Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 1008cm Posted on Tuesday 3rd March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning from Niseko and a bit earlier than usual as I need to get myself off to Sapporo this morning. Anyway, a bit more new snowfall this morning with 10cm being reported higher up on the mountain. There is lots of cloud about up there this morning but the sun should be out today at times and we'll see temperatures creep into low positive numbers during the day here at base. Just not it's -1C. After the strong winds of yesterday I'm glad that today is starting off calmer and all resorts seem to be open as normal... Annupuri Gondola due for a slightly late start (something to do with them doing checks on it after the strong winds of yesterday!) Hopefully we'll have snow clouds back tomorrow and Thursday, lets see how much they can bring us. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -4C, 10cm new snowfall in last 12 hrs. Moiwa 800m: NW3.5m/s, 10cm new snow, -6C, major snow drift development. Annupuri 1000m: snowpack 310cm. Hirafu 1000m: Light winds, 10cm new snow. Annupuri peak 1308m: wind W8.4m/s, -10.3℃. Cape Benkei: NW10m/s, Cape Kamui: W11m/s, pressure 1015hPa, wave 1.9m. There has been a rapid development of new snowdrifts above the low pressure snow layer from 28 Feb . The drifts have begun to settle, but above 800m, leeward slopes knolls and under cornices, the risk of 40-50cm surface avalanche continues. All gates are expected to be open. Be careful riding leeward slopes, just under sharp ridgelines and open steep slopes. Do not traverse under cornices. Slab stabilization is delayed at higher elevations. Our prayers go out to the 3 people lost on Asaridake. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 400cm Base - 145cm Niseko Village: Top - 300cm Base - 180cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 370cm Base - 170cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 3rd March 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1008cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 73 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 6cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1141cm Posted on Saturday 28th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another fine morning here in Niseko and mild with it too with a warm day in store for us. Proper spring time now. Temperatures might start go get gradually colder as we enter the new week but generally keeping spring like it would seem. It is after all near the end of March. Around Tuesday/Wednesday there might be a chance of snowfall higher up, though more than likely it will be rain at base. That's a few days off though so things can change. In the meantime, fine weather for the weekend! --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: +2C, no snowfall, bluebird. Moiwa 800m data n/a. Annupuri 1000m snowpack 340cm. Hirafu 1000m: +3C, no snowfall. Peak data: NW13.4m/s, +3.3C. Coastal data: Benkei cape mild wind, Kamui cape SW13m/s, 1013hPa, 1.2m waves. Atmospheric pressure gradient is small, calm weather and the top temperature is higher than the base. Thaw will progress rapidly. Peak gates are expected to open from the morning. Climax avalanche hazard is rising in SE facing steep slopes. Large-scale ground avalanche occurring from 1000m level are extremely devastating, clearing everything in its way and running for a long distance. Better avoid traversing steep slopes and riding valley bottoms to minimize risks. Consequences can be huge. Locals and guides should refrain from taking guests in those potentially hazardous areas. There are many other safer alternative slopes. Creeks are running off due to rapid thaw; beware of fragile snowbridges. It is recommended to carry a rope (7.5mm or smaller) along with avalanche gear at this time of the season. Have a nice warm thawy spring mountain day. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 425cm Base - 120cm Niseko Village: Top - 330cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 340cm Base - 180cm --- Niseko Hanazono - open daily until Monday April 6th Niseko Village - open daily until Tuesday April 7th and then April 29th until May 6th Niseko Annupuri - open daily until Wednesday May 6th Niseko Grand Hirafu - open daily until Wednesday May 6th Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 28th March 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1141cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 82 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 139cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1141cm Posted on Wednesday 1st April 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Ah... April 1st. I'll refrain from getting your hopes up with an endlessly funny April Fool tale of deep epic bottomless (insert other marketing-style adjective here) snow in Niseko! Instead, I'll tell you about the rain last night we got here... but did those upper areas get a (very) thin dusting? We'll have to get up there to find out! Today we should see lots of sun and blue sky, with a certain amount of white clouds hanging on. Easter isn't a thing in Japan of course, but this coming Friday may well be 'good' if the snow that some forecasts tell us about comes off. Might well just end up rain top to bottom but sounds like there's a chance it might be snow up there. We shall see. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 395cm Base - 90cm Niseko Village: Top - 300cm Base - 110cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 320cm Base - 140cm --- Niseko Hanazono - open daily until Monday April 6th Niseko Village - open daily until Tuesday April 7th and then April 29th until May 6th Niseko Annupuri - open daily until Wednesday May 6th Niseko Grand Hirafu - open daily until Wednesday May 6th Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 1st April 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1141cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 82 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 139cm reported on 11 days April 2015 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 41cm Posted on Sunday 29th November 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here This is a bit more like it! Yesterday ended up mild and sunny but temperatures dropped later in the day and it got cold. There is some snow on the ground this morning after it started falling last night, and it is still snowing now with a fairly strong wind blowing around as well. It seems the forecast is for snowfall to ease off later today but hopefully resume sometime tomorrow. There is not enough snow to get the lifts moving just at the moment - but look to an opening of some upper slopes before the full mountain opens...more snow up there and all that. Niseko Grand Hirafu resort this morning reports 10cm at base and 40cm up top. Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Annupuri are on standby to open as quickly as possible, with Niseko Village planning to open on Tuesday and Hanazono on Saturday. I will bring you the latest information tomorrow. --- Planned opening dates for the Niseko resorts: Niseko Grand Hirafu: as soon as there's enough snow Niseko Annupuri: as soon as there's enough snow Niseko Village: Tuesday 1st December Niseko HANAZONO: Saturday 5th December 'Nighta' should be starting on Saturday 12th December Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Sunday 29th November 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 41cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (25th November) November 2015 snowfall 41cm 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 18cm Snowfall at base this season 170cm Posted on Friday 18th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning and I have another 18cm of snow to report this morning from here in base. Feeling nice and cold and the snow condition is looking good. Nice and dry. A bit more of the mountain is opening up this morning with the resorts trying to open as many courses as they can. I would expect more still for the weekend especially if we get a bit more snow during the day today... and we expecting it today and tomorrow, with the snow clouds easing off from Sunday. Colder conditions are expected to continue over the next few days, so be sure to wrap up and go out prepared. It looks like things might get slightly warmer again early in the week but hopefully not like we saw in the period previous to this snowfall. More people are continuing to arrive in the Niseko area now and Christmas just one week away! It's a good job that more terrain is opening up. Hopefully not long now before it's all open. Anyway it should be a good weekend! --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -3℃, snowing. 20cm of fresh snow in 12 hours without notable development of snowdrifts. The wind is stagnating around 10-15m/s westerly at 1000m elevation. Coastal data: Benkei cape WNW12m/s, Kamui cape WSW10m/s, 1016hPa, 2.1m waves. A typical winter pressure pattern is generating snow. The pressure gradient is small ad wind remains light accordingly. The snowdrifts are developing but stabilizing quickly. However, 50cm slab slides from Dec 12th layer are still to be considered in south facing cliffs and off-limits areas. Do not duck ropes and stimulate these aspects. Most of the avalanche accidents occur in leeward steep slopes with heavy deposit of snowdrifts during storms. The conditions are getting better, but the snowpack is still shallow. Beware of stumps and bushes. Gates opening will take while. This information is released for the sake of all resort users. Always stay humble in the mountains and think safety first. --- Resort specific news as of 8:45am - subject to change during the day The lifts market with an asterix (*) below are planned to be open for night skiing Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts planned to be running: - Ace Family pair* - Ace Number 2 Quad Center Four (for transport) - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola (for transport) - King Number 3 triple - Holiday Number 1 pair - Swinging Monkey Courses planned to be open: - Family - Beginners access - Center - Shirakaba - Green - Kokutai (upper part) - Alpen - Sennoki - Kogen - Boyo - Holiday - Rinkan (part) - Jumbo Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be running: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad Courses planned to be open: - Connecting - Parallel - Silver Dream - Stairway to Heaven - Setsuzoku course - Crystal Garden - Yotei