Independent snow and weather reporting from the Myoko region of Niigata New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 813cm Posted on Tuesday 18th February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . That snow just keeps on falling, and today it's nice and light (another frustrating day for knee-impinged writer—no ski for me). The wind has come down a bit, which is very welcome. There are big cornices all over, and not just on the peaks. It's hard to tell just how much snow fell, in fact, with huge drifts in some places and just a few centimeters in others. Right now it's snowing pretty steadily, with nice big flakes—the kind we like and haven't seen enough this season. Lots of reports from the hills, with some people having seen and/or started avalanches; others not seeing anything and thinking it's safe. Listen to the first group! There's always a risk, of course - right now it's still very high. Official info: Akakura Kanko: 320cm Akakura Onsen: 260cm Ikenotaira: 215cm Myoko Suginohara: 240cm Seki Onsen: 450cm Myoko Ski Park: 315cm Myoko Kyukamura Runrun 330cm Madarao 260cm Tangram Ski Circus 245cm Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 18th February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 813cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 45 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 197cm 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 823cm Posted on Wednesday 19th February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Gentle snow keeps on falling, and the winds have come down. There's a bit of fog on the hill now and again, but the sun keeps trying to peak through - it may be sunny up high, in fact; just couldn't get that far up yet today. Really nice conditions, in fact, for skiing. Not that much new snow, but there's plenty of fresh stuff out there to enjoy. Official info: Akakura Kanko: 330cm Akakura Onsen: 270cm Ikenotaira: 215cm Myoko Suginohara: 240cm Seki Onsen: 450cm Myoko Ski Park: 320cm Myoko Kyukamura Runrun 320cm Madarao 260cm Tangram Ski Circus 250cm Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 19th February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 823cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 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 207cm reported on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 25cm Snowfall at base this season 848cm Posted on Saturday 22nd February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . The day has started way more sunny than it should have: snow is falling to the north and east, and is supposed to be falling here as well. But instead we have the blue skies extending in from Nagano City. Nice to see the mountains, actually... Pretty good snowfall yesterday (none of which I have cleared, thanks to the missing/on-order drive belts for the snowthrower). Looks like we could get more later in the day, as the clouds are threatening to move in. Official info: Akakura Kanko: 330cm Akakura Onsen: 290cm Ikenotaira: 215cm Myoko Suginohara: 240cm Seki Onsen: 450cm Myoko Ski Park: 325cm Myoko Kyukamura Runrun 350cm Madarao 290cm Tangram Ski Circus 235cm Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 22nd February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 848cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 47 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 232cm 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 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 858cm Posted on Sunday 23rd February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Yesterday's sunny start turned to snow and some fog up high; today it's sunny below with clouds/fog above the ski areas. Not a bad combination - good visibility on the slopes; not too much sun on the snow for the backcountry crowd. Basically not much wind, either. The region is expecting warmer conditions in the coming week, especially as we get to mid week. Official info: Akakura Kanko: 340cm Akakura Onsen: 270cm Ikenotaira: 230cm Myoko Suginohara: 230cm Seki Onsen: 450cm Myoko Ski Park: 300cm Myoko Kyukamura Runrun 350cm Madarao 260cm Tangram Ski Circus 225cm Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 23rd February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 858cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 48 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 242cm reported on 15 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 918cm Posted on Thursday 6th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Yesterday belonged to the rain. But today the snow is back and piling up pretty nicely! Akakan is saying 30cm of new, and I wouldn't doubt it. The wind was blowing pretty strongly in the night as well, with a ice new cornice outside the house, but that has also come down a bit so hopefully there will be no disruptions of lift operations (particularly the two gondolas in the area). It is still gusting at times, though, so keep the face warm, as the temperature has dropped by about 9 degrees since last night. Official info: Akakura Kanko: 300cm Akakura Onsen: 230cm Ikenotaira: 215cm Myoko Suginohara: 210cm Seki Onsen: 450cm Myoko Ski Park: 270cm Myoko Kyukamura Runrun 330cm Madarao 220cm Tangram Ski Circus 185cm Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Thursday 6th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 918cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 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 242cm reported on 15 days March 2014 snowfall 60cm 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 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 958cm Posted on Saturday 8th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Good snowfall overnight; looks like 20cm or so of very nice, light fresh stuff... although the ski areas aren't reporting much; I wonder why they're being shy about this good news? Right now it's sunny in Myoko, but there are clouds all around and snow on the schedule for the rest of the weekend and into Monday. Could even be some heavy snow tomorrow. It would be fun to actually see those great big flakes and non-stop snowing that is the more usual rule around here; haven't seen this that often this season! Official info: Akakura Kanko: 325cm Akakura Onsen: 270cm Ikenotaira: 230cm Myoko Suginohara: 210cm Seki Onsen: 450cm Myoko Ski Park: 320cm Myoko Kyukamura Runrun 310cm Madarao 230cm Tangram Ski Circus 200cm Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 8th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 958cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 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 242cm reported on 15 days March 2014 snowfall 100cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 963cm Posted on Sunday 9th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Myoko Now report can be found here . Having a few problems with our report today, but luckily it has been a fairly simple day - sunny with blue skies up above. Snow is expected this evening and tomorrow. Official info: Akakura Kanko: 325cm Akakura Onsen: 270cm Ikenotaira: 230cm Myoko Suginohara: 210cm Seki Onsen: 450cm Myoko Ski Park: 320cm Myoko Kyukamura Runrun 310cm Madarao 230cm Tangram Ski Circus 200cm Myoko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 9th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 963cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 55 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 242cm reported on 15 days March 2014 snowfall 105cm 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 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