Independent snow and weather reporting from the Furano region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 811cm Posted on Tuesday 10th May 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Furano Now report can be found here . With the spring weather in full force now the landscape has changed from one of pure white to one of vivid green growth in the fields and the colourful pinks of the cherry blossoms. Winter is over! The snow line of the resort has retreated well up the mountain and all traces of white will soon be gone. Reflecting on the season, I would have to say it was the best season that I can ever recall in Furano. While resorts on Honshu were dealt a bad hand and struggled for snow, the opposite happened here in Furano in 15/16. From mid December onwards we received copious quantities of fresh snow on an almost daily basis. Needless to say the powder skiing was excellent both on and off piste. Although temperatures were negative and wintery, they were noticeably warmer than the usual Furano norms and I don't recall getting cold fingers or feet during the season. The village saw a large increase in the number of international visitors, who surely left town with fond memories of the great skiing, delicious food and the friendly locals. No doubt we will see many of them back again next year to get more great skiing and to continue to explore the local restaurants. Many visitors used Furano as a base and did day trips to the other Hokkaido powder belt ski areas of Kamui, Tomamu, Asahidake and Kurodake. There sure is a lot of terrain variety when all of those options are factored in. Guided day trips were a really popular option and many people also used rental cars to get around. For the next few months I will be enjoying the warmth of summer. My skis have been serviced and put away, and will not be out until next December. I'll be back in touch in November as we start the run up to the opening of the 16/17 season. Furano Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 10th May 2016 Total snowfall at base 811cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 90 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (5th December) November 2015 snowfall 77cm reported on 6 days December 2015 snowfall 286cm reported on 20 days January 2016 snowfall 187cm reported on 22 days February 2016 snowfall 178cm reported on 26 days March 2016 snowfall 83cm reported on 16 days April 2016 snowfall 0cm May 2016 snowfall 0cm Previous report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Furano. 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 20cm Posted on Tuesday 12th November 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Just as it got to be time to write up a little warm-up for the coming season, the first snowfall decided to arrive (before most of the locals were ready — no roadside markers, lots of cars without snow tires, my own pending finish to firewood splitting and tree tying). About 20cm of super-heavy early-season stuff fell, enough to put that smell of fresh snow into the air. Why does snow have that distinct smell, or is this just a remembrance from the childhood days of powder coming down? It always melts, so we have a chance to get out on the coming sunny weekend and get things cleared up, but it’s always great to see the first white cover. Not a lot new in Myoko this year—thankfully, in a sense! It's got it's same old charm, the same old buildings that look a lot better in winter than summer (amazing how snow can substitute for a slap of paint). There will definitely be a lot more international travelers arriving this year, but coming from more countries than before. One of the smaller hotels is full of Finns for most of January, for example, I hear. Other than that, no old lifts going out, if no new ones coming in. But, after all, it’s the deep snow you’re coming here for, right (and good food, saké, nice locals, etc.). Now just to wait for the snow that stays! Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 12th November 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 20cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (12th November) November 2013 snowfall 20cm reported on 1 day Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Myoko. 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 7cm Snowfall at base this season 27cm Posted on Sunday 8th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . A nice light covering of snow this morning; not really enough to justify firing up the snowthrower, especially as the sun's coming out do the roads should clear up by themselves (no sense adding more CO2). It's hard to predict what's going to be happening over the next week - even looking at the trusty SnowJapan reports, which are really good*. When people ask, I tell them that Christmas is about the earliest you can plan on skiing and no guarantee there. But not everybody does their homework: and interesting story from the local Tourist Office: a couple from Taiwan showed up at the counter last week, ready in skiwear, asking, "What's the best place to ski now?" I would have said Hokkaido (or Washington state), but I'm sure they had a more polite answer. *Just ensuring my massive SnowJapan Christmas bonus! Planned opening dates: December 14th Akakura Kanko Ski Area Akakura Onsen Ikenotaira December 21st Suginohara Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 8th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 27cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (12th November) November 2013 snowfall 20cm reported on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 7cm reported on 1 day 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 Myoko. 