Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 45cm Snowfall at base this season 286cm Posted on Monday 15th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here What's this... blue skies?! The sun is out this morning. But what's this... close to half a metre of fresh snowfall?! Oh yes. With reports of 60cm or so on the mountain it's one of those mornings where you just HAVE to get the skis or board on and get out. Deep fresh powder along with a rare and perhaps unexpected break in the clouds. Almost perfect. It probably won't last long! The Morino Chair lift is now operating at Niseko Village and the really good sign is that the individual ski resorts are now not feeling the need to have to report on what courses are open. Which means that most of the mountain is now open. As mentioned in the Avalanche Report below, we now just wait for the gates to get opened and the top lifts. Still, conditions are so good elsewhere that there's surely more than enough to keep everyone happy. (Well maybe almost everyone!) The Gondola at Niseko Village, King Number 3 lift at Grand Hirafu and the top Hanazono lift are moving this morning, but have been running at reduced speeds early on due to a moderate wind. Snowfall will be back maybe even soon today but definitely tomorrow, and as with many regions of Japan once again we expect heavy snowfall and strong winds. After that slow start, December 2014 is shaping up nicely. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -8C, 40cm of crystal snow without snowdrift development. Coastal data: NNE9m/s at Benkei cape. Moiwa 650m: 60cm of new snow without snowdrift development. Annupuri 1000m: 120cm snowpack and 250cm snowpack in leeward slopes around 800m. Snow clouds are expanding throughout the Sea of Japan coastline and dropping heavy loads of snow in coastal mountain areas. 60cm of new snow has dumped in some areas but snowdrifts development is minimal. Snow and wind is forecasted to pick up again and will make cornices and slabs grow. Avalanches from Dec 10th layer are to be expected in steep exposed slopes above 800m. Newly formed slabs are getting thicker and although they are relatively stable, large-scale avalanches are still likely to happen with a slight stimulation around knoll terrains. The snowpack is steadily growing and gates below 1000m are being ready to open soon. Please be patient for a little longer. Do not duck ropes. Deep and light powder snow can be found along the courses today. Be careful not to get stuck. The storm will pick up soon. Remain in control and be careful not to fall. You can easily get suffocated in deep snow. --- Here's what is planned to be open today (subject to change): Niseko Grand Hirafu Courses: Super Course and Furiko Courses now open Lifts: Ace Family Lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Ace Number 3 lift, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Triple lift, Swinging Monkey. Night skiing lifts: Ace Family Pair lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift Niseko Hanazono Courses: Stairway to Heaven, Silver Dream, Legend of Shinya, Yotei Sunset, Crystal Garden Lifts: All 3 quad lifts operating Night skiing lifts: No night skiing at Hanazono Niseko Village Lifts operating: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair, Morino Chair Night skiing lifts: Community Chair and Banzai Chair Niseko Annupuri Lifts operating: Annupuri Gondola, Jumbo Number 1 Quad, Jumbo Number 2 Pair, Jumbo Number 3 Pair Night skiing lift: Jumbo Number 1 Quad --- Official snow depth numbers at the time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 190cm Base - 120cm Niseko Village: Top - 140cm Base - 100cm Annupuri: Top - 130cm Base - 110cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Monday 15th December 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 286cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 256cm reported on 14 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 30cm Snowfall at base this season 341cm Posted on Friday 19th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A bit of relative calm after the storm is the feeling this morning. Was a bit wild yesterday with the wind messing around with lift movements. Less wind this morning, less snow falling, and not quite as cold either. 