Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 862cm Posted on Monday 9th February 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here I'm happy to report some fresh snow this morning. I have just got back from Hakodate and so I missed out on most of yesterdays warmth and (apparently) bit of wet as well. Would like more than the 10cm there is here, and it should be here today. Snow is being blown around though as well so difficult to put one number on it... the Avalanche Report this morning is recording up to 25cm of fresh snowfall. Right now though there's actually some breaks in the cloud, some blue sky and a bit of sunshine which wasn't quite expected, but the next snow clouds should be over us and delivering pretty quickly. Still hoping/expecting/praying for decent snow to fall over the next 2 days. It's very cold this morning as well which is good after the warmth of yesterday but alas, I need to mention the wind again as we have top lifts on hold at the start of the day because of them. Come on Niseko.... deliver, please! If not for me, for all the good folk visiting. --- Resort specific news as of 8:30am - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: King Number 4, Ace Number 4 and King 3 lifts on hold due to strong winds. Niseko Hanazono: Hanazono Number 3 lift on hold due to strong winds. Niseko Village: Niseko Gondola and top Wonderland Chair lifts on hold due to weather conditions. Niseko Annupuri: Possibly late start for some lifts. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -6C, moderate storm, 25cm snowfall in 12 hours with snowdrift and cornice developments. Moiwa 800m NW18m/s, -11C, strong wind and snowfall, poor visibility and developed snowdrifts. Annupuri 1000m snowpack 280cm. Hirafu 1000m: -11C, strong wind with developing snowdrifts. Peak 1308m: unmeasurable, -15.8C. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW24m/s, Kamui cape WSW17m/s, 996hPa, 3.2m waves. A strong storm has made windload/snowdrifts develop in all areas. The newly formed snowdrift slabs reached up to 140cm thickness in some leeward knolls around 800m altitude, sitting on top of warm temperature (Feb 8th) layer. Those slabs are still very unstable and the avalanche hazard in leeward steep slopes is high. According to snowfall transition and observations, possibility of a large-scale avalanche is high in 700m leeward valleys. All gates above 800m will be closed. Avalanche risk is similarly high in all areas around Niseko. The storm is forecasted to continue and the avalanche risk will remain high a while after the wind calm down. Many of the avalanche accidents occur during and just after storms. Better stay away from cornice slopes, knolls and valley bottom even if the chairlifts starts running. The snow will get better soon. Have a safe day. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 380cm Base - 125cm Niseko Village: Top - 280cm Base - 180cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 285cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Monday 9th February 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 862cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 59 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 56cm reported on 6 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 872cm Posted on Tuesday 10th February 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning from my Hirafu base with more fresh snow to report and very cold temperatures. -17 degrees being reported by Niseko Village and Annupuri areas this morning on their upper slopes. Again not a huge amount of fresh down here, but it's snowing now and there's a solid 10cm here at base and as you can see from the report below there's more being reported around the mountain, so conditions should be pretty good this morning - especially higher up. I will have to go and check! It's not the most important number but just for the record the official upper snow depth at Niseko Grand Hirafu hits 400cm this morning. The forecast still has snowmen lined up each day through into the weekend so snow is expected daily - how much? We'll just have to see what we get served up. Yesterday the wind conditions prevented some lifts from getting started. How's today shaping up? Looks better this morning with all resorts open and apart from possible late starts due to some checks on the top lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Village, open as normal. Have a fun day! Tomorrow is a national holiday in Japan - National Foundation Day. --- Resort specific news as of 8:30am - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. Niseko Hanazono: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. Possible late start for top King 4 chair. Niseko Village: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. Possible late start for top Wonderland chair. Niseko Annupuri: Looks set to be open as planned this morning. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -11C, 20cm of snowfall in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: NE5m/s, -13C, 30cm snowfall. Annupuri 1000m: W5m/s, -13C, snowpack 285cm. Hirafu 1000m: -12C. Peak 1308m: SE speed n/a, -18.6C. Coastal data: Benkei cape WNW17m/s, Kamui cape WSW18m/s, 996hPa, 1.6m waves. 