Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 652cm Posted on Thursday 8th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It was a wild day yesterday. I wonder what today has in store. Very strong winds were messing about with everything yesterday - and not just on the slopes. There was only a limited choice for people who felt the need to be out in it! Initial impression is that today is going to be better... still windy, but not as mad as yesterday. There's new snow as well but I'm having real difficulty putting a number on it due to all that wind blowing it about everywhere. 10cm, 20cm, 30cm... one of them! Even the Niseko Avalanche Report below seems to be shying away from actual numbers this morning with lots of mention of snowdrifts. OK as I need to post a number and taking a look outside my place the number I'm going for is around 20cm, I think that is fair. No doubt more higher up of course, I am hearing from a resort guy of 30cm on upper areas. If you're in Niseko reading this you might well have a different take. I might update that later after a bit more time outside. Forecast is for snowfall to continue into next week - if it stops it won't be far away from starting up again. Refresh. Nice. But... less wind please! Take care out there. Safety first, remember. --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: King Number 3 Triple, King Number 4, Ace Number 3 and Swinging Monkey lifts on hold due to wind. Hirafu Gondola is moving. 'Early Morning' lift available from 10th January to 1st February (for 500 yen, you can ride Ace Quad Number 2 lift from 8am until 8:20am). Niseko Hanazono: Hanazono Number 2 and Number 3 lifts on hold. Niseko Village: Looks like all planned lifts are moving, or will be. Niseko Annupuri: Top Jumbo Number 4 lift suspended due to wind but other lifts plan to be moving. 'Annupuri First Run' available on 11th and 12th January (for 1000 yen, you can ride the Gondola from 7:20-8:20am). --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -5C, large development of packed snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: NE12m/s, -7C, large developments of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -7C, NW15m/s and developing snowdirfts. Hirafu 1000m: NE10m/s, -7C, developing snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNE12m/s, Kamui cape NNE12m/s, 1002hPa, 5.8m waves. The strong wind and heavy snowfall generated large development of snowdrifts in and out of bounds. The estimated accumulation of snowdrifts in leeward slopes around 800m altitude grew above 200cm. The rapidly developed snowdrifts are heavy and extremely unstable, easily collapsing with a slight stimulation. The avalanche hazard is extremely high today. Hazardous condition is seen to persist until tomorrow even after the wind calms down. Do not carelessly drop into knolls, cornice slopes or other steep faces. Better not underestimate the danger of avalanches. The snowpack will stabilize soon. A thick layer of heavy and packed highly wind-affected snow is blanketing the treeruns. This type of snow is catchy and tricky to ski. Be careful and remain in control. It is not sufficient to just observe the snowpack to evaluate the risks, especially during a storm. More attention should be paid to the snowfall & weather transition. Keep in mind that a lot of the avalanche accidents occur during and just after storms. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 320cm Base - 145cm Niseko Village: Top - 240cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 220cm Base - 160cm --- Lifts open for night skiing (planned): Niseko Grand Hirafu Ace Family Pair lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift (There is no night skiing at the Hanazono area) Niseko Village Community Chair and Banzai Chair Niseko Annupuri Jumbo Number 1 Quad Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Thursday 8th January 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 652cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 37 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 103cm reported on 7 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 617cm Posted on Monday 5th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here No snow overnight but a few cm since the report I posted yesterday, so I'll dutifully log those cm in! It's a cloudy-overcast kind of morning here in Niseko with some forecasts giving us a chance of seeing the sun and clearer skies later in the day. While it's a fairly cold start to the day it should be warming up slightly today and tomorrow before temperatures going back down again later Tuesday. Snowfall is due back over Niseko later on tomorrow as well and we should be seeing daily refreshes through until the end of the week at least. Now that the New Year holidays are over for most people we can maybe get into a more normal routine --- not that it makes that much of a difference here with all of the peak months very popular and busy. Final snowfall in Kutchan statistic for last month to compare with the last few seasons: December 2014 - 387cm December 2013 - 258cm December 2012 - 306cm December 2011 - 349cm December 2010 - 201cm Last season January saw 317cm of snowfall in Kutchan, so there's the target! --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Looks set to be open as planned. 'Early Morning' lift available from 10th January to 1st February (for 500 yen, you can ride Ace Quad Number 2 lift from 8am until 8:20am). Niseko Hanazono: Looks set to be open as planned. Sorry in my report yesterday I put the Hirafu lift news in this bit under Hanazono by mistake. Niseko Village: Looks set to be open as planned. Niseko Annupuri: Looks set to be open as planned. 