'Just' -3 here at base according to my trusty thermometer, and indeed the resorts report similar temperature at their base levels, Niseko Village recording -7C on their upper slopes. Snow is forecast to ease off during the day today - might the sun make a bit of an appearance? - and a milder conditions due tomorrow. Looks like it might even rain a bit before turning into snow later in the day tomorrow. Let's hope not. OK anyway so 30cm or so of fresh snowfall to report since yesterday. It's difficult to read this morning with all of the wind that we had yesterday blowing it around. Just think lots of fresh snow to play in and you've pretty much got the picture. Over the last week or two it has been getting gradually busier in Niseko, from now on there'll be more and more people arriving daily so I would expect things to be noticeably busier. With everyone hopefully having the time of their lives, it should be a fun atmosphere. Make it so, everyone! --- Niseko Avalanche Report Moiwa base: -3C, 15cm of crystal snow in 12hours. Moiwa 600m: -4C, calm wind and 25cm of broken crystal snow with development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW 12m/s, Kamui cape WNW7m/s, 1023hPa, 1.9m waves. Annupuri 1150m: -6℃, mild NW wind, good groomers conditions and snowdrift development. The current snowpack is 130cm at Annupuri 1000m. The atmospheric pressure gradient is small over the Sea of Japan, and the wind is mild around Niseko area. Yesterday’s northerly wind made snowdrifts develop slowly above 800m altitude. The Backbowl’s sidewalls are loaded with heavy snowdrifts. The avalanche hazard is high around 1100m Kozan no sawa (Backbowl) slopes, 900m Osawa cornice slopes. The gates are yet to open and peak hike is still restricted. The snow in the trees is a bit humid and in good condition. Beware of over-speeding and hitting trees. Do not duck ropes; one track left under a rope will lead many others to follow and unnecessarily increase the chances of accidents to happen. Crossing ropes is severely prohibited by the Niseko Rules. We’d like to call all accommodation facilities to inform their guests about the Niseko Rules. Have a nice day. --- Lifts planned to be operating, subject to change due to weather conditions. Any news at time of writing is noted in the main report above: Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts: Ace Family Lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Ace Number 3 lift, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Triple lift, Swinging Monkey. Night skiing lifts: Ace Family Pair lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift Niseko Hanazono Lifts: Hanazono Number 1, Hanazono Number 2, Hanazono Number 3 Night skiing lifts: No night skiing at Hanazono Niseko Village Lifts: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair, Morino Chair. Night skiing lifts: Community Chair and Banzai Chair Niseko Annupuri Lifts: Annupuri Gondola, Jumbo Number 1 Quad, Jumbo Number 2 Pair, Jumbo Number 3 Pair Night skiing lift: Jumbo Number 1 Quad --- Official snow depth numbers at the time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 210cm Base - 90cm Niseko Village: Top - 150cm Base - 110cm Annupuri: Top - 135cm Base - 110cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Friday 19th December 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 341cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 21 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 311cm 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 342cm Posted on Saturday 20th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just a thin cover of new snow since my last report and it's noticeably warmer this morning. It is generally cloudy right now, but we are expecting some rain this afternoon. We are hoping of course that will end up short-lived and it will soon turn into snowfall. Tomorrow we expect snow to be falling and for colder conditions. --- A few resort news thingies this morning. Over at Hanazono, Strawberry Fields opens today as well as the Snowmobiling Course. Niseko Grand Hirafu have noted that the top Large and Dynamic Courses accessed via the Ace Pair Number 4 lift and King Number 4 Lift cannot open yet due to 'insufficient snow cover'. They are though extending the operation of the Hanazono Quad Number 3 and Swinging Monkey lifts to 3:30pm, with the two lower Hanazono Quads now doing their thing until 3:50pm. Just a reminder of a few other things - the top connection between Niseko Annupuri and Niseko Village resorts is not yet available with thise top lifts not moving yet (shuttle bus needed) and those gates aren't open yet. For all the talk of large volumes of snowfall, it seems that we need more. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Moiwa base: -3C, light snowfall and calm morning. Moiwa 600m: -5C, light snowfall, calm and good visibility. Annupuri 1150m: -5C, light snowfall and development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1000m: 130cm snowpack. Coastal data: Benkei cape SSW3m/s, Kamui cape S13m/s, 1017hPa, 1.3m waves. A Low Pressure system is approaching and making warm air flow in from the south. The weather is predicted to deteriorate before noon. The general avalanche risk is low according to observations, however wet snow slab avalanches hazard in 40°slopes will rise in the afternoon. Be cautious. The groomers conditions and the snow in the trees is in good shape. Bushes are still sticking out above the surface and the streams at the bottom aren’t fully buried yet. Backcountry access from the resort is still restricted and will take