Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 562cm Posted on Saturday 23rd January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko where the headline for the day is 12cm of fresh light snowfall round my place here near Hirafu base. Interestingly the Avalanche report (below) is reporting 20-40cm of snow on the mountain which I think definitely needs to be investigated first hand this morning. I will selflessly volunteer for such a job! It was a lovely day yesterday and there's lots of blue sky around this morning as well. There is more cloud around than yesterday and shadows being cast, but still the blue skies are generally winning out just at the moment. It is pretty calm here at base though I hear there's a moderate westerly wind as you get higher up the mountain. As of 8:30am though all of the resorts appear to be opening up as normal. We are told to expect the chance of some snow later on today - and regular top-ups through the coming week as well. What we can expect over the coming days still seems to be more a case of 'steady regular' than 'huge dumpage'. --- Niseko Grand Hirafu today have upped their snow depth for upper slopes to 315cm. Of more interest, as of yesterday I had recorded/observed more snowfall for the month of January 2016 than I did for the whole of December 2015. Today that January 2016 observed snowfall number for here at base rises to 257cm... which just so happens to be exactly the number that I recorded for the whole of January 2015 (last season). That means that any further snowfall we get this month will be more than January last season. We're still quite a ways behind the ongoing total for the season though. You can find these numbers lower down on this page. (If you are viewing this on the mobile site, please go to the PC version to see it all). --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -7°C, 20cm new snowfall, calm. Moiwa 800m: -10°C, NW8m/s, 30cm new snowfall. Mikaeri 740m: -9.7°C, light winds, 40cm new snow, no snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -13°C, NW13m/s, 40cm new snowfall. Hirafu 1000m: -10°C, NW10m/s, 30cm new snow, snowdrift development on eastern aspect.. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW10m/s. Kamui Cape SW8m/s, 1017hPa, wave 2.3m. A passing small low pressure system has dropped 30cm of crystal snow overnight. Above 1000m there is moderately strong NW wind and on leeward slopes snowdrifts are growing gradually. From data and observation general avalanche risk is low. All peak gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice before passing through gates. Take care in Higashi one(east ridge) area, the surface has been scoured by past wind and now covered by snowdrifts. The newly developed cornice will easily fracture which can trigger an avalanche below. Dont wait on steep leeward slopes or at the valley bottoms. Always be aware of avalanches from above. Snow around 800m is reset and the snow in the trees is very good. Do not overestimate your skills or equipment. Through caution and care avoid having an accident. --- Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 23rd January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 315cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 250cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 23rd January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 562cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 41 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 257cm reported on 20 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 14cm Snowfall at base this season 576cm Posted on Tuesday 26th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A very good morning to you from here near Hirafu base. I have 14cm of fresh snow to report here at base this morning with most of that was falling later on in the day yesterday and late night. Not bad! More please. (I always want more). First lifts should be good today and it looks like there are lots of people thinking the same too waiting for the lifts to start moving. Wind doesn't seem to be an issue this morning and so I expect the resorts to be opening as planned and gates are expected to be open. It is snowing as I write this and indeed the 6-day forecast has regular snow lined up each day so hopefully we will get the daily top-ups. --- It is Australia Day today and of course there are more than a handful of good Australian folk here in Niseko, either on holiday or working. No doubt there will be some fun celebrations as well, so I will see you in the bar tonight! --- A close friend mentioned to me last night that I'm still not half way through my daily reporting duties for the season (if you didn't know, I continue posting these reports every day right through until the end of the season in early May). It's pretty daunting when I think about it like that, just have to take it one day at a time. Help me out by keeping on reading even if your Niseko visit is over and done for the season, ok! Arigato. