Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 1147cm Posted on Wednesday 19th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Yesterday I said in the report that we were expecting rain/sleet later in the day. We got that, and more. Changeable conditions with heavy rain, sleet and snow and some strong winds added in for good measure. So no, not the best day of the season! This morning there's a few cm of rather heavy and wet snow. A cloudy start to the day with some breaks in the cloud and blue sky in places, and a temperature of 1 degree as I write this, so not as mild as it was yesterday morning. There's still a wind about but doesn't seem to be affecting lift operations though it does look like a few lifts at Grand Hirafu are a bit delayed due to some kind of maintenance. Doesn't look like there's any significant snowfall on the forecasts, just a bit here and there perhaps - later on tomorrow and Saturday. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -4C, 5cm of wet snow in 12 hours and 5cm of crystal snow since dawn, development of snowdrifts. Moiwa peak: n/a. Annupuri 1150m: mild wind, -9C, development of unstable snowdrifts, snowpack 340cm. Hirafu 1000m: calm, -7C. Peak 1308m: no data, N23.3m/s at 11pm, -9.2C. Coastal data: no data available. Snow and wind stayed strong overnight due to strong airflow from the approaching High pressure system to the eastbound Low. Snowdrifts have developed drastically in lee-slopes and the avalanche risk is high. Heavily developed snowdrifts are extremely unstable during and immediately after storms. They collapse irrelevantly to layer compositions and can cause larger surface slab slides. The wind has calmed down as the isobars started to space out, however the snowpack stabilization will be delayed notably above 1000m. Gates 2 & 3 will be closed and others are yet to be determined. Please respect the ski patrol’s decisions. The snow in the trees has been mostly reset and good snow can be found. The avalanche hazard in surrounding mountains varies from areas, but one general rule is that the stabilization is slower in higher altitude. Conditions should be very unstable in Mt Yotei Makkari face’s “Terrace valley” above 1200m. Hardpack patches are present in the morning. Beware of falling, slipdrops, cracks and hitting trees. Prudence is key to avoid accidents. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 395cm Base - 185cm Niseko Village: Top - 390cm Base - 190cm Annupuri: Top - 380cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 19th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1147cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 94 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 110cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 1144cm Posted on Sunday 16th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another few cm of snow this morning on the ground here in Hirafu - so hopefully/probably more than that on the mountain - and it is a fairly mild morning with temps just under zero. Resorts are reporting poor visibility early on with top lifts at Hirafu, Annupuri and Village all on hold as of 8:30am. As per forecast, cloud with light snow at times is what we seem to have today. A few people have asked us where the weather forecasts are.... if you look on the right side of this page (or indeed any of our Now reports), you will see a list of 'Nearby snow resorts'. Click on the resort you are interested in to be taken to the resort info on SnowJapan. At the top of that page you will see a large blue tab labelled 'Weather info'. That's where you will find the weather/snow forecasts - and they are updated throughout the year. You may also find some stuff you didn't know about on the site, so please do go over and take a look. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -3C, 3cm of low-pressure snowfall. Moiwa peak: n/a. Annupuri 1150m: mild wind, -7C, thick fog, poor visibility, 3cm of fresh, snowpack 340cm. Hirafu 1000m: mild wind, -7C, light snowfall. Peak 1308m: S9.7m/s, -8.2C. Coastal data: cape Benkei SSE5m/s, cape Kamui ENE2m/s, 0.7m waves, 1013hPa. A small Low is quickly passing over southern Hokkaido. Typical small crystal snow has started to fall since 2am. This type of snow is loose and slides easily whether in steeps or trees. It is also likely to form a weak layer under future snowdrift slabs that could trigger avalanches with unclear crown. Beware of the coming snowfall transition. The snow condition is actually not too bad as the temperature gradient remained small. Peak gates will open from the morning. Listen to the ski patrol’s instructions, be geared up and step out of the gates. The visibility will be bad in the morning. The season is slowly shifting to spring, but temperature is still low. Beware of sudden weather changes and falling into cracks. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 400cm Base - 200cm Niseko Village: Top - 390cm Base - 200cm Annupuri: Top - 395cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 16th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1144cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 92 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 107cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 1145cm Posted on Monday 17th March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Less than 1cm of snowfall to report this morning, just a thin dusting really with the temperature around 0 degrees at the moment. There's still quite a bit of cloud around, but the sun is out as well and some blue sky. Once again we might get a bit of snow overnight into tomorrow and then tomorrow in the daytime there's a chance of some rain. Strong winds forecast for tomorrow as well - enough to mess about with lift schedules if it happens. For the moment though this morning good weather, the groomers should be good early on. Just hope it doesn't warm up too much... --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -2C, 0.5cm graupels in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: -5C, W5m/s and development of snowdrifts in Mikaeri area. Annupuri 1150m: snowpack 360cm. Hirafu 1000m: -5C, slight snowfall. Peak 1308m: NW13m/s, -8.3C. Coastal data: cape Benkei NNW10m/s, cape Kamui NNW6m/s, 0.7m, 1020hPa. Although the isobars are spaced out as a high-pressure system is traveling east, an intermittent NW wind is blowing, making snowdrifts develop in some areas. Newly formed snowdrifts in 1000m area are unstable and easily collapse. Temperature is relatively high and the snow in the trees will get better in the afternoon. Many dangers, other than avalanches, exist in the backcountry. Beware of loosing control, hitting trees, falling into cracks. Peak gates will open from the morning. Do not enter south facing strictly off-limits areas. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 395cm Base - 195cm Niseko Village: Top - 390cm Base - 200cm Annupuri: Top - 395cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 17th March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1145cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 93 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 108cm reported on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 1148cm Posted on Friday 21st March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A lovely day again yesterday, clouds overnight and just a thin layer of new snow this morning - about 1cm or so. Cloudy at the moment, with Mt Yotei hidden, and around 0 degrees now. This morning the main thing though is going to be... the wind. As I write this before 8:30am, here's what is affected: Niseko Annupuri - Annupuri Gondola Niseko Village - Niseko Gondola, Wonderland Chair Niseko Grand Hirafu - King 3, King 4 Hanazono - Hanazono 3 That may well of course change as conditions change, but we are expecting windy conditions for the day, hopefully less tomorrow. As I mentioned, today is a national holiday in Japan. --- Due to the 'Waya' event on Sunday, the King 1 and Hirafu Freeride Park at Niseko Grand Hirafu will be in use just for that and so not available to the public. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -1C,low-pressure snowfall 1cm in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: n/a. Annupuri 1150m: NE18m/s, -7C, 1000m snowpack 340cm. Hirafu 1000m: -6C, no snowfall, strong NE wind. Peak 1308m: NN 20.3m/s, -9.3C. Coastal data: cape Benkei E4m/s, cape Kamui 3m/s, 0.6m waves, 1002hPa. The low-pressure system moving NE at 35km/h along the pacific coast is generating strong NE wind (20+m/s above 1000m). Gates 2 & 3 will be closed. Others to be determined. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Spring avalanche hazard is rising in south facing off-limits areas, Haru no taki, Mizuno no sawa, Yu no sawa. Stay away of the valley bottoms, avalanche could strike from above you. Deep thick slides are also likely to occur in Kozan no sawa (backbowl), Osawa and Higashi-one. Beware of trees, cracks and giant snowballs under cornices. The conditions are bad, wet, catchy snow. Better not push too far today. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 390cm Base - 180cm Niseko Village: Top - 385cm Base - 185cm Annupuri: Top - 370cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 21st March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1148cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 95 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 111cm reported on 15 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 1149cm Posted on Saturday 22nd March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Some real blustery conditions yesterday with snow falling as well but curiously we haven't ended up with more than a thin layer down here in Hirafu. I expect there to be more to be found up on the mountain - see updated Avalanche Report below! I was hoping we might get some big numbers today looking at the news and indeed some of the Now reports on SnowJapan this morning, but it wasn't to be. After seeing the report below, will be interesting to see how conditions are up on the mountain today... Cloudy and light snow as I write this and the temperature just under 0C. Happily, less wind and all of the top lifts appear to be opening as planned this morning. Not much sign of any snow on the forecast after today - rather more sunny conditions are expected and warmer conditions. Hopefully it won't warm up too much. --- Niseko base 6am: -2C, 40cm of snowdrifts in 12 hours. Moiwa peak: no data. Annupuri 1000m: NW5m/s, -7C, many snowdrift development. Snowpack 370cm. Hirafu 1000m: -7C, light snowfall on the courses and development of snowdrifts. Peak 1308m: NW10.3m/s, -9.1℃. Coastal data: cape Benkei N4m/s, cape Kamui NNW4m/s, 1.2m waves, 1009hPa. Isobars are spacing out and weather improving. The heavy wind generated big snowdrifts. 