30-40cm snowfall has been observed mainly in western areas. The snowdrifts are slowly developing but stabilizing at the same time. The slabs are also stabilizing, however cornices and knolls above 800m are still unstable and considerable avalanche risk remains in typical avalanche terrain. Gates opening are yet to be determined, please respect the ski patrol’s decision. Better refrain from riding high altitude open steep slopes today. The stabilization process is delayed due to low temperature and a failure from Feb 7th layer would trigger a large surface slab slide. The areas outside the gates is not the ski resort anymore, always be alert and ride cautiously. Carrying an avalanche beacon is not compulsory in the Niseko out of bounds area, however it is seriously recommended to do so to minimize the risks. Avalanche beacons may save not only your life, but your buddy’s too. Have a nice day. Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 10th February 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 872cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 60 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 66cm reported on 7 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 937cm Posted on Saturday 14th February 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning, and I have another 15cm of snow to report from my place here in Hirafu, with up to 30cm being reported by the mountain folk. It's a cold morning and chill factor will be an issue so be sure to get comfy before starting out. Not fun being up there and realising you're just too cold! Windy conditions again this morning with top lifts not moving at the beginning of the day and with strong winds forecast for the day and tomorrow too, not sure if there's much hope that they'll get going at all. What's this... some blue sky over there in the direction of Mt Yotei and the sun making it's way through the cloud just now. Nope, just gone back behind a cloud and just light snow falling now. I think it'll be more snow than sun today, the snow forecast to continue being over the region into tomorrow. Should be another great morning and a busy and bustling Saturday night! Hope you enjoy it. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -6C, 20cm snowfall in 12 hours with development of snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: N10m/s, -8C, 30cm snowfall with snowdrift development. Annupuri 1000m snowpack 300cm. Hirafu 1000m NE10m/s, -8C, snowdrift development. Peak 1308m: NNW18.5m/s, -10.3C. Coastal data: Benkei cape N14m/s, Kamui cape NNE9m/s, 1002hPa, 1.7m waves. A moderate snowstorm is continuing in the winter weather pattern, 50cm soft slabs of new snowdrifts are accumulating in leeward slopes above 700m and is likely to slide from Feb 13th layer (40cm crown). The avalanche risk is high in leeward slopes, around cornices and knolls above 800m. Avoid those terrains, follow the ridge and drop into the trees from lower altitude. Better stay away from valley bottoms. Surface slab slides of 40cm crown and 100m running distance are to be highly expected in Moiwa bowl, Annupuri Osawa cornice zones, all Backbowl area and all Higashi-One area. Peak gates opening is yet to be decided, please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. All areas around Niseko are similarly hazardous, carefully plan your touring routes. The snow wind-affected, moderately packed, not to fast not too slow, tracks are overall reset and in good condition. Choose a harder wax for cold stormy days. Be safe!! --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 430cm Base - 155cm Niseko Village: Top - 300cm Base - 190cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 335cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 14th February 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 937cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 64 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 131cm 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 2cm Snowfall at base this season 922cm Posted on Friday 13th February 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello and good morning from the Niseko area here on this Friday morning. Just a few cm of snowfall to report to you this morning. It's cloudy and light snow has been falling - not the kind right now that is going to bring in big numbers, but it's forecast to get heavier during the day today with hopefully heavy snow overnight tonight and the snow continuing over the weekend and perhaps into early next week. It's busy, busy here now - peak of the peak season and the Chinese New Year holidays. All resorts look to be open as normal this morning, so another fun day ahead. --- So far this month I have logged a total of 116cm as my observed snowfall. Last February for the whole month the corresponding observed number here at base was 178cm, which was if I remember correctly somewhat disappointing (even given the fact that we always want more!) We're not halfway through the month yet so still a long way to go. Lots of regular fresh snow please! --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -7C, light breeze, 2cm snowfall. Moiwa 800m: light breeze, -10C, light dusts. Hirafu 1000m: W7m/s, -10C. Peak 1308m: northerly, speed n/a, -10.9C. Coastal data: Benkei cape S3m/s, Kamui cape WSW8m/s, 1005hPa, 0.8m waves. The snowpack above Feb 7th layer is now mostly stable and the general avalanche risk is low. Peak gates 2 & 3 are scheduled to open. Listen to the ski patrol’s instruction and be prepared before stepping out of the gates. Traversing under cornices is total lack of common sense; we wonder if those who do have ever imagined the consequences and the risks they’re taking. The past avalanche accidents in Niseko have all been triggered by those nonsense traverses. Avalanches don’t happen all the time, but will do when the conditions allow. You might luckily get away, but people who follow your track may be caught in one. You are morally responsible of the results. There are so many people visiting Niseko; whether being a total beginner or experienced mountain skier, the value of one Life is equally precious. We beg you to, please, not make those awful traverse track from gate no.2 across O-sawa (Annupuri bowl) to the Western Ridge. Have a nice day. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 430cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village: Top - 300cm Base - 190cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 335cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Friday 13th February 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 922cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 116cm 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 3cm Snowfall at base this season 920cm Posted on Thursday 12th February 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here After that significant delivery of snow I reported yesterday, not that much more since then... just a few cm or so. And the sun is out now after a more overcast start earlier. Blue skies and just a bit of cloud remaining. What a day yesterday was! Fantastic conditions out on the mountain. Today should be more of that with only a light wind and the sun shining down on us. I hope you can get to enjoy it before the next snow which is due tomorrow. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -7C, light breeze, 2cm snowfall. Moiwa 800m: light breeze, -10C, light dusts. Hirafu 1000m: W7m/s, -10C. Peak 1308m: northerly, speed n/a, -10.9C. Coastal data: Benkei cape S3m/s, Kamui cape WSW8m/s, 1005hPa, 0.8m waves. The snowpack above Feb 7th layer is now mostly stable and the general avalanche risk is low. Peak gates 2 & 3 are scheduled to open. Listen to the ski patrol’s instruction and be prepared before stepping out of the gates. Traversing under cornices is total lack of common sense; we wonder if those who do have ever imagined the consequences and the risks they’re taking. The past avalanche accidents in Niseko have all been triggered by those nonsense traverses. Avalanches don’t happen all the time, but will do when the conditions allow. You might luckily get away, but people who follow your track may be caught in one. You are morally responsible of the results. There are so many people visiting Niseko; whether being a total beginner or experienced mountain skier, the value of one Life is equally precious. We beg you to, please, not make those awful traverse track from gate no.2 across O-sawa (Annupuri bowl) to the Western Ridge. Have a nice day. Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Thursday 12th February 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 920cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 62 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 114cm 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 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1002cm Posted on Sunday 1st March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning from the Niseko area and welcome to March! No fresh snow to report this morning and clouds over the region. It's a rather grey morning actually after the fine and clearer start to the day yesterday. I managed to join the crowds and find myself some nice pockets of snow. There's a light to moderate southerly wind in places, but not enough to be affecting the lifts at the start of the day. We should be enjoying some more fresh snow as well soon, with it perhaps starting to fall before the lifts close for the day today and to continue at least through tomorrow. Fingers crossed for some decent numbers and it keeping on the colder side of what is forecast. --- OK so as promised time to take a look at some numbers just for some fun. Here's the snowfall observed by myself here by the base area in Hirafu... February 2014: 178cm February 2015: 196cm So a bit more snow last month than the same month last season. The last 5 days of the month really helped us out there! Last season up until end of February 2014: 1037cm This season up until end of February 2015: 1002cm We're just a bit behind the overall haul for the season so far as of the end of February, but managed to hit 10m of observed snowfall. The big difference this season is December and January kind of 'swapping positions' - with lots more snowfall in December this season than last, but quite a bit less in January this season than last. It kind of adds up to there being quite a bit less 'fresh' in the first two months of 2015 than we had last season. Looking at the other Now reports makes for interesting reading too, with a similar kind of story in quite a few areas. Now on to the Japan Meteorological Agency statistics, coming to you from the Kutchan town area a bit lower down. February 2014: 130cm February 2015: 167cm So those numbers also reflecting slightly more this February than last. --- How about March? Last season I observed 113cm. Let's double that this season, ok Snow Gods?! Remember there's always going to be more up on the mountain than down at base, and probably 1.5 times more is not too off the mark in general. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -5C, no new snow. Moiwa 800m: light winds, no new snow, -7C. Annupuri 1000m: snowpack 315cm. Hirafu 1000m: SW5m/s, -7C, no new snow. Annupuri peak 1308m: wind SW 10.8m/s, -10.0C. Cape Benkei: SSW3m/s, Cape Kamui: S8m/s, pressure 1020hPa, wave 0.7m. The pressure gradient is shallow and the sea and mountains are calm. Snow is stable and general avalanche risk is low. All peak gates are expected to be open. Do not play around cornices, they might suddenly collapse. Making a kicker out in the forest is fun, but think about if there is an injury, how will you get out? Will rescuers be able to get to you and help? Avalanches are not the only danger in the mountains. This information is issued for the prevention of all accidents. Do not try and sneak past the patrol to duck ropes. If you want to go out of bounds you must use the gates. Have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 400cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village: Top - 300cm Base - 180cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 370cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Sunday 1st March 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1002cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 71 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 0cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 1005cm Posted on Monday 2nd March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just a thin new covering of snow this morning to report with 5cm being reported higher up the mountain. It's one of those days when wind becomes an issue unfortunately with some lifts at each of the four main resort areas affected. Below I have added the information as it is at 8:30am.... it may well change of course during the day, best to check with the resorts for the latest if you are going to be out there. The forecasts are telling us to expect quite strong winds during the day though, so if anything the situation may get worse rather than improving. Sorry! I sure don't enjoy writing that kind of stuff! But it is what it is... Light snow is falling at the moment and the temperature is nudging up to +1C now, so it could be colder. Visibility is going to be limited up there this morning, so know where you're going and take care. Sunny skies are expected tomorrow with hopefully calmer winds, and we should be back to snow - hopefully decent snowfall - by Wednesday morning. --- Floodlit night skiing operations are due to continue daily until Sunday 22nd March. --- Resort specific news as of 8:30am - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Top Ace Number 4, King Number 4 and King Number 3 lifts on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. Niseko Hanazono: Top Hanazono Number 3 lift on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. Number 1 lift running at reduced speed. Niseko Village: Top Wonderland lift on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. Gondola running at reduced speed. Niseko Annupuri: Annupuri Gondola, Jumbo 3 and Jumbo 4 lifts on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: 0C, 5cm low pressure snowfall in last 12 hrs. Moiwa 800m: N10m/s, 5cm new snow, -3C, snow drift development. Annupuri 1000m: snowpack 315cm, N15m/s, -3C. Hirafu 1000m: N12m/s, -4C. Annupuri peak 1308m: wind N16.4m/s, -6.1C. Cape Benkei: NE14m/s, Cape Kamui: S2m/s, pressure 1002hPa, wave calm. Low pressure system over eastern Japan is bringing warm air into the region. As the low intensifies the northerly wind will increase. From 5am observation the snow is stable, however as the wind increases through the day snowdrifts will fracture more easily and the avalanche risk will increase. Most accidents happen during stormy conditions. Peak gates 2 and 3 will be closed, others yet to be decided. Please respect and follow the patrols decisions. Niseko Rules are not a suggestion, do not ignore them and duck ropes to go out of bounds. Your safety in Niseko is protected by the Rules, disregarding them threatens the safety of everyone on the mountain. Danger riding or stopping in the valley bottoms, this is where the avalanche will go. Take care, today visibility is bad, beware falling into cracks, hitting trees. Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Monday 2nd March 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1005cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 72 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 1008cm Posted on Tuesday 3rd March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning from Niseko and a bit earlier than usual as I need to get myself off to Sapporo this morning. Anyway, a bit more new snowfall this morning with 10cm being reported higher up on the mountain. There is lots of cloud about up there this morning but the sun should be out today at times and we'll see temperatures creep into low positive numbers during the day here at base. Just not it's -1C. After the strong winds of yesterday I'm glad that today is starting off calmer and all resorts seem to be open as normal... Annupuri Gondola due for a slightly late start (something to do with them doing checks on it after the strong winds of yesterday!) Hopefully we'll have snow clouds back tomorrow and Thursday, lets see how much they can bring us. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -4C, 10cm new snowfall in last 12 hrs. Moiwa 800m: NW3.5m/s, 10cm new snow, -6C, major snow drift development. Annupuri 1000m: snowpack 310cm. Hirafu 1000m: Light winds, 10cm new snow. Annupuri peak 1308m: wind W8.4m/s, -10.3℃. Cape Benkei: NW10m/s, Cape Kamui: W11m/s, pressure 1015hPa, wave 1.9m. There has been a rapid development of new snowdrifts above the low pressure snow layer from 28 Feb . The drifts have begun to settle, but above 800m, leeward slopes knolls and under cornices, the risk of 40-50cm surface avalanche continues. All gates are expected to be open. Be careful riding leeward slopes, just under sharp ridgelines and open steep slopes. Do not traverse under cornices. Slab stabilization is delayed at higher elevations. Our prayers go out to the 3 people lost on Asaridake. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 400cm Base - 145cm Niseko Village: Top - 300cm Base - 180cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 370cm Base - 170cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 3rd March 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1008cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 73 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 6cm reported on 2 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1141cm Posted on Saturday 28th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Another fine morning here in Niseko and mild with it too with a warm day in store for us. Proper spring time now. Temperatures might start go get gradually colder as we enter the new week but generally keeping spring like it would seem. It is after all near the end of March. Around Tuesday/Wednesday there might be a chance of snowfall higher up, though more than likely it will be rain at base. That's a few days off though so things can change. In the meantime, fine weather for the weekend! --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: +2C, no snowfall, bluebird. Moiwa 800m data n/a. Annupuri 1000m snowpack 340cm. Hirafu 1000m: +3C, no snowfall. Peak data: NW13.4m/s, +3.3C. Coastal data: Benkei cape mild wind, Kamui cape SW13m/s, 1013hPa, 1.2m waves. Atmospheric pressure gradient is small, calm weather and the top temperature is higher than the base. Thaw will progress rapidly. Peak gates are expected to open from the morning. Climax avalanche hazard is rising in SE facing steep slopes. Large-scale ground avalanche occurring from 1000m level are extremely devastating, clearing everything in its way and running for a long distance. Better avoid traversing steep slopes and riding valley bottoms to minimize risks. Consequences can be huge. Locals and guides should refrain from taking guests in those potentially hazardous areas. There are many other safer alternative slopes. Creeks are running off due to rapid thaw; beware of fragile snowbridges. It is recommended to carry a rope (7.5mm or smaller) along with avalanche gear at this time of the season. Have a nice warm thawy spring mountain day. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 425cm Base - 120cm Niseko Village: Top - 330cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 340cm Base - 180cm --- Niseko Hanazono - open daily until Monday April 6th Niseko Village - open daily until Tuesday April 7th and then April 29th until May 6th Niseko Annupuri - open daily until Wednesday May 6th Niseko Grand Hirafu - open daily until Wednesday May 6th Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 28th March 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1141cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 82 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 139cm reported on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1141cm Posted on Wednesday 1st April 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Ah... April 1st. I'll refrain from getting your hopes up with an endlessly funny April Fool tale of deep epic bottomless (insert other marketing-style adjective here) snow in Niseko! Instead, I'll tell you about the rain last night we got here... but did those upper areas get a (very) thin dusting? We'll have to get up there to find out! Today we should see lots of sun and blue sky, with a certain amount of white clouds hanging on. Easter isn't a thing in Japan of course, but this coming Friday may well be 'good' if the snow that some forecasts tell us about comes off. Might well just end up rain top to bottom but sounds like there's a chance it might be snow up there. We shall see. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 395cm Base - 90cm Niseko Village: Top - 300cm Base - 110cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 320cm Base - 140cm --- Niseko Hanazono - open daily until Monday April 6th Niseko Village - open daily until Tuesday April 7th and then April 29th until May 6th Niseko Annupuri - open daily until Wednesday May 6th Niseko Grand Hirafu - open daily until Wednesday May 6th Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 1st April 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1141cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 82 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 139cm reported on 11 days April 2015 snowfall 0cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 41cm Posted on Sunday 29th November 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here This is a bit more like it! Yesterday ended up mild and sunny but temperatures dropped later in the day and it got cold. There is some snow on the ground this morning after it started falling last night, and it is still snowing now with a fairly strong wind blowing around as well. It seems the forecast is for snowfall to ease off later today but hopefully resume sometime tomorrow. There is not enough snow to get the lifts moving just at the moment - but look to an opening of some upper slopes before the full mountain opens...more snow up there and all that. Niseko Grand Hirafu resort this morning reports 10cm at base and 40cm up top. Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Annupuri are on standby to open as quickly as possible, with Niseko Village planning to open on Tuesday and Hanazono on Saturday. I will bring you the latest information tomorrow. --- Planned opening dates for the Niseko resorts: Niseko Grand Hirafu: as soon as there's enough snow Niseko Annupuri: as soon as there's enough snow Niseko Village: Tuesday 1st December Niseko HANAZONO: Saturday 5th December 'Nighta' should be starting on Saturday 12th December Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Sunday 29th November 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 41cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 3 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 18cm (25th November) November 2015 snowfall 41cm reported on 3 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 18cm Snowfall at base this season 170cm Posted on Friday 18th December 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning and I have another 18cm of snow to report this morning from here in base. Feeling nice and cold and the snow condition is looking good. Nice and dry. A bit more of the mountain is opening up this morning with the resorts trying to open as many courses as they can. I would expect more still for the weekend especially if we get a bit more snow during the day today... and we expecting it today and tomorrow, with the snow clouds easing off from Sunday. Colder conditions are expected to continue over the next few days, so be sure to wrap up and go out prepared. It looks like things might get slightly warmer again early in the week but hopefully not like we saw in the period previous to this snowfall. More people are continuing to arrive in the Niseko area now and Christmas just one week away! It's a good job that more terrain is opening up. Hopefully not long now before it's all open. Anyway it should be a good weekend! --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -3℃, snowing. 20cm of fresh snow in 12 hours without notable development of snowdrifts. The wind is stagnating around 10-15m/s westerly at 1000m elevation. Coastal data: Benkei cape WNW12m/s, Kamui cape WSW10m/s, 1016hPa, 2.1m waves. A typical winter pressure pattern is generating snow. The pressure gradient is small ad wind remains light accordingly. The snowdrifts are developing but stabilizing quickly. However, 50cm slab slides from Dec 12th layer are still to be considered in south facing cliffs and off-limits areas. Do not duck ropes and stimulate these aspects. Most of the avalanche accidents occur in leeward steep slopes with heavy deposit of snowdrifts during storms. The conditions are getting better, but the snowpack is still shallow. Beware of stumps and bushes. Gates opening will take while. This information is released for the sake of all resort users. Always stay humble in the mountains and think safety first. --- Resort specific news as of 8:45am - subject to change during the day The lifts market with an asterix (*) below are planned to be open for night skiing Niseko Grand Hirafu Lifts planned to be running: - Ace Family pair* - Ace Number 2 Quad Center Four (for transport) - Ace Number 3 pair - Hirafu Gondola (for transport) - King Number 3 triple - Holiday Number 1 pair - Swinging Monkey Courses planned to be open: - Family - Beginners access - Center - Shirakaba - Green - Kokutai (upper part) - Alpen - Sennoki - Kogen - Boyo - Holiday - Rinkan (part) - Jumbo Niseko HANAZONO Resort Lifts planned to be running: - Hanazono Number 1 quad - Hanazono Number 2 quad - Hanazono Number 3 quad Courses planned to be open: - Connecting - Parallel - Silver Dream - Stairway to Heaven - Setsuzoku course - Crystal Garden - Yotei Sunset (ungroomed) Niseko Village Lifts planned to be operating: - Niseko Gondola - Community Chair* - Banzai Chair* Niseko Annupuri Lifts planned to be operating: - Annupuri Gondola - Jumbo Number 1 quad* - Jumbo Number 2 pair - Jumbo Number 3 pair Courses planned to be open: - Utopia - Shirakaba - Paradise - Junior - Family - Dynamic - Silver --- Official resort snow depths as of 18th December 2015: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 175cm Base - 60cm Niseko Village: Top - 70cm Base - 40cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 70cm Base - 60cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 18th December 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 170cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 12 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 20cm (30th November) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 109cm reported on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com