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -7°C, 15cm crystal snowfall, calm. Moiwa 800m: -8°C, W5m/s, 20cm new snow, minor snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -8.0°C, light winds, 30cm new snow. Annupuri 1150m: -9°C, W10-15m/s. Hirafu ridge line -10°C, w5m/s, 20cm new snow, minor snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:WNW14m/s. Kamui Cape SW14m/s, 1015hPa, wave 1.4m. Isobars are far apart and the weather is calm. Snow fell till around midnight and has settled till dawn. Leeward slopes are reset. From data and observation general avalanche risk is low. All peak gates are expected to be open. Please talk to the patrol before going out of bounds. It is possible the wind will pick up above 1000m with the passing of a low pressure trough. Be aware of a sudden change in the weather and bad visibility. Snow conditions above 1000m are crusty, snow in the trees is good. Do not enter Strictly Off Limits areas(Yu no Sawa, Haru no Taki). If you get caught you will loose your pass and you season will be finished. Respect and follow Niseko Rules. Your freedom and a minimum level of safety to ride out of bounds is protected by Niseko Rules. Have a safe day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Tuesday 26th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 310cm Base - 135cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 250cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 26th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 576cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 42 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 271cm reported on 21 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 593cm Posted on Thursday 28th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Just a little bit of fresh snow at base since my last report, 1cm of it in fact. Wind caused some problems with lifts once again yesterday - early afternoon with the Gondola and two top lifts at Annupuri coming to a halt as well as the Niseko Gondola and top Wonderland lift at Niseko Village and the two top lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu. Just leave us alone wind, ok?! That's what I said yesterday, but it doesn't seem to be listening for now as at the start of the day top lifts at Hirafu, Village and Annupuri are at a standstill, as noted below. This morning light snow is falling and visibility seems fairly decent. The forecast is still telling us of regular snowfall on and off through the coming week, maybe more around Sunday than other days. ...and hopefully less wind! Naughty wind. --- Just a few more days left in January and so far for this month I have observed 288cm of snowfall here at base. 31cm more than January last year. The running total for the season so far is 596cm; at the end of January last year the running total for the season so far was 806cm. So we're currently just over 2m of snow behind where we were last season. One interesting thing is that if you look at the numbers you'll see that last season the snowfall was somewhat front-loaded with the most falling in December and then less each month from then on. Let's hope for a bumper February. I'll look back over the statistics once again once we get into February. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -5°C, trace new snow, minor snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m: -10°C, W8m/s, trace new snow, snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -8°C, SW3.7m/s, Annupuri 1150m: -11°C, W10m/s, poor visibility. Hirafu ridge line -12°C, W18m/s. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW15m/s. Kamui Cape WSW12m/s, 1020hPa, wave 2.1m. A steep atmospheric pressure gradient is producing a westerly wind 10-18m/s above 1000m. Although only a trace of snow has fallen, due to the strong wind there has been significant cornice and snowdrift development above 900m. Groomed runs higher on the mountain are hard. From observation Kozan no sawa(backbowl) side wall 1000m and Osawa SE side 1000-1100m, Higashi One (east ridge)1000m cornice slopes, the avalanche risk is high, surface slabs fracturing at about 50cm depth. Do not duck ropes to enter these areas. Gates 2,3 will be closed. Until the current weather system changes please be patient. Below 1000m don't carelessly ride open steep slopes, cornices, knoll terrain, you may have an accident. The snow in the trees is reset. Have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 28th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 320cm Base - 135cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 260cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 28th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 593cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 44 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 288cm reported on 23 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 6cm Snowfall at base this season 599cm Posted on Friday 29th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning. It has been snowing lightly again here this morning though as I look outside the window it seems to have stopped for the moment. It's actually quite bright looking up towards the mountain... might it even clear up a bit today? Anyway, there's 6cm of fresh new snowfall here near base since my last report. It does feel colder out there this morning and the resorts are indeed reporting lower temperatures than yesterday and with the wind it'll probably feel very cold. Wind unfortunately continues to affect us I'm afraid. As of 8:30am, it looks like again we are going to be starting the day with top lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri not able to open as planned, though it's just the top lifts right now with all of the Gondolas operating. Please see the info below for the situation as it is right now. Snow is still expected on and off over the coming week, but tomorrow might well start off with some sunshine. Again, if the forecasts are correct I wouldn't expect heavy snow (best chance of decent snow looks like Sunday night) but rather modest amounts. It should be keeping cold through as we venture into February. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -8°C, 3cm new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m: -12°C, NNW10m/s, 15cm new snow, snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -11.6°C, SW1.0m/s, 25cm new snow, snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -15°C, NW20m/s, cornice and snowdrift development. Hirafu ridge line -15°C, strong wind, snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NNW14m/s. Kamui Cape WNW10m/s, 1026hPa, wave 2.1m. A strong westerly wind above 1100m from the high pressure system to the west is producing rapid cornice and snow drift development on leeward slopes. Osawa cornice slope 1000m, Kozan no sawa (backbowl) sidewall, Higashi One(east ridge) cornice slope and other steep leeward slopes the avalanche risk extremely high. Gates 2,3 will be closed. Gates 1,5,6 yet to be decided. Listen to the patrols advice. From observation leeward slopes below 800m are starting to stabilize, although cornice and knoll areas are still easily fracturing by ski stimulation. Do not enter these areas carelessly. When the atmospheric pressure gradient flattens out the wind will drop and slabs will stabilize. Don't over estimate your skills or knowledge, make prudent safe decisions. This information is issued to aid in accident prevention. Your freedom to ride out of bounds will be protected if you follow the Niseko Rules. Be careful of frostbite. Use caution to avoid accidents. --- Official resort snow depths as of Friday 29th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 320cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 270cm Base - 150cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 29th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 599cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 45 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 294cm reported on 24 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 600cm Posted on Saturday 30th January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It is a lovely morning here in Niseko. I think I said there was a chance of a sunny start to the day in the report yesterday. And so it is, big time! It is really very cold as well this morning, down into minus double digits here at base. But that won't stop people from wanting to get up out there as early as possible. With little wind to mess things about today (hurray!), all of the resorts are be planning on having all of the lifts moving as normal as normal - though just at the moment the Ace Number 2 Center Quad at Niseko Grand Hirafu seems to have a few early morning issues and is being delayed much to the dismay of the people lining up for it, who are currently being re-directed to the nearby Ace Number 1 lift. Let's hope they get that fixed quickly. Just 1cm of snow since yesterday so no deep fresh out there this morning but the weather should make up for that. The groomed runs all look very neat and tidy ready to be messed up! The clear blue skies might not last the day and it's forecast to be cloudy but we probably can't expect much snow before the end of tomorrow, so maybe that's our lot for January. It's going to be a busy one today. Take care and have fun. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -12°C, no new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m: -15°C, light winds, minor snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -13.4°C, W0.2m/s, Annupuri 1150m: -13°C, light winds, trace new snow. Hirafu 1000m -15°C, light winds, minor snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:S3m/s. Kamui Cape NE3m/s, 1023hPa, wave 1.1m. Under the influence of high pressure area, both the sea and mountains are calm. Following inspection of Higashi One area, peak gates 2,3 will be opened. Kozan no sawa (backbowl) sidewall, Osawa cornice 1100m, snowdrift stabilization is delayed and from observation surface slab fractures 40cm depth are likely to occur. Today there will be many mountain users, don't downplay the dangers on the mountain. Carelessly starting an avalanche could take out many people below you in the valleys. Snow in the forest is good, although take care with your route finding. Don't traverse cornice slopes or knolls just to get where you want to go. Niseko mountain management and the Avalanche Institute spend a lot of energy balancing providing a minimum level of safety and the freedom to ride out of bounds for all mountain users. If you are riding out of bounds there is a strong expectation on you to have consideration for the safety of other mountain users. Please listen to the patrols advice before exiting the gates. Have a great day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 30th January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 320cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 270cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 270cm Base - 150cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 30th January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 600cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 46 