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 45cm Snowfall at base this season 154cm Posted on Sunday 22nd December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Real snow from last night; real Myoko style, the kind that just keeps falling (what are you thinking now, people who decided to go elsewhere?). But seriously, a nice fall overnight, and it continues to fall this morning. The first snowfall that made snow clearing feel like you really got something done. Of course, getting rid of a couple of leftover Halloween pumpkins using the snowthrower—think lovely orange sprays way out across the yard into the woods—made the morning just that more festive. Everybody's up and running today, apart from the mystery of Suginohara, which should have opened today. Now, I can read Japanese pretty well, but that website has me flummoxed. You'd think a ski area would make it clear that they were open, right on the top page. You have to dig down into the "course information: page to find out that in fact the lower runs are open. Regular readers will know that I've often pointed out that Suginohara remains our most reluctant participation in this ongoing snowy cocktail party we call skiing.... maybe they just need reassurance that we really do like them and want to ski there. Official info: Akakura Kanko: 150cm All courses open apart from Champion A Akakura Onsen: 50cm (they are not updating! There's more) All major lifts moving Ikenotaira: 60cm Four lifts running (most of the hill) Myoko Suginohara: 140cm Beginner runs (most of the lower mountain) open Seki Onsen: 140cm Open Myoko Ski Park: 90cm Open Myoko Kyukamura Runrun 100cm Open Madarao 80cm At least five runs open Tangram Ski Circus No depth report Three lifts open Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 22nd December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 154cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 8 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (22nd December) November 2013 snowfall 20cm reported on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 134cm 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 Myoko. 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 104cm Posted on Tuesday 17th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . A little warmer today; the streets are wet rather than white, although some light snow is falling. Tomorrow things will probably get even warmer, but the freezing line will go back up the mountain on Thursday and snow is supposed to return. Actually, that's a good thing to point out: be sure to look at the freezing line part of the Snow Japan weather report for the area. This is really useful information that tells a lot more about what to expect than predicted snowfall. I use it year-round; it once helped me tell a group of hikers from Okinawa to prepare winter wear before an early October climb. We got 30cm of snow up high, and they (many not ever having seen snow) were both pleased and warm. Akakan snuck on an extra lift yesterday, which was much appreciated. Not lots of people, either - it's a very good time to get out sliding! Akakura Kanko Ski Area: Gondola, No. 3, No. 5 lifts Akakura Onsen Ski Area: Kumado No.1 quad Madarao Ski Area: No. 1 lift Others to open next week Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 17th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 104cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (16th December) November 2013 snowfall 20cm reported on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 84cm 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 Myoko. 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 109cm Posted on Saturday 21st December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Snow fell yesterday through the morning, but didn't amount to much. Today it's on again; we've got a few cms of fresh so far. We always hope, of course, but it's looking like the sun could come out. It will fall; don't worry! Which brings a couple of funny things to mind: one is that people are switching January reservations to Hakuba because there's more snow there now. They are crazy and they don't understand how much snow will fall. The other is the people who didn't bother to find out about when predictable powder will be around, so they're in Myoko now and complaining because there isn't powder. It would be sad, if it weren't so funny. Do your homework; this is a great resource for planning! Akakura Kanko: 115cm All courses open apart from Champion A Akakura Onsen: 50cm Part open from today, 4 lifts moving Ikenotaira: 50cm Part open, 4 lifts moving Myoko Suginohara: Not open yet Seki Onsen: 100cm Open from today Myoko Ski Park: 65cm Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 21st December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 109cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (16th December) November 2013 snowfall 20cm reported on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 89cm 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 Myoko. 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 30cm Snowfall at base this season 184cm Posted on Monday 23rd December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . It's cold and clear, at least for the moment, here in Myoko. Smelly, too; the conditions are bringing down sulfur fumes from the vent on the south side of Mt. Myoko, but that should go away with either wind or a little more warmth. Clouds are forming out to the north, and the national weather report does point to the likelihood of a little more snow through the day. Either way, it's a nice day out there with a good covering of fresh snow from yesterday. I'm guessing on some of the snow depths here; I assume at least 30cm fell at Akakan (come on resorts! Release daily reports before 8:30 - we gotta go skiing!) Official info: Akakura Kanko: 180cm All courses open apart from Champion A Akakura Onsen: 80cm All major lifts moving Ikenotaira: 60cm Four lifts running (most of the hill) Myoko Suginohara: 140cm Beginner runs (most of the lower mountain) open Seki Onsen: 140cm Open Myoko Ski Park: 90cm Open Myoko Kyukamura Runrun 100cm Open Madarao 80cm At least five runs open Tangram Ski Circus No depth report Three lifts open Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 23rd December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 184cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (22nd December) November 2013 snowfall 20cm reported on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 164cm 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 Myoko. 