40cm or thicker avalanches should be expected in cornice slopes, upper open steep slopes and knolls above 800m during the morning. Peak gates will be closed. Listen to the ski patrol’s instructions before stepping out of the gates. Spring slides from the ground level are to be expected in strictly off-limits Haru no Taki, Mizuno no sawa, Yu no sawa. Never enter those areas. The snow in the tree is fairly reset, but will also be baked by noon. Beware of cracks, trees and cornice falls. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 385cm Base - 180cm Niseko Village: Top - 385cm Base - 185cm Annupuri: Top - 370cm Base - 190cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 22nd March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1149cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 96 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 112cm reported on 16 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 1150cm Posted on Sunday 23rd March 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from the Niseko area. As I mentioned before, last night was the last 'nighta' of the season. Sad, but it has been good. Always one of the signs that we are now entering the final stretch of the season, though we do have 6 weeks of so left. (That's still a lot of reports I have to write... gambarimasu!) OK, so how about this morning. Just a dusting of snow overnight. The sun is out early on and we have a mix of blue sky and cloud. The forecast for the coming week is looking a lot like that as well, with barely a sign of snow. Instead, it is still set to warm up, especially from tomorrow. We might even get to see high temperatures of up to 10 degrees in Kutchan mid week. No doubt it is going to very much feel like 'spring has arrived', properly. Still there's a lot of snow around and a lot of fun still to be had. Let's see where we stand with observed snowfall for the month - currently on 112cm, and 1149cm for the season so far. Last season for March we got 164cm and 1549cm for the whole season from the same observations. This information can of course be seen lower down on this (and every) page of our reports. --- Niseko base 6am: -6C, 2cm of snow in 12 hours. Moiwa peak: no data. Annupuri 1000m: snowpack 370cm. hirafu 1000m: -7C, calm. Pea k1308m: WNW3.4m/s, -9.2C. Coastal data: cape Benkei calm, cape Kamui SSW6m/s, 0.7m waves, 1017hPa. Isobars are spaced out, calm condition at the ocean and the mountains. There are no notable development of snowdrifts and the general avalanche risk is low, except the Spring climax slides hazard in strictly off-limits areas of Haru no taki, Mizuno no sawa and Yu no sawa. Peak gates will be open from the morning. The surface above 1000m altitude will be crusty and hard-packed during the morning. A thin, nice feeling blanket of fresh snow is covering the surface in the trees. A Low might form later in the day and the weather may change quickly, always be ready for unexpected situations. Spring is approaching in the mountains. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 385cm Base - 180cm Niseko Village: Top - 385cm Base - 185cm Annupuri: Top - 370cm Base - 190cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 23rd March 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1150cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 97 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

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

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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 1152cm Posted on Saturday 5th April 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Fresh snow! Yes, don't get over excited - just a few few cm - but new snow all the same. And it is colder as well this morning. We had some particularly strong winds yesterday and it is still very windy this morning. Unfortunately, it's limited lifts this morning and it's actually easier to tell you what is moving as the resorts open: Niseko Grand Hirafu - Ace Family, Ace No2 Center Quad, Holiday No1, King No2, Swinging Monkey Niseko Village - Banzai chair only Niseko Annupuri - Jumbo No1 and No2 lifts only All top lifts on hold as we hope for the wind to decrease. Not sure if we can realistically expect much there I'm afraid. It's windy. --- Official snow depth numbers at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 330cm Base - 110cm Niseko Village: Top - 320cm Base - 100cm Annupuri: Top - 320cm Base - 120cm --- Niseko