Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 24cm Snowfall at base this season 484cm Posted on Friday 15th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here My oh my, we really are enjoying a superb patch right now, aren't we? There's 24cm of beautiful fresh new snowfall piled up round the back of my place this morning after the impressive snow that we had yesterday. Given that the mountain is often thought to get up to one and a half the amount we get here in the village area, that means we can very probably expect 30-35cm up there this morning. Out of duty I think I will have to force myself to make my way up there this morning right after posting this report, just so that I can check for myself and confirm. I already have most of my gear on! It's the kind of morning that I love as well. The sun is out and there's increasingly more blue sky as well. A beautiful morning... in so many ways. Niseko Grand Hirafu today breaks the 3m barrier for official snow depth up top. And oh yes, snowfall still on the forecast every day over the next week with some sun still a possibility on Sunday. Hurray! --- How many of you felt the earthquake yesterday at 12:31pm? It was quite a bit one as well - magnitude 6.7. The biggest shaking was felt in eastern parts of Hakodate city and along the coastline to the south east of Sapporo. Parts of Sapporo got a fair shake too. Here in the Niseko region a 'shindo 3' was recorded. The Japanese 'shindo' seismic intensity scale is actually very interesting and gives you a much better idea of how an earthquake affects people in different places on the ground rather than the simple magnitude number. It is measured in units which basically describe the degree of shaking at a point on the ground. Shindo 1 is a bit of wobble and some people might not notice it. The strongest Shindo 7 is a violent, destructive and terrifying earthquake. Wikipedia explains shindo 3 as being 'felt by most to all people indoors - some people are frightened' and 'objects inside rattle noticeably and can fall off tables'. Shindo 3 isn't destructive at all and so there were no problems here that I am aware of. Anyway, nothing to worry about. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -8℃, 30cm snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -10℃, E5m/s, 40cm of wind-compacted snow. Mikaeri 740m: NW8m/s at 4am, 40cm snowfall with development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -13℃, 50cm wind-affected slabs/ Hirafu 1000m: -10℃, mild wind, 30cm snowfall. Coastal data; Benkei cape S3m/s, Kamui cape ENE4m/s, 1014hPa, 1.5m waves. Heavy snowfall continued in the western areas above 800m until late night and snowdrifts have largely developed, however the wind calmed down after 1am and no real snowfall since then. Looking at the weather transition and snow observations, the snowpack is stabilizing and the overall avalanche hazard level is lowering, however risk remains high in leeside slopes above 1000m. Stay away from Osawa (Annupuri bowl) cornice/knolls and Higashi-One (East ridge above Hanazono) cornices/knolls. 50cm thick slab slides are still highly likely to occur. The snow is deep, beware of being stuck. Good idea to carry snowshoes/skins. Peak gates will open, please follow the patrol’s instructions. The snow is wind-affected, bit heavy, good consistency. Beware of collisions and cracks. Most accidents can be avoided by being prudent. Have a great day! --- Official resort snow depths as of Friday 15th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 310cm Base - 130cm Niseko Village Top - 230cm Base - 130cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 200cm Base - 140cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 15th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 484cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 35 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (26th and 28th December) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 179cm 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 17cm Snowfall at base this season 501cm Posted on Saturday 16th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Hirafu base here in Niseko. What a truly wonderful day yesterday was. The sun was out in the morning and there were lovely clear blue skies. It was good and cold. There were excellent deep snow conditions (I usually try to avoid that word, but I really could not think of another that fit better!) And then later on in the day the snow clouds came back and started to give us yet another refresh. So this morning my measure of the new snow is 17cm. I see that the Avalanche Report below is showing 20-30cm as well which is great to hear. Once again it's top quality stuff as well, dry and light, just how we like it. See if you can make a snowball out of it! This morning it has been snowing (again) though it is actually quite bright as I write this and I can see some blue skies over to the east and Mt Yotei. The sun seems to be breaking through in places too. --- I have observed 197cm of fresh snowfall here since the beginning of January, and over 504cm of snowfall since the season began. With the forecast still showing lots of snow over the coming week, it looks like we are very likely going to be easily 'beating' the snowfall I observed last January (which was 257cm). Perhaps we might even start to catch up on the total for the season even with our late start. Those of you who picked to come to Niseko around now... Congratulations! I hope it continues so that all of you folk coming soon can also experience these conditions. Have a great weekend wherever you may be. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -8℃, 30cm of crystal snow and calm morning. Moiwa 800m: -12℃, mild wind, 20cm of new snow and no development of snowdrifts. Mikaeri 740m: -10.8℃, Southerly0.8m/s, 30cm snowfall. Annupuri 1150m: -13℃, NW8m/s, 20cm snowfall. Hirafu 1000m: -12℃, 15cm snowfall, no development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW14m/s, Kamui cape W10m/s, 1015hPa, 1.1m waves. The isobars are spaced out and the weather is calm. A NW wind is predicted to pick up in higher elevation. The overall snowdrift development is minimal and the mountain is blanketed with 20-30cm of fresh snow. Jan 15th layer would become a notable layer in the future snowpack. Layer observations and snowdrifts development are key features for avalanche prediction. Avalanches in Niseko are typically triggered by collapse of developing snowdrifts, and become an incident when people are caught in it. Peak gates are scheduled to open. Ask the patrol’s feedback before stepping out. Gate 7 (A-sawa) & 9 (Waterfall) are also scheduled to open today. Beware not to fall into creeks. This information is released for the sake of all ski resort user’s safety in the out of bounds area. Carrying avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe) may not be compulsory, but is strongly recommended to do so. Have a nice day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 16th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 320cm Base - 150cm Niseko Village Top - 240cm Base - 140cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 200cm Base - 150cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 16th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 501cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 36 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (26th and 28th December) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 196cm 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 23cm Snowfall at base this season 445cm Posted on Wednesday 13th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here And it most certainly is a very good morning with a lovely 23cm of fresh dry and light snowfall to report to you from here at base. That might be 30+cm higher up. Nice. And it is continuing to snow as well and coming down at quite the rate as well at the moment. The Niseko Grand Hirafu resort are now just 5cm off hitting an official upper mountain snow depth of 3m, not that official snow depths are quite as important as the fresh snow that we receive each day. If I were so inclined just around now would be around the time when I'd be bringing out the clichéd and cheesy adjectives to describe conditions! :) Yes, things are going very well indeed and the folk lining up for those first lifts of the day must be very excited about what's just ahead of them. Unfortunately, top lifts were affected by strong wind and poor visibility across the mountain from around mid-morning yesterday, but while it continues to snow and visibility will probably be limited up there this morning it seems that wind is not going to be a factor this morning. As we all know though, that can change quickly. Is that actually a break from snowfall I see on the forecast for around Sunday, and appropriately maybe a bit of sun? It might be (though it's probably back to snowfall from Monday). Until then we can expect further snow every day through until Saturday. I think we all love those beautiful clear sunny days and in a period like this we don't get that many here, so they are to be treasured. Having said that, it would almost be a shame for the consistent daily snowfall to take a break. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -9°, 20cm new crystal snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -12°, wind NW8m/s, 20cm new snowfall, cornice and snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -10.4°, wind SSE0.9m/s, 40cm new snowfall. Hirafu 1000m: -12°, light winds, 20cm new snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NW 16m/s,. Kamui Cape WSW 13m/s, 1010hPa, wave 2.1m. Currently the pressure gradient is shallow and with the approaching low pressure system crystal snow is falling. There has been minor cornice and snowdrift development and propagation from impact is not carrying a great distance. From observation and data analysis, general avalanche risk is low. All gates are expected to be open. Please follow the patrols instructions. Be careful of sudden changes in the weather. The Moiwa to Annupuri via Mikaeri Ridge trail is now completed. This route is managed and maintained and by The Niseko Avalanche Institute for the purpose of snow research, by the Institute, and where necessary to, aid in rescues. During these times the route will be closed to the public Please take care over estimating your speed and hitting trees. Snow conditions are fantastic, have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 13th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 295cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 210cm Base - 120cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 180cm Base - 120cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 13th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 445cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 33 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (26th and 28th December) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 140cm reported on 12 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 536cm Posted on Wednesday 20th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning from Hirafu where there's just 1cm of new snowfall to report to you this morning. We were expecting and hoping for more, but shall try to not be too greedy. Yesterday wind messed around with top lifts, with the Niseko Annupuri resort only ending up opening up late morning with the Jumbo 1, 2 and 3 lifts eventually moving by noon. Other top lifts were affected through the day as well. So how will today turn out? Unfortunately it looks like there's going to be less lifts open than yesterday at the beginning of the day. The Niseko Annupuri lifts will all be closed again due to the strong winds up to 20m/s over there on their upper slopes, and it's lower lifts