'Annupuri First Run' available on 11th and 12th January (for 1000 yen, you can ride the Gondola from 7:20-8:20am). --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base: -4C, no snowfall. Moiwa 800m: NW10m/s, no snowfall. Annupuri 1150m: NW5m/s, -9C, light snowfall with small development of snowdrifts. Hirafu 1000m: -9C, no snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW10m/s, Kamui cape NW4m/s, 1015hPa, 0.4m waves. A high-pressure system is flowing in and the ocean and the mountains are in a calm condition. A moderate wind is still blowing at the peak, however the general avalanche risk is relatively low. Peak gates will open as soon as they’re ready. Seek some advice from the ski patrol before stepping out of the gates. Many people went out of bounds yesterday, and 2 cases of accidents have been reported. One fractured leg and one lost his way. Better not overestimate your skill and knowledge; always think safety first and enjoy within your limits. Following unknown people’s tracks will not necessarily take you safely back on track. You may end up astray in the middle of nowhere. There are no buses coming back from Goshiki Onsen. We make this information in hope to avoid people from encountering accidents. Having everybody respect the Rules is the only way to protect the freedom of out of bounds riding in Niseko. Strictly off-limits areas are restricted for good reasons, do not duck ropes to seek fresh tracks in there. The groomers are in a fantastic conditions today. Beware of crashes. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 310cm Base - 165cm Niseko Village: Top - 220cm Base - 150cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 220cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Monday 5th January 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 617cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 35 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 68cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 614cm Posted on Sunday 4th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here 15-20cm of beautiful light new snow this morning outside my place and about that being reported by the resorts as well so another very nice new layer of fresh to play in. Oh we are spoilt! It's still snowing now but expected to stop today perhaps sometime this morning. Sunshine and blue skies are forecast for tomorrow so charge up those cameras for a chance of scenery pics. It won't last long though as we should be back to snow on Tuesday. --- The 'Early Morning' lift operations will begin at Niseko Grand Hirafu from Saturday 10th January, through to Sunday 1st February. It's basically 20 minutes of extra lift ticket time from 8am. The Ace Quad Lift Number 2 operates and the courses open are Super, Furiko, Green, Alpen and Sennoki. If you want that extra 20 minutes and think it's worth the 500 yen that it costs for a special ticket, then head over to the lift ticket counter at .Base from 7:45am on the days it's open. --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Looks set to be open as planned. Niseko Hanazono: Top King Nunber 4 lift delayed slightly due to having to move snow. Not the worst problem to have! Niseko Village: Looks set to be open as planned. Niseko Annupuri: Looks set to be open as planned. 'Annupuri First Run' is available until today and then also on the 11th and 12th January. For 1000 yen, you can get to ride the Gondola from 7:20-8:20am. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base: -6C, 15cm of snowfall in 12 hours, no snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: westerly 8m/s, -9C, 20cm of snowfall and snowdrifts development up to 100cm. Annupuri 1150m: westerly breeze, -10C, 20cm snowfall with snowdrifts development. Hirafu 1000m: -8C, 20cm snowfall with snowdrifts development. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW14m/s, Kamui cape WSW9m/s, 1010hPa, 1.7m waves. The isobars are spacing out and snowclouds are fading. Peak gates 2 & 3 are scheduled to open today. Heavy snowdrifts have developed in leeward slopes above 800m in the last 24 hours. The newly formed snowdrifts are still very unstable and avalanche risk is high, especially around 1000m areas in the Backbowl, Osawa and Higashi-One. These steep faces should be left untouched today. Better not underestimate the hazards of out of bounds (backcountry) riding, the consequences can be more severe than you think. Ask the ski patrol’s advice before stepping out and always think safety first. Do not cross boundary ropes, always use the access gates. The snow in the trees has been reset and is in splendid condition. Have you switched your beacon on? Carrying avalanche gear may not be mandatory, but is strongly recommended to do so. Have a great day. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 320cm Base - 170cm Niseko Village: Top - 220cm Base - 150cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 220cm Base - 160cm --- Lifts open for night skiing (planned): Niseko Grand Hirafu Ace Family Pair lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift (There is no night skiing at the Hanazono area) Niseko Village Community Chair and Banzai Chair Niseko Annupuri Jumbo Number 1 Quad Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Sunday 4th January 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 614cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 34 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 65cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 655cm Posted on Friday 9th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There's just a few cm of fresh outside my place this morning, though as you can see on the Avalanche Report the resort areas are coming back with larger amounts of fresh out there. The forecast is for continued light snowfall from time to time through the day today and yes, well, snow clouds still likely to be closeby through into early next week. Happily there is less wind now and it doesn't feel as cold this morning. Resorts look set to be opening as normal from the get go this morning. That's the message coming in as I am writing this anyway. Look at all those folk lining up for the Ace Number 2 Center Four lift to open (image below). Go on, give us a wave! (I'm only jealous). There are early morning special lift openings this weekend at Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri - details of which I have put in the area below for each resort. Each of them starts at a different time and have different extra charges for the privilege. I think they call this a 'premium service'. Anyway, it's there if you want to take advantage of it. Let's choosing. --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Looks set to be open as normal this morning. 'Early Morning' lift available from 10th January to 1st February (for 500 yen, you can ride Ace Quad Number 2 lift from 8:00am until 8:20am). Niseko Hanazono: Looks set to be open as normal this morning. Niseko Village: Looks set to be open as normal this morning. Early morning Gondola on 11th, 12th and 13th January (for 1030 yen, you can ride the Gondola from 7:30am-8:30am) Niseko Annupuri: Looks set to be open as normal this morning. 'Annupuri First Run' available on 11th and 12th January (for 1000 yen, you can ride the Gondola from 7:20-8:20am). --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -3C, 15cm snowfall in 12 hours. Moiwa 600m: W10m/s, moderate development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: NW12m/s, -6C, 20cm snowfall. Hirafu 1000m: -8C, 20cm snowfall, snowy and windy with development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNE11m/s, Kamui cape NNE7m/s, 1007hPa, 3.2m waves. The wind is stagnating around 12m/s northerly and continually making the snowdrifts develop. These newly formed snowdrifts in the last 48 hours are starting to stabilize, however the avalanche risk around 1000m Osawa (annupuri bowl) cornice slopes, Kozan no Sawa (Backbowl) sidewalls and Higashi-One cornice slopes remains high today. A slide triggered from a thick snowdrift area would lead to a larger avalanche running fast and a long distance. Caution is required in open steep slopes and gullies. Accidents can be avoided by being prudent. Gates 2, 3 & 4 will be closed all day. Do not duck ropes to access the out of bounds areas. Strictly off-limits areas of Haru no Taki and Yu no Sawa must be left untouched. The snow in the tree is fast and in good condition. Beware of hitting trees. Moiwa gates 6 & 10 will be closed due to chair-lift maintenance. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 310cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village: Top - 240cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 225cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Friday 9th January 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 655cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 38 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 106cm 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 711cm Posted on Monday 12th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Light snow falling outside now and there's another 20cm of snow outside. The Avalanche Report below says 30cm in Hirafu at 1000m. So another fine delivery of snow. It doesn't feel too windy to me here, but then again I'm right down in the village. Higher up obviously there's some wind action going on and it's affecting our fun potential this morning again unfortunately... Yes, weather conditions this morning are preventing the top lifts at all of the four resort areas from opening, so if you want to get between places this morning it's shuttle bus time folks. Probably best just to stick to one area. Snow and wind are expected pretty much for the day today but it should ease off by opening tomorrow. A break from the snow and some sunshine is a real possibility tomorrow and particularly Wednesday with temperatures getting a little milder as well. Might just be me but it doesn't feel quite as cold this morning - my thermometer says -2 now. When I started putting this report together a bit earlier it was just snowing lightly. It's coming down a bit heavier just now. --- I was talking with a friend yesterday about how long the season is here in Niseko, until early May. So there's just 112 or so more daily morning reports left to put together this season... that thought kept me awake a bit last night! I hope you'll all stay with me through until the end. Though please be warned that we don't get 20cm of fresh snow every day in April. Spring skiing does have it's appeal though, just a different kind. For those interested in previous seasons, you can check out the Niseko Now archives going back quite a few years. Find them at the bottom of this (and every Niseko Now) page. --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: King Number 3, King Number 4, Ace Number 4 lifts not moving due to weather conditions. 