some more time to have the gates ready. Do not duck ropes to step out of bounds. We strongly demand all Niseko accommodation to inform their guests about the Niseko Rules. Have a nice weekend. --- Lifts planned to be operating, subject to change due to weather conditions. Any news at time of writing is noted in the main report above: Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts: Ace Family Lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Ace Number 3 lift, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Triple lift, Swinging Monkey. Night skiing lifts: Ace Family Pair lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift Niseko Hanazono Lifts: Hanazono Number 1, Hanazono Number 2, Hanazono Number 3 Night skiing lifts: No night skiing at Hanazono Niseko Village Lifts: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair, Morino Chair. Night skiing lifts: Community Chair and Banzai Chair Niseko Annupuri Lifts: Annupuri Gondola, Jumbo Number 1 Quad, Jumbo Number 2 Pair, Jumbo Number 3 Pair Night skiing lift: Jumbo Number 1 Quad --- Official snow depth numbers at the time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 200cm Base - 90cm Niseko Village: Top - 150cm Base - 110cm Annupuri: Top - 135cm Base - 110cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 20th December 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 342cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 22 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 312cm 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 25cm Snowfall at base this season 311cm Posted on Thursday 18th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here This particular region of Hokkaido missed the worst of the storm yesterday. Places in eastern regions got much wilder conditions by the looks of things, and more snow too. Here I have 25cm or so of snow to report. Not bad of course, but much less than some places got. The official snow depth at Niseko Grand Hirafu resort is now up to 2m though. It's snowing this morning still and rather windy and here's how the wind conditions are affecting lifts as of before 9am: All of Annupuri on standby, though will open if weather conditions improve. The Niseko Gondola at Niseko Village is not moving, but the three lower lifts are open. The Hirafu Gondola, Ace Number 2 Center Four, Ace Number 3, King Number 3 Triple, Swinging Monkey lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu are not moving. All of the Hanazono lifts are not moving. So choice for the morning boils down to basically the lower areas of Hirafu or Village. Not crazy cold actually, with the temperature just under 0 right now. Tomorrow should see calmer conditions and the snowfall easing off. Back to snow at the weekend though. It's never far off! --- Niseko Avalanche Report Moiwa base: -4C, light wind and 30cm of small broken crystal snow in 12 hours. Moiwa 600m: -4C, ENE10m/s, 40cm of new snow and light development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: NW15m/s, -7C and developing snowdrifts. Benkei cape: NNE15m/s. Kamui cape: ENE9m/s, 997hPa and 2.2m waves. The wind and snowfall is moderate under 800m as the low-pressure system moves east and the atmospheric pressure gradient is relatively small. The snow in the trees is pretty good. The storm is forecasted to pick up, strong northerly wind will make the cornices and snowdrifts develop drastically. The avalanche hazard level will rise considerably as the storm picks up during the day. The visibility is very bad. Riding slopes near/under cornices are to be avoided in all areas in and around Niseko. Avalanches are also likely to happen under chairlift lines and steep faces within the resorts. This information is released for the safety of all Niseko resorts’ guests. Do not duck boundary ropes. --- Lifts planned to be operating (* subject to change due to weather conditions). Any news at time of writing is noted in the main report above: Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts: Ace Family Lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Ace Number 3 lift, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Triple lift, Swinging Monkey. Night skiing lifts: Ace Family Pair lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift Niseko Hanazono Lifts: Hanazono Number 1, Hanazono Number 2, Hanazono Number 3 Night skiing lifts: No night skiing at Hanazono Niseko Village Lifts: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair, Morino Chair. Night skiing lifts: Community Chair and Banzai Chair Niseko Annupuri Lifts: Annupuri Gondola, Jumbo Number 1 Quad, Jumbo Number 2 Pair, Jumbo Number 3 Pair Night skiing lift: Jumbo Number 1 Quad --- Official snow depth numbers at the time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 200cm Base - 90cm Niseko Village: Top - 140cm Base - 105cm Annupuri: Top - 130cm Base - 110cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Thursday 18th December 