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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 45cm Snowfall at base this season 484cm Posted on Friday 26th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Huge amounts of fresh snowfall to report this morning as it keeps on coming down. 40-45cm outside my place, resorts on the mountain report that and more. 60cm on the upper areas of the mountain this morning? Very probably. Amazing. When Niseko is firing on all cylinders like it is now, it's really impressive stuff. Being here for a long time doesn't damper that feeling at all. Snow to ease off maybe later on in the day today or early tomorrow and there might even be some sunshine over the weekend. Still looks like it will warm up slightly through early in the week before more significant snow arrives. I think some people would enjoy a bit of a break from the full-on conditions and get the chance to see the beauty of the areas and not just of the snow on the slopes. Not for long though of course; we always want more snow round the corner. King Number 4 lift and Dynamic Course opening at Niseko Grand Hirafu today meaning that all of the courses at that resort area are now open. Similarly, with the Panorama Course opening at Niseko Annupuri, all of the courses there are open too. Lots of folk lined up for the opening of the lifts this morning eager to get out and enjoy the snow. Who would blame them! It has certainly been a very merry Christmas for people lucky to be here at the moment. --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: King Number 4 lift to start moving today. Dynamic course now open meaning that all of the courses at Hirafu are now open. Niseko Hanazono: All Niseko Hanazono lifts will be open as normal. Niseko Village: Top Wonderland Chair now open, resort open as planned. Niseko Annupuri: Panorama Course open from today - meaning that all of the courses at Annupuri are now open. All lifts open too. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Moiwa base: -8C, 40cm of overnight snowfall. Moiwa 600m: -10C, 50cm of light crystal snow on the course. Annupuri 1150m: -13C, 60cm of fresh. Hirafu 1000m: -10C, 60cm of fresh. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW19m/s, Kamui cape NNE11m/s, 1010hPa, 2.0m waves. Heavy dump of light snow generated by a typical winter weather pattern. The atmospheric pressure gradient is shelving and the snowdrifts are yet to largely develop under 900m altitude, however drastic development of snowdrifts are forecasted as the storm picks up. High altitude open slopes should be avoided today. The avalanche hazard in Higashi-One (East ridge) and Osawa 1000m line remains high. The snow in the trees is good, but too deep. Better stay close to the courses today. Gates 5 & 6 are scheduled to open. An access route between Moiwa and Annupuri has been made yesterday, however this is a connecting route for rescue purposes and will not be groomed. This route will be inaccessible when gate 6 is closed as it is outside the resort boundary. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Please beware of overspeeding and loosing control on the courses. Snowcats have been having difficulties grooming due to the heavy amount of snowfall. Have a safe day. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 300cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village: Top - 190cm Base - 130cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 165cm Base - 130cm --- 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 Friday 26th December 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 484cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 28 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 454cm reported on 23 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 2cm Snowfall at base this season 344cm Posted on Sunday 21st December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Rain! Noooooo! We don't like rain, oh no. Sadly in the afternoon yesterday we got served up with rain which continued to fall overnight as well. Not the best introduction to Niseko for the many people who are probably here for their first taste of the resort that's for sure. Happily this morning temperatures have dropped somewhat and it has been snowing... quite heavily in fact as I write this. As well as the snow though, some strong winds as well this morning. Take into account the less than perfect conditions due to the rain; the wind; the limited visibility and only a limited number of lifts and courses open this morning; and it all adds up to not one of the best days. Time for a soak in the onsen perhaps. The good news is that now it has turned into snow it should continue today and tomorrow as well. In fact, it's generally snowy conditions forecast through the coming week, so conditions should hopefully improve quite quickly. From today I have changed things up a bit in the report, and will note any resort-specific news in the area below if there is any that I can find to share. --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Just the low Holiday Number 1 lift and Ace Number 1 Pair lift moving at the moment due to weather conditions. Niseko Hanazono: Operation of all 3 lifts temporarily suspended. Niseko Village: The Niseko Gondola is not moving due to the winds. Community, Banzai and Morino Chair lifts open as normal. Niseko Annupuri: All lifts on hold as of 8:30am due to strong wind conditions. They will open if and when conditions improve. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Moiwa base: -4C, heavy snowfall from before 6am. Moiwa 600m: westerly gusts, poor visibility and snowdrifts starting to develop. Annupuri 1150m: -12C, W15-25m/s with snowfall. Icy and dodgy condition from 400m altitude on down. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW19m/s at 5:25am, Kamui cape WSW21m/s, 999hPa and 1.8m waves. Westerly 25m/s winds are forecasted at 1500m level at noon. The temperature dropped and a westerly storm started as the cold front passed around midnight. A 20-30m/s wind with heavy snowfall is blowing above 600m from 5am, snowdrifts will develop drastically and the avalanche hazard will rise accordingly. A track across the rope of closed gate 6, heading to Mikaeri area was found yesterday. Keep in mind that out of bounds access from ski resorts is still officially prohibited in Japan. Niseko’s gate system is quite unique and is actually still an experimental grey area. Respecting the Niseko Rules is the only way to protect the freedom to step out of bounds, as well as keeping the minimum safety of all guests. Many seem to understand the situation and remain patient until the gates open, but it is a shame to see that some still disregards a simple rule. "Freedom" is not easy to obtain and should not be misperceived. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 210cm Base - 90cm Niseko Village: Top - 150cm Base - 100cm 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 Sunday 21st December 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 344cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 314cm reported on 18 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 20cm Snowfall at base this season 439cm Posted on Thursday 25th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Top lifts open for Christmas! More fresh snow. 20+cm outside my place, resort areas reporting 30cm. Yes, it's very good morning from Niseko and... Merry Christmas! A cold Christmas morning - no wonder Santa has that big bushy beard - and not so much wind this morning. It's still snowing though only lightly, with more due during the day today and tomorrow. So, top lifts open at Niseko Grand Hirafu (well, the Ace Number 4), Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri. All should be moving this morning with Gate 4 also scheduled to be open today as well. Looking ahead, from Saturday we can expect the snow clouds to clear and maybe we'll have some sunny conditions to enjoy. Looks like a milder spell from the weekend too, hopefully it won't warm up too much. Have a great day everyone and all the best for the holidays wherever you are reading this from in the world. --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: From today, the Ace Number 4 Pair lift will be open. Original plan was for King Number 4 lift to open but due to the 'discouraging' (!?) condition of the Dynamic Course, they've changed that plan. Curious to know more on that! Anyway, the Large Course and Miharashi Courses are now open. Dynamic Course aside, not 'fully open', I do believe. Niseko Hanazono: All Niseko Hanazono lifts will be open as normal. Niseko Village: Top Wonderland Chair now open - opened yesterday from around 10am actually. Niseko Annupuri: Top Jumbo Number 4 lift now open. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Moiwa base: -8C, 30cm of snowfall in 12 hours, calm morning. Moiwa 800m: -12C, 20cm of fresh snow and development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -13C, 30cm and development of snowdrifts. Hirafu 1000m: -13C, 20cm of fresh snow and development of snowdrifts. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW12m/s, Kamui cape WSW10m/s, 1008hPa, 1.2m waves. A mild winter weather pattern with a moderate westerly wind is prevailing, making snowdrifts develop in areas above 800m. The snow under treeline is in good shape, but 40cm slides from 23rd depth hoar layer are to be expected in steep slopes along the valley. Gate 4 is scheduled to open today at a lower elevation, however avalanche hazard still remains high in NE areas of 1000m altitude. High-traversing all the way to the slopes under Higashi-One (east ridge) cornices is strongly discouraged. Listen to the ski patrol’s instructions and always use gates to step out of bounds. Carrying and knowing how to use avalanche gears (beacon, probe & shovel) is strongly advised. The visibility is fluctuating. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 280cm Base - 130cm Niseko Village: Top - 170cm Base - 120cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 150cm Base - 120cm --- Lifts open for night skiing (planned): Niseko Grand Hirafu Ace Family Pair lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift (There is no night skiing at the Hanazono area) Niseko Village Community Chair and Banzai Chair Niseko Annupuri Jumbo Number 1 Quad Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Thursday 25th December 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 439cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 409cm reported on 22 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 25cm Snowfall at base this season 509cm Posted on Saturday 27th December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here The snow continued once again through the day yesterday with a few people asking me 'does it ever stop'? It has actually stopped this morning after continuing yesterday. Not much extra overnight but leaving us with another 25-30cm or so since my report yesterday morning. Isn't it just great when we can report that much snow so often. Let's not get complacent though, even Niseko can go through dry periods. Happily we don't seem to be up for one of them at the moment. OK so back to this morning. Temperatures remain low this morning. It's fairly calm here in the village area, though perhaps some gusty winds up on the mountain. Resorts look likely to be open as planned this morning though... although looks like there's a few lifts running at reduced speed and the top Niseko Village Wonderland lift delayed? There's a bit of blue sky opening up now and the sun even peeking through just now in places. Oh no, hold on, hidden again by cloud.... so, changeable conditions as you can see early this morning. Clearing skies expected today and tomorrow, along with a slightly milder spell tomorrow and into early next week before we get back to more snow. Enjoy the weekend. --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Looks set to be open as planned, top lift Niseko Hanazono: Looks set to be open as planned, though top lift operating at reduced speed. Niseko Village: Looks set to be open as planned. Delayed opening for top Wonderland lift? Niseko Annupuri: Looks set to be open as planned. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Moiwa base: -7C, 20cm of fresh snow and calm morning. Moiwa 800m: -10C, NW10m/s, 30cm snowfall with moderate snowdrift development and good visibility. Annupuri 1150m: -11C, W10m/s with snowdrifts. Hirafu 1000m: -12C, 20cm of new snow in 12 hours. Coastal data: Benkei cape WNW9m/s, Kamui cape WSW9m/s, 1020hPa and 1.2m waves. The atmospheric pressure gradient is small and the mountain is calm. Cornices and snowdrifts are slowly developing. Gate 4 (Fujiwara) is scheduled to open at a lower elevation. Beware; the avalanche risk still remains high in the Higashi-One (East ridge) cornice area due to heavy snowfall in a short period of time. Gate 6 & 10 will open from the morning. Listen to the ski patrol’s instructions at the gates before stepping out of bounds. The creeks at the bottom of the valleys aren’t fully buried yet; be careful not to fall. The snow in the treeruns is in great condition. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 310cm Base - 170cm Niseko Village: Top - 200cm Base - 140cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 185cm Base - 150cm --- Lifts open for night skiing (planned): Niseko Grand Hirafu Ace Family Pair lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift (There is no night skiing at the Hanazono area) Niseko Village Community Chair and Banzai Chair Niseko Annupuri Jumbo Number 1 Quad Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 27th December 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 509cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 29 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th and 26th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 479cm reported on 24 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 40cm Snowfall at base this season 549cm Posted on Wednesday 31st December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello and good morning from Niseko on this New Years Eve morning. I was very much hoping that I wouldn't have to report 'no new snowfall' again today, and I am very happy that I don't have to. Yes, Niseko bounces back in style as it so often does - I have the best part of 40cm of fresh snow to report this morning. No doubt many of the folk here in Niseko will already be out lining up for the lifts! It's suitably cold and the snow is suitably light and fluffy. Oh yes. What better way to slide out the year! It should be a good day. So that's it for 2015. We have easily 'beaten' the Kutchan snowfall number for December 2013 - currently 373cm for the month compared with 258cm last year - and that number is actually more than we have had for quite a few years in the month of December. With some more snowfall due today and overnight there'll be some added on to that as well. Let us hope that the rest of the season continues in a similar way. New Years Day is forecast to be cold and snowy. Enjoy the last day of the season and if you are in Niseko the events going on here. I will see you on the other side. --- Resort specific news at time of writing - subject to change during the day Niseko Grand Hirafu: Looks set to be open as planned, though King Number 3 lift running at reduced speed. Niseko Hanazono: Looks set to be open as planned, though top lift running at reduced speed. Niseko Village: Looks set to be open as planned. Niseko Annupuri: Looks set to be open as planned. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Moiwa base: -5C, 30cm of snowfall in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: NW10m/s, -7C, 40cm of fresh. Annupuri 1150m: W8m/s, -7C, 40cm snowfall. Hirafu 1000m:W5m/s, -7C, 45cm snowfall. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW11m/s, Kamui cape NW8m/s, 1004hPa, 0.9m waves. Thick snowclouds flowed in early morning and generated heavy snowfall. The wind is relatively calm and there are no notable developments of snowdrifts. A distinct layer (Dec 28th) is present in the snowpack, but looking at the snowfall transition and other observations, the avalanche risk remains low. All gates except no.2, 3 and 9 will open today. Listen to the ski patrols’ advice before stepping out of the gates. Always use gates and never duck ropes. Visibility is bad, the surface is hard to read and the powder is deep. Carelessly following other people’s tracks could end up in unexpected results. Better stay close to the courses. Beware of falling head first and getting suffocated. There never is 100% safety in the mountains. Always think safety first. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 290cm Base - 170cm Niseko Village: Top - 210cm Base - 150cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 200cm Base - 150cm --- 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 31st December 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 549cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 30 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 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 394cm Posted on Tuesday 23rd December 2014 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Lots of light fresh snow to report again this morning from the Niseko area - 30cm outside my place - which should make for excellent conditions today. It's not quite as cold this morning as it was yesterday, but still right down there in negative numbers and -6 degrees here in the village base area. It's not quite as windy either, and lifts should be less affected this morning. Yesterday as conditions improved slightly most of the lifts seemed to be operating. The peak lifts and gates are of course still not open. No doubt there's a lot of people keeping their eyes on that situation and I can imagine the rush that will happen when they do open. Be sure to check out the Avalanche Report below for more information. Niseko continues to getting busier. Christmas might not be a major holiday for Japanese, but it is of course with lots of other folk and many want to spend their holidays here in Niseko. As you would. It's worth adding that 23rd December (ie. today) is actually a national holiday here in Japan. It's the Emperors Birthday, so... happy birthday! --- 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. Niseko Hanazono: Niseko Hanazono looks set to start the day as planned. Niseko Village: Niseko Gondola running at reduced speed. Niseko Annupuri: Annupuri Gondola not operating due to wind conditions. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Moiwa base:-10C, 25cm of crystal snow. Moiwa 600m: -13C, 30cm of fresh in 12 hours. Annupuri 1150m: -14C, W16m/s, 25cm of fresh. Coastal data: Benkei cape WNW15m/s, Kamui cape W11m/s, 1007hPa and 2.6m waves. The atmospheric pressure gradient is shelving, snowdrift development around 800m is slowing down and the snowpack is stabilizing. However, avalanche risk is still high especially in leeward 1100m slopes. The avalanche control in Mizuno no sawa (Niseko Village) has started yesterday and a 40cm slab avalanche from Dec 20th layer running all the way down to the bottom has been reported from the ski patrol. Stay away from south facing strictly off-limits areas. Peak lifts are scheduled to open as the wind calms down, but peak gates are yet to open. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Never duck ropes to step out of bounds. The snow in the trees is even better than yesterday, but beware of branches and bushes lurking just underneath the surface. Have a nice day. --- Official snow depth numbers and any notes at time of writing: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 250cm Base - 105cm Niseko Village: Top - 160cm 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 Tuesday 23rd December 2014 Total snowfall at base so far 394cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 25 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th December) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 364cm reported on 20 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com