Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 25cm Snowfall at base this season 565cm Posted on Friday 10th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here More snow once again this morning from Hirafu and this time it's 25cm. It's a very cold morning here. -8 degrees at base now, and resorts reporting temperatures of down to -17 degrees (Annupuri) this morning. There's a moderate wind this morning which is causing just a few issues at the moment - the King Number 3 at Grand Hirafu is on hold and the Gondola at Niseko Village is operating at a reduced speed as are the quads over at Hanazono. Other than that the lifts seem to be open as normal for now. Oh yes... it's snowing, and will continue snow and continue to be cold. From tomorrow (11th January) until 2nd February, at Niseko Grand Hirafu the Ace Number 2 Center Four quad lift will be opening at an earlier time for their 'Early Morning' service. Time is 8am until 8:20am and it costs an additional 500 yen - unfortunately you can't use season tickets or normal lift tickets for this service. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -8C, 15cm of crushed-crystal snow in the past 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: WNW15m/s, -14C, 20cm of crushed-crystal with snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: NW15m/s, -16C, 20cm of fresh with snowdrift development, 200cm snowpack. Annupuri peak 1308m: WNW10m/s, -18℃. Forecasted wind at noon: NW20m/s. Hirafu 1000m: -14C, 30cm of fresh with snowdrifts development. Coastal data: Benkei capeNNW15m/s, Kamui capeW12m/s, 2.2m waves, 1013hPa. Wintry pressure pattern is generating stormy conditions. Snowdrifts are developing fast, up 150cm in leeward knolls above 800m. According to snowfall transition, observations and data evaluation, the avalanche risk is high from the morning. Peak gates will be closed. Other gates opening will depend on ski patrol’s judgment. Better not stimulate cornices and knolls today, a 30-70cm thick surface slab avalanche is to be highly considered in typical avalanche terrains, such as 800m Osawa cornice slopes and Mikaeri bowl. Storms generate thick and heavy slabs of dense snow due to wind-drift accumulation. Rapidly forming snowdrift slabs are extremely unstable in the wind, could collapse with the slightest stimulation and trigger a large surface slab slide. Better not step out of bounds today. The snow in the trees is heavy and deep, but good fun. Beware of frostbite. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 330cm Base - 165cm Niseko Village: Top - 240cm Base - 170cm Annupuri: Top - 205cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 10th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 565cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 41 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 167cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 540cm Posted on Thursday 9th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another 10cm here in Hirafu this morning. Even when it gets milder up here, the snow never seems to be far away in season! One of the things to surely love about Niseko. Anyway, it is colder this morning and it's set to get colder still over the next few days. Snowfall is forecast right through until next week as well so we should be seeing regular topups. Hopefully the wind will behave I hope you can be here to enjoy it. Remember to wrap up well! --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -7C, 5cm of dry snow flakes. Moiwa 800m: -10C, 10cm of fresh and light development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -12C, NNE8m/s, moderate development of snowdrifts. Annupuri peak 1308m: NNW7.6m, -14C. Wind forecast at noon: NW15m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW8m/s, Kamui cape: NW8m/s, 1.6m waves, 1009hPa. Snowpack at Mizuno no sawa knoll: 280cm. Significant cold air-mass is approaching and will make snow & wind pick up later today. General avalanche risk remains low this morning; however will rise from higher altitude slopes as the snowdrifts start to develop. Peak gate will open from the morning. Pay attention to the ski patrol’s advices and make sure to carry backcountry safety equipment when stepping out of bounds. Beware of sudden weather changes. Do not forget that outside the gates is outside resort management. Cornice slopes above 1200m, such as the Backbowl’s sidewalls, should be avoided today as slides from Jan 7th layer are to be expected. Most avalanche accidents are caused by fractures of developing snowdrifts (surface slabs). Niseko terrain is generally gentle, however avalanche accidents do happen if the conditions are right. Please do respect the Niseko Rules to protect the freedom and safety of resort-access backcountry skiing. Do not duck ropes. Mizuno no sawa educational program is starting from today. