Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 1145cm Posted on Monday 17th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Less than 1cm of snowfall to report this morning, just a thin dusting really with the temperature around 0 degrees at the moment. There's still quite a bit of cloud around, but the sun is out as well and some blue sky. Once again we might get a bit of snow overnight into tomorrow and then tomorrow in the daytime there's a chance of some rain. Strong winds forecast for tomorrow as well - enough to mess about with lift schedules if it happens. For the moment though this morning good weather, the groomers should be good early on. Just hope it doesn't warm up too much... --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -2C, 0.5cm graupels in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: -5C, W5m/s and development of snowdrifts in Mikaeri area. Annupuri 1150m: snowpack 360cm. Hirafu 1000m: -5C, slight snowfall. Peak 1308m: NW13m/s, -8.3C. Coastal data: cape Benkei NNW10m/s, cape Kamui NNW6m/s, 0.7m, 1020hPa. Although the isobars are spaced out as a high-pressure system is traveling east, an intermittent NW wind is blowing, making snowdrifts develop in some areas. Newly formed snowdrifts in 1000m area are unstable and easily collapse. Temperature is relatively high and the snow in the trees will get better in the afternoon. Many dangers, other than avalanches, exist in the backcountry. Beware of loosing control, hitting trees, falling into cracks. Peak gates will open from the morning. Do not enter south facing strictly off-limits areas. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 395cm Base - 195cm Niseko Village: Top - 390cm Base - 200cm Annupuri: Top - 395cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 17th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1145cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 93 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 108cm reported on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 1148cm Posted on Friday 21st March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A lovely day again yesterday, clouds overnight and just a thin layer of new snow this morning - about 1cm or so. Cloudy at the moment, with Mt Yotei hidden, and around 0 degrees now. This morning the main thing though is going to be... the wind. As I write this before 8:30am, here's what is affected: Niseko Annupuri - Annupuri Gondola Niseko Village - Niseko Gondola, Wonderland Chair Niseko Grand Hirafu - King 3, King 4 Hanazono - Hanazono 3 That may well of course change as conditions change, but we are expecting windy conditions for the day, hopefully less tomorrow. As I mentioned, today is a national holiday in Japan. --- Due to the 'Waya' event on Sunday, the King 1 and Hirafu Freeride Park at Niseko Grand Hirafu will be in use just for that and so not available to the public. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -1C,low-pressure snowfall 1cm in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: n/a. Annupuri 1150m: NE18m/s, -7C, 1000m snowpack 340cm. Hirafu 1000m: -6C, no snowfall, strong NE wind. Peak 1308m: NN 20.3m/s, -9.3C. Coastal data: cape Benkei E4m/s, cape Kamui 3m/s, 0.6m waves, 1002hPa. The low-pressure system moving NE at 35km/h along the pacific coast is generating strong NE wind (20+m/s above 1000m). Gates 2 & 3 will be closed. Others to be determined. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Spring avalanche hazard is rising in south facing off-limits areas, Haru no taki, Mizuno no sawa, Yu no sawa. Stay away of the valley bottoms, avalanche could strike from above you. Deep thick slides are also likely to occur in Kozan no sawa (backbowl), Osawa and Higashi-one. Beware of trees, cracks and giant snowballs under cornices. The conditions are bad, wet, catchy snow. Better not push too far today. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 390cm Base - 180cm Niseko Village: Top - 385cm Base - 185cm Annupuri: Top - 370cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 21st March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1148cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 95 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 111cm 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 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 1149cm Posted on Saturday 22nd March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Some real blustery conditions yesterday with snow falling as well but curiously we haven't ended up with more than a thin layer down here in Hirafu. I expect there to be more to be found up on the mountain - see updated Avalanche Report below! I was hoping we might get some big numbers today looking at the news and indeed some of the Now reports on SnowJapan this morning, but it wasn't to be. After seeing the report below, will be interesting to see how conditions are up on the mountain today... Cloudy and light snow as I write this and the temperature just under 0C. Happily, less wind and all of the top lifts appear to be opening as planned this morning. Not much sign of any snow on the forecast after today - rather more sunny conditions are expected and warmer conditions. Hopefully it won't warm up too much. --- Niseko base 6am: -2C, 40cm of snowdrifts in 12 hours. Moiwa peak: no data. Annupuri 1000m: NW5m/s, -7C, many snowdrift development. Snowpack 370cm. Hirafu 1000m: -7C, light snowfall on the courses and development of snowdrifts. Peak 1308m: NW10.3m/s, -9.1℃. Coastal data: cape Benkei N4m/s, cape Kamui NNW4m/s, 1.2m waves, 1009hPa. Isobars are spacing out and weather improving. The heavy wind generated big snowdrifts. 