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 295cm reported on 25 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 608cm Posted on Sunday 31st January 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Yesterday there was more cloud at the end of the day than the beginning, but generally a very fine day yesterday weather wise with a lot of people out enjoying it as well. Come the evening and it was snowing again, just how it should be! It looks like Grand Hirafu got their Ace Number 2 quad going eventually (about an hour late I hear), and hopefully there'll be no more problems there... looks like it is open as normal at 8:30am. I have measured 8cm of new snowfall this morning and with the resorts reporting around 15cm up top it's a reasonable refresh so conditions early on in particular should be very good. It's another cold morning, currently -9C degrees here at base and light snow was snowing just before but has stopped now. There's even some blue sky to be seen through some breaks in the cloud, quite a lot looking back over towards Mt Yotei, and the sun is starting to break through as well. More wind this morning than yesterday but as I write this report the lifts that should be moving are and there's no sign of disruptions to top lifts; and the peak gates are expected to be open. So here we are at the end of January 2015. Just over 3 months to go! Sounds good that, doesn't it. Either tomorrow or Tuesday I'll look back over the statistics for January and for the season so far and look forward to what we can hope for an expect for February. In the meantime, it's time for me to get some skiing in! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -8°C, crystal snow, 15cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: -10°C, N5m/s, 20cm new snow. Mikaeri 740m: -12.0°C, W2.7m/s, Annupuri 1150m: -18°C, NW15m/s, 15cm new snow. Hirafu 1000m -10°C, 15cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW16m/s. Kamui Cape WNW8m/s, 1020hPa, wave 1.4m. Above 1000m on western aspects, NW wind around 15m/s continues, cornices and snowdrifts are slowly growing. All peak gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrols advice. You can still see yesterdays tracks but the snow in the forest is reset. From observation and data general avalanche risk is low, however caution is always advised. There is no guaranteed safety on the mountain. Cracks are starting to form in Mizu no Sawa, they are difficult to see from above. Don't be to over confident, new ski designs allow high speeds, but trees still hurt when you hit them. Be careful of holes. Yesterday over 1000 people went through the gates to ride out of bounds and we are thankful there was no big accidents. We appreciate everyone who respects Niseko Rules and ski safely on the mountain. Have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Sunday 31st January 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 320cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 280cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 270cm Base - 150cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Sunday 31st January 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 608cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 47 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 620cm Posted on Monday 1st February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning to you and this morning I have another 12cm of fresh snowfall overnight to report which makes for a decent start to February. The last day of January saw some nice blue skies in the morning with clouds moving in and then some fresh snow falling. Snowfall overnight is the kind I like best - fill in the tracks... reset the mountain... nice. (Just one thing, bring us 20+cm each night, ok?) Actually, I see that the Avalanche Report is reporting 20+cm on the mountain. So all is good. It is another very cold morning here, but I doubt that will put people off wanting to get up for early tracks and enjoy the conditions. Snow continues to fall and I expect visibility to be somewhat limited in places at the moment but once again the snow is expected to stop and leave us with a cloudy day; perhaps even a bit of blue sky again? The Hanazono webcam is showing hints of that just now... The Early Morning lift service at Niseko Grand Hirafu has now finished for the season. It sounds a bit odd thinking about things already finishing up for the season, but then we can remember that lifts and runs are scheduled to be open until early May. So like I mentioned yesterday, we have over 3 months to go! --- So here we are in February 2016 already and it's time for my monthly look back - and forward - to see where we stand this season. First of all, here are my observed snowfall numbers. As always, recorded here near Hirafu base: Observed snowfall during January 2016: 303cm Observed snowfall during January 2015: 257cm Observed snowfall during January 2014: 461cm Total observed snowfall for the 15/16 season up until end January 2016: 611cm Total observed snowfall for the 14/15 season up until end January 2015: 806cm Total observed snowfall for the 13/14 season up until end January 2014: 859cm So I observed nearly 50cm more snowfall during January 2016 than I did in January 2015, but it was still over 1.5m less than in January 2014. Looking at the season as a whole, we are still 2-2.5m behind the previous two seasons - the main reason this time round