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 320cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village: Top - 230cm Base - 160cm Annupuri: Top - 200cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Thursday 9th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 540cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 40 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 142cm 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 25cm Snowfall at base this season 615cm Posted on Sunday 12th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another 25cm of snow since yesterday. I'm sure I said that yesterday. Yes, I did. But it's true, as the snow just doesn't seem to want to stop at the moment. Good snow wants to fall on Niseko! There's not as much wind this morning but later on stronger winds forecast. Snow is still falling and visibility is generally fairly poor. Apart from the top lifts at Grand Hirafu and the Jumbo Number 4 lit at Annupuri having a late start as they cope with snow, all lifts plan to be running as scheduled. Let's look at the numbers and see what they say. Today Niseko Grand Hirafu is reporting 175cm at base and 360cm on upper areas. The same day last year those numbers were 200cm and 380cm respectively. So actually a bit less than last year. In our Now report on January 12th 2013 we were reporting a running total of 756cm of snowfall since the beginning of the season. Today that same number for this season is 615cm. The Japan Meteorological Agency's numbers for Kutchan town for January 2013 were 268cm. So far this month we have 134cm and so we're half way there in 12 days. December 2013 saw less snowfall than December 2012 and so it would be good to 'catch up'. Just for the sake of the numbers! Whatever the numbers are, continued snow refreshes are making for excellent conditions every day. Take care out there and have fun. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -8C, 20cm of fresh. Moiwa 800m: -11C, NW10m/s, 30cm of fresh, large & unstable development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: NW15m/s, -14C, 40cm snow, large development of unstable cornices and snowdrifts. Annupuri peak: W8m/s, -15℃. Wind forecast at noon: WNW20m/s. Hirafu 12hours snowfall 40cm. Coastal data: Benkei cape WNW10m/s, Kamui cape W9m/s, 2m waves, 1016hPa. The isobars are spacing out as the next low-pressure system is approaching, and the wind is stagnating around 10m/s since 2am. However, the wind is forecasted to pick up later today. The avalanche risk is high above 800m. Possibilities of 80-120cm thick surface slab avalanches are present in the Backbowl, Osawa 1100m cornice slopes, Higashi-One cornice slopes and Mikaeri Bowl. Gate 2 & 3 will be kept closed today. Gate 1 & 4 are scheduled to open, however traversing all the way across to the cornices is strongly not recommend. Very hazardous conditions today. Other gates still to be determined, please respect the ski patrol’s decisions. The mountain is in unstable conditions due to the continuing storm; keep in mind that accidents are most likely to occur during and just after storms. Beware of sudden weather changes, stay humble and be prudent. Have you switched your avy beacon on? --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 360cm Base - 175cm Niseko Village: Top - 250cm Base - 180cm Annupuri: Top - 220cm Base - 190cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Sunday 12th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 615cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 43 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 217cm 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 25cm Snowfall at base this season 590cm Posted on Saturday 11th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here First the great news. Another 25cm of snow since yesterday. Yes, it just keeps on coming. And so do the cold temperatures, so snow conditions out on the mountain are just really great at the moment. Less great is that wind is causing a few issues this morning - at Annupuri the Gondola, Jumbo 3 and 4 lifts are not moving at the moment; at Niseko Village the Gondola is on hold; and here at Grand Hirafu the top lifts at both Hirafu and Hanazono are on standby. Subject to change of course with the weather conditions. Fingers crossed on that score. One more thing that I think I forgot to mention yesterday. Today and tomorrow are the weekend of course, but in Japan Monday is also a holiday making it a long weekend and one of the more popular 'ski weekends' of the season with Japanese. So it will be - and is already - busy. Without wanting to sound repetitive, the snow should continue today and tomorrow and probably Monday too. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -10C, 30cm of fresh snow. Moiwa 800m: NW15m/s, -13C, 20cm of fresh snow with heavy development of snowdrifts, bad visibility. Annupuri 1000m: strong wind and bad visibility (6am), -11C, 20cm of fresh with snowdrift development. Hirafu1000m: 30cm of fresh, relatively protected from the wind. Annupuri peak 1308m: NW14.8m/s, -17.3C. Wind frecast at noon: NW18m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW16m/s, Kamui cape WNW12m/s, 2.4m waves, 1018hPa. Snowstrom is persisting and generating heavy snowdrift development. The avalanche hazard is extreme in 800m leeward steep slopes. Peak gates will be closed. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Heavy snowfall and the new snowpack is deep and heavy. Cornices and knolls are extremely unstable. Do not stimulate these features. Avalanches are most likely to occur during stormy conditions. The snow in the trees is deep and good, but also easy to get stuck, stay close to the course. Beware of tumbles and suffocation. The snow condition is ever changing. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 340cm Base - 170cm Niseko Village: Top - 250cm Base - 180cm Annupuri: Top - 205cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Saturday 11th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 590cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 42 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 192cm 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 645cm Posted on Monday 13th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Mad snow at the moment in Niseko. On the mountain yesterday there was considerably more than the amount we had noted down here in the village area, and it just kept on coming with heavy snow conditions. This morning there's yet another 30cm or so here, so let's presume that there was once again more up on the mountain. Let's forget about the fine details of numbers though... it's simply very deep out there at the moment. We're at that point when some of people are wishing for the snow to stop and for the sun to come out - these kinds of conditions every day are not for everyone. It's also extremely cold this morning. A moderate wind doesn't seem to be affecting lifts too much, with just a few running at reduced speed as I write this report. Limited visibility as you might expect. So it's full on winter conditions - so go out prepared. Read the Avalanche Report and stay safe. Most of all, enjoy it! We might see a slight let up tomorrow but generally we still have snow forecast every day into the weekend. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -12C, 20cm of broken crystal snow in the past 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: -13C, strong NW wind with snowdrift development, bad visibility. Annupuri 1150m: -16C, considerable development of cornice and snowdrifts. Peak 1308m: NW14.1m/s, -18.1℃. Wind forecast at noon: NW18m/s. Hirafu 1000m: 80cm snowfall in 12 hours with development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNW13m/s, Kamui cape NNW10m/s, 1.5m waves, 1014hPa. Snowclouds are still widely present over the Sea of Japan and stormy condition continues. According to snowfall transition and data evaluation, the overall avalanche risk is high. Refrain from stimulating knolls and open steep slopes. An avalanche occurred in Higashi-One no.3 gully yesterday, ripping the skis off a skier. The cornices are still very unstable & heavy, and can easily burry a person if falling with it. Snow is deep in the trees as well, boarders should consider carrying snowshoes. Gates 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 will be closed. Keep in mind that accidents often happen during poor weather conditions. Be prudent. The conditions will turn better soon. Better not push it too hard today, go for a quick ride and better go chill out in an onsen. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 370cm Base - 200cm Niseko Village: Top - 290cm Base - 210cm Annupuri: Top - 235cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Monday 13th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 645cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 35cm (14th, 15th and 24th December) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 247cm 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 700cm Posted on Wednesday 15th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here So after I posted the report yesterday morning the clouds did clear up and the sun did make an appearance. For a short time at least, it was blue skies and sun along with cold conditions. Beautiful. And those superb snow conditions...! The clear skies didn't last long though, evidence being the 15cm of fresh snowfall to report from Hirafu this morning. It continues to snow early this morning as well and that's basically what is forecast for the day today. Though there is a chance of the clouds clearing up some during the day as well. Whatever, it looks like the continued heavy snowfall we have had over the last week or so though is easing off. Even so, the snow clouds probably won't ever be too far away and it should be keeping good and cold. Top gates should be open this morning. More on that below... --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -8C, 15cm of crystal snow in the past 12 hours. Miwa 800m: -11C, W10m/s, 20cm of fresh, good visibility. Annupuri 1150m: -13C, W10m/s, 20cm of fresh, moderate development of snowdrift. Hirafu 1000m: -11C, 20cm of fresh. Peak 1308m: WSW4.5m/s, -16℃, wind