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 311cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 281cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 70cm Posted on Thursday 21st November 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Nature decided to give us a present overnight and this morning we are treated to 5-10cm of fresh snow down here at base. Not mad cold and still just above the zero mark earlier on and about +3 degrees right now, but it is of course fantastic to see that new cover of white this morning. Those bare spots I mentioned yesterday are now nicely filled in again, but of course we could always do with more. It's still looking quite weak though in terms of snowfall expected and we're probably not going to get a whole lot more through into next week - with more rain than snow lined up. I'd be happy if the forecast was wrong and/or changed in that respect. The planned resort opening dates remain as follows, with the first lifts planning to be operating the day after tomorrow. Niseko Grand Hirafu - 23rd November Hanazono - 23rd November Niseko Annupuri - 23rd November Niseko Village - 1st December Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Thursday 21st November 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 70cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 5 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (12th November) November 2013 snowfall 70cm 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 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 71cm Posted on Wednesday 27th November 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning from Hirafu. We've had more than our share of mild temperatures, rain and strong winds of late. I'm glad to be able to report a dusting of snow overnight - just a cm or so at village level - and while it's still not the cold we want, it feels colder than it has been and currently around 1C. Obviously the resorts are not open yet as we wait for a decent snowfall to hit and get things moving. Things are looking good for later on today into tomorrow. Temperatures will dip and moderate to heavy snowfall a definite possibility on the mountains. So hopefully I'll have some good news to report tomorrow morning. Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 27th November 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 71cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 6 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (12th November) November 2013 snowfall 71cm 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 Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 83cm Posted on Thursday 28th November 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Snow to report this morning and just over 10cm of it outside my place here in Hirafu, and up to 15cm in places. The snow started falling late last night. It was a colder night and as of 9am it is around -1C and -5C up top at Hirafu. Snow continued to fall and we should be looking at snow to continue through into tomorrow. No official word from the resorts yet but if the snow falls as expected, hopefully we will be looking at openings on Saturday. Planned resort opening dates: Niseko Grand Hirafu - as soon as possible Niseko Annupuri - open as soon as possible Niseko Village - 1st December Hanazono - 7th December Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Thursday 28th November 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 83cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 7 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (12th November) November 2013 snowfall 83cm 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 Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 123cm Posted on Saturday 30th November 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning and here we are on the official opening day of the season in Niseko with Niseko Grand Hirafu opening at 8:30am this morning. Around 15cm of fresh snowfall since my last report here in the village. As I mentioned yesterday afternoon, Niseko Grand Hirafu has the Ace Number 3 pair lift servicing the Center Course, and the Ace Number 2 Center Four lift taking people up (and down) from that upper area. Hirafu are reporting 60-100cm on it's slopes this morning and a temperature of -6 degrees. Here in the Hirafu village area it's around -1C and currently just cloudy with light snow falling at times - was hoping for more sustained snowfall (aren't we always?!). Hopefully we will get more later on, but the forecast into next week not looking quite as encouraging as it was a few days back. Anyway, Niseko Village plans to open tomorrow with the Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operating and 4 courses open. No further word yet from Annupuri. Official snow depth numbers: Grand Hirafu: Top - 100cm Bottom - 60cm Niseko Village: Top - 60cm Bottom - 30cm Annupuri: Top - 50cm Bottom - 48cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 30th November 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 123cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 9 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (12th November) November 2013 snowfall 123cm 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 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 134cm Posted on Tuesday 3rd December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It's a cloudy morning here in Hirafu with just a sprinkling of snow since yesterday. I've put 1cm on the report, but there's a bit of 'rounding up' going on there! Hovering around 1 degrees now Niseko Grand Hirafu now has the Family Course, Center Course and Shirakaba Course officially open. Still no access down to the base of the skijo due to the lack of snow - so you come down using the Ace Center Four. It's a similarly story of limited conditions over at Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri as we wait for more snowfall. At Annupuri just the 600m Utopia course is open, coming down via the Gondola, while at Niseko Village there are 4 courses open - Final Fling, Shakey Knees, Banzai and Next Stage. I wish I could bring you news of huge dumps of snow lined up over the next few days, but unfortunately I can't. More sun than snow by the looks. Saturday is looking interesting with the potential of decent snowfall later on into Sunday. Anyway, as always, we'll keep you updated on this page. --- Lift operations (at time of writing): Grand Hirafu: Ace Family Pair Ace Number 2 Quad (Center Four) Ace Number 3 Pair Niseko Village: Community Chair Banzai Chair Annupuri: Gondola Jumbo Number 3 --- Official snow depth numbers: Grand Hirafu: Top - 100cm Bottom - 65cm Niseko Village: Top - 60cm Bottom - 30cm Annupuri: Top - 65cm Bottom - 55cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 3rd December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 134cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (12th November) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 11cm 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 12cm Snowfall at base this season 161cm Posted on Sunday 8th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Best day of the early season so far yesterday with more terrain open and that fresh coating of snow to enjoy, with it snowing for most of the day in the end. Nice conditions to be found up top as well. And I have another 10-15cm of snowfall to report since yesterday as well as further openings including the Gondola at Niseko Village - which actually started yesterday, but I didn't have that information in time for the report. Grand Hirafu also now have a 'Mini Park' open on the lower slopes of the Shirakaba course. The mountain is still 100% fully open, but it's getting more like it now. Snow is still coming down with poor visibility on the mountain. But I'm sure most of you will agree, that's good! Lots more please. --- Lift operations (at time of writing): Grand Hirafu: Ace Family Pair Ace Number 3 Pair Ace Number 2 Quad Center Four King Number 3 Triple Swinging Monkey Hirafu Gondola Hanazono: Hanazono Number 1 lift Hanazono Number 2 lift Hanazono Number 3 lift Niseko Village: Gondola Community Chair Banzai Chair Annupuri: Gondola Jumbo Number 3 --- Official snow depth numbers: Grand Hirafu: Top - 130cm Base - 65cm Hanazono: Top - 90cm Base - 50cm Niseko Village: Top - 80cm Base - 40cm Annupuri: Top - 85cm Base - 65cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 8th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 161cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (12th November) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 38cm 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 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 25cm Snowfall at base this season 725cm Posted on Thursday 16th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here After the somewhat disappointing 'only 15cm' in the report yesterday, we are back to 25cm since yesterday in todays report. I'm only kidding about the disappointing bit of course. After I posted the report yesterday morning we were treated to clearer and sunny conditions again for a while. Could the same happen again today? You know what, it actually might and there are signs of some blue sky showing through in places and the sun. It was snowing lightly earlier but has eased off now. There's a moderate wind this morning but apart from a few lifts moving at slower speeds, all is open. Anyway, obviously it was back to snowfall in time for that new delivery to report this morning. It's a good pattern - one that I would encourage those in charge of assigning the snow deliveries to stick to more often! So yes this morning we have yet another decent refresh on the mountain. It's interesting, many other resorts might not need the refresh as much as Niseko due to the popularity of this resort area. Popularity means that places get tracked out quicker. That also means that we perhaps suffer more than other places when conditions are dry. Good job we have that ongoing consistency. (Hope I haven't jinxed anything by saying that). Looking ahead, the forecast is actually for calm conditions over the next few days and a break in the daily heavy snowfall. I will of course report the latest to you here every day. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -9C, 25cm crystal snowfall in 12 hours, no snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m: -11C, W8m/s, 30cm of fresh, overnight snowdrift development 80cm. Annupuri 1150m: -13C, 40cm of snowfall, notable snowdrift development. Hirafu 1000m: -11C, 20cm of fresh. Peak 1308m: -15C, NW13.1m/s. Wind forecast NW15m/s at noon. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW15m/s, Kamui cape W11m/s, 1.6m waves, 1018hPa. Intermittent snowfall continues under typical wintry pressure pattern. The isobars will start narrowing down as the low-pressure system shifts east and the wind will start picking up again. Wind-affected slopes are forming soft-slabs, however the snow under treeline is good. The general avalanche risk is low except in steep slopes of the Backbowl and Higashi-One cornice area. The cornces have grown big and are very unstable. Better stay away from them as they could largely collapse with a slight stimulation. Some cracks are starting to form especially in knoll terrain, these cracks are hard to see from above, please be careful not to fall in there. Gates opening is yet to be decided, please follow the ski patrols instructions. Do not duck ropes, use gates to access the out of bounds areas. The resort is always concerned about all user’s safety, and the Niseko Rules has been set for the sake of all resort users. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 420cm Base - 220cm Niseko Village: Top - 320cm Base - 220cm Annupuri: Top - 260cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Thursday 16th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 725cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 47 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 327cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 737cm Posted on Sunday 19th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just a few cm of snow to report from here in Hirafu village area this morning. It has been a somewhat dull and overcast start to the day here though things have been clearing up away from the mountain and looking out towards Yotei where there's lots of clear blue sky. Some bright areas on the lower mountain as well at the moment... feels like it's going to clear up again? Fairly strong northerly winds this morning are affecting some of the lifts at resorts including the Annupuri Gondola, Jumbo 3 and 4 lifts; the Niseko Gondola and Wonderland Chair at Niseko Village; the King Number 3, King Number 4 and Ace Number 4 lifts at Grand Hirafu; and the top Hanazono lift. Wind speeds of up to 19m/s being logged by the people over on Annupuri. Hopefully see some more snowfall later on tonight and then it looks like it'll be on and off for the first half of the coming week, but probably nothing major in terms of snow. Come on now... we want our refills! Snow falling or not, it is going to remain cold. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -10C, trace new snow in the last 12 hrs, falling from 5am.Moiwa 800m -11C, wind W from 5am, Annupuri 1150m -13C, wind NNW 15m/s, some snow drift development. Hirafu 1000m -12C, wind N15m/s, snowfall and snow drift development from 5am. Annupuri Peak 1308m -12.5C, wind N17.6m/s – wind predicted at noon NW15m/s. Cape Benkei SE3m/s, Cape Kamui ESE3m/s, wave 2m, pressure 1014hpa. Little snowfall in the last 24hrs and the mountain is tracked out. Isobars are moving closer together and snow clouds will develop. Above 800m rapid development of snow drifts is expected. Backcountry conditions are not good, gates 2 & 3 will be closed, others yet to be decided. Please follow Patrols decisions. The Jan 17th frost layer will become possible fracture layer in future snowpack. Avalanche occurrence and scale are related to how the snow has fallen. During and directly after storms are high risk times for avalanches in Niseko. Today the danger of avalanches is high on steep slopes due to wind effected slabs. The mountain conditions change everyday, dont over estimate your skills, safety first. Dont duck ropes looking for fresh lines, Beware trees, cracks. Have a great day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 400cm Base - 195cm Niseko Village: Top - 320cm Base - 220cm Annupuri: Top - 270cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 19th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 737cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 49 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 339cm reported on 18 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