Sunset (ungroomed) Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - Niseko Gondola - Community Chair* - Banzai Chair* Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Jumbo Number 1 quad* - Jumbo Number 2 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair Courses planned to be open: - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior - Family - Dynamic - Silver --- Official resort snow depths as of 18th December 2015: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 175cm Base - 60cm Niseko Village: Top - 70cm Base - 40cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 70cm Base - 60cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 18th December 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 170cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (30th November) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 109cm reported on 8 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 24cm Snowfall at base this season 212cm Posted on Saturday 26th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Thank you Santa! I have a very respectable 24cm of fresh snowfall at base to report this morning. My friend at the resort is reporting over 35cm up there higher up on the mountain. It was snowing through the day yesterday and at times in a particularly Niseko-like fashion. That's what we like! It feels like winter has started for proper. OK, so with this fresh snowfall there's new lift and course action as well. Top lifts are now open, as are top ski-able (and indeed snowboard-able) connections. But the resorts are advising only for 'advanced skiers' due to trees and things still sticking up from the snow which is still less than what we expect peak season. Hopefully not for long. Niseko Grand Hirafu have added their King Number 4, King Number 1 pair and Ace Number 1 pair lifts to 'operating' status. Niseko Village plan to have their top Wonderland Chair operating this morning; Niseko Annupuri have their top Jumbo Number 4 lift due to be operating. I see that at the time of writing this the Niseko Gondola is running at a slow speed, probably due to wind conditions. Let's hope they don't affect things too much today. There's lots more snow lined up today (it's still snowing) and right through until the middle of next week. This is more like it and long may it continue. Have a blast out there today and take care. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -7℃, snowing, 20cm of light crushed crystal snow in 12hours. Moiwa Mikaeri 800m: -8℃, W10m/s, notable development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1000m: -13℃, W15-20m/s, large development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape WNW16m/s, Kamui cape WNW14m/s, 1008hPa, 2.5. waves. Snowdrifts are developing with the persistent 15m/s westerly wind. These snowdrifts have drastically built up to 100cm thickness in some leeward slopes around 1000m. The wind may calm down in the afternoon and the snowdrift development may also slow down, however 60cm class surface slabs slides will be highly likely to occur in 40 grade slopes. Even the smallest avalanches can be powerful enough to burry a person to asphyxiation. Although the snowdrifts may be good snow to ski on, it is wiser to stay away from steep slopes in tight gullies and/or under chairlift lines for now. Beware also of freshly buried obstacles lurking just beneath the surface. The snow in the out of bonds area is still insufficient and gates’ opening is still to be confirmed. Please refrain from stepping out until the gates open. NEVER enter strictly off limits areas and NEVER duck any ropes. You are risking your lift ticket and maybe your season. Please respect the Niseko Rules. Winter has finally come. --- Planned resort operations (subject to change due to weather conditions during the day) The lifts market with an asterix (*) below are planned to be open for night skiing Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts planned to be running: - Ace Family pair* - Ace Number 1 pair - Ace Number 2 Quad Center Four* (for transport) - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola* - King Number 1 pair - King Number 3 triple - King Number 4 - Holiday Number 1 pair* - Swinging Monkey Courses planned to be open: - Family - Beginners access - Center - Shirakaba - Green - Kokutai - Ni-kabe - Alpen - Sennoki - Kogen - Boyo - Rinkan - Jumbo - Dynamic Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be running: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad Courses planned to be open: - Connecting - Parallel - Silver Dream - Stairway to Heaven - Setsuzoku course - Crystal Garden - Yotei Sunset (ungroomed) Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - Niseko Gondola - Community Chair* - Banzai Chair* - Morino Chair - Wonderland Chair Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Jumbo Number 1 quad* - Jumbo Number 2 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair - Jumbo Number 4 pair Courses planned to be open: - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior - Family - Dynamic - Silver --- Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 26th December 2015: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 220cm Base - 80cm Niseko Village: Top - 140cm Base - 80cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 90cm Base - 70cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 26th December 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 212cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 16 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (26th December) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 151cm 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 7cm Snowfall at base this season 188cm Posted on Friday 25th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko and ho ho ho, Merry Christmas! Santa started his deliveries of snow last night with 7cm of it outside my place here at base this morning. He has promised much more. It doesn't feel particularly cold this morning and the snow that has fallen isn't the lightest for sure, but later on today the temperatures are expected to drop further and it should be pretty cold tonight. Most importantly, snow clouds are due to be over the region right into early next week and hopefully bring us lots of lovely fluffy snow. Cold temperatures into next week too so come prepared for the conditions. That old friend of Niseko - 'Wind' - may well play a part this weekend as well with blizzard like conditions possible. We're ok for this morning though so a good time to go out and enjoy the modest new layer early on. Snow conditions should be quickly improving by the day now if the forecast is right... Have a fun day. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -1℃, flurries of wet crystal snow, 5cm in 12 hours, no development of snowdrifts. -3℃ and 90cm snowpack at Moiwa peak. Light snow and wind is continuing and snowdrifts are moderately developing. Coastal data: Benkei cape wind NNW11m/s, Kamui cape wind WNW6m/s, pressure 1006hPa, waves 0.6m. A passing small low-pressure system made the wind shift westerly and brought some, relatively wet, but good snow. The groomers conditions is good in the morning, however sunlight is weak and visibility is poor. Beware of hitting obstacles. The general avalanche risk is low except for steep 40+ grade slopes. Carefully follow the coming snowfall transition as the hazards may rise quickly. Avalanche occurrence in Niseko is closely related to the rapidly growing snowdrifts that develop during storms. Do not duck ropes to seek fresh tracks, it is against the Niseko Rules and all resort users are expected to respect them. --- Planned resort operations (subject to change due to weather conditions during the day) The lifts market with an asterix (*) below are planned to be open for night skiing Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts planned to be running: - Ace Family pair* - Ace Number 2 Quad Center Four* (for transport) - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola* - King Number 3 triple - Holiday Number 1 pair* - Swinging Monkey Courses planned to be open: - Family - Beginners access - Center - Shirakaba - Green - Kokutai - Ni-kabe - Alpen - Sennoki - Kogen - Boyo - Rinkan - Jumbo Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be running: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad Courses planned to be open: - Connecting - Parallel - Silver Dream - Stairway to Heaven - Setsuzoku course - Crystal Garden - Yotei Sunset (ungroomed) Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - Niseko Gondola - Community Chair* - Banzai Chair* - Morino Chair Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Jumbo Number 1 quad* - Jumbo Number 2 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair Courses planned to be open: - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior - Family - Dynamic - Silver --- Official resort snow depths as of Friday 25th December 2015: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 190cm Base - 55cm Niseko Village: Top - 85cm Base - 60cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 80cm Base - 50cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 25th December 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 188cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 15 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (30th November) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 127cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 181cm Posted on Monday 21st December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello and good morning from Niseko. It's milder this morning and unfortunately it's also... raining. I am hearing that wet snow is falling higher up, but it's a bit wet down here for the moment. Still, a thin layer of snow to add to the total before it gets washed away. Temperatures here at base might rise to about 4C later on this afternoon but it should get colder as it gets dark this evening and we should (hopefully) get some snow down to base overnight that I can report to you tomorrow morning. There's lots of cloud and mist around early this morning too so visibility is probably rather limited up there on the slopes. Still looking good for decent snowfall at Christmas along with very cold temperatures. Just what we want. Niseko is getting busy... we need everywhere to be open. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: +1℃, 3cm of wet snow. 600m altitude: 10cm of wet snow, mild wind and no development of snowdrifts. 