40cm or thicker avalanches should be expected in cornice slopes, upper open steep slopes and knolls above 800m during the morning. Peak gates will be closed. Listen to the ski patrol’s instructions before stepping out of the gates. Spring slides from the ground level are to be expected in strictly off-limits Haru no Taki, Mizuno no sawa, Yu no sawa. Never enter those areas. The snow in the tree is fairly reset, but will also be baked by noon. Beware of cracks, trees and cornice falls. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 385cm Base - 180cm Niseko Village: Top - 385cm Base - 185cm Annupuri: Top - 370cm Base - 190cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 22nd March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1149cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 96 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 112cm reported on 16 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 1150cm Posted on Sunday 23rd March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from the Niseko area. As I mentioned before, last night was the last 'nighta' of the season. Sad, but it has been good. Always one of the signs that we are now entering the final stretch of the season, though we do have 6 weeks of so left. (That's still a lot of reports I have to write... gambarimasu!) OK, so how about this morning. Just a dusting of snow overnight. The sun is out early on and we have a mix of blue sky and cloud. The forecast for the coming week is looking a lot like that as well, with barely a sign of snow. Instead, it is still set to warm up, especially from tomorrow. We might even get to see high temperatures of up to 10 degrees in Kutchan mid week. No doubt it is going to very much feel like 'spring has arrived', properly. Still there's a lot of snow around and a lot of fun still to be had. Let's see where we stand with observed snowfall for the month - currently on 112cm, and 1149cm for the season so far. Last season for March we got 164cm and 1549cm for the whole season from the same observations. This information can of course be seen lower down on this (and every) page of our reports. --- Niseko base 6am: -6C, 2cm of snow in 12 hours. Moiwa peak: no data. Annupuri 1000m: snowpack 370cm. hirafu 1000m: -7C, calm. Pea k1308m: WNW3.4m/s, -9.2C. Coastal data: cape Benkei calm, cape Kamui SSW6m/s, 0.7m waves, 1017hPa. Isobars are spaced out, calm condition at the ocean and the mountains. There are no notable development of snowdrifts and the general avalanche risk is low, except the Spring climax slides hazard in strictly off-limits areas of Haru no taki, Mizuno no sawa and Yu no sawa. Peak gates will be open from the morning. The surface above 1000m altitude will be crusty and hard-packed during the morning. A thin, nice feeling blanket of fresh snow is covering the surface in the trees. A Low might form later in the day and the weather may change quickly, always be ready for unexpected situations. Spring is approaching in the mountains. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 385cm Base - 180cm Niseko Village: Top - 385cm Base - 185cm Annupuri: Top - 370cm Base - 190cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 23rd March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1150cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 97 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1150cm Posted on Friday 28th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another warm day expected here today. This morning there are patches of fog early on but I expect that will clear up leaving us with more sun for the day. There's a moderate wind, but lifts appear to be planning to start as planned - that may change of course. There's a chance of rain overnight, but sun is forecast for the day tomorrow as well. Should be getting a little colder from tomorrow too. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: +1C, no snowfall, cloudy. Moiwa peak: no data. Annpuri peak 1308m: SSW6.6m/s, +2.8C. Coastal data: cape Benkei is calm, cape Kamui SSW18m/s, 1.0m waves, 1012hPa. Annpuri 1000m snowpack 360cm. Hirafu 1000m: +3C, no new snow. Niseko is under a high-pressure system with a strong southern wind blowing in surrounding areas. A thick fog is present above 600m altitude, but forecasted to clear during the day. Warm air inflow will accelerate the melt. A spring slide from ground level occurred in Hirafu upper Super course yesterday. The course was closed and nobody got involved. The hazards are high again today, be prudent. The snowpack is still thick in 800m leeward slopes of Osawa, Backbowl and Mikaeri-sawa. Whether cracked or not, possibilities of massive spring slides are present throughout the rest of the season. If you’re caught in one, the consequences will be big. Stay away from valley bottoms. Peak gates will open from the morning. Most accidents can be avoided by having everyone being prudent. There’s always a reason for accidents. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 360cm Base - 150cm Niseko Village: Top - 360cm Base - 160cm Annupuri: Top - 360cm Base - 170cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 28th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1150cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 97 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1150cm Posted on Tuesday 1st April 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is a fine morning here in Niseko with blue skies and just a few fast moving white cloud here and there.... just windy. Yes the flags are blowing about here in the village area as well and top lifts (as well as the gondola over at Annupuri) are not opening as planned this morning. Sun is forecast for the next few days, warmer tomorrow than today, to be followed by rain later in the week - and then possibly snow over the weekend. --- As we are now into new month, lets look at those snow depth numbers for March and the season as a whole: Observed snowfall in Hirafu for March 2014: 113cm Observed snowfall in Hirafu for the 13/14 season so far: 1150cm Compare that with the numbers from last season (observations made by the same person in the same place): Observed snowfall in Hirafu for March 2014: 164cm Observed snowfall in Hirafu for the 12/13 season at end of March 2013: 1549cm Still lots of snow of course, but there was a fair chunk more of it last year - 5m more in fact. Last year in April we observed 32cm by the way. (All of these numbers can be found at the lower part of the Niseko Now reports). --- Let's also take a look at the Japan Meteorological Agency statistics for snowfall recorded in Kutchan town as well: March 2014: 118cm March 2013: 124cm March 2012: 79cm March 2011: 210cm The JMA Kutchan number for April ranges from nothing to around 30cm. --- Official snow depth numbers at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 340cm Base - 125cm Niseko Village: Top - 340cm Base - 130cm Annupuri: Top - 330cm Base - 140cm --- Niseko Village plans to be open until Sunday 6th April Niseko Hanazono Resort plans to be open until Sunday 6th April Niseko Annupuri plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 1st April 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1150cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 97 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days April 2014 snowfall 0cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 1152cm Posted on Saturday 5th April 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Fresh snow! Yes, don't get over excited - just a few few cm - but new snow all the same. And it is colder as well this morning. We had some particularly strong winds yesterday and it is still very windy this morning. Unfortunately, it's limited lifts this morning and it's actually easier to tell you what is moving as the resorts open: Niseko Grand Hirafu - Ace Family, Ace No2 Center Quad, Holiday No1, King No2, Swinging Monkey Niseko Village - Banzai chair only Niseko Annupuri - Jumbo No1 and No2 lifts only All top lifts on hold as we hope for the wind to decrease. Not sure if we can realistically expect much there I'm afraid. It's windy. --- Official snow depth numbers at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 330cm Base - 110cm Niseko Village: Top - 320cm Base - 100cm Annupuri: Top - 320cm Base - 120cm --- Niseko Hanazono Resort plans to be open until Sunday 6th April Niseko Village plans to be open until Sunday 6th April (and then from 26th April until 6th May) Niseko Annupuri plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 5th April 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1152cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 98 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days April 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 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 1155cm Posted on Sunday 6th April 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Unfortunately those top lifts were closed for the day yesterday with the wind. Unfortunately again, it's looking a similar picture today. Strong winds over at Annupuri means that area is completely closed as of 8:30am. Just the Banzai Chair running at Niseko Village so far, and the top lifts at Grand Hirafu and Hanazono are on hold as well. Go away winds! So it's all rather limited to start the day off. Some patches of ground have been covered up though with the bit of snowfall which is good to see - though will hardly last long. From tomorrow we expect that the fine spring weather will return with sunny skies and it should start warming up again during the week. --- Official snow depth numbers at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 330cm Base - 115cm Niseko Village: Top - 320cm Base - 100cm Annupuri: Top - 320cm Base - 120cm --- Niseko Hanazono Resort plans to be open until Sunday 6th April Niseko Village plans to be open until Sunday 6th April (and then from 26th April until 6th May) Niseko Annupuri plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 6th April 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1155cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 99 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days April 2014 snowfall 5cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 1163cm Posted on Friday 11th April 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here So the sun did make an appearance yesterday, but early this morning we also have some fresh snow on the ground! It can't seem to make it's mind up at the moment. We are already back to sun and increasingly blue skies, but that brief snowfall gave us a few cm of fresh. Moderate winds again unfortunately, but as of 7:30am Grand Hirafu seems to be planning to open as normal but keep an eye on that. --- Official snow depth numbers and planned operating lifts at time of writing: Grand Hirafu: Top - 320cm Base - 100cm Ace Number 2 Center Four lift King Number 3 Triple King Number 4 (* Hirafu Gondola