'Early Morning' lift available daily until 1st February (for 500 yen, Ace Quad Number 2 lift from 8am until 8:20am). Niseko Hanazono: Top Hanazono Number 3 lift not moving due to weather conditions. Niseko Village: Niseko Gondola and top Wonderland Chair lift not moving due to weather conditions. 'Early Morning Gondola' available Saturdays and Sundays until February 8th (for 1300 yen, Gondola open from 7:30am until 8:30am). Niseko Annupuri: Annupuri Gondola running at slower speed right now and the top Jumbo Number 4 lift temporarily suspended. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -3C, 20cm snowfall in 12 hours, no development of snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: -5C, N15m/s, 20cm fresh snow and 50cm of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -6C, N13m/s, large development of snowdrifts. Hirafu 1000m: -5C, NE15m/s, 30cm snowfall with development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape ENE7m/s, Kamui cape SE3m/s, 1012hPa, 3.4m waves. A small low-pressure system is passing and warm air is flowing in. The new snow is humid and snowdrifts have developed in various areas. A northerly wind is forecasted to pick up before noon and the avalanche risk will rise accordingly. Looking at the snowfall transition and other observations, potential trigger layer will be the low-pressure snowfall layer of Jan 11th. Gates 2 & 3 will be kept closed. 40cm surface slab avalanches are likely to occur in Osawa cornice slopes, Higashi-One area in the afternoon. Better not venture too far away from the resort today. It is strictly restricted to duck the ropes to access the out of bounds areas. One track under the rope will lead many others to do the same and raise the odds for accidents to happen. Please respect the Niseko Rules. Great snow can be found in the treeruns. The visibility will turn bad during the day, please beware of hitting trees. Have a safe day. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 360cm Base - 150cm Niseko Village: Top - 250cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 230cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Monday 12th January 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 711cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 41 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 162cm reported on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 30cm Snowfall at base this season 685cm Posted on Saturday 10th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. And a very good morning it most certainly is. Close on 30cm of light fresh snow in places outside my place this morning just in time for first lifts, so just imagine how much there must be higher up. It's actually rather calm as well this morning, or it looks like it is anyway. Mostly cloudy and light snow at times forecast for the day, though I can see some blue now as well. It was snowing lightly when I started putting the report together, but isn't now. Can't make it's mind up! Similar conditions are forecast for tomorrow with a good chance of sunny and clearer skies for a few days from Tuesday. Thankfully all of the resorts are opening as planned this morning. Well, apart from the Gondola at Niseko Village having some kind of hiccup preventing it from it's first 'early morning' gig this morning. Other than that though it's open as normal. As I think I mentioned before it's a long weekend in Japan with Monday being the 'Coming of Age Day' national holiday. So there'll be a lot of people about, but with the conditions being as fantastic as they very probably are this morning I would imagine there'll be lots of happy people around. I hope you can have an extremely fun weekend - wherever you are! --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. 'Early Morning' lift available from today to 1st February (for 500 yen, you can ride Ace Quad Number 2 lift from 8am until 8:20am). Niseko Hanazono: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. Niseko Village: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. Except... for the early morning Gondola, doh! - some kind of mechanical issue preventing that from happening today, though it's over by the time this gets posted anyway. (Sorry!) Niseko Annupuri: Looks set to be open as planned. 'Annupuri First Run' available 11th and 12th January (for 1000 yen, you can ride the Gondola from 7:20-8:20am). --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -3C, 20cm of crystal snow in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: NNW12m/s, -7C, 30cm snowfall with gradual development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: NW12-17m/s, -10C, 50cm snowfall with development of snowdrifts up to 100cm. Hirafu ridge N15m/s, -10C, 25cm snowfall with snowdrifts development. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW12m/s, Kamui cape NNW6m/s, 1005hPa, 1.8m waves. The atmospheric pressure gradient is shelving and the weather at the ocean and the mountains is settling down. The snowfall amount above 800m altitude reached 30-40cm in the last 12 hours, the snowdrifts are slowly developing and yesterday’s snowpack has stabilized. Today’s general avalanche risk is low. Peak gates will open as soon as they’re ready. Listen to the ski patrol’s instructions before stepping out of the gates. There will be a lot of people in the mountain today, pay attention to other parties. Better stay away from the valley bottom to avoid secondary accidents. The mountains will never be 100% safe. Always remain prudent and think safety first. Niseko community is constantly concerned about your safety. The snow in the treeruns is in fantastic conditions. Have you switched your avalanche transceiver on? Are you carrying safety equipments? Food & drink? --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 340cm Base - 170cm Niseko Village: Top - 250cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 230cm Base - 180cm --- Lifts open for night skiing (planned): Niseko Grand Hirafu Ace Family Pair lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift (There is no night skiing at the Hanazono area) Niseko Village Community Chair and Banzai Chair Niseko Annupuri Jumbo Number 1 Quad Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 10th January 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 685cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 39 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 136cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 691cm Posted on Sunday 11th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning and hello from Niseko. Guess what? It's snowing! Only light snow now as I look outside the window here, but it was coming down pretty hard just a short while ago. Whatever, I have another 6-7cm of fresh to report. Around -3 degrees, cloudy and foggy outside so generally quite poor visibility this morning I would say on mountain. Make sure you know where you're going. Yesterday was busy out there, and no doubt today will be too, but I imagine the conditions made up for any of that. As I have said before, there's a good reason why Niseko is so wildly popular. Snowfall expected to continue today and tomorrow, easing up by Tuesday when we might get some sun and blue skies. --- This may well have happened before today as I have only just noticed it and I haven't been up to that area for a few days, but anyway it looks like Niseko Grand Hirafu have now found the staff to get the Ace Number 4 lift chugging along which is good to see. If you remember about a week ago it was being reported that due to staff issues they weren't operating. Or something. It was always a bit hazy that. But the important thing is that it's moving now. Perhaps with robot staff! --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. 'Early Morning' lift available daily until 1st February (for 500 yen, Ace Quad Number 2 lift from 8am until 8:20am). Niseko Hanazono: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. Niseko Village: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. 'Early Morning Gondola' available today, tomorrow and on Saturdays and Sundays until February 8th (for 1300 yen, Gondola open from 7:30am until 8:30am). Niseko Annupuri: Looks set to be open as planned. 'Annupuri First Run' available today and tomorrow (for 1000 yen, Gondola open from 7:20-8:20am). --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -6C, 10cm of crystal snow in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: NW12m/s, -8C, 15cm of new snow and development of snowdrifts in Anbetsu area. Annupuri 1150m: NW10m/s, -10C, snowdrifts and crusty surfaces. Hirafu ridge 1250m: W15m/w, -12C, strong gusts from the Backbowl with development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW13m/s, Kamui cape NW8m/s, 1005hPa, 2.0m waves. A moderate north-westerly wind with snowfall is persisting. The main snowclouds are currently drifting away from Niseko area, however snowfall is forecasted to pick up during the day. The cornices above 800m altitude are unstable and likely to collapse anytime. Sunlight is weak, making it hard to see the surface. The deeper snowpack is stable and peak gates are scheduled to open. Many cases of intruders to Haru no Taki is being reported. Please remember that the freedom to ride out of bounds in Niseko is being protected in exchange of having those strictly off-limits areas closed-off. Better acknowledge that entering these strictly off-limits zones is not only neglecting the Rules, but also having a misconception of the true meaning of Freedom. Whether the conditions were safe or not, these actions are simply jeopardizing the freedom of the people that are true to the Rules. Infringers will loose their right to use the resort facilities. The Niseko Village’s Mizuno no sawa educational program has started. Follow the ski patrol’s instructions and ride safe. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 345cm Base - 165cm Niseko Village: Top - 250cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 230cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Sunday 11th January 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 691cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 40 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 142cm 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 1cm Snowfall at base this season 712cm Posted on Tuesday 13th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It's not snowing this morning and just a dusting to report. It makes a change, I suppose! Not snowing here at base anyway, though Niseko Village seem to be saying snow higher up - I'll have to get up there to check. But yes it's generally just cloudy conditions over the Niseko area early this morning. I'm happy to report that winds are calm and all of the resort areas look set to be open as planned. As per the report below, Gates 2 & 3 are going to be closed with others still to be determined. We were hoping for a bit of sunshine this morning, maybe we'll get it later on. Very probably sunny conditions to enjoy tomorrow though and maybe even on Thursday too. Looking like we're on for a bit of a break from fresh snowfall... though it should be back by Friday freshening us up for the weekend. --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. 