1000m altitude: W15m/s and snowing. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW15m/s, Kamui cape W8m/s, 1020hPa, 1.3m waves. Warm air is flowing in as the next low pressure system approaches. Wet snow is falling and unstable slabs in leeward slopes are likely to slide during the day. Caution required under chairlift lines and sidebanks. The pre-low pressure snowfall has the characteristic to transform into a weak layer under the next cold storm snowdrifts slabs. Avalanches occur when the conditions allow and are not dependant on the amount of snowfall. They are natural occurrences and only become an accident if someone is involved in it. Carefully follow the snowfall transition of the next few days. Sleet at the base, but snow in higher altitude. Sticky snow, so softer wax is recommended. Access gates are yet to be set up, please respect the Niseko Rules and refrain from stepping out of bounds. --- Planned resort operations (subject to change due to weather conditions during the day) The lifts market with an asterix (*) below are planned to be open for night skiing Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts planned to be running: - Ace Family pair* - Ace Number 2 Quad Center Four* (for transport) - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola* - King Number 3 triple - Holiday Number 1 pair* - Swinging Monkey Courses planned to be open: - Family - Beginners access - Center - Shirakaba - Green - Kokutai - Ni-kabe - Alpen - Sennoki - Kogen - Boyo - Holiday - Rinkan - Jumbo Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be running: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad Courses planned to be open: - Connecting - Parallel - Silver Dream - Stairway to Heaven - Setsuzoku course - Crystal Garden - Yotei Sunset (ungroomed) Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - Niseko Gondola - Community Chair* - Banzai Chair* - Morino Chair Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Jumbo Number 1 quad* - Jumbo Number 2 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair Courses planned to be open: - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior - Family - Dynamic - Silver --- Official resort snow depths as of Monday 21st December 2015: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 165cm Base - 60cm Niseko Village: Top - 80cm Base - 50cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 70cm Base - 60cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 21st December 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 181cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 14 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (30th November) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 120cm reported on 10 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 21cm Snowfall at base this season 277cm Posted on Tuesday 29th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A very good morning to you from Hirafu. Back at base here and the snow keeps on coming. The tap has truly been turned on over the last five days. I have another 21cm to report this morning which to my reckoning makes that 96cm. A refresh of about 20cm a day sounds somewhere near perfect to me. Just quickly let's take a look back at last December. For the whole of December 2014, I observed 519cm of snowfall here at my Hirafu base location. Up until today for this month I have observed a total of 216cm. So we are a fair way behind in that respect. (In December 2013, the same number was 275cm for the whole month). But it's the here and now that is most important of course; and here and now the conditions are really great. Those of you who know me - and the way SnowJapan generally does things* - will know that I never go on about amazing conditions when they aren't amazing. Substitute the word amazing with any other overly-dramatic adjectives or made up cheesy words! Doing that just takes away from when things really are amazing doesn't it? (Quite apart from the fact that it's misleading). Those lucky enough to be able to get out there today will be able to tell just how the good conditions are. I think I might have to get out and do some exploring myself once I post this report... As you can see from the Avalanche Report below, Moiwa Gate 6 is being considered for opening for today. We must be fairly close now to all of the resort areas being fully open - and not too far away for more talk of gates and backcountry. The forecast for the coming week has a fair amount of snow on it so we should be good for further build up and regular refills. I do like the sound of that! Hope you can enjoy the day wherever you are. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -8℃, 30cm of crystal snow in 12 hours, calm. Moiwa 800m: -11℃, 50cm of fresh snow, snowdrifts developing in Mikaeri area. Annupuri 1000m: -13℃, WSW10m/s, 70+cm of new snow and snowdrifts developing. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW19m/s, Kamui cape W9m/s, 1015hPa, 2.1m waves. The wind is calming down but momentarily gusts are still blowing as the isobars tightens. Snowdrifts in 800m leeside slopes are stabilizing while slowly growing. The avalanche risk remains high. 80cm surface slab avalanches are likely to occur in 800m south-facing knolls and cornice slopes. Avoid dropping into steep slopes without evaluating the risk. The snow condition in the trees is fantastic. Gates will start to open as they’re getting ready. Moiwa gate 6 opening is being considered today, please follow the patrol’s instructions. A single track under the rope would lead many others to follow it and increase the chances of accidents to happen. Have a nice day. --- Planned resort operations (subject to change due to weather conditions during the day) The lifts market with an asterix (*) below are planned to be open for night skiing Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts planned to be running: - All lifts except Ace Number 4 and King Number 2 - Night lifts: Ace Family Pair, Ace Number 2 Quad, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 Courses planned to be open: - Family - Beginners access - Center - Shirakaba - Green - Kokutai - Furiko - Ni-kabe - Alpen - Sen-no-ki - Kogen - Boyo - Rinkan - Jumbo - Dynamic Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be running: - All lifts - No night skiing in the Hanazono area Courses planned to be open: - Connecting - Parallel - Silver Dream - Stairway to Heaven - Setsuzoku course - Crystal Garden - Yotei Sunset (ungroomed) - Legend of Shinya Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts planned to be operating (apart from Country Road Chair) - Night lifts: Community Chair, Banzai Chair Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts planned to be operating - Night lift: Jumbo Number 1 quad Courses planned to be open: - Champion - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior - Family - Dynamic - Silver - Merchen - Challenge --- Official resort snow depths as of Tuesday 29th December 2015: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 260cm Base - 100cm Niseko Village: Top - 180cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 115cm Base - 100cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 29th December 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 277cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 19 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (26th and 28th December) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 216cm 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 232cm Posted on Sunday 27th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There are lots of smiling faces at the moment here as our Christmas period haul of fresh snowfall continues. I have another 20cm of fresh snow outside my place here in Hirafu base this morning, and it is still snowing now, and forecast to continue for the next few days as well. This is what we like. I am happy that Santa and his creature friends held on to their promise. Not that I ever doubted them of course. Some of the smiles might be temporarily wiped off faces when people realise that it's also very windy this morning and affecting some lifts at the start of the day. Though maybe not! After the start to the season we have had lovely fresh snowfall and lots of it is by far the biggest thing right now and I think we can put with some wind if that's part of the deal for getting the snow. Though it would be good if we could just get the snow without the wind. At the time of writing, strong winds on the mountain are affecting resorts in this way: Niseko Grand Hirafu - Top King Number 4 lift on hold. Snow moving going on at King Number 3 which may open a bit late. Niseko Hanazono - Top Hanazono Number 3 lift on hold. Niseko Village - Gondola and top Wonderland lift on hold. Niseko Annupuri - Jumbo Number 1 running slow with all other lifts on hold. It's limited visibility on the slopes this morning along with the windy conditions. Have fun in all that snow, but don't forget to be careful and to always stay safe. An extra layer and face masks are recommended today - it's cold out there. As I mentioned snowfall is due through until around Tuesday; the resort areas should be 'all open' sometime soon I think. Oh yes! :) --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -9℃, 20cm of crushed crystal snow in 12hours, small development of snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: -12℃, NE15m/s, large cornices and snowdrifts development up to 100cm. Annupuri 1000m:-16℃, NW25m/s, poor visibility and large development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW17m/s, Kamui cape W12m/s, 1007hPa, 3.1m waves. The strong winter pressure distribution has generated powerful wind and snowfall during the night. The wind at lower elevation has calmed down in the morning, however the storm is persisting above 600m elevation. Snowdrifts and cornices are continuing to grow and are extremely unstable. Avalanche risk is very high in leeward slopes above 800m and open leeside steep slopes above 600m in all mountain areas in Shiribeshi sub-prefecture. Many of the accidents occur in those slopes loaded with snowdrifts. Stay away from these aspects when planning your touring routes. Great condition in the trees. --- Planned resort operations (subject to change due to weather conditions during the day) The lifts market with an asterix (*) below are planned to be open for night skiing Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts planned to be running: - Ace Family pair* - Ace Number 1 pair - Ace Number 2 