of course being the late/poor start to the season. How will February shape up? Here's what I observed last season and the one before: February 2015: 196cm February 2014: 178cm I always like to emphasise this so forgive me for repeating it. More snow falls higher up on the mountain than does here at base. The popular thinking is that there's probably up to/around 1.5 times the amount up there. It would of course be ideal to be able to report a number from there as well, but unfortunately it's just not possible to do that every morning... Let's also take a look at the official snowfall numbers that are published by the Japan Meteorological Agency. These numbers are taken from their point in Kutchan town which is a bit lower than here at Hirafu base, so you would expect them to be less than the snow that I observe myself. January 2016: 246cm January 2015: 230cm January 2014: 317cm January 2013: 268cm January 2012: 290cm January 2011: 420cm January 2010: 331cm January 2009: 286cm January 2008: 336cm 15/16 season so far at end of January 2016: 476cm 14/15 season so far at end of January 2015: 658cm 13/14 season so far at end of January 2014: 674cm 12/13 season so far at end of January 2013: 672cm 11/12 season so far at end of January 2012: 721cm 10/11 season so far at end of January 2011: 668cm 09/10 season so far at end of January 2010: 680cm 08/09 season so far at end of January 2009: 612cm 07/08 season so far at end of January 2009: 621cm It is a 'danto' (mild winter) season for most of Japan this time around. Lots of popular ski regions - mostly on the main island of Honshu - are this season getting much less snowfall than they usually enjoy. Take a look at the Yuzawa Now report today and tomorrow for some similar 'analysis' of what is going on down there. Last season the Yuzawa Now reports recorded over 13m of snowfall, which was actually over 1.5m more than I observed for these Niseko Now reports! Happily for us up here in Hokkaido, we have been doing well once the season got going and have enjoyed regular fresh snowfall for the most part. But still, for the season so far we also have been getting less snowfall than we usually get. Let's hope that February brings with it some good numbers - not just for here in Niseko, but for all of the ski resort regions of Japan. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -10°C, 20cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: NE8m/s, 20cm new snow, snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -12.9°C, WSW2.7m/s, 30cm new snow, snow drift development. Annupuri 1150m: -15°C, NW15m/s, 20cm new snow, snow drift development. Hirafu 1000m -16°C, 20cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW13m/s. Kamui Cape WNW6m/s, 1019hPa, wave 1.3m. Currently we under the influence of typical winter weather pattern. Light winds and snow continue, On upper sections of leeward slopes above 700m, there has been 40cm of snowdrift growth. Above 900m snowdrift growth has been faster, forming soft slabs likely to fracture on the Jan 30 layer. From observation and data, general avalanche risk is low, but risk can be higher depending on aspect and elevation. Avoid cornices and knolls. All gates are expected to be open. If you ignore Niseko Rules and enter Strictly Off Limits areas expect to be banned from all Niseko ski areas. For your own safety follow the rules. Once one person ducks the ropes, other follow, increasing risk of an accident. This cannot be tolerated. Snowfall is expected to continue. Take care falling into cracks when visibility is poor. It's cold today, beware frostbite. Have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Monday 1st February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 325cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 280cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 285cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 1st February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 620cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 48 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 12cm 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 18cm Snowfall at base this season 651cm Posted on Wednesday 3rd February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning and there's another very good layer of beautiful fresh snow to report. 18cm of it actually and the Avalanche Report mentioning numbers up to 40cm. It has really been coming down hard at times since my last report. Wind doesn't look like it is going to be an issue at all today and so it should be an excellent morning once again. I have observed 43cm of fresh snowfall here at base in my first three reports of February - an excellent start to the month! And there doesn't look like there'll be much of a let-up in the snow falling over the next few days and into the weekend either. If the snow eases off, more snow probably won't be too far away. The Niseko Grand Hirafu resort upper slopes official snow depth is now up to 350cm and 160cm for base (this time last year it was on 350cm and base at 125cm). --- The Chinese New Year is coming up and while Niseko doesn't really have many 'quiet periods' during the peak months, we are entering 'peak' peak territory now with lots of people coming to celebrate here. There are so many languages to be heard being spoken here now, and it is clear that people are coming to Niseko from pretty much all corners of the world. Let's international! I even heard some Japanese being spoken the other day! ;) --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -8℃, 20cm of fresh snow. Moiwa 800m: -11℃, W8m/s, 30cm new snow. Mikaeri 740m: -10.1℃, WSW1.1m/s, 40cm snowfall and development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -13℃, W10m/s, 40cm snowfall. Hirafu ridgeline: -13℃, mild wind, 20cm snowfall. Benkei cape: NW14m/s, Kamui cape W7m/s, 1018hPa, 1.4m waves. 