'Early Morning' lift available daily until 1st February (for 500 yen, Ace Quad Number 2 lift from 8am until 8:20am). Niseko Hanazono: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. Niseko Village: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. 'Early Morning Gondola' available Saturdays and Sundays until February 8th (for 1300 yen, Gondola open from 7:30am until 8:30am). Niseko Annupuri: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -3C, 15cm of snowfall in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: -7C and developing snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: NW10m/s, -10C with snowdrifts developments. Hirafu ridge: W10m/s, -11C and large development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW10m/s, Kamui cape N5m/s, 1024hPa, 1.8m waves. The wind is starting to calm down, however the snow surface above 800m has been affected by the wind overnight, forming wind-ripples and crusts and the snowdrifts stabilization is being delayed. The avalanche risk is high in leeward slopes around 1000m. Gates 2 & 3 will be closed; others still to be determined. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. The snow in the trees is a bit better than yesterday’s, but catchy and easy to loose control. Beware of hitting trees. The snow condition is ever changing and the hazard level varies from not only the terrain & slope orientation, but also from altitude difference. Better not overestimate your skills or knowledge; stay prudent and humble towards the mountain. Avalanches are natural phenomena that can occur in the least expected situations, however most can be avoided if precautions are taken. The groomers are in fantastic condition today. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 350cm Base - 150cm Niseko Village: Top - 250cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 230cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 13th January 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 712cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 42 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 163cm 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 716cm Posted on Saturday 17th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Ah yes, back to snow. Certainly not a whole lot just yet - less than 5cm outside my place and 5-10cm being reported on mountain by the resorts - but definitely good to see snow falling once again after a break of a few days. For the report icons I need to choose light, moderate or heavy for the snowfall.... going to go with 'light', but very much hoping that it will be falling at more of a pace soon. The forecast is looking promising and the snow clouds should be over the region beyond Monday. So I'm hoping for a good number to put in my report tomorrow morning. A light wind right now but along with the heavier snow we're also expecting stronger winds later on; it's going to be and feel cold out there today. Hope you have a fun weekend. --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. 'Early Morning' lift available daily until 1st February (for 500 yen, Ace Quad Number 2 lift from 8am until 8:20am). Niseko Hanazono: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. Niseko Village: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. 'Early Morning Gondola' available Saturdays and Sundays until February 8th (for 1300 yen, Gondola open from 7:30am until 8:30am). Niseko Annupuri: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -6C, 5cm snowfall in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: N5m/s, -7C, 10cm snowfall. Annupuri 1150m: N10m/s, -8C, 10cm snowfall. 230cm snowpack at 1000m. Hirafu ridge: NE10m/s, -10C, 5cm snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNE9m/s, Kamui cape ENE2m/s, 1001hPa, 0.9m waves. A low-pressure system is moving across the Sea of Japan. Pre-low pressure snowfall started from 2am and dropped 10cm of snow until the morning. A northerly wind is forecasted to pick up, bringing snow and gusts. The avalanche risk will stay low during the morning, but will rise in the afternoon, especially in higher areas such as the Backbowl sidewalls around 1000m. Many of the avalanche accidents occur in leeward snowdrift slopes during a storm. Today’s snow is different from yesterdays. Always be prudent. The old tracks remains and the slopes aren’t reset; ride carefully. Keep your touring plans flexible and adjust them according to the weather. All gates are scheduled to open. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Don’t duck ropes! Good to see some new snow coming. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 330cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village: Top - 250cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 230cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 17th January 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 716cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 43 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 167cm reported on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 731cm Posted on Sunday 18th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Greetings from Hirafu on this Sunday morning. I have just been updating the official snow depths numbers for the resorts (below) and they are largely unchanged - in fact the only change I had to make was the base number curiously going down for Niseko Grand Hirafu - but believe me there's definitely new snow here this morning. Maybe not quite as exciting a number as I was hoping for, but still a good solid 15cm-20cm. I think the strong winds that we had blowing everything about yesterday probably make it difficult to put a meaningful number on it this morning. Indeed if you take a look at the Avalanche Report below, we have 'Niseko base 6am: -8C, 25cm snowfall in 12 hours, 60cm snowdrifts'. So we can expect differing amounts of fresh snow in places on mountain this morning. It's a cold start to the morning but thankfully the wind is behaving but it seems gates will be closed this morning. The Early Morning Gondola was unfortunately cancelled this morning due to the lingering weather conditions, but other than that all the resorts seem to be opening as planned. Check for any changes with the resorts during the day. The sun is shining down on us right now with an increasing amount of blue sky on view up there now amongst the clouds that are still hanging around. Very fine conditions for the first part of the day even if snowfall is still expected today and tomorrow. So the sunshine might be short lived and those clouds are moving pretty fast. So the forecast remains snow falling at times over the next few days with temperatures remaining low. It's going to be busy out there today. I always promise myself to get out especially when the sun comes out, so perhaps see you out there. --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. 'Early Morning' lift available daily until 1st February (for 500 yen, Ace Quad Number 2 lift from 8am until 8:20am). Niseko Hanazono: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. Niseko Village: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. 'Early Morning Gondola' available Saturdays and Sundays until February 8th (for 1300 yen, Gondola open from 7:30am until 8:30am). Niseko Annupuri: Gondola was set for perhaps a later start but as of 8:30am seems to be moving; looks set to be open as planned this morning. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -8C, 25cm snowfall in 12 hours, 60cm snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: N20m/s at 5am, -12C, large development of snowdrift and bad visibility. Annupuri 1150m: wind calmed down to N8m/s at 7am, -14C, large development of snowdrifts. Hirafu 1000m: NE15m/s at 6am, -15C, large development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW18m/s at 5am, NNW12m/s at 6:30, Kamui cape NNE7m/s at 6am, 1010hPa, 2.1m waves. The atmospheric pressure gradient is large, a strong storm with heavy snowfall persisted until dawn, generating large development of snowdrifts and cornices. The wind has started to settle down, however the avalanche risk in the leeward snowdrift slopes is extremely high. Gates will be kept closed regardless of chair-lift operations. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Accidents often happen just after storms. Many of the avalanche accidents in the out of bounds area happened in easily accessible hazardous slopes around the ski resorts. Gates opening/closing are managed in order to minimize the risks of accidents. The snow might be good, but it is still too risky to open the gates at this stage. DO NOT duck ropes and traverse to Osawa cornice slopes or Higashi-One area. Large crown & fast running surface slab slides are to be expected in leeward steep slopes & valleys. Be extremely careful. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 330cm Base - 130cm Niseko Village: Top - 270cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 230cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Sunday 18th January 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 731cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 182cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 758cm Posted on Tuesday 20th January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A cold start to the morning here in Hirafu. 15cm of fresh on the ground but it's not snowing just right now. In fact, once again there's a bit of sun peeping through the clouds from time to time. There's a general heavy snow warning out for the area though, so the clouds coming in from the north are expected to bring some more snow with them... especially later on today. Stronger winds are expected as well later on, so get wrapped up and fingers crossed that they don't mess with the lifts. Forecasts says a good chance of some sunshine tomorrow but a return to snowy conditions sometime on Thursday. --- Time for a quick look at some numbers and how January is stacking up. Last season as of the end of January this is what I observed in my reports: 461cm snowfall in January 2014 859cm snowfall since the beginning of the season Today, the same numbers are: 209cm snowfall in January 2015 (up until 20th) 758cm snowfall since the beginning of the season (up until 20th) Still got over 10 days left, so let's see how that goes. Of course, while these are my observations and from the same place, it's not meant to be a scientific study! Just my humble and honest observations. JMA recorded 317cm in the month of January 2014 in Kutchan town; today that number is on 162cm. We'll revist all of those at the end of the month. --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. 'Early Morning' lift available daily until 1st February (for 500 yen, Ace Quad Number 2 lift from 8am until 8:20am). Niseko Hanazono: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. Niseko Village: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. 