Quad Center Four* (for transport) - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola* - King Number 1 pair - King Number 3 triple - King Number 4 - Holiday Number 1 pair* - Swinging Monkey Courses planned to be open: - Family - Beginners access - Center - Shirakaba - Green - Kokutai - Ni-kabe - Alpen - Sennoki - Kogen - Boyo - Rinkan - Jumbo - Dynamic Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be running: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad Courses planned to be open: - Connecting - Parallel - Silver Dream - Stairway to Heaven - Setsuzoku course - Crystal Garden - Yotei Sunset (ungroomed) Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - Niseko Gondola - Community Chair* - Banzai Chair* - Morino Chair - Wonderland Chair Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts planned to be operating Courses planned to be open: - Champion - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior - Family - Dynamic - Silver --- Official resort snow depths as of Sunday 27th December 2015: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 230cm Base - 80cm Niseko Village: Top - 100cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 105cm Base - 80cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Sunday 27th December 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 232cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 17 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (26th December) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 171cm 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 24cm Snowfall at base this season 256cm Posted on Monday 28th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. My report is going to be a bit on the shorter side this morning as I need to get myself to Sapporo. I have another 24cm of fresh snowfall to report to you as the plenty refills continue with easily more than 30cm higher up. And it keeps on snowing and is due to for most of the coming week. Brilliant! There might be wind issues today again up there, it looks like early morning the situation is quite similar to how things were yesterday. It should be a very excellent day on the slopes and I hope you can enjoy it. See just how quickly things can change? ;) --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -8℃, 30cm of crushed crystal snow, ne snowdrift development. Moiwa peak: NW15m/s, -10℃, large development of snowdrifts and cornices delaying grooming operations. Annupuri 1000m: NW25m/s, snowdrifts growing and poor visibility. Coastal data: Benkei cape WNW20m/s, Kamui cape W16m/s, 1013hPa, 3.0m waves. The isobars on the pressure distribution chart are still tight and the storm is persisting above 600m. Some cornices’ overhangs have grown up to 5m in Moiwa 800m area, snowdrifts up to 2m in some knoll terrain. Both extremely unstable and easily collapsing. According to observations and snowfall transition, the avalanche hazard is very high and surface slab slides of up to 1m thickness are likely to occur in 800m leeside knolls, open steep slopes and areas with large cornices development. Avalanches are natural phenomena that only become an accident if human beings are in the way. Know where/what/when needs to be avoided. Slopes conditions are ever-changing, a slope that was good yesterday may be in critical condition today. Always be prudent and humble in the mountains. The snow in the trees is deep and little heavy due to the wind. Gates will start to open once the storm calms down and the snowpack stabilizes. Please respect the Niseko Rules. --- Planned resort operations (subject to change due to weather conditions during the day) The lifts market with an asterix (*) below are planned to be open for night skiing Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts planned to be running: - Ace Family pair* - Ace Number 1 pair - Ace Number 2 Quad Center Four* (for transport) - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola* - King Number 1 pair - King Number 3 triple - King Number 4 - Holiday Number 1 pair* - Swinging Monkey Courses planned to be open: - Family - Beginners access - Center - Shirakaba - Green - Kokutai - Ni-kabe - Alpen - Sennoki - Kogen - Boyo - Rinkan - Jumbo - Dynamic Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be running: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad Courses planned to be open: - Connecting - Parallel - Silver Dream - Stairway to Heaven - Setsuzoku course - Crystal Garden - Yotei Sunset (ungroomed) Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - Niseko Gondola - Community Chair* - Banzai Chair* - Morino Chair - Wonderland Chair Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts planned to be operating Courses planned to be open: - Champion - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior - Family - Dynamic - Silver --- Official resort snow depths as of Monday 28th December 2015: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 245cm Base - 90cm Niseko Village: Top - 180cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 105cm Base - 80cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 28th December 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 256cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 18 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (26th