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

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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 171cm Posted on Monday 9th December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another 10cm or so of fresh snowfall here in the Hirafu area since the report yesterday with some nice snow coming down in the afternoon yesterday making for poor visibility on the mountain. But some very nice snow conditions to be found out there. It looks like it's going to be a milder day today, overnight and into tomorrow - we may even see some rain fall into tomorrow unfortunately. For now, it's just a cloudy morning with no snow falling. Temperatures are set to drop considerably in the second part of the week though and hopefully that will bring with it lots of fresh powder. As the snow continues to gradually build up, we are seeing more of the mountain open up. More of Niseko Grand Hirafu terrain is officially opening from today and it looks like the King area access, lower part of the Kokutai course, Kogen Course, Holiday Course and connecting course are opening up. For the record, Hirafu are now reporting 145cm at peak - which is a fair bit more than the other areas. --- 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 - 145cm Base - 75cm Hanazono: Top - 90cm Base - 50cm Niseko Village: Top - 80cm Base - 40cm Annupuri: Top - 90cm Base - 65cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 9th December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 171cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 30cm (12th November) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 48cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 301cm Posted on Monday 23rd December 2013 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good, we are back to snow! Probably around 10cm or so by the end of the day yesterday, result being just over 15cm of snow waiting for me outside here in Hirafu this morning. Welcome, welcome. It's colder this morning as well, and the snow quality is good. It is coming down nicely as well as I write this report. Not good visibility out on the mountain though, but I'm glad to report less wind. Hirafu adding 20cm to their upper slopes snow depth this morning. Forecast seems to have changed for the better. Hopefully we will see the snow continue through tomorrow. Then it's looking good for decent snowfall at the end of the week. Perhaps clearer conditions for Christmas though. At least we'll be able to spot Santa sliding down the slopes. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -5C, 15cm of crystal snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -7℃, 20cm of crystal snow. Annupuri 1000m: -9℃, 20cm of crystal snowfall, 50cm snowdrift development. No drastic development of snowdrifts can be observed above 800m, wind is blowing at 10m/s NNE. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW13m/s, Kamui cape N4m/, 2.2m waves and 1017hPa. The general avalanche risk is low, but moderate to considerable in knoll terrains around 1000m altitude. Top chairs are scheduled to operate and the groomers conditions are excellent. Gate 6 is scheduled to open today, but routes are still limited and bushes are thick. The creeks are still yet to be fully buried, better head back early towards the course. Other gates will also start opening. Ask the ski patrol’s advice and ride carefully. Always remember that the area outside the gates is outside the resort’s management. Safety is never guaranteed in winter mountains, be responsible of your own actions. Are you prepared for emergencies? Carrying avalanche gears (transceiver, shovel & probe) may not be mandatory, but strongly recommended. Being trained and comfortable on how to use these gears is as important as carrying them. Better not overestimate technology, skills or knowledge; always be prudent and stay humble towards the mountains. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 200cm Base - 85cm All lifts operating apart from Ace Number 4 pair and King Number 2 quad. Niseko Village: Top - 120cm Base - 80cm All lifts operating apart from Country Road. Annupuri: Top - 110cm Base - 80cm All lifts operating apart from Family pair. Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 23rd December 2013 Total snowfall at base so far 301cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th and 15th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 178cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 735cm Posted on Friday 17th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Some days it is of course colder than others, and this morning is one of those. Mightily cold this morning and it's down well into minus double digits, even here at Hirafu base area. Resorts on the mountain are reporting temperatures of -16C on upper areas. An extra layer is called for this morning. But it will be worth it. While we 'only' have 10-15cm of fresh snow to report this morning, we are treated to blue skies. Just a few white fluffy clouds here and there. Lovely. It should be a truly excellent day. Cameras recommended. Forecast is for continued clearer conditions than we have had in the last week or so, less snowfall and perhaps more sun. Temperatures to remain suitably low though through the weekend and into next week. --- As you may have heard, there was an avalanche incident out on the mountain yesterday, apparently in the back bowl near the summit of Annupuri. Three people were buried and for some time it was feared there might not be a good ending. Happily though the day ended without any fatalities. It's worth pointing out this was outside of the resort area and people who venture out do so entirely at their own risk. And should only be doing so either with guides or others who know the area and are prepared, for their own sake. The temptations and excitement are there, but care and clear thinking is needed. Take care out there. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -14C, 10cm of crystal snow in 12hours. Moiwa800m: -11C, 20cm of fresh with snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -13C waves, 1019hPa. Calm morning as a high-presure system approaches and the isobars spacing out. Overnight snowfall is small, however late night wind and snow made some snowdrifts develop in some areas. Backbowl sidewalls and Higashi-One areas are still unstable and possibilities of 40cm thick slab avalanche are to be considered. These slides would be larger than the one happened yesterday, stay away from valley bottoms as avalanches run through there. Traversing across under cornices of big slopes is simply stupid and ridiculous. It is like deliberately trying to cause an avalanche. Please think about what would happen to you and the people below you if it slides. General avalanche risk is low except in 1100m cornice slopes. Peak gates will open from the morning. Ski patrols are worn out with yesterday’s rescue, please be prudent and be wise. Excellent snow condition today; have a good one. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 420cm Base - 210cm Niseko Village: Top - 320cm Base - 220cm Annupuri: Top - 270cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 17th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 735cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 48 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 337cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 760cm Posted on Wednesday 22nd January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another day, another new 15cm of fresh snow to report. Snow still falling and the mountain is covered in cloud cover this morning but visibility looks decent. A bit of blue sky over to the south of Mt Yotei at the moment but we're more likely to see cloud/snow today than a clear up. We might get to see the sun tomorrow and Friday though and Friday in particularly will be mild - might even get to see the mercury rise above zero. Shouldn't last for long though, don't worry. That's about it really. -7 degrees here at base, Hirafu reporting wind speed of 3-7m/s. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -8C, 15cm broken crystal snow in the last 12hrs. Moiwa 800m: -11C, wind , 20cm new snow, wind and some snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -14C, 20cm new snow, moderate snowdrift development. Annupuri peak 1308m: -15.4C, wind NW18.7m/s, wind predicted to be NW20m/s at noon. Hirafu 1000m: no data. Cape Benkei: NW16m/s, Cape Kamui: NW10m/s, wave 1.7m, pressure 1014hPa. Above 1000m wind and moderate snowdrift development on leeward slopes. There is the possibility of up to 40cm fracture from Jan 20th-21st layer, depending on location. From snowfall transition, a slab fracture will be instantaneous, wide reaching and resulting in an avalanche running at high speed(>100km/h). Do not enter steep slopes and cornice slopes like Kozan no Sawa(back bowl). Gates 2&3 will be closed today.. Please listen to the Patrols advice and even if the weather clears avalanche risk remains high. Do not duck ropes. The upper sections of Annupuri West Ridge are often glare ice, ice crust and generally very difficult snow conditions. Yesterday Hirafu Patrol rescued a guided tour customer on West Ridge. This is no place for guides to be taking customers. If you want to ride the west face and sidewalls please take the North face and come around to Chinpoku Rock. Always take care on the West face(coordinate F7), sometimes avalanches are triggered deep within the snowpack and can travel down and across Route 58. Traversing knoll and gully terrain always keep your group spaced apart. The snow is beginning to reset in the trees, have a safe day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 390cm Base - 190cm Niseko Village: Top - 320cm Base - 220cm Annupuri: Top - 270cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 760cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 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 362cm reported on 21 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 886cm Posted on Monday 3rd February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It was indeed a mild day yesterday in the region, warm enough for us to actually get a bit of rain. Happily, that didn't last long and it's colder again this morning and I have a few more cm of snow to report. As in the report below, up to 15cm being reported around the mountains. Still a wind this morning but less and it's not affecting lifts by the looks, though a few including the Hirafu Gondola may be slightly late starting up - reasons being maintenance checks and moving snow and ice. Snow is falling at the moment and we should keep cold and see regular snowfall through the week right up to the weekend. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -6C, 15cm of low pressure snowfall in last 12 hrs. Moiwa 800m: -8C, wind NW 12m/s, 10cm. Annupuri 1150m: -12C, wind W18m/s, 10cm new snow, no significant snowdrift development. Hirafu 1000m: -11C, 15cm new snow, strong wind. Annupuri peak 1308m: -11.1℃, wind WSW5.7m/s. Cape Benkei: NW16m/s, Cape Kamui: wind W13m/s, wave 2.4, pressure 1003hPa. Warm wet snowfall above Feb 2nd layer has recrystallised overnight from drop in temperature, around 1000m elev shallow surface avalanches are likely to occur on steep slopes. Below 800m the forest is reset and the snow is good. The overall avalanche risk is low but always aware. The is always the danger of avalanches from deep within the snowpack. Today there is a strong wind above 1100m, Patrol yet to decided gate openings. In Niseko it is becoming increasingly hard to find powder and many are following tracks under the ropes looking for it. Dont forget Niseko Rules exist to protect your freedom to ski outside the ropes. Always use the gates, never duck ropes. Be aware of a sudden change in weather. Note cracks are difficult to see from above. Groomers are good. Have a safe day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 380cm Base - 190cm Niseko Village: Top - 345cm Base - 230cm Annupuri: Top - 280cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 3rd February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 886cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 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 27cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 881cm Posted on Sunday 2nd February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There's just a thin layer of new snowfall to report this morning. After the windy conditions of yesterday - it's somewhat calmer this morning, though still a moderate wind is affecting the top lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village as of mid morning. Earlier on this morning the sun was making an appearance and there was only a light wind, but it has clouded over and snow and windy conditions are forecast for the rest of the day. Having said that, it's a relatively mild day after it being really cold overnight. Should get colder again from tomorrow though and snow is lined up on the forecast for at least the first half of the week. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -11, no new snow in last 12 hrs. Moiwa 800m: -12C, trace new snow, snow drift development eased. Annupuri 1150m: -11C, trace new snow. Hirafu 1000m: -11, 10cm new snow. Annupuri peak 1308m: -12.6C, wind WSW7.6m/s. Cape Benkei: SSE10m/s, Cape Kamui: wind calm, wave 1.1m, pressure 1013hPa. The strong winds for the last 2 days have dropped in the last 10 hrs and new snowdrifts are starting to stabilise. The overall avalanche risk is beginning to fall however around 1000m Kozen no sawa, Osawa, Higashione (east ridge) cornice slope, the risk of slabs fracturing continues. Also on south facing slopes below 850m the risk continues from Jan 28-29 layer. Peak gates are expected to open today. Please listen to the patrols advice before exiting the gates. The snow is good. The 2nd Feb layer is expected to become a notable layer in future snow pack due to surface frost. Pay attention to the snow conditions, heavily wind effected slopes are not good riding, take care falling. Dont traverse under cornices. Dont set off any avalanches. Switch on your beacon. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 400cm Base - 190cm Niseko Village: Top - 345cm Base - 230cm Annupuri: Top - 280cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 2nd February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 881cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 62 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 22cm 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 25cm Snowfall at base this season 1022cm Posted on Friday 21st February 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I remember saying it would probably build up during the day in my report yesterday. Well, this morning I do have a very nice delivery of snow to report. Over 25cm here outside my place, and a quick glance at the Avalanche report below shows some bigger numbers still on the mountain. It's cloudy, it's snowing and it's around -5C. (Having said that, there is actually some sunlight shining down in places over the town area as I write this report). And there's not much wind either. Tol lifts and gates will all be open. So there's lots of fresh snow about and very fine quality snow it is too - conditions should really be top notch this morning. There's lots of people already itching to get up there and waiting for the lifts to open. It's going to be another really great (and busy) day in Niseko! Looking ahead after snow today and perhaps tomorrow, after that clearer conditions are currently on the forecast from Monday through into midweek. --- As regular readers will know, we sometimes take a look back at how much snow has fallen and compare with previous seasons. Just for the fun of it, nothing more than that. So let's take a look at the current situation. As of 21st February 2014: - 1022cm of snowfall in the Hirafu Village area (observed in our reports) - 163cm for the month so far As of 21st February 2013 (ie. last season): - 1313cm of snowfall in the Hirafu Village area (observed in our reports) - 334cm for the month so far The Japan Meteorological Agency statistic for the whole of February in Kutchan town last season was 228cm, and 216cm the season before that. This February so far they have recorded 110cm (not including today). Remember the JMA Kutchan readings are taken in Kutchan town, and our readings are observed in the Hirafu Village area - and it's generally thought that you can add another 50% or so to the number to get an idea of what might have fallen higher up on the mountain. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -8C, 12 hours snowfall 50cm, light crystal snow. Moiwa 800m: -11℃, mild wind, 50cm of fresh, no snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -13C, 40cm. Hirafu 1000m: -12C, 20cm of fresh. Peak 1308m: NW8.9m/s, -14.1℃. Coastal data: Benkei cape WSW5m/s, Kamui capeNNW9m/s, 1.2m waves, 1017hPa. Snowclouds generated by a small low-pressure is mostly covering the west side of the Niseko range, dumping 40-50cm of crystal snow. The snow is fluffy and light in the mild wind. Looking at the snowfall transition and observations, the avalanche hazard in regular terrain is moderate, however still considerable to high in typical avalanche terrain. Peak gates will open from the morning. Steep open slopes such as the Backbowl’s sidewalls remains very hazardous. Better not ride all the way down to the bottom from the Annupuri second bowl (F5-E4 of Niseko Rule’s map). Avalanches strike from above. Higashi-One cornice slopes are equally hazardous (H7-8). 50cm thick surface slab slides are to be highly considered in the strictly off-limits Haru-no-taki area. DO NOT enter these off-limits areas. Cracks are lurking underneath fresh snow, attentively observe the hubbles on the slopes. Falling in those cracks can lead serious consequences. It is recommended to stay in-bounds or close to the resort today. The snow is great, overhead blowers, light and deep. Beware of getting stuck in the forest. Always be conscious of the hazards of backcountry skiing and stay prudent. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 395cm Base - 195cm Niseko Village: Top - 360cm Base - 215cm Annupuri: Top - 335cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 21st February 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1022cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 77 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 163cm 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. 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