40cm average snowfall below 1000m altitude. The wind remained mile and no drastic development of snowdrifts and cornices have been observed. A moderate westerly wind, however, kept blowing above 1100m elevation and made snowdrifts develop slowly. The general avalanche risk is low, however 60cm thick surface slab avalanche is to be considered in Haru no Taki area due to sun-affected slabs. Most avalanches occurring in maritime weather areas (as in Niseko) are caused by collapse of unstable slabs during their development stage, however sun-affected slabs can also become a trigger to slide. Many cases of people being lost are being reported. Know where you go, don’t blindly follow others. Respect the rules, they are here to protect you and protect the freedom to ride the out of bounds area. Please listen to the patrol’s instructions at the gates. All gates will open from the morning. Have you turned your beacon on?? The snow is in excellent condition. --- Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 3rd February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 350cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village Top - 290cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 290cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 3rd February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 651cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 50 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 43cm 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 13cm Snowfall at base this season 633cm Posted on Tuesday 2nd February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning and it's an early report this morning as I need to get out early today*. This morning there's another 13cm of fresh snowfall to report here at base so the overnight refills keep on coming - and it's still snowing. A special hello to the guy with the red jacket and his friends who seem to be waiting at the Ace Number 2 quad lift from 7:45am - looks like he's keen to get in first tracks today, and I don't blame him! Snow conditions should be quality out there this morning. Maybe limited visibility especially early on as it's snowing quite hard right now in places; probably going to ease off soon. Just cloud and maybe some sunshine forecast for tomorrow before we get back into hopefully decent snow in the run up to the weekend. --- * Sadly not out onto the slopes! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -10°C, 15cm new crystal snow, calm. Moiwa 800m: -12°C NW8m/s, 20cm new snow, no snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -11.6°C, light winds, 20cm new snow. Annupuri 1150m: -13°C, W15m/s, 15cm new snow. Hirafu 1000m snowpack 205cm. Hirafu Peak Ridgeline: -14°C, W10m/s, 15cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NW13m/s. Kamui Cape W8m/s, 1014hPa, wave 0.8m. Below 1100m there is light winds, no snow drift development, 15-20cm on new snow, no obvious weak or unstable snowdrifts and lower levels of the snow pack are stable and compacted. General avalanche risk is low. Be careful carrying too much speed and hitting a tree. Also take care of falling into creeks, if you rescue someone who has fallen in a creek and is completely wet, use rescue blanket, hot water in PET bottles under arms. If the victim keeps shivering uncontrollably, looses consciousness or is becoming seriously hypothermic it is a very dangerous situation. Avalanches are not the only danger in the winter mountains. People deliberately continuing to enter Haru no Taki will be banned from Niseko ski areas. If you don't care about your own safety, think about others who will have to come and rescue you if you have an accident. Today's snow is excellent. --- Official resort snow depths as of Tuesday 2nd February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 330cm Base - 140cm Niseko Village Top - 280cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 285cm Base - 160cm --- Lifts planned to be open for night skiing: 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 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 2nd February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 633cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 49 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 25cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 670cm Posted on Friday 5th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There's another 10cm more fresh on the ground this morning, thank you very much! That makes my observed total 62cm in the 5 reports so far this month so the great start to the month continues. There is a lot of cloud around at the moment but good visibility and areas of blue sky also appearing. There's also more of a wind around this morning and strong westerly winds blowing around higher up according to the resorts (Annupuri reporting a blowy 22m/s) - unfortunately top lifts don't look like they are going to be starting the day as planned. Latest info at time of writing added below, let's hope it calms down. Some more snowfall is due overnight once again and at times tomorrow too; oh yes, and on Sunday too. If you are looking for some sunshine, Monday is still looking like it will be the main day for you. Hope you all have a very fine day. --- One rather angry person sent an email yesterday to the SnowJapan folk asking why 'the Niseko reporter is doing his best to get people to go to other areas'. Apparently, that's what he - for it was a he - took from my report yesterday morning. Huh?! No, I'm not 'doing my best to get people to go to other areas'. I'm also actually not 'doing my best to get people to come to Niseko' either.