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 189cm Posted on Wednesday 25th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . A sunny Merry Christmas in Myoko! The mountain is really white this morning, after a pretty good, not overly heavy fall overnight. The snowpack is building up very nicely - let's not forget that a lot of times we're really iffy if it's going to be a white Christmas or not. This year, no problem. A couple of days of sun here, it appears, before it gets really cold into the weekend, with more snow coming. It's not exactly warm yet today, either; Suginohara is reporting -12°C at the upper gondola station. For those who might moan, though, think about what warm winds would do to the snow.... Official info: Akakura Kanko: 180cm Akakura Onsen: 85cm Ikenotaira: 70cm Myoko Suginohara: 150cm Seki Onsen: 140cm Myoko Ski Park: 110cm Myoko Kyukamura Runrun 100cm Madarao 80cm Tangram Ski Circus No depth reports, and an indecipherable website (make information easy, please!) Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 25th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 189cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 10 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (22nd December) November 2013 snowfall 20cm reported on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 169cm 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 Myoko. 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 30cm Snowfall at base this season 229cm Posted on Saturday 28th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . No official snow reports to put in here, but I have to get out and into the woods today. Not a lot of additional snow, after a really good fall of probably 30-40cm. Luckily, the really high winds that were predicted have not hit yet, although the cold is here. It was -5C by the car thermometer, which never fails (seriously, it's always right on the mark. Ah, Japanese technology). Everything is definitely in full swing now, as the few lifts that haven't been moving should be starting up (especially Tangram and Madarao). Official info: Akakura Kanko: 150cm Akakura Onsen: 85cm Ikenotaira: 70cm Myoko Suginohara: 160cm Seki Onsen: 140cm Myoko Ski Park: 90cm Myoko Kyukamura Runrun 110cm Madarao 100cm (about half the lifts running) Tangram Ski Circus No depth reports Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 28th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 229cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (22nd December) November 2013 snowfall 20cm reported on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 209cm 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 Myoko. 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 239cm Posted on Sunday 29th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . A later than normal report today, but it's only because it's a great day out there and I had to get out on the slopes. Well, I had some work on the slopes that I was late getting up for.... but more than all of that, I thought the report would benefit from the time out there. Honest! It is very sunny this morning, lots of people out there on the slopes (including the kid snowboarder who ran right into me). A little caution because the weekend warriors are out in force. It's busy. Great snow, though, and it's still -2° even with a very warm sun. Official info: Akakura Kanko: 160cm Akakura Onsen: 85cm Ikenotaira: 80cm Myoko Suginohara: 170cm Seki Onsen: 150cm Myoko Ski Park: 130cm Myoko Kyukamura Runrun 150cm Madarao 115cm Tangram Ski Circus 120cm Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 29th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 239cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 13 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (22nd December) November 2013 snowfall 20cm reported on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 219cm 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 Myoko. 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 199cm Posted on Friday 27th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Nice snowfall today; not super heavy but just nice big flakes drifting down. It's a bit foggy at base level and up as well, although it seems to be lifting at the moment. Glad to see the snow, after we had a little bit of light rain last night. That bad memory is now covered in white. The temperatures are up now, but it looks to be quite cold and windy tomorrow. Official info: Akakura Kanko: 150cm Akakura Onsen: 85cm Ikenotaira: 70cm Myoko Suginohara: 160cm Seki Onsen: 140cm Myoko Ski Park: 90cm Myoko Kyukamura Runrun 110cm Madarao 100cm (about half the lifts running) Tangram Ski Circus No depth reports Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 27th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 199cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 11 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (22nd December) November 2013 snowfall 20cm reported on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 179cm 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 Myoko. 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 Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 618cm Posted on Tuesday 4th February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . April has left and February has returned. Not with lots of snow yet, but the white stuff is back. It's a little dust on gray ice at the moment, but hopefully there will be a lot more over the next few days. We need it, after two days where the wind and sun really brought down the levels (as reported by some of the more honest resorts below). Again, just how well that old snow is going to bind to this fresh is an issue for anyone venturing off into the backcountry. With the thin snow cover so far, and the quick change of temperature, it's likely that there will be a hard layer persisting in the snowpack for a while, which of course means higher avalanche risk. Please be careful when the powder comes back! Official info: Akakura Kanko: 180cm Akakura Onsen: 130cm Ikenotaira: 205cm Myoko Suginohara: 150cm Seki Onsen: 380cm Myoko Ski Park: 175cm Myoko Kyukamura Runrun 220cm Madarao 180cm Tangram Ski Circus 165cm Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 4th February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 618cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 60cm (10th January) November 2013 snowfall 20cm reported on 1 day December 2013 snowfall 219cm reported on 12 days January 2014 snowfall 377cm reported on 20 days February 2014 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day 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 Myoko. 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