and 28th December) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 195cm 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 23cm Snowfall at base this season 300cm Posted on Wednesday 30th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is one of those mornings when I would prefer to not have to turn on my computer and write a report before heading out to the slopes. You understand, right? But here I am, and actually I must say that I do enjoy telling everyone about what is happening here in Niseko. Especially on a day like today. It is a lovely morning here. Not only do we have another 'incredible' 23cm of fresh snowfall here at base, but right now there are lovely blue skies above us. It didn't start off like this with most clouds when I first looked out of the window, but they have cleared up pretty quick leaving us with what we have now. It really doesn't get that much better than this - a good delivery of fresh snow followed by clear skies and sun early morning. Lovely. "If only there were less people", I heard yesterday. Yes, there's a lot of people around. That's Niseko! The forecast didn't actually tell us to expect these clearer skies really, so there's a chance that the clouds may come back just as quickly as they have cleared (though currently it seems unlikely). Snow is expected through tomorrow and into New Year. And basically it's expected to be falling through into next week as well, so it would seem the New Year is going to start in style. After the somewhat dodgy start to the season, things are now getting into top gear. Niseko is bustling as well now. It's a good job that almost all of the mountain is now open. There might well be a few people out enjoying some drinks over the next few nights as well. Just a word of caution on that - there have in the past been some very sad stories of people having accidents and worse after a night out. Remember, it is very cold and slippy out there. Make sure you have a plan to get back to your accommodation and best to stick with friends. A bit like what you'd recommend for going out on the mountain as well. Have a great day and I'll see you on New Years Eve! -- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -8℃, 20cm of crystal snow, calm and no snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m: -10℃, mild wind, 20cm of new snow, snowdrifts developing slowly. Annupuri 1000m: WSW8m/s, 20cm of new snow. 1150m: -15℃. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW8m/s, Kamui cape NNW5m/s, 1022hPa, 1.5m waves. The isobars are spacing out and the weather is calming down in the mountains and the ocean. The snowdrifts have stabilized. The snowpack is growing, bushes filling in in higher areas, but still thick in lower elevation. Looking at the latest snowfall transition and observations, the general avalanche risk is relatively low except in south facing steep slopes. The out of bounds skiing in Niseko is still a tacit allowance by the government, yet to be officially approved, and anybody that is stepping out of bounds have to acknowledge that they are going out at their own risk. The ski resorts are concerned about all users’ safety and deploying various efforts in order to improve the situation. The freedom to ride out of bounds is only protected by the Niseko Rules; disregarding them will only end up in restraining this freedom. We strongly demand everybody to respect the Rules. Gates will open as they’re ready to. Gate 6 is scheduled to open at 10am. Please follow the patrol’s instructions. The snow is good but easy to get stuck. Enjoy the pow and have a nice day. --- Planned resort operations (subject to change due to weather conditions during the day) Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts planned to be running: - All lifts except Ace Number 4 and King Number 2 - Night lifts: Ace Family Pair, Ace Number 2 Quad, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 Courses planned to be open: - All open apart from Onsenzawa, Large, Miharashi and 'Path to King' Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be running: - All lifts - No night skiing in the Hanazono area Courses planned to be open: - All courses Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts planned to be operating (apart from Country Road Chair) - Night lifts: Community Chair, Banzai Chair Courses planned to be open: - All courses Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - All lifts planned to be operating - Night lift: Jumbo Number 1 quad Courses planned to be open: - Champion - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior - Family - Dynamic - Silver - Merchen - Challenge --- Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 30th December 2015: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 270cm Base - 120cm Niseko Village: Top - 185cm Base - 100cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 120cm Base - 100cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 30th December 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 300cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 20 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (26th and 28th December) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 239cm 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