Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 540cm Posted on Thursday 9th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another 10cm here in Hirafu this morning. Even when it gets milder up here, the snow never seems to be far away in season! One of the things to surely love about Niseko. Anyway, it is colder this morning and it's set to get colder still over the next few days. Snowfall is forecast right through until next week as well so we should be seeing regular topups. Hopefully the wind will behave I hope you can be here to enjoy it. Remember to wrap up well! --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -7C, 5cm of dry snow flakes. Moiwa 800m: -10C, 10cm of fresh and light development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -12C, NNE8m/s, moderate development of snowdrifts. Annupuri peak 1308m: NNW7.6m, -14C. Wind forecast at noon: NW15m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW8m/s, Kamui cape: NW8m/s, 1.6m waves, 1009hPa. Snowpack at Mizuno no sawa knoll: 280cm. Significant cold air-mass is approaching and will make snow & wind pick up later today. General avalanche risk remains low this morning; however will rise from higher altitude slopes as the snowdrifts start to develop. Peak gate will open from the morning. Pay attention to the ski patrol’s advices and make sure to carry backcountry safety equipment when stepping out of bounds. Beware of sudden weather changes. Do not forget that outside the gates is outside resort management. Cornice slopes above 1200m, such as the Backbowl’s sidewalls, should be avoided today as slides from Jan 7th layer are to be expected. Most avalanche accidents are caused by fractures of developing snowdrifts (surface slabs). Niseko terrain is generally gentle, however avalanche accidents do happen if the conditions are right. Please do respect the Niseko Rules to protect the freedom and safety of resort-access backcountry skiing. Do not duck ropes. Mizuno no sawa educational program is starting from today. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 320cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village: Top - 230cm Base - 160cm Annupuri: Top - 200cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Thursday 9th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 540cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 40 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 142cm 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 25cm Snowfall at base this season 615cm Posted on Sunday 12th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another 25cm of snow since yesterday. I'm sure I said that yesterday. Yes, I did. But it's true, as the snow just doesn't seem to want to stop at the moment. Good snow wants to fall on Niseko! There's not as much wind this morning but later on stronger winds forecast. Snow is still falling and visibility is generally fairly poor. Apart from the top lifts at Grand Hirafu and the Jumbo Number 4 lit at Annupuri having a late start as they cope with snow, all lifts plan to be running as scheduled. Let's look at the numbers and see what they say. Today Niseko Grand Hirafu is reporting 175cm at base and 360cm on upper areas. The same day last year those numbers were 200cm and 380cm respectively. So actually a bit less than last year. In our Now report on January 12th 2013 we were reporting a running total of 756cm of snowfall since the beginning of the season. Today that same number for this season is 615cm. The Japan Meteorological Agency's numbers for Kutchan town for January 2013 were 268cm. So far this month we have 134cm and so we're half way there in 12 days. December 2013 saw less snowfall than December 2012 and so it would be good to 'catch up'. Just for the sake of the numbers! Whatever the numbers are, continued snow refreshes are making for excellent conditions every day. Take care out there and have fun. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -8C, 20cm of fresh. Moiwa 800m: -11C, NW10m/s, 30cm of fresh, large & unstable development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: NW15m/s, -14C, 40cm snow, large development of unstable cornices and snowdrifts. Annupuri peak: W8m/s, -15℃. Wind forecast at noon: WNW20m/s. Hirafu 12hours snowfall 40cm. Coastal data: Benkei cape WNW10m/s, Kamui cape W9m/s, 2m waves, 1016hPa. The isobars are spacing out as the next low-pressure system is approaching, and the wind is stagnating around 10m/s since 2am. However, the wind is forecasted to pick up later today. The avalanche risk is high above 800m. Possibilities of 80-120cm thick surface slab avalanches are present in the Backbowl, Osawa 1100m cornice slopes, Higashi-One cornice slopes and Mikaeri Bowl. Gate 2 & 3 will be kept closed today. Gate 1 & 4 are scheduled to open, however traversing all the way across to the cornices is strongly not recommend. Very hazardous conditions today. Other gates still to be determined, please respect the ski patrol’s decisions. The mountain is in unstable conditions due to the continuing storm; keep in mind that accidents are most likely to occur during and just after storms. Beware of sudden weather changes, stay humble and be prudent. Have you switched your avy beacon on? --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 360cm Base - 175cm Niseko Village: Top - 250cm Base - 180cm Annupuri: Top - 220cm Base - 190cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 12th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 615cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 43 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 217cm 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 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 590cm Posted on Saturday 11th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here First the great news. Another 25cm of snow since yesterday. Yes, it just keeps on coming. And so do the cold temperatures, so snow conditions out on the mountain are just really great at the moment. Less great is that wind is causing a few issues this morning - at Annupuri the Gondola, Jumbo 3 and 4 lifts are not moving at the moment; at Niseko Village the Gondola is on hold; and here at Grand Hirafu the top lifts at both Hirafu and Hanazono are on standby. Subject to change of course with the weather conditions. Fingers crossed on that score. One more thing that I think I forgot to mention yesterday. Today and tomorrow are the weekend of course, but in Japan Monday is also a holiday making it a long weekend and one of the more popular 'ski weekends' of the season with Japanese. So it will be - and is already - busy. Without wanting to sound repetitive, the snow should continue today and tomorrow and probably Monday too. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -10C, 30cm of fresh snow. Moiwa 800m: NW15m/s, -13C, 20cm of fresh snow with heavy development of snowdrifts, bad visibility. Annupuri 1000m: strong wind and bad visibility (6am), -11C, 20cm of fresh with snowdrift development. Hirafu1000m: 30cm of fresh, relatively protected from the wind. Annupuri peak 1308m: NW14.8m/s, -17.3C. Wind frecast at noon: NW18m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW16m/s, Kamui cape WNW12m/s, 2.4m waves, 1018hPa. Snowstrom is persisting and generating heavy snowdrift development. The avalanche hazard is extreme in 800m leeward steep slopes. Peak gates will be closed. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Heavy snowfall and the new snowpack is deep and heavy. Cornices and knolls are extremely unstable. Do not stimulate these features. Avalanches are most likely to occur during stormy conditions. The snow in the trees is deep and good, but also easy to get stuck, stay close to the course. Beware of tumbles and suffocation. The snow condition is ever changing. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 340cm Base - 170cm Niseko Village: Top - 250cm Base - 180cm Annupuri: Top - 205cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 11th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 590cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 42 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 192cm reported on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 30cm Snowfall at base this season 645cm Posted on Monday 13th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Mad snow at the moment in Niseko. On the mountain yesterday there was considerably more than the amount we had noted down here in the village area, and it just kept on coming with heavy snow conditions. This morning there's yet another 30cm or so here, so let's presume that there was once again more up on the mountain. Let's forget about the fine details of numbers though... it's simply very deep out there at the moment. We're at that point when some of people are wishing for the snow to stop and for the sun to come out - these kinds of conditions every day are not for everyone. It's also extremely cold this morning. A moderate wind doesn't seem to be affecting lifts too much, with just a few running at reduced speed as I write this report. Limited visibility as you might expect. So it's full on winter conditions - so go out prepared. Read the Avalanche Report and stay safe. Most of all, enjoy it! We might see a slight let up tomorrow but generally we still have snow forecast every day into the weekend. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -12C, 20cm of broken crystal snow in the past 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: -13C, strong NW wind with snowdrift development, bad visibility. Annupuri 1150m: -16C, considerable development of cornice and snowdrifts. Peak 1308m: NW14.1m/s, -18.1℃. Wind forecast at noon: NW18m/s. Hirafu 1000m: 80cm snowfall in 12 hours with development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW13m/s, Kamui cape NNW10m/s, 1.5m waves, 1014hPa. Snowclouds are still widely present over the Sea of Japan and stormy condition continues. According to snowfall transition and data evaluation, the overall avalanche risk is high. Refrain from stimulating knolls and open steep slopes. An avalanche occurred in Higashi-One no.3 gully yesterday, ripping the skis off a skier. The cornices are still very unstable & heavy, and can easily burry a person if falling with it. Snow is deep in the trees as well, boarders should consider carrying snowshoes. Gates 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 will be closed. Keep in mind that accidents often happen during poor weather conditions. Be prudent. The conditions will turn better soon. Better not push it too hard today, go for a quick ride and better go chill out in an onsen. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 370cm Base - 200cm Niseko Village: Top - 290cm Base - 210cm Annupuri: Top - 235cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 13th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 645cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 247cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 700cm Posted on Wednesday 15th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here So after I posted the report yesterday morning the clouds did clear up and the sun did make an appearance. For a short time at least, it was blue skies and sun along with cold conditions. Beautiful. And those superb snow conditions...! The clear skies didn't last long though, evidence being the 15cm of fresh snowfall to report from Hirafu this morning. It continues to snow early this morning as well and that's basically what is forecast for the day today. Though there is a chance of the clouds clearing up some during the day as well. Whatever, it looks like the continued heavy snowfall we have had over the last week or so though is easing off. Even so, the snow clouds probably won't ever be too far away and it should be keeping good and cold. Top gates should be open this morning. More on that below... --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -8C, 15cm of crystal snow in the past 12 hours. Miwa 800m: -11C, W10m/s, 20cm of fresh, good visibility. Annupuri 1150m: -13C, W10m/s, 20cm of fresh, moderate development of snowdrift. Hirafu 1000m: -11C, 20cm of fresh. Peak 1308m: WSW4.5m/s, -16℃, wind forecast at noon: W15m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape WNW8m/s, Kamui cape W11m/s, 1.6m waves, 1023hPa. Calm conditions under high-pressure zone. According to observation and data evaluations, no drastic snowdrift development can be observed and the overall avalanche risk is low. Peak gate 2 & 3 are scheduled to open at 10am. Ask for the ski patrol’s advice before stepping out the gates. Avalanche hazard is still high the Backbowl and Higashi-One steeps & knolls around the cornices. Better not take it too easy and drop into these slopes without determination. If it slides, it will be big. Better avoid the valley bottoms. The number of people ducking ropes is increasing. Niseko area strongly demands all people to respect the Niseko Rules; no matter where you’re from, what ethnic groups, how much experience or knowledge you might have. Ropes must not be crossed for any reasons. One track under the ropes leads many others to do the same and quickly increase the chances of accidents to happen. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 400cm Base - 210cm Niseko Village: Top - 310cm Base - 220cm Annupuri: Top - 245cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 15th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 700cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 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 302cm 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 40cm Snowfall at base this season 685cm Posted on Tuesday 14th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have been sat here trying to decide what words to use this morning, especially as we try not to get too carried away with epic adjectives on these here reports, so I thought I'd try to just go for the numbers... I have measured 40-45cm of new snow since my last report. Like, wow. We are getting on for 3m of snowfall in January alone, and that's here in the village base area and so will likely be a fair bit more than that on the mountain. Grand Hirafu has upped it's upper snow depth to 4m this morning. Sun lovers can rejoice... for the moment anyway. As I am writing this we have some blue sky appearing over parts of the mountain and even a bit of sun. It may well be only a short view though with the latest forecasts continuing to give us snowy conditions right through the weekend. If you like it deep, then this is most certainly the place to be. January is shaping up to be outstanding. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -8C, 25cm of crushed crystal snow in the past 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: -11C, 40cm of fresh, light breeze & snowfall. Annupuri 1000m: -13C, light breeze, 50cm of fresh. Hirafu 1000m: -11C, 30cm of fresh with snowdrift development. Annupuri peak 1308m: -16.2℃, N16.6m/s, wind forecast at noon: W10m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW11m/s, Kamui cape NNW6m/s, 1.7m waves, 1021hPa. Heavy snowfall continues, but isobars are spacing out and the wind is calming down. Snow deposit up to 70cm on-piste. Soft-slabs, up to 150cm, have formed in leeward slopes above 800m. These slabs are still unstable and avalanche risk remains high. Peak gates will be closed. Other gates to be decided, please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Do not enter Haru no Taki area. A critical accident occurred in there in 1998 and the current conditions are quite alike. Accidents happen when the conditions are right and the Niseko Rules has been set to minimize the chances of accidents to happen. It is not just another formality to avoid responsibilities. Beware of cracks. Better stay close to in-bounds area today. The visibility is bad but the snow in the trees is deep and good. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 400cm Base - 225cm Niseko Village: Top - 300cm Base - 210cm Annupuri: Top - 245cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 14th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 685cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 45 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 287cm 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 50cm Posted on Tuesday 12th November 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is really almost feeling like mid season here with a really good amount of fresh snow since my last report just yesterday. A whopping 30+cm of snow has fallen since last report, taking us to already nearly 50cm or so - and it's only November 12th. Let's hope this is a sign of things to come this season. But lets not get too worked up just yet... (*easier to say than do!) Anyway, earlier on this morning there were clearer conditions and there are still a few patches of blue here and there with the sun making the odd appearance, but mostly cloudy with some light snow falling at times. The forecast for today is cloud/snow, with heavier snowfall likely tonight. It should be clearing up by tomorrow though, and then we will see temperatures rise a bit with clearer conditions due on Thursday. After this current snowfall clears up it does look like the next snow falling in the village might be into next week. The planned resort opening dates are as follows: Niseko Grand Hirafu - 23rd November Hanazono - 23rd November Niseko Annupuri - 23rd November Niseko Village - 1st December Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 12th November 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 50cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (12th November) November 2013 snowfall 50cm reported on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 60cm Posted on Wednesday 13th November 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Hirafu, and I have another 10cm or so of fresh snowfall to report since my last update yesterday. Very cold this morning, I woke up before 7am and it was down to -5 degrees according to the thermometer outside my place. There were clearer skies earlier on this morning but the moment it has clouded over again, though it is not snowing right at the moment. It is keeping though and should remain so throughout the day with light snow likely at times. As things are now, we're looking good for opening in 10 days time. It all depends on the weather of course, and there is a warmer spell forecast for starting tomorrow and going through the weekend. We might get to see quite a bit of sun as well, with rain currently forecast on Sunday. Hopefully it won't warm up too much and we can get back to snow next week and be ready for opening on 23rd. The planned resort opening dates are as follows: Niseko Grand Hirafu - 23rd November Hanazono - 23rd November Niseko Annupuri - 23rd November Niseko Village - 1st December Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 13th November 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 60cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 4 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (12th November) November 2013 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 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 20cm Posted on Monday 11th November 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here We are enjoying a rather good start to the season. Well, pre-season I suppose - though some people have been spotted out and about with skis and boards on their backs climbing up the hillside. The mountain has been covered with snow and up to 20cm or so in places. Since that snowfall reported in my last post, the snow clouds moved back on into the region and deposited another 5-10cm of snow at village level. It was a cold -2 degrees C when I took a look a little earlier on this morning. Snow and cold conditions are forecast to continue for the next few days with clearer weather and milder conditions forecast for later on this week. The planned opening dates are as follows: Niseko Grand Hirafu - 23rd November Hanazono - 23rd November Niseko Annupuri - 23rd November Niseko Village - 1st December Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 11th November 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 20cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 2 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 10cm (9th and 11th November) November 2013 snowfall 20cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 10cm Posted on Saturday 9th November 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here The first snow of the season to report in the village this morning with up to 10cm or so in places. About 7-8cm outside my place here. It was very cold overnight down below zero though not quite as chilly now that I post this report and some much clearer skies and we have seen the sun this morning. Tomorrow we should see a return to more colder temperatures - perhaps rain in the village but definitely snow on the mountains along with some stronger winds. Two weeks to go until the first ski lifts officially open, so it's good to see winter kick in at this stage. Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 9th November 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 10cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 1 day Most snowfall observed in 1 day 10cm (9th November) November 2013 snowfall 10cm 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 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