'Early Morning Gondola' available Saturdays and Sundays until February 8th (for 1300 yen, Gondola open from 7:30am until 8:30am). Niseko Annupuri: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -7C, 20cm of crushed crystal snow in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: WNW15m/s, -13C, 30cm of snowfall with development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: NW20m/s, -13C, large development of snowdrifts. Hirafu peak ridge: NNW20m/s, -15C, extensive development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW20m/s, Kamui cape W11m/s, 1012hPa, 2.3m waves. The wind & snowfall picked up from 3am and made snowdrifts develop drastically around cornice slopes and open steep slopes above 800m. The avalanche risk is rising accordingly and the peak gates will be closed. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Many accidents occur in poor weather. Niseko community respects the freedom of skiers/snowboarders, but is also concerned about their safety. The Niseko Rules have been determined based on numerous past accidents and it is all locals’ and visitors’ duty to follow those Rules; regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender, experience or knowledge level. Wouldn’t it be foolish prejudice to be respecting western Rules but disregarding Local Rules? The resort welcomes all visitors, but will take a firm stand against violators. Accommodations should also be more concerned about the situation, as it would lead to the detriment of their reputation. The snow in the trees is in good shape. Be respectful and ride with good sense to the local community. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 360cm Base - 150cm Niseko Village: Top - 270cm Base - 180cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 240cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 20th January 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 758cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 209cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 773cm Posted on Wednesday 21st January 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello from Niseko, and good morning to you all. Another 15cm this morning. It seems to the fashionable number of late! There was some snow falling earlier on but it's not now and I can see more blue sky once again over the mountain. Looking over towards Mt Yotei, that lovely mountain has a big dark grey cloud over it's summit at the moment but the sun is managing to shine through to the side making for some dramatic scenery. It's a cold morning. Bit of sun, bit of blue sky, cloud, flurries of snow at times. Mixed bunch of conditions expected this morning. More snow clouds moving in tomorrow. --- Excite resort news! The King Pair Number 1 lift started operating yesterday. Welcome to the season, lazy bones! Here's what Niseko Grand Hirafu says - 'we’re very sorry that lift operation has started late this year due to a delay in the system required for safe operation'. Still seems a bit odd to me (and it still leaves the King Number 2 not moving), but there you go... I'm happy that it's moving. Perhaps they can get working on the system required for the safe operation of King Number 2 too! ;) The King Pair Number 1 lift will be doing it's thing from 10am until 4pm every day until 22nd March. --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. 'Early Morning' lift available daily until 1st February (for 500 yen, Ace Quad Number 2 lift from 8am until 8:20am). Niseko Hanazono: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. Niseko Village: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. 'Early Morning Gondola' available Saturdays and Sundays until February 8th (for 1300 yen, Gondola open from 7:30am until 8:30am). Niseko Annupuri: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -6C, 20cm snowfall in 12 hours, calm. Moiwa 800m: NE breeze, -7C, 20cm snowfall. Annupuri 1150m: N8m/s, -10C, 20cm snowfall. Hirafu ridge: mild wind, 20cm snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW12m/s, Kamui cape SW10m/s, 1026hPa, 1.5m waves. A high-pressure system is flowing over the western Sea of Japan and the weather is ameliorating. According to observations and snowfall transition, the snowpack is settling down and the general avalanche risk is lowering. Peak gates are scheduled to open. Please follow the ski patrol’s instruction and step out of the gates. Wind-affected steep slopes, such as 1100m Kozan no sawa (Backbowl) sidewalls, Osawa cornice slopes and Higashi-One, are still unstable and should be avoided during the morning. Riding stimulation could lead to failure of deeper weak layers and trigger an avalanche. Relatively high risks also remain in Mikaeri bowl during the morning. Slides in tight gullies would easily bury a person deep down at the bottom. Consequences can be big. Avoid staying put at the bottom of the valleys and carefully choose your touring route. Better start from slopes close to the gates. Have you switched your avalanche transceiver on? Avalanche safety equipments aren’t fashion accessories, it’s good to have them, but need to be familiar with their functions as the time will come without warning. Pretty good conditions today. Be safe and have a nice day. Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 21st January 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 773cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 47 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 224cm 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