only at Niseko Village and Niseko Grand Hirafu. The two lower quads at Hanazono are set to be both operating, but the top lift won't be. It's not the best of news for today and somewhat challenging conditions if you decide to get out there. It doesn't feel particularly cold down here in the village but with the wind conditions I would think it will feel mighty cold if you get on the lifts. Snow is forecast for the day today though and with less wind likely (hopefully!), conditions should be good tomorrow morning. --- Resort specific lift opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu Just lower lifts open at the start of the day - Ace Family, Ace Number 1, King Number 1 and Holiday Number 1 pair. Gondola and other lifts not operating. Niseko HANAZONO Resort The Hanazono 1 and 2 lifts are operating, but the top Hanazono Number 3 lift is not starting the day. Niseko Village The lower Community, Banzai and Morino lifts plan to start the day but the Niseko Gondola and top Wonderland Chair not operating. Niseko Annupuri All lifts not operating at the start of the day due to strong winds. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -4℃, strong northerly wind, light snowfall with snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m: -10℃, E15m/s, no snowfall but large development of snowdrifts. Mikaeri 740m: -6.7℃, W9m/s, development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -8℃, NW20-27m/s. Hirafu 1000m: -13℃, strong NE wind with large development of snowdrifts. Benkei cape: ENE17m/s, Kamui cape: E6m/s, 1003hPa, 5.5m waves. Although new snowfall is scarce, the strong easterly wind has developed new snowdrifts all around the mountain. SW facing slopes of the valleys are covered with wind-packed snowdrifts forming unstable slabs. The wind is forecasted to shift west and the snowfall will also pick up as it does. The avalanche risk in steep slopes, knolls, under lifts and under cornices above 600m elevation is high. Gates 1 & 5 as well as all peak gates will be shut. Refrain from ducking ropes. Avalanche accidents mostly occur during and just after storms. Going to an onsen and relax until the storm calms down is recommended for today. The visibility is poor on and off the mountain, pleaser be careful on the road and drive safe. If your car happen to get stuck in a blizzard, it is best to turn the engine off and wait for rescue. Have a nice day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 20th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 300cm Base - 130cm Niseko Village Top - 260cm Base - 150cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 230cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 20th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 536cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 39 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 231cm reported on 18 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 14cm Snowfall at base this season 550cm Posted on Thursday 21st January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Yesterday the Niseko Annupuri resort area did actually manage to get their Jumbo Number 1 quad operating late on in the afternoon, but it was generally a day of strong winds and lots of lift disruptions unfortunately. Today will hopefully be much better in that respect... There's a new 14cm of fresh snowfall to report to you this morning. The other good news is that there is much less wind around this morning (always good to hear that), or there certainly seems less down here in the village. I note that the Avalanche Report is saying there's still some strong winds above 800m, but it looks like the lifts at all four resort areas are going to be opening as planned this morning. Fingers crossed it stays that way. (Update since I started making this report: It seems the opening of the top lifts at Hirafu is questionable... doh!) It is just cloudy at the moment but snow could be falling any time as those clouds are still hanging around and due to be with us into the weekend. It does look like any deliveries of snow we get will be more modest than heavy snow, and there's a chance of some clearer skies as well particularly on Saturday. Anyway keep an eye on the weather forecast (link below) for all of that. --- Resort specific lift opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu Top Ace Number 4, King Number 4 and King Number 3 lifts may not be opening as planned. Niseko HANAZONO Resort It seems Niseko Hanazono is opening as normal. Niseko Village Niseko Gondola and Wonderland chair may be late getting going due to some early morning maintenance and checks (or something). Niseko Annupuri It seems Niseko Annupuri is opening as normal. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -5℃, 10cm snowfall, small development of snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: W10m/s, 20cm snowfall and snowdrifts development. Mikaeri 740m: -7.6℃, W7.1m/s, 50cm new snow and development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -11℃, NW10m/s, 50cm snowdrifts. Hirafu 1000m: -12℃, no snowfall but snowdrifts development. Benkei cape: N11m/s, Kamui cape: N11m/s, 1014hPa, 3.2m waves. The wind remains strong above 800m elevation and snowdrifts are continuing to develop. 