Hanazono Resort plans to be open until Sunday 6th April Niseko Village plans to be open until Sunday 6th April (and then from 26th April until 6th May) Niseko Annupuri plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 5th April 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1152cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 98 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days April 2014 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 1155cm Posted on Sunday 6th April 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Unfortunately those top lifts were closed for the day yesterday with the wind. Unfortunately again, it's looking a similar picture today. Strong winds over at Annupuri means that area is completely closed as of 8:30am. Just the Banzai Chair running at Niseko Village so far, and the top lifts at Grand Hirafu and Hanazono are on hold as well. Go away winds! So it's all rather limited to start the day off. Some patches of ground have been covered up though with the bit of snowfall which is good to see - though will hardly last long. From tomorrow we expect that the fine spring weather will return with sunny skies and it should start warming up again during the week. --- Official snow depth numbers at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 330cm Base - 115cm Niseko Village: Top - 320cm Base - 100cm Annupuri: Top - 320cm Base - 120cm --- Niseko Hanazono Resort plans to be open until Sunday 6th April Niseko Village plans to be open until Sunday 6th April (and then from 26th April until 6th May) Niseko Annupuri plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 6th April 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1155cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 99 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days April 2014 snowfall 5cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 1163cm Posted on Friday 11th April 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here So the sun did make an appearance yesterday, but early this morning we also have some fresh snow on the ground! It can't seem to make it's mind up at the moment. We are already back to sun and increasingly blue skies, but that brief snowfall gave us a few cm of fresh. Moderate winds again unfortunately, but as of 7:30am Grand Hirafu seems to be planning to open as normal but keep an eye on that. --- Official snow depth numbers and planned operating lifts at time of writing: Grand Hirafu: Top - 320cm Base - 100cm Ace Number 2 Center Four lift King Number 3 Triple King Number 4 (* Hirafu Gondola will open only on 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th, 29th April and 3-6th May) Annupuri: Top - 310cm Base - 110cm Annupuri Gondola Jumbo No1 quad Jumbo No2 pair Jumbo No4 pair --- Niseko Annupuri plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May -- Niseko Hanazono Resort is now closed for the season Niseko Village is closed at the moment but plans to re-open between 26th April and 6th May (Golden Week) Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 11th April 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1163cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 101 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days April 2014 snowfall 13cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 5cm Snowfall at base this season 1160cm Posted on Monday 7th April 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Some more snowfall to report this morning after this late blast of winter continues (continued?). Just under 5cm outside my place I'd say, but rather than snow still falling it is a fine morning and the sun is out. And happily it's not as windy just yet but might get more so later. Yesterday was the last day of the season for Niseko Hanazono Resort and Niseko Village is now closed up until Golden Week when it plans to re-open. News from Niseko Grand Hirafu and their plans for lifts to be open from now until the end of the season: Ace Number 2 Center Four lift (every day until 6th May) King Number 3 Triple (every day until 6th May) King Number 4 (every day until 6th May) Hirafu Gondola on 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th, 29th April and 3-6th May --- Official snow depth numbers at time of writing: Grand Hirafu: Top - 335cm Base - 120cm Annupuri: Top - 320cm Base - 120cm --- Niseko Annupuri plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May Niseko Grand Hirafu plans to be at least part open until Tuesday 6th May -- Niseko Hanazono Resort is now closed for the season. Niseko Village is closed at the moment but plans to re-open between 26th April and 6th May (Golden Week) Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 7th April 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 1160cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 100 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 461cm reported on 29 days February 2014 snowfall 178cm reported on 20 days March 2014 snowfall 113cm reported on 17 days April 2014 snowfall 10cm reported on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com