forecast at noon: W15m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape WNW8m/s, Kamui cape W11m/s, 1.6m waves, 1023hPa. Calm conditions under high-pressure zone. According to observation and data evaluations, no drastic snowdrift development can be observed and the overall avalanche risk is low. Peak gate 2 & 3 are scheduled to open at 10am. Ask for the ski patrol’s advice before stepping out the gates. Avalanche hazard is still high the Backbowl and Higashi-One steeps & knolls around the cornices. Better not take it too easy and drop into these slopes without determination. If it slides, it will be big. Better avoid the valley bottoms. The number of people ducking ropes is increasing. Niseko area strongly demands all people to respect the Niseko Rules; no matter where you’re from, what ethnic groups, how much experience or knowledge you might have. Ropes must not be crossed for any reasons. One track under the ropes leads many others to do the same and quickly increase the chances of accidents to happen. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 400cm Base - 210cm Niseko Village: Top - 310cm Base - 220cm Annupuri: Top - 245cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 15th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 700cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 302cm 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 40cm Snowfall at base this season 685cm Posted on Tuesday 14th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I have been sat here trying to decide what words to use this morning, especially as we try not to get too carried away with epic adjectives on these here reports, so I thought I'd try to just go for the numbers... I have measured 40-45cm of new snow since my last report. Like, wow. We are getting on for 3m of snowfall in January alone, and that's here in the village base area and so will likely be a fair bit more than that on the mountain. Grand Hirafu has upped it's upper snow depth to 4m this morning. Sun lovers can rejoice... for the moment anyway. As I am writing this we have some blue sky appearing over parts of the mountain and even a bit of sun. It may well be only a short view though with the latest forecasts continuing to give us snowy conditions right through the weekend. If you like it deep, then this is most certainly the place to be. January is shaping up to be outstanding. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -8C, 25cm of crushed crystal snow in the past 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: -11C, 40cm of fresh, light breeze & snowfall. Annupuri 1000m: -13C, light breeze, 50cm of fresh. Hirafu 1000m: -11C, 30cm of fresh with snowdrift development. Annupuri peak 1308m: -16.2℃, N16.6m/s, wind forecast at noon: W10m/s. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW11m/s, Kamui cape NNW6m/s, 1.7m waves, 1021hPa. Heavy snowfall continues, but isobars are spacing out and the wind is calming down. Snow deposit up to 70cm on-piste. Soft-slabs, up to 150cm, have formed in leeward slopes above 800m. These slabs are still unstable and avalanche risk remains high. Peak gates will be closed. Other gates to be decided, please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Do not enter Haru no Taki area. A critical accident occurred in there in 1998 and the current conditions are quite alike. Accidents happen when the conditions are right and the Niseko Rules has been set to minimize the chances of accidents to happen. It is not just another formality to avoid responsibilities. Beware of cracks. Better stay close to in-bounds area today. The visibility is bad but the snow in the trees is deep and good. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 400cm Base - 225cm Niseko Village: Top - 300cm Base - 210cm Annupuri: Top - 245cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Tuesday 14th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 685cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 45 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 287cm 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 760cm Posted on Wednesday 22nd January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another day, another new 15cm of fresh snow to report. Snow still falling and the mountain is covered in cloud cover this morning but visibility looks decent. A bit of blue sky over to the south of Mt Yotei at the moment but we're more likely to see cloud/snow today than a clear up. We might get to see the sun tomorrow and Friday though and Friday in particularly will be mild - might even get to see the mercury rise above zero. Shouldn't last for long though, don't worry. That's about it really. -7 degrees here at base, Hirafu reporting wind speed of 3-7m/s. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -8C, 15cm broken crystal snow in the last 12hrs. Moiwa 800m: -11C, wind , 20cm new snow, wind and some snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -14C, 20cm new snow, moderate snowdrift development. Annupuri peak 1308m: -15.4C, wind NW18.7m/s, wind predicted to be NW20m/s at noon. Hirafu 1000m: no data. Cape Benkei: NW16m/s, Cape Kamui: NW10m/s, wave 1.7m, pressure 1014hPa. Above 1000m wind and moderate snowdrift development on leeward slopes. There is the possibility of up to 40cm fracture from Jan 20th-21st layer, depending on location. From snowfall transition, a slab fracture will be instantaneous, wide reaching and resulting in an avalanche running at high speed(>100km/h). Do not enter steep slopes and cornice slopes like Kozan no Sawa(back bowl). Gates 2&3 will be closed today.. Please listen to the Patrols advice and even if the weather clears avalanche risk remains high. Do not duck ropes. The upper sections of Annupuri West Ridge are often glare ice, ice crust and generally very difficult snow conditions. Yesterday Hirafu Patrol rescued a guided tour customer on West Ridge. This is no place for guides to be taking customers. If you want to ride the west face and sidewalls please take the North face and come around to Chinpoku Rock. Always take care on the West face(coordinate F7), sometimes avalanches are triggered deep within the snowpack and can travel down and across Route 58. Traversing knoll and gully terrain always keep your group spaced apart. The snow is beginning to reset in the trees, have a safe day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 390cm Base - 190cm Niseko Village: Top - 320cm Base - 220cm Annupuri: Top - 270cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 760cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 352cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 735cm Posted on Friday 17th January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Some days it is of course colder than others, and this morning is one of those. Mightily cold this morning and it's down well into minus double digits, even here at Hirafu base area. Resorts on the mountain are reporting temperatures of -16C on upper areas. An extra layer is called for this morning. But it will be worth it. While we 'only' have 10-15cm of fresh snow to report this morning, we are treated to blue skies. Just a few white fluffy clouds here and there. Lovely. It should be a truly excellent day. Cameras recommended. Forecast is for continued clearer conditions than we have had in the last week or so, less snowfall and perhaps more sun. Temperatures to remain suitably low though through the weekend and into next week. --- As you may have heard, there was an avalanche incident out on the mountain yesterday, apparently in the back bowl near the summit of Annupuri. Three people were buried and for some time it was feared there might not be a good ending. Happily though the day ended without any fatalities. It's worth pointing out this was outside of the resort area and people who venture out do so entirely at their own risk. And should only be doing so either with guides or others who know the area and are prepared, for their own sake. The temptations and excitement are there, but care and clear thinking is needed. Take care out there. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -14C, 10cm of crystal snow in 12hours. Moiwa800m: -11C, 20cm of fresh with snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -13C waves, 1019hPa. Calm morning as a high-presure system approaches and the isobars spacing out. Overnight snowfall is small, however late night wind and snow made some snowdrifts develop in some areas. Backbowl sidewalls and Higashi-One areas are still unstable and possibilities of 40cm thick slab avalanche are to be considered. These slides would be larger than the one happened yesterday, stay away from valley bottoms as avalanches run through there. Traversing across under cornices of big slopes is simply stupid and ridiculous. It is like deliberately trying to cause an avalanche. Please think about what would happen to you and the people below you if it slides. General avalanche risk is low except in 1100m cornice slopes. Peak gates will open from the morning. Ski patrols are worn out with yesterday’s rescue, please be prudent and be wise. Excellent snow condition today; have a good one. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 420cm Base - 210cm Niseko Village: Top - 320cm Base - 220cm Annupuri: Top - 270cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Friday 17th January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 735cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 48 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 337cm reported on 17 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 760cm Posted on Wednesday 22nd January 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another day, another new 15cm of fresh snow to report. Snow still falling and the mountain is covered in cloud cover this morning but visibility looks decent. A bit of blue sky over to the south of Mt Yotei at the moment but we're more likely to see cloud/snow today than a clear up. We might get to see the sun tomorrow and Friday though and Friday in particularly will be mild - might even get to see the mercury rise above zero. Shouldn't last for long though, don't worry. That's about it really. -7 degrees here at base, Hirafu reporting wind speed of 3-7m/s. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -8C, 15cm broken crystal snow in the last 12hrs. Moiwa 800m: -11C, wind , 20cm new snow, wind and some snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -14C, 20cm new snow, moderate snowdrift development. Annupuri peak 1308m: -15.4C, wind NW18.7m/s, wind predicted to be NW20m/s at noon. Hirafu 1000m: no data. Cape Benkei: NW16m/s, Cape Kamui: NW10m/s, wave 1.7m, pressure 1014hPa. Above 1000m wind and moderate snowdrift development on leeward slopes. There is the possibility of up to 40cm fracture from Jan 20th-21st layer, depending on location. From snowfall transition, a slab fracture will be instantaneous, wide reaching and resulting in an avalanche running at high speed(>100km/h). Do not enter steep slopes and cornice slopes like Kozan no Sawa(back bowl). Gates 2&3 will be closed today.. Please listen to the Patrols advice and even if the weather clears avalanche risk remains high. Do not duck ropes. The upper sections of Annupuri West Ridge are often glare ice, ice crust and generally very difficult snow conditions. Yesterday Hirafu Patrol rescued a guided tour customer on West Ridge. This is no place for guides to be taking customers. If you want to ride the west face and sidewalls please take the North face and come around to Chinpoku Rock. Always take care on the West face(coordinate F7), sometimes avalanches are triggered deep within the snowpack and can travel down and across Route 58. Traversing knoll and gully terrain always keep your group spaced apart. The snow is beginning to reset in the trees, have a safe day. --- Official snow depth numbers and lift news at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 390cm Base - 190cm Niseko Village: Top - 320cm Base - 220cm Annupuri: Top - 270cm Base - 210cm Niseko Now 2013-2014 season Data as of Wednesday 22nd January 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 760cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (14th January) November 2013 snowfall 123cm reported on 9 days December 2013 snowfall 275cm reported on 22 days January 2014 snowfall 362cm reported on 21 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 25cm Snowfall at base this season 419cm Posted on Wednesday 24th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another fine snowy morning here in Niseko with about 25cm fresh on the ground once more outside my place here in Hirafu. Going to be more than that up there, so conditions should be top notch again today on the mountain. It's still coming down very nicely now so refills aplenty during the day... and tomorrow and Friday by the looks. A steady supply of fresh light snow, nice. (Oh yes, just to update what I was reporting yesterday - the JMA snowfall number for December 2014 in Kutchan has now gone over that for December 2013. Keep it coming!) It's not as cold again here at base, just around -3C degrees now, with resorts reporting low temperatures at peak of -8C. Wind doesn't look like it's going to cause lift disruptions this morning. I'm hearing that Gates 5 and 6 should be opening very soon, bit more on that down in the Avalanche Report below. Top lifts at Hirafu, Village and Annupuri not yet moving but hopefully it's going to open soon. It being Christmas, there's a number of events going on. Santa should be found on the slopes today and tomorrow. Whether he will be skiing or snowboarding, unconfirmed! But apparently he will have some 'delicious presents' to give to some people who meet him. That's over at Hirafu anyway. I've got a feeling that he might be spotted elsewhere as well. Fireworks. Who doesn't like fireworks? Well, apart from my dog. Pets are advised to keep away from 9:15pm tonight when there'll be a firework display at Hirafu after the night skiing has finished. I have no doubt that once that lot has finished there will be further frivolity at various establishments around the village and beyond as well. Have fun. Wrap up well. Don't drink too much, etc. It may sound strange but in past seasons there have been very sad accidents happen late at night. --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Niseko Grand Hirafu looks set to start the day as planned, top Ace Number 4 and King Number 4 lifts not moving yet. Niseko Hanazono: All Niseko Hanazono lifts will be open as normal. Niseko Village: Four lifts open as normal, top Wonderland Chair lift not moving yet. Niseko Annupuri: Four lifts open as normal, top Jumbo Number 4 lift not moving yet. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Moiwa base: -3C, 30cm of crystal snowfall in the past 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: -4C, mild wind, 40cm of fresh, snowdrift development and 30m visibility. Annupuri 1150m: -6C, strong wind, 30cm of new snow and notable development of snowdrifts. Snowpack 140cm at 1000m. Hirafu 1000m: -5C, 30cm of fresh and light development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape NNE9m/s, Kamui cape N5m/s, 1010hPa and 1.4m waves. Typical heavy snowfall (30-40cm) of an approaching low-pressure system. The wind in high-altitude is strong, but mild around 800m and the snowdrifts development is relatively slim. Visibility is poor. This thick new layer of low-pressure generated snow often collapses even without notable weak layers. Beware of slides in steep knolls and cornice slopes. Depending on the chairlifts operation, Gate 5 (Hanazono) and 6 (Moiwa) will open today. Seek for the ski patrol’s advice before stepping out of bounds. Carrying avalanche gear is strongly recommended. Many hazards are present in the out of bounds area. Always remain prudent and think safety first. Always ride one by one and stay away from gully bottom. The snow in the trees is in good shape. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 270cm Base - 120cm Niseko Village: Top - 170cm Base - 120cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 140cm Base - 110cm --- 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 Wednesday 24th December 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 419cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 26 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 389cm 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 364cm Posted on Monday 22nd December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It's a really very - very - cold morning here in the Niseko area. My thermometer says -10C. Niseko Village has a low on their report of -16C. The numbers look cold and it sure feels cold too. I bring news of fresh snow on the ground as well with 20cm at my base here and as you can see on the Avalanche Report below, 25-30cm being reported on the mountain. Lower areas could do with that again (and again, sorry for being greedy!) to freshen things up good and proper. Unfortunately, the strong winds are still with us. Not as much as yesterday morning and this morning it's not affecting lifts like it was yesterday. Forecast for the coming few days is slightly less cold and generally cloudy conditions with snow continuing to fall on and off. --- Regular readers of Niseko Now will know that sometimes we look at the snowfall numbers that have been reported in Kutchan Town by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Just for a bit of fun. These are the official data recorded by JMA in Kutchan Town - not on the mountain, which usually gets considerably more snowfall. But as it's a constant that we can compare year to year, it's something that is of interest. Anyway, last season here's the snowfall recorded in early season November 2013: 99cm December 2013: 258cm And here's the same this year: December 2014: 41cm December 2014: 237cm Of course, we were disappointed with November this year, but as you can see with over a week left for December we are only 21cm off the number from last season for the whole month. --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Other than a problem with the Family Lift that they hope to get sorted quickly, Hirafu looks to be opening lifts as ppanned - Gondola running at slower speed. Niseko Hanazono: Niseko Hanazono looks set to start the day as planned. Niseko Village: Niseko Village looks set to start the day as planned. Niseko Annupuri: Annupuri Gondola not operating due to wind conditions. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Moiwa base: -11C, 10cm of broken crystal snow. Moiwa 800m: -13C, NW20m/s, 30cm of new snow. Annupuri 1150m: -18C, W20m/s, 25cm of fresh. 1000m altitude snowpack 135cm. Coastal data: Benkei cape WNW23m/s, Kamui cape WSW19m/s, 1002hPa, 3.1m waves. The atmospheric pressure gradient remains steep and the storm is persisting. Cornices and snowdrifts are developing and the avalanche risk is high in leeward knolls and cornice slopes around 700m. Avalanches mostly occur in heavy snowdrift slopes during and just after storms, and become an accident if somebody is involved in it. Do not duck ropes to seek fresh lines. One track left under the rope will lead many others to follow it and increase the chances of accidents to happen. Out of bounds access from the resort is still restricted. Avalanche risk is also high everywhere else in the Niseko backcountry area. Carefully chose your tour route. Snowdrift slabs take some time to stabilize after the storm settles down. Precaution is key to safety. Beautiful conditions in the trees today. Beware of frostbite. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 230cm Base - 95cm Niseko Village: Top - 150cm Base - 110cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 135cm Base - 110cm --- 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 Monday 22nd December 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 364cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 24 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 334cm 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