80cm thick slabs are present and growing in knoll terrain above 800m elevation. The avalanche risk is high this morning, especially in upper parts, knolls and cornice slopes with heavy load of wind-affected snowdrifts. Peak gates opening is still undecided, please respect the patrol’s decision. Many of the accidents occur during and just after storms. Avalanches are natural phenomena; in Niseko, most of them are caused by collapsing unstable snowdrifts. Do not drop into snowdrift loaded slopes. Accidents can be averted by avoiding hazardous slopes. The snow in the trees is a bit shallow but in good shape, beware of tomahawking into hidden pockets of heavy snowdrifts. Avalanche mechanism related experiments are in operation around the Mikaeri cat track, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 21st January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 300cm Base - 120cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 240cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 21st January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 550cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 40 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 245cm reported on 19 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 535cm Posted on Tuesday 19th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here The day started off seemingly fairly calm yesterday morning, but unfortunately by mid morning there were some lift disruptions due to windy conditions. First to be stopped was the top King Number 3 at Niseko Grand Hirafu as early as 9am, and then by 10:30am all of the top lifts at each of the four resort areas were not moving, with the Annupuri Gondola and Jumbo Number 3 lifts also finishing their day by early afternoon. I have just 3cm of new snowfall to report to you this morning since yesterday. It is not as cold as it has been this morning but there are windy conditions on mountain from the start of the day. Niseko Annupuri are reporting northerly winds of up to 19m/s on their upper slopes. From the start of the day the top lifts at all areas but Hanazono are waiting on conditions and the peak gates will be closed. As mentioned in the Avalanche Report this morning we should expect conditions to be somewhat different from the last few days with the wind blowing the snow around and snowdrifts. Extra care is needed. We can probably expect a similar picture tomorrow morning as well by the way. This storm is so far bringing us here in Niseko less snow and just strong wind - where's the fun in that? - but it is great to see that lots of other ski resort areas of Japan have been getting some decent snow. Those scenes looked more like the usual scenes we see each winter, rather than all this talk of lack of snow. Let's hope that it continues. Oh yes, and more snow up here too please. I know, I'm greedy. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -5℃, light snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -6℃, E10m/s, snowdrifts development. Mikaeri 740m: -5.5℃, NW12.1m/s, large snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: E23m/s. Hirafu 1000m: -6℃, NE10m/s, snowdrifts development. Benkei cape: ESE7m/s, Kamui cape ESE4m/s, 998hPa, 1.9m waves. The mountain base is relatively calm. Snowfall is scarce but a strong easterly wind is blowing above 800m, drifting snow and growing packed snowdrifts. Cornices and snowdrifts in knolls will drastically develop as the day goes by and the avalanche risk will rise accordingly. Be careful as heavy snowdrifts are also present inbounds. Snowdrifts growth depends on the windspeed; the stronger the wind, the faster they grow, and fast growing snowdrifts are the most unstable, easily collapsing with the slightest stimulations, triggering larger avalanches as they slide. Today’s snow is totally different from yesterday’s. Be prudent and plan according to the conditions. Peak gates will be closed today. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions and do not duck ropes to step out of bounds. The snow will be better soon. --- Official resort snow depths as of Tuesday 19th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 340cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village Top - 260cm Base - 150cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 230cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 19th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 535cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 38 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 230cm reported on 17 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 16cm Snowfall at base this season 592cm Posted on Wednesday 27th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning, and I have a decent amount of fresh snow to report this morning... a good 16cm of it observed by myself and the Avi report mentioning up to 30cm of fresh up there. Nice. And the regular snowfall should continue through at least into next week. This morning there's lots of cloud around but some blue sky as well. Perhaps snowfall arriving overnight tonight - just how it should be! Should be a good morning. --- Soon after my report went up yesterday, it seems that wind had it's own ideas and was causing problems with summit lifts. The top lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri were quite quickly put on hold due to wind and apparently poor visibility; to be joined by the Niseko Gondola early afternoon and then the top Niseko Hanazono lift mid afternoon. Oh dear, so much for all being open! Sorry about that - all was looking 'normal' with the information I had available when I was preparing the report. As the Avalanche Report noted so well in the same report, 'be aware of a sudden change in the weather and bad visibility'. It can and does happen. --- It is interesting to see the large messages that are popping up on the Niseko United website and in other places at the moment. It seems that the resorts need to remind some people that season passes are not transferable and that they'll be doing more checks on them from now on - and cancelling any passes that are being used by anyone other than the original owner. Obviously there must have been more than a few instances of people passing around season passes. They have every right to not be happy if people are doing that - it's pretty clear that the passes are not transferable. Anyway, I can't remember seeing such a prominent message like that before so it looks like they are now taking action on it. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -4°C, 20cm new snow, minor snowdrift development, stormy. Moiwa 800m: -6°C, NW10m/s, 30cm new snow, snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: NNW10m/s, 30cm new snow, snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -8°C, W15m/s, 30cm new snow, poor visibility, snow drift development. Hirafu ridge line -8°C, blizzard conditions, 30cm new snow, snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NNW12m/s. Kamui Cape W9m/s, 1016hPa, wave 1.3m. Maritime and mountain data suggests the wind below 1000m is starting to drop, however above 1200m blizzard conditions will persist. From observation, around 800m western aspect knolls , 60cm new slabs have grown which will easily fracture from skier stimulation this morning. Peak gates opening times yet to be decided. Please listen to the patrols decisions. Do not ignore the rules and duck the ropes to go out of bounds. Most avalanches occur during and just after snowstorms. The newly developed slabs are unstable and will fracture easily. The frost layer formed from Jan 26 low pressure snowfall will become a weak layer in the future snowpack. Snow conditions change daily, today's avalanche conditions are higher than yesterday. Cautious behavior is prudent. Is your beacon turned on? Snow in the trees is reset and in great condition. --- Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 27th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 320cm Base - 130cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 260cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 27th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 592cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 43 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 287cm reported on 22 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 562cm Posted on Saturday 23rd January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko where the headline for the day is 12cm of fresh light snowfall round my place here near Hirafu base. Interestingly the Avalanche report (below) is reporting 20-40cm of snow on the mountain which I think definitely needs to be investigated first hand this morning. I will selflessly volunteer for such a job! It was a lovely day yesterday and there's lots of blue sky around this morning as well. There is more cloud around than yesterday and shadows being cast, but still the blue skies are generally winning out just at the moment. It is pretty calm here at base though I hear there's a moderate westerly wind as you get higher up the mountain. As of 8:30am though all of the resorts appear to be opening up as normal. We are told to expect the chance of some snow later on today - and regular top-ups through the coming week as well. What we can expect over the coming days still seems to be more a case of 'steady regular' than 'huge dumpage'. --- Niseko Grand Hirafu today have upped their snow depth for upper slopes to 315cm. Of more interest, as of yesterday I had recorded/observed more snowfall for the month of January 2016 than I did for the whole of December 2015. Today that January 2016 observed snowfall number for here at base rises to 257cm... which just so happens to be exactly the number that I recorded for the whole of January 2015 (last season). That means that any further snowfall we get this month will be more than January last season. We're still quite a ways behind the ongoing total for the season though. You can find these numbers lower down on this page. (If you are viewing this on the mobile site, please go to the PC version to see it all). --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -7°C, 20cm new snowfall, calm. Moiwa 800m: -10°C, NW8m/s, 30cm new snowfall. Mikaeri 740m: -9.7°C, light winds, 40cm new snow, no snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -13°C, NW13m/s, 40cm new snowfall. Hirafu 1000m: -10°C, NW10m/s, 30cm new snow, snowdrift development on eastern aspect.. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW10m/s. Kamui Cape SW8m/s, 1017hPa, wave 2.3m. A passing small low pressure system has dropped 30cm of crystal snow overnight. Above 1000m there is moderately strong NW wind and on leeward slopes snowdrifts are growing gradually. From data and observation general avalanche risk is low. All peak gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice before passing through gates. Take care in Higashi one(east ridge) area, the surface has been scoured by past wind and now covered by snowdrifts. The newly developed cornice will easily fracture which can trigger an avalanche below. Dont wait on steep leeward slopes or at the valley bottoms. Always be aware of avalanches from above. Snow around 800m is reset and the snow in the trees is very good. Do not overestimate your skills or equipment. Through caution and care avoid having an accident. --- Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 23rd January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 315cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 250cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 23rd January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 562cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 41 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 257cm reported on 20 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 14cm Snowfall at base this season 576cm Posted on Tuesday 26th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A very good morning to you from here near Hirafu base. I have 14cm of fresh snow to report here at base this morning with most of that was falling later on in the day yesterday and late night. Not bad! More please. (I always want more). First lifts should be good today and it looks like there are lots of people thinking the same too waiting for the lifts to start moving. Wind doesn't seem to be an issue this morning and so I expect the resorts to be opening as planned and gates are expected to be open. It is snowing as I write this and indeed the 6-day forecast has regular snow lined up each day so hopefully we will get the daily top-ups. --- It is Australia Day today and of course there are more than a handful of good Australian folk here in Niseko, either on holiday or working. No doubt there will be some fun celebrations as well, so I will see you in the bar tonight! --- A close friend mentioned to me last night that I'm still not half way through my daily reporting duties for the season (if you didn't know, I continue posting these reports every day right through until the end of the season in early May). It's pretty daunting when I think about it like that, just have to take it one day at a time. Help me out by keeping on reading even if your Niseko visit is over and done for the season, ok! Arigato. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -7°C, 15cm crystal snowfall, calm. Moiwa 800m: -8°C, W5m/s, 20cm new snow, minor snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -8.0°C, light winds, 30cm new snow. Annupuri 1150m: -9°C, W10-15m/s. Hirafu ridge line -10°C, w5m/s, 20cm new snow, minor snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:WNW14m/s. Kamui Cape SW14m/s, 1015hPa, wave 1.4m. Isobars are far apart and the weather is calm. Snow fell till around midnight and has settled till dawn. Leeward slopes are reset. From data and observation general avalanche risk is low. All peak gates are expected to be open. Please talk to the patrol before going out of bounds. It is possible the wind will pick up above 1000m with the passing of a low pressure trough. Be aware of a sudden change in the weather and bad visibility. Snow conditions above 1000m are crusty, snow in the trees is good. Do not enter Strictly Off Limits areas(Yu no Sawa, Haru no Taki). If you get caught you will loose your pass and you season will be finished. Respect and follow Niseko Rules. Your freedom and a minimum level of safety to ride out of bounds is protected by Niseko Rules. Have a safe day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Tuesday 26th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 310cm Base - 135cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 250cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 26th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 576cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 42 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 271cm reported on 21 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 593cm Posted on Thursday 28th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just a little bit of fresh snow at base since my last report, 1cm of it in fact. Wind caused some problems with lifts once again yesterday - early afternoon with the Gondola and two top lifts at Annupuri coming to a halt as well as the Niseko Gondola and top Wonderland lift at Niseko Village and the two top lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu. Just leave us alone wind, ok?! That's what I said yesterday, but it doesn't seem to be listening for now as at the start of the day top lifts at Hirafu, Village and Annupuri are at a standstill, as noted below. This morning light snow is falling and visibility seems fairly decent. The forecast is still telling us of regular snowfall on and off through the coming week, maybe more around Sunday than other days. ...and hopefully less wind! Naughty wind. --- Just a few more days left in January and so far for this month I have observed 288cm of snowfall here at base. 31cm more than January last year. The running total for the season so far is 596cm; at the end of January last year the running total for the season so far was 806cm. So we're currently just over 2m of snow behind where we were last season. One interesting thing is that if you look at the numbers you'll see that last season the snowfall was somewhat front-loaded with the most falling in December and then less each month from then on. Let's hope for a bumper February. I'll look back over the statistics once again once we get into February. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -5°C, trace new snow, minor snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m: -10°C, W8m/s, trace new snow, snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -8°C, SW3.7m/s, Annupuri 1150m: -11°C, W10m/s, poor visibility. Hirafu ridge line -12°C, W18m/s. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW15m/s. Kamui Cape WSW12m/s, 1020hPa, wave 2.1m. A steep atmospheric pressure gradient is producing a westerly wind 10-18m/s above 1000m. Although only a trace of snow has fallen, due to the strong wind there has been significant cornice and snowdrift development above 900m. Groomed runs higher on the mountain are hard. From observation Kozan no sawa(backbowl) side wall 1000m and Osawa SE side 1000-1100m, Higashi One (east ridge)1000m cornice slopes, the avalanche risk is high, surface slabs fracturing at about 50cm depth. Do not duck ropes to enter these areas. Gates 2,3 will be closed. Until the current weather system changes please be patient. Below 1000m don't carelessly ride open steep slopes, cornices, knoll terrain, you may have an accident. The snow in the trees is reset. Have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 28th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 320cm Base - 135cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 260cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 28th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 593cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 288cm reported on 23 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 599cm Posted on Friday 29th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning. It has been snowing lightly again here this morning though as I look outside the window it seems to have stopped for the moment. It's actually quite bright looking up towards the mountain... might it even clear up a bit today? Anyway, there's 6cm of fresh new snowfall here near base since my last report. It does feel colder out there this morning and the resorts are indeed reporting lower temperatures than yesterday and with the wind it'll probably feel very cold. Wind unfortunately continues to affect us I'm afraid. As of 8:30am, it looks like again we are going to be starting the day with top lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri not able to open as planned, though it's just the top lifts right now with all of the Gondolas operating. Please see the info below for the situation as it is right now. Snow is still expected on and off over the coming week, but tomorrow might well start off with some sunshine. Again, if the forecasts are correct I wouldn't expect heavy snow (best chance of decent snow looks like Sunday night) but rather modest amounts. It should be keeping cold through as we venture into February. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -8°C, 3cm new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m: -12°C, NNW10m/s, 15cm new snow, snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -11.6°C, SW1.0m/s, 25cm new snow, snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -15°C, NW20m/s, cornice and snowdrift development. Hirafu ridge line -15°C, strong wind, snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NNW14m/s. Kamui Cape WNW10m/s, 1026hPa, wave 2.1m. A strong westerly wind above 1100m from the high pressure system to the west is producing rapid cornice and snow drift development on leeward slopes. Osawa cornice slope 1000m, Kozan no sawa (backbowl) sidewall, Higashi One(east ridge) cornice slope and other steep leeward slopes the avalanche risk extremely high. Gates 2,3 will be closed. Gates 1,5,6 yet to be decided. Listen to the patrols advice. From observation leeward slopes below 800m are starting to stabilize, although cornice and knoll areas are still easily fracturing by ski stimulation. Do not enter these areas carelessly. When the atmospheric pressure gradient flattens out the wind will drop and slabs will stabilize. Don't over estimate your skills or knowledge, make prudent safe decisions. This information is issued to aid in accident prevention. Your freedom to ride out of bounds will be protected if you follow the Niseko Rules. Be careful of frostbite. Use caution to avoid accidents. --- Official resort snow depths as of Friday 29th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 320cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 270cm Base - 150cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 29th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 599cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 45 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 294cm reported on 24 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 600cm Posted on Saturday 30th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is a lovely morning here in Niseko. I think I said there was a chance of a sunny start to the day in the report yesterday. And so it is, big time! It is really very cold as well this morning, down into minus double digits here at base. But that won't stop people from wanting to get up out there as early as possible. With little wind to mess things about today (hurray!), all of the resorts are be planning on having all of the lifts moving as normal as normal - though just at the moment the Ace Number 2 Center Quad at Niseko Grand Hirafu seems to have a few early morning issues and is being delayed much to the dismay of the people lining up for it, who are currently being re-directed to the nearby Ace Number 1 lift. Let's hope they get that fixed quickly. Just 1cm of snow since yesterday so no deep fresh out there this morning but the weather should make up for that. The groomed runs all look very neat and tidy ready to be messed up! The clear blue skies might not last the day and it's forecast to be cloudy but we probably can't expect much snow before the end of tomorrow, so maybe that's our lot for January. It's going to be a busy one today. Take care and have fun. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -12°C, no new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m: -15°C, light winds, minor snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -13.4°C, W0.2m/s, Annupuri 1150m: -13°C, light winds, trace new snow. Hirafu 1000m -15°C, light winds, minor snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:S3m/s. Kamui Cape NE3m/s, 1023hPa, wave 1.1m. Under the influence of high pressure area, both the sea and mountains are calm. Following inspection of Higashi One area, peak gates 2,3 will be opened. Kozan no sawa (backbowl) sidewall, Osawa cornice 1100m, snowdrift stabilization is delayed and from observation surface slab fractures 40cm depth are likely to occur. Today there will be many mountain users, don't downplay the dangers on the mountain. Carelessly starting an avalanche could take out many people below you in the valleys. Snow in the forest is good, although take care with your route finding. Don't traverse cornice slopes or knolls just to get where you want to go. Niseko mountain management and the Avalanche Institute spend a lot of energy balancing providing a minimum level of safety and the freedom to ride out of bounds for all mountain users. If you are riding out of bounds there is a strong expectation on you to have consideration for the safety of other mountain users. Please listen to the patrols advice before exiting the gates. Have a great day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 30th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 320cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 270cm Base - 150cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 30th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 600cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 295cm reported on 25 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