patrols decisions. There are many people using the resort and it just takes one person to duck a rope and many others will follow, creating a serious safety issue for the patrol. This is how accidents happen. Don't make selfish decisions, don't duck ropes. The mountain is reset and snow in the trees is great. Today, at Mikaeri ridge road we will be conducting avalanche tests, the road will be closed during this time. Take care with frostbite, have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Tuesday 16th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 310cm Base - 130cm Niseko Village Top - 320cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 330cm Base - 150cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 16th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 744cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 58 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 136cm 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 712cm Posted on Monday 8th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko and a very happy Chinese New Year to everyone who is celebrating it. I don't want to make a mistake with the words I use, and so please accept it in English! Unfortunately, the top lifts were affected by wind yesterday afternoon. Here's how the day played out around the mountain for those interested in knowing how these things play out: Niseko Annupuri - the top Jumbo number 4 lift stopped around 11:30am to be joined by the Gondola and Jumbo Number 3 lifts just before 2pm leaving us with just the lower two lifts operating. Niseko Village - the top Wonderland lift was halted just after 11:30am and then the Gondola operating at reduced speeds to be stopped at around 3pm. Niseko Grand Hirafu - the top King Number 4 and Ace Number 4 lifts stopped moving around noon with the King Number 3 lift also stopped mid afternoon. As far as I can tell, all of the three Hanazono lifts made it through the day, even if the top one was moving at reduced speeds. And so much for the 'possible clearing up' mentioned in my report as well - a few moments of some blue sky here and there, but generally cloudy and snowy - and really snowing heavily at times. So once again after some impressive snowfall, I have a good 12cm of fresh snowfall to report. What's more, as expected it's a really beautiful morning. The sun is out, there are beautiful blue skies all around and it seems fairly calm so I would expect everywhere to be opening as normal this morning. Fresh snow overnight and beautiful weather - I don't think I'll ever say it's perfect (after all, 30+cm of fresh would have been better!), but it's pretty ideal. I'm a big fan of the overnight snow followed by clear skies pattern so if you don't mind, I am going to treat myself to an early start this morning. I hope to see some of you out there. Have a great day. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 5am: -8℃, scarce snowfall, snowdrifts development and calm. Moiwa 800m: -11℃, W5m/s, 15cm snowfall with 50cm snowdrifts in knolls. Mikaeri 740m: -11.2℃, WSW0.9m/s, 20cm snowfall, 50cm snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -13℃, SW12m/s, 10cm snowfall with snowdrifts development. Hirafu peak ridge: -12℃, 30cm snowfall, light snowdrifts on-piste. Benkei cape: NW6m/s, Kamui cape: NNW4m/s, 1017hPa, 1.7m waves. Beautiful calm morning in a high-pressure system. The snow & wind ceased late night and the newly formed slabs are stabilizing. Looking at observations and snowfall transitions, the avalanche risk in areas below 1000m is lowering, however highly wind-affected wide-open steep slopes loaded with snowdrifts above 1200m are still unstable and surface slab slides from Feb 7th layer are to be highly considered. All gates are scheduled to open from the morning. Stepping out of the gate is stepping out of the resort management. Many hazard are present out there, always be prudent. The snow in the trees is in good shape. Beware of falling in cracks or creeks. Have a nice day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Monday 8th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 355cm Base - 170cm Niseko Village Top - 310cm Base - 180cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 315cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 8th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 712cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 55 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 104cm 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