will open only on 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th, 29th April and 3-6th May) Annupuri: Top - 310cm Base - 110cm Annupuri Gondola Jumbo No1 quad Jumbo No2 pair Jumbo No4 pair --- Niseko Annupuri plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May -- Niseko Hanazono Resort is now closed for the season Niseko Village is closed at the moment but plans to re-open between 26th April and 6th May (Golden Week) Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 11th April 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1163cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 101 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days April 2014 snowfall 13cm 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 5cm Snowfall at base this season 1160cm Posted on Monday 7th April 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Some more snowfall to report this morning after this late blast of winter continues (continued?). Just under 5cm outside my place I'd say, but rather than snow still falling it is a fine morning and the sun is out. And happily it's not as windy just yet but might get more so later. Yesterday was the last day of the season for Niseko Hanazono Resort and Niseko Village is now closed up until Golden Week when it plans to re-open. News from Niseko Grand Hirafu and their plans for lifts to be open from now until the end of the season: Ace Number 2 Center Four lift (every day until 6th May) King Number 3 Triple (every day until 6th May) King Number 4 (every day until 6th May) Hirafu Gondola on 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th, 29th April and 3-6th May --- Official snow depth numbers at time of writing: Grand Hirafu: Top - 335cm Base - 120cm Annupuri: Top - 320cm Base - 120cm --- Niseko Annupuri plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May -- Niseko Hanazono Resort is now closed for the season. Niseko Village is closed at the moment but plans to re-open between 26th April and 6th May (Golden Week) Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 7th April 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1160cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 100 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days April 2014 snowfall 10cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1163cm Posted on Tuesday 6th May 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Here we are, May 6th - the last day of the 2013/2014 snow season in Niseko. For the record, it’s nice and sunny today - a mix of blue sky and some cloud. In this last post of the season I want to take a look back over the 13/14 season - a mix of my thoughts, my numbers, official numbers and what I sense as the general opinion of those who are based here. Obviously different people will have different thoughts going on - I’ll do my best to be fair and balanced… luckily for us all, my job is not marketing and sales! ;) I think it has been another very fine season for Niseko. Lots of fine Niseko powder to be enjoyed - lots of the time; lots of people around from every corner of the world; and a really great atmosphere from what I saw. Niseko at its best really is hard to beat. Yes, I know I might be a little biased. But only a little. The problem is that those of us who know Niseko at its best just have such ridiculously high expectations! So let’s dig a little deeper. If you look back to my last report from the 12/13 season back in May 2013, I mentioned that strong winds seemed to affect lift operations more than usual. Unfortunately I kind of feel the same again this year. We have certainly had our share of windy conditions this season again. Strong winds shutting down lifts and resorts too often is probably one of the things that people will mention most if they were pushed to say bad things about Niseko. Snowfall; yes, very important. Let’s take a look at the snowfall that I have been noting over the last few seasons. Again as I have mentioned in my posts during the season, these are my personal observations - made from the Hirafu village base area. The upper mountain will of course be on the receiving end of more snow than the base village, sometimes much more, but unfortunately I don’t live up there to make consistent daily observations. So we will have to make do with base numbers. 2012/2013 SEASON: November 2012: 118cm December 2012: 418cm January 2013: 443cm February 2013: 406cm March 2013: 164cm April 2013: 32cm May 2013: 2cm 12/13 SEASON TOTAL: 1,583cm And here’s the numbers from this season (taken from the same place): 2013/2014 SEASON: November 2013: 123cm December 2013: 275cm January 2014: 461cm February 2014: 178cm March 2014: 113cm April 2014: 13cm May 2014: 0cm 13/14 SEASON TOTAL: 1,163cm As you can see, there was less snow in the 13/14 season than in the 12/13 season. Just looking at the numbers, you could say significantly less. Still, that’s nearly 12m of snowfall which I’m sure we can agree on is ‘a lot’ - and when it’s falling consistently and heavily, difference in numbers hardly matters much. Here are the other available numbers published by Japan Meteorological Agency, taken from Kutchan Town: November 2013: 99cm (98cm the previous November) December 2013: 258cm (306cm the previous December) January 2014: 317cm (268cm the previous January) February 2014: 130cm (228cm the previous February) March 2014: 118cm (124cm the previous March) April 2014: 24cm (27cm the previous April) Full season: 946cm (1051cm the previous season) Those numbers are also less this season than last season, though