* I'm simply reporting honest conditions from here in Niseko and at times adding a bit of commentary (for want of a better word). I think lots of people will be interested in how the season is going not only here in Niseko but in Japan in general; and how this season may be different from other seasons... that kind of thing. I give the readers of these reports more credit than just being exclusively interested in Niseko and nothing else. I do want to perhaps add that I hope that my love of Niseko - and indeed Japan in general - also does come through in these reports. (But that's not me trying to sell anything to anyone). The person who sent that was probably the same type of person who would prefer that I don't talk about rain if it is raining**, and would prefer if I didn't talk about rubbish snow when the snow is rubbish***. --- * BOOK NOW! ** It never rains in Niseko in winter. *** Snow is never rubbish in Niseko. (Not even when it's rubbish). --- Resort specific lift opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu The top Ace Number 4 and King Number 4 lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. Niseko HANAZONO Resort For the moment, open as planned. Niseko Village The top Wonderland lift are on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. Niseko Annupuri The Gondola and top Jumbo 4 lift are on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -5℃, 10cm snowfall, no snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m: -8℃, NW5m/s, 15cm snow with might snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -8.3℃, SW3m/s. Annupuri 1150m: -13℃, W15m/s. Hirafu peak ridge 1250m: -11℃, 10cm snow and light development of snowdrift. Benkei cape: NW15m/s, Kamui cape: W14m/s, 1011hPa, 1.3m waves. A NW wind has picked up as the small Low passed, generating snowdrifts on top of Feb 4th pre-low pressure snowfall layer above 900m elevation, making the layer under Feb 4th transform into a hoar layer due to the temperature changes. Thin surface slab slides are to be expected in the Bckbowl sidewalls, below Osawa cornices, Mikaeri bowl and other leeside steep slopes. Peak gates are scheduled to open, please follow the patrol’s instructions. Be careful digging easy pits, they could trigger a slid. Remember to always belay yourself when pit-checking in knolls or steep slopes. The leeside aspects are pretty much reset but the snow is a bit heavy. Have you turned your beacon on?? Have nice day. Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 5th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 670cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 52 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 62cm reported on 5 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 685cm Posted on Saturday 6th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko and the very fine start to the month continues this morning with another good 15cm of fresh snow and the good Avalanche folk reporting up to 30cm on mountain. That brings up my total observed snowfall in my last six reports to 77cm. Yey! And, it continues to snow at the time of writing - rather heavily at the moment too. Note: the snow itself isn't heavy! It's lovely and light. Sunshine is still looking likely for Monday. Before and after that though just expect snow to keep on falling. It's surely going to be a busy weekend here in Niseko, and so it's great that everyone will be able to enjoy fresh conditions each morning. There's lots of visitors here now and also arriving for the Chinese New Year celebrations. Enjoy your time here everyone! --- Yesterday was the opening day of the ever-popular Sapporo Snow Festival. This year it's the 67th time that this event is being held and it's going to be running until 11th February at the main Odori site in downtown Sapporo, and until 18th February at the Tsudome site. It's highly recommended, and no doubt already in the plans of a fair few of you reading this. Apparently about 2 million people visit each year! That's a lot of people. I haven't been myself yet but hope to get to see it in the next few days. I saw on the news last night that one of the snow sculpture attractions this year is of the new Shinkansen train that is going to be opening next month (the first time a Shinkansen bullet train line comes up to Hokkaido, initially to Hakodate). Looks like they have lots of images beaming onto the ice to make it almost like a cinema experience. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 5am: -8℃, 20cm snowfall, calm. Moiwa 800m: -11℃, WSW5m/s, 30cm crystal snowfall. Mikaeri 740m: -10.2℃, light breeze, 30cm snowfall. Annupuri 1150m: W15m/s, 30cm snowfall with snowdrifts. Hirafu ridge line: -13℃, light wind, 15cm snowfall. Benkei cape: NNW14m/s, Kamui cape: WNW10m/s, 1011hPa, 1.2m waves. The atmospheric pressure gradient is small, but snow clouds are flowing in Niseko area, dropping 30cm of crystal snowflakes above 800m elevation. According to observations and weather transition, the development of snowdrifts is minor and the avalanche risk under 1000m elevation is low. However, 60cm surface slab slides are to be considered in area above 1100m elevation where relative strong westerly wind has been blowing, namely Annupuri’s Osawa cornice slopes and the Backbowl sidewalls. A slide triggered at the top of the slope, will clean everything on its way down, including people at the bottom of the valley. The snow is in really good shape, overhead blower condition in some areas. Beware of hitting trees and falling into cracks. Uncontrolled speed range can be very dangerous; do not overestimate the performance of the skis and boards. Many cases of people entering Haru no Taki strictly off-limits area from the Mizuno no Sawa area are being reported. It is very unfortunate to have a minority always disregarding the Rules wen most people are respecting it. We hope for a safe and enjoyable day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Saturday 6th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 355cm Base - 165cm Niseko Village Top - 300cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 310cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 6th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 685cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 53 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 77cm 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 9cm Snowfall at base this season 660cm Posted on Thursday 4th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here After an excellent day on the slopes yesterday, do I have news of our 'daily refresh'? Yes I do! This morning I measure 9cm of fresh snowfall and it's still snowing. I have just wiped the area to reset it and start recording new snow for my report tomorrow. And there's going to be some to report as well - the snow clouds are going to remain over Niseko (or at least be very close by) through until the end of the weekend. Forecasts seem to show a break in the snow on Monday and some sunshine (Happy Chinese New Year!) but then more snow after that from Tuesday. We are certainly enjoying conditions at the moment, that's for sure. --- I have heard a few conversations over the last week or so from people who have decided at the last minute to come up to Hokkaido (and specifically Niseko or Furano) after originally booking places down in some popular resort areas on Honshu. It seems that they didn't like hearing about the relative lack of snow down there and at the same time hearing about the regular snowfall up here, and it's hard to argue with that. I must admit though it does seem a pretty stark contrast this season. As I have said before in these reports - and as the statistics show - such a big contrast isn't 'the norm' and I'm sure that lots of SnowJapan readers are interested in the bigger picture rather than just snapshots. It is interesting to read through the reports from, say, last season and look at some of the statistics here. I find it really interesting anyway. Whatever, it is certainly going to be interesting to see how the rest of the season shapes up, both up here in Niseko and in other regions. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -5℃, 10cm snowfall. Moiwa800m: -8℃, mild wind, 10cm snow. Mikaeri 740m: -7.3℃, calm, 15cm crystal snow. Annupuri 1150m: -9℃, W5m/s, 15cm snowfall, excellent groomer conditions. Hirafu 1150m: W10m/s, 15cm snowfall, no notable development of snowdrifts. Sea of Japan Benkei cape:W11m/s at 5am, Kamui cape: SW11m/s, 1016hPa, 1.1m waves. A small low-pressure system is present in western Sea of Japan, however the pressure gradient is small and the mountain is in a calm condition this morning. Light snowfall overnight without notable development of snowdrifts. The general avalanche risk is low. All gates are scheduled to open from the morning. Get information from the ski patrol and be well prepared before going out of the gates. Always be ready for sudden weather changes, especially in higher elevation. The snow condition is ever changing. Paying attention to the weather transition is key to evaluate the hazards. Accidents mostly occur during stormy weather. Stay humble, hone your senses and always be prudent. The Niseko community respects the freedom to ride, but is also deeply concerned about all user’s safety. The snow is in good condition. Be careful not to hit trees and not to fall in cracks. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 4th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 350cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village Top - 290cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 300cm Base - 170cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 4th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 660cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 51 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 31cm (17th January) November 2015 snowfall 61cm reported on 4 days December 2015 snowfall 244cm reported on 17 days January 2016 snowfall 303cm reported on 26 days February 2016 snowfall 52cm reported on 4 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com