not by quite as much as my personal observations. A friend of mine also recorded his own numbers from over near Moiwa and ended up with a total of 1276cm, about 1m more than mine. No doubt other people came up with other numbers too. But whatever the exact number, they’ll surely all be less than last year. Just for the record as well, Niseko Grand Hirafu on May 6th 2013 was saying it had 420cm on it’s upper slopes; today that corresponding number is 185cm, less than half but more in line with the season before. Niseko is of course famous for consistency of snowfall and close to guaranteed fabulous powder conditions. We did have a few dry periods during the season – some going on for unseasonably long stretches – and they were obviously disappointing for the people here during those times. But even so in general I think we can still say that things were impressively consistent. Opinions are going to depend on expectations – I spoke to some people in late February who were here during that week-long dry spell who still seemed really pleased about conditions compared with what they had experienced before. They really need to come back during one of the truly powder bonanzas that we have and experience the best of Niseko! Anyway, if you look back at the Niseko Now reports throughout the season, you’ll see stats for the months and a bit of ‘analysis’ as we went along. It’s always interesting to take a read through and re-live the season. They reports will always up there so please do take a look. (It’s also fun to read through the reports from other popular snow regions of Japan too). No doubt some hardy souls will be climbing up the hills with skis and boards on their backs a while longer and sliding down while some snow remains. But come mid-May, golf courses will be opening up and various summer activities will be the main focus. The area is of course really nice and cool for much of summer, unlike many regions of Japan. Just one more reason that lots of people fall in love with Niseko and Hokkaido. --- So that’s about all I have for this season. Thanks to Niseko for being such a great place and the Snow Gods for blessing us each season. Thank you to SnowJapan for being such a great resource - not only regarding Niseko of course but for Japan winter sports in general. I highly encourage you to take a look around the site. Last season I said this: “Thank you for reading these Niseko Now reports this season. I hope that you have enjoyed them and they have been useful as an ongoing commentary of the season. Now that the daily routine of writing reports has finished I think I’m going to have a few lie-ins and try to recharge after the long winter season! I have no doubt though that after just a short period of doing that, I’ll soon be looking forward to next winter.” That’s pretty much how I feel once again, a full year later. How time flies. The Niseko Now reports on SnowJapan will of course be back next season. Updates will begin once things start to cool down in the early autumn and we’ll bring you any news in advance of the 2014/2015 winter season. I wish you all a fun and safe summer wherever you may be, and hope to see you back here in autumn. Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 6th May 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1163cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 101 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days April 2014 snowfall 13cm reported on 4 days May 2014 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 Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1163cm Posted on Thursday 1st May 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here So here we are. May 2014. Though I must admit, personally I feel this 'spring' bit of the season goes on for quite a while. I suppose you get that reporting on it every day. Lots of cloud this morning so it's generally quite grey. There's a chance of some rainfall today. As I have done each month, lets take a look at the snow numbers for April. I observed just 13cm of snow for the month here; JMA numbers from Kutchan actually beating that at 24cm (which is pretty much about the same as for the previous 5 seasons). That took my observations for the season so far to 1163cm... not quite as exiting as last seasons observed 1583cm for the whole season, but still... a fair amount of snow! (And remember, that's at base - there's more up there on those mountains). I'll do a final round up of that kind of thing at the end of the season. --- Official snow depth numbers and planned operating lifts at time of writing: Grand Hirafu: Top - 215cm Base - 10cm Ace Number 2 Center Four lift King Number 3 Triple King Number 4 (* Hirafu Gondola will now be open for the last four days of the season... 3rd-6th May) Annupuri: Top - 250cm Base - 40cm Annupuri Gondola Jumbo No1 quad Jumbo No4 pair Niseko Village: Top - 250cm Base - 30cm Niseko Gondola Wonderland Chair --- Niseko Annupuri plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May. Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May. Niseko Village plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May. -- Niseko Hanazono Resort is now closed for the season. Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Thursday 1st May 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1163cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 101 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days April 2014 snowfall 13cm reported on 4 days May 2014 snowfall 0cm 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