Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 15cm Snowfall at base this season 744cm Posted on Tuesday 16th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning from Niseko and it's a much improved picture this morning. There's 15cm of fresh snow to report this morning and with 20-30cm being reported in the Avalanche Report on mountain, I would expect a decent reset for this morning. I think I might just have to go and find out for myself. Looks like gates are going to be closed though. The overnight snow brings my observed snowfall number here at base for the month of February up to 136cm. Remember, last February it was 196cm for the month. If the forecast is correct and we can expect steady (and sometimes heavy) snowfall on most if not all days over the coming week, we should be well placed to do better than last year. Not that it's a competition or anything of course, just a bit of fun. And of course the more snow the better, not just when you think about daily refreshes but also when you start thinking about the spring season. So anyway it's snowing - and quite heavily just at this moment (though I see less so over at Hanazono from the webcam). But snow is forecast for the day and through the day tomorrow as well. We'll have to see how the winds shape up and if they are strong enough to affect lift operations again today - latest just before posting this report added below. Have a fine morning. --- 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 and poor visibility. Niseko HANAZONO Resort Hanazono appears to be opening as planned at the start of the day. Niseko Village The top Wonderland Chair lift is on hold at the start of the day. Niseko Annupuri Niseko Annupuri appears to be opening as planned at the start of the day. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -10°C, 20cm new snow, light winds. Moiwa 800m: W12m/s, 25cm new snow, snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -13.1°C, SSW2.4m/s, 30cm new snow, snowdrift development. Hirafu Peak Ridgeline: -16°C, Strong westerly wind. Annupuri 1150m: -16°C, WNW15m/s, poor visibility, snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NW17m/s. Kamui Cape W11m/s, 1005hPa, wave 2.4m. At elevations above 800m wind slab development continues and although the storm is weakening, the upper 30cm of newly formed slabs is easily fractured. Kozan no Sawa, Osawa, Mikaeri Bowl and Higashi One cornice face, if a fracture propagates down to the Feb14 layer low pressure snow layer there is possibility of large avalanche with very deep crown. Gates 1,2, 3,4 will be closed. 5 and 6 yet to be determined. Please respect the patrols decisions. There are many people using the resort and it just takes one person to duck a rope and many others will follow, creating a serious safety issue for the patrol. This is how accidents happen. Don't make selfish decisions, don't duck ropes. The mountain is reset and snow in the trees is great. Today, at Mikaeri ridge road we will be conducting avalanche tests, the road will be closed during this time. Take care with frostbite, have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Tuesday 16th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 310cm Base - 130cm Niseko Village Top - 320cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 330cm Base - 150cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 16th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 744cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 58 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 136cm reported on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 12cm Snowfall at base this season 712cm Posted on Monday 8th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko and a very happy Chinese New Year to everyone who is celebrating it. I don't want to make a mistake with the words I use, and so please accept it in English! Unfortunately, the top lifts were affected by wind yesterday afternoon. Here's how the day played out around the mountain for those interested in knowing how these things play out: Niseko Annupuri - the top Jumbo number 4 lift stopped around 11:30am to be joined by the Gondola and Jumbo Number 3 lifts just before 2pm leaving us with just the lower two lifts operating. Niseko Village - the top Wonderland lift was halted just after 11:30am and then the Gondola operating at reduced speeds to be stopped at around 3pm. Niseko Grand Hirafu - the top King Number 4 and Ace Number 4 lifts stopped moving around noon with the King Number 3 lift also stopped mid afternoon. As far as I can tell, all of the three Hanazono lifts made it through the day, even if the top one was moving at reduced speeds. And so much for the 'possible clearing up' mentioned in my report as well - a few moments of some blue sky here and there, but generally cloudy and snowy - and really snowing heavily at times. So once again after some impressive snowfall, I have a good 12cm of fresh snowfall to report. What's more, as expected it's a really beautiful morning. The sun is out, there are beautiful blue skies all around and it seems fairly calm so I would expect everywhere to be opening as normal this morning. Fresh snow overnight and beautiful weather - I don't think I'll ever say it's perfect (after all, 30+cm of fresh would have been better!), but it's pretty ideal. I'm a big fan of the overnight snow followed by clear skies pattern so if you don't mind, I am going to treat myself to an early start this morning. I hope to see some of you out there. Have a great day. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 5am: -8℃, scarce snowfall, snowdrifts development and calm. Moiwa 800m: -11℃, W5m/s, 15cm snowfall with 50cm snowdrifts in knolls. Mikaeri 740m: -11.2℃, WSW0.9m/s, 20cm snowfall, 50cm snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -13℃, SW12m/s, 10cm snowfall with snowdrifts development. Hirafu peak ridge: -12℃, 30cm snowfall, light snowdrifts on-piste. Benkei cape: NW6m/s, Kamui cape: NNW4m/s, 1017hPa, 1.7m waves. Beautiful calm morning in a high-pressure system. The snow & wind ceased late night and the newly formed slabs are stabilizing. Looking at observations and snowfall transitions, the avalanche risk in areas below 1000m is lowering, however highly wind-affected wide-open steep slopes loaded with snowdrifts above 1200m are still unstable and surface slab slides from Feb 7th layer are to be highly considered. All gates are scheduled to open from the morning. Stepping out of the gate is stepping out of the resort management. Many hazard are present out there, always be prudent. The snow in the trees is in good shape. Beware of falling in cracks or creeks. Have a nice day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Monday 8th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 355cm Base - 170cm Niseko Village Top - 310cm Base - 180cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 315cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 8th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 712cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 55 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 104cm reported on 8 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 38cm Snowfall at base this season 782cm Posted on Wednesday 17th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here A very good morning to you from Niseko. And how about this... the most snow in one day so far this season! I can't say that I was expecting quite this much, but more than happy to see it out there on the ground - all 38cm of it! We enjoyed lots of heavy snowfall yesterday and through the night so that we are able to wake up to all this lovely fluffy snow outside this morning. Check out this bit of the Avalanche Report: "Hirafu Peak Ridgeline: couldn't access by grooming machine, -10°C, over 60cm new snow"! I think this is probably enough for more than a complete refresh (you reckon?) and we should be set for some very exciting fun this morning... if the winds don't cramp our style of course. And it looks like we might be ok on that front this morning. Rather than wind, it's probably 'moving snow' that might delay some lifts for a short time. There's more regular snowfall due through until Friday, maybe a short break for a bit as we enter the weekend but back to snow from Sunday. Things are looking very good and re-assuring to see that the weekend was just a short blip on the big picture. Lots of snow is a whole lot of fun, but there's inherent dangers of course - keep calm and take care. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -6°C, 30cm new crystal snow, no snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m: -10°C, NW10m/s, 40cm new snow, snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -9.5°C, WNW1.4m/s. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NW14m/s. Kamui Cape W10m/s, 1005hPa, wave 1.4m. Hirafu Peak Ridgeline: couldn't access by grooming machine, -10°C, over 60cm new snow. Annupuri 1000m: -10°C, WNW15m/s, too much snow to run grooming machines on. Biggest snow event this winter and the grooming machines are having difficulty getting up and down the slopes. Atmospheric pressure gradient is a little steep and snow drifts are growing moderately above 800m. From observation and data, above 900m SE through SW cornice, knoll and other steep slopes, the avalanche risk is high. Upper Haru no Taki, Yu no Sawa Annupuri side there is possibility of huge avalanche, fracturing deep on Feb 14 layer. This avalanche report is produced using both historical and current observations and data, and past accident history. It has proved to be reasonably accurate since started and we ask that you don't disregard the information. Gates 1, 2, 3, 4 will be closed. Other gates yet to be determined. Please respect the patrols decisions. Don't venture out of bounds late in the afternoon. If you get lost you will be in big trouble. Snow is good but deep. Be prepared with snowshoes and skins. Don't go on any long expeditions today. Don't duck ropes and try to enter closed gate areas. Have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 17th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 370cm Base - 170cm Niseko Village Top - 330cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 350cm Base - 170cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 17th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 782cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 59 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (17th February) 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 174cm reported on 12 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 13cm Snowfall at base this season 725cm Posted on Wednesday 10th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Wind affected things yesterday and were noisy overnight too (glad to see I still have a roof on the top of my house, I thought it was going to come off at times) and unfortunately they're also preventing top lifts from starting the day today as well. The good news is that we have 12cm of fresh snow on the ground here near base. Watch out for the wind blowing it all around though, making for a less-and-more situation depending on where you are - that's apparent where I take my measurements each morning, but I think 12cm is a good reflection of the morning deposit. Keep that in mind and take care with your tracks and also please be aware of the avalanche risk as laid out below in the Avalanche Report. Care and calm heads needed in these conditions. The snow should be easing off later on in the day today and there's a chance of some sunshine tomorrow. I would try to avoid looking at the forecast for Saturday if you can, because rain and warmth is looking likely - it might well be a good day to plan some other kind of sightseeing. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 5am: -5℃, 20cm broken crystal snowfall with development of snowdrifts. Moiwa 800m: -8℃, 20cm snowfall, snowdrift development and collapsing cornices. Mikaeri 740m: -6.8℃, W8.2m/s. Hirafu Peak: -9℃, strong wind and large development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1000m: -8℃, intermittent snowfall with 20m/s gusts, large development of snowdrifts. Benkei cape: NNE14m/s, Kamui cape: N15m/s, 1009hPa, 3.8m wave height. A northerly wind picked up as the Low passed. Drastic development of snowdrift on top of yesterday’s graupel and broken crystal snow layer. These newly formed slabs easily transmit stimulation and collapsing lego-blocks like chunks of 50cm thickness has been observed this morning. Avalanche risk today is extreme. Gates 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be closed. The wind would calm down and the lifts would start operating, but the hazard level will remain high a while after. Annupuri Osawa bowl, Mikaeri bowl, Higashi-One cornice slopes, Back bowl sidewalls are all time danger zone today. 50cm or bigger slab slides are to be expected. Do not duck ropes to head to those areas. Most accidents occur during and just after storms. Better stay inbounds today. A little heavy, wind-affected snow has blanketed the tree runs; overall good conditions. Beware of small but heavy enough slides occurring under steep lift lines. The snow conditions is ever-changing. Have a nice day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 10th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 340cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village Top - 310cm Base - 180cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 330cm Base - 180cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Wednesday 10th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 725cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 56 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 117cm reported on 9 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 790cm Posted on Thursday 18th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here An excellent day for enjoying the snow conditions yesterday even though there were a few lift disruptions due to wind by mid-day. There's another 8cm of snow to report to you this morning from here at Hirafu base. Happily things seem somewhat calmer this morning as well. There's less wind and it's not quite as cold. Regular but generally light snow is forecast over the next few days - looks like it's going to get slightly warm tomorrow and there's a chance that we might have to endure a bit of rain; but hopefully even if that happens it will be short-lived. More snowfall - and perhaps heavier snowfall - is expected around Saturday. And more snow into next week, so it looks like we should be able to enjoy regular fresh each morning. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -5°C, 5cm, calm. Moiwa 800m: -6°C, W8m/s, 15cm new snow. Mikaeri 740m: light wind. -6.9°C. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: NW14m/s. Kamui Cape WSW11m/s, 1005hPa, wave 2.6m. Hirafu Peak ridge line: light wind, -7°C. Annupuri 1150m: -9°C, W12m/s, snow conditions heavy with huge cornice development, snowpack 260cm. The winds dropped around midnight and the rapid snowdrift development from yesterday has slowed. From observation and data avalanche risk around 800m is dropping, however at 1000m leeward cornice, knoll, open 30deg slopes high avalanche risk continues. Avalanche risk from rider stimulation or careless traverses is still high. The scale of predicted avalanches is over 60cm. Please take special care today. All peak gates are expected to be open. Please listen to the patrol and make proper preparations before entering out of bounds areas. These areas are not managed and can deliver a serious lesson very quickly. There is many people riding out of bounds, carelessly triggering an avalanche could take out many people below. Dont stop and wait in the gullies, this is the avalanche path. Snow is a little slow but good. The temperature is rising and snow will become heavy by lunchtime. Take care to not hit obstacles. Early yesterday a full depth avalanche occurred at 800m in Mizo no Sawa. Air temperature is not the only cause of these deep avalanches. Cracks give an indication of the instabilities, however in this instance the crack and collapse happened at the same time. This is not uncommon in Niseko area. Take care. Have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 18th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 360cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village Top - 340cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 350cm Base - 170cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 18th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 790cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 60 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (17th February) 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 182cm reported on 13 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 10cm Snowfall at base this season 805cm Posted on Sunday 21st February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here This morning I have another 10cm of fresh snow to report to you. That's less than I think most of us were expecting given the forecasts yesterday, so we seem to have been missed out on that 'heavy snow' that we were being tempted with. Still, 10cm is certainly better than 0cm and there'll be more to play in up on the mountain. That new 10cm of snowfall though takes the total amount of observed snowfall this month (by myself) to be more than the amount I observed for the whole of the month of February last year. It also takes the total observed snowfall since the beginning of this season to over the 8m mark. With over a full week of February 2016 left to go and encouraging forecasts showing regular daily snowfall over the coming week, we could be on for a very good number this month (and eat away nicely at that now-just-less-than-2-metres gap on the numbers from last season at the end of February). Anyway back to today... It has been fairly mild and cloudy/overcast here at base so far this morning, with the temperature just above zero outside my place. It looks like snow is falling higher up - and snow is on the forecast on and off for the day today. Doesn't feel too windy down here early on but I see that Niseko Village are reporting northerly winds up to 16m/s and wind conditions are preventing some of the top lifts from opening this morning. --- It is extremely sad of course to hear about the skier passing away after hitting a tree yesterday. Do take care out there, and be sure to read the Avalanche Report below. --- 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 Appears to be planning on being open as normal at the start of the day. Niseko Village The Niseko Gondola and Wonderland Chair lifts are on hold at the start of the day. Niseko Annupuri Appears to be planning on being open as normal at the start of the day. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -2℃, 10cm snowfall, 40cm snowdrift. Moiwa 848m: -4.8℃, WSW14.2m/s, 20cm snowfall with large development of snowdrift. Benkei cape: NW7m/s, Kamui cape: SE3m/s, 1006hPa, wave height unknown. Hirafu peak ridge: -8℃, strong easterly gusts and developing snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -7℃, NE15m/s, 50cm and larger snowdrifts in various areas. A Low is rapidly passing along the pacific coast. Heavy stormy conditions in the mountains, generating drastic development of snowdrifts in leeward slopes above 800m elevation. The avalanche risk is very high. Prominent trigger layer is Feb 20th pre-low-pressure snowfall. Snowdrifts have reach 100+cm thickness in some areas, 50cm or thicker surface slide avalanches are to be highly considered in Annupuri O-sawa cornice area, Backbowl sidewalls 1000m area, west ridge area, Mikaeri bowl upper area. Peak gates will be closed, please do not cross boundary ropes. Many of the avalanche accidents occur when snowdrifts are developing exponentially. Better let the snow stabilize for a while after the wind calms down and lifts start running. Uneven snowdrifts are also present in the treeruns, trick conditions, be careful. A skier passed away hitting a tree in Higashi-One yesterday. It is very unfortunate and we would like express our deepest sympathy to the family. This information is issued not only to prevent avalanche accidents, but all incidents in the out of bounds area. Road conditions are also treacherous today, drive in controllable speed. --- Official resort snow depths as of Sunday 21st February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 350cm Base - 150cm Niseko Village Top - 340cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 350cm Base - 170cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Sunday 21st February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 805cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 63 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (17th February) 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 197cm reported on 16 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 791cm Posted on Friday 19th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It's warmer this morning and noticeably so - the thermometer is showing just under +2C outside my place here as of 8am. There has been just a dusting of snowfall since my last report and until I started writing this report it is just snowing very lightly... since then and over the last 30 minutes it has started coming down with a bit more conviction and so I can officially assign 1cm to the report today. I was up on the mountain later on in the day yesterday and things were looking pretty tracked out, and so groomers aside things won't have changed this early morning. (We're back to that old 'we require regular snowfall' discussion!) Looks like early on top lifts are on hold but due to poor visibility rather than wind issues. So, snowfall is expected today but there's also a chance that we might get some rain or sleet during the day as well. Obviously we all hope to completely avoid that and it just be a forecast oddity. After today, the forecast is looking more exciting with decent and potentially heavy snowfall expected later Saturday through into Monday; it looks like there is a good chance for some more nice numbers to report to you. And report them I will! --- With 182cm of snow observed by myself here at base during this month, we're now just 14cm off the amount that I observed during the whole of the month of February last year. It looks like we are easily going to surpass last years number for February, and so at the same time start catching up on the season as a whole (we're still over 2m less than last season at the end of February). --- Resort specific lift opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu The top Ace Number 4, King Number 4, Ace Number 3 and King Number 3 lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to poor visibility. Niseko HANAZONO Resort The top Hanazono Number 3 lift is on hold at the start of the day due to poor visibility. Niseko Village The top Wonderland lift is on hold at the start of the day. Niseko Annupuri The top Jumbo 4 lift is on hold at the start of the day due to poor visibility. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base6am: -2℃, no snowfall. Moiwa peak 838m: -4.5℃, ENE2.3m/s, no snowfall. Coastal data Benkei cape: WNW4m/s, Kamui cape SW12m/s, 1016hPa, 0.9m waves. Hirafu ridgeline: -7℃, no snowfall. Annupuri 1150: -6℃, W10m/s, no snowfall. Isobars are spaced out before the next Low approaches. The ocean and the mountains are in a calm condition. The general avalanche risk is low. Peak gates will open from the morning, but beware of sudden weather changes. According to observations, the snowpack at 800m elevation has 150cm of stable snow on top of Feb 14th layer and today’s layer will turn into a notable layer (Feb 19th) in the future snowpack. Do not play around the big cornices around 1000m elevation. Collapsing cornices can trigger a big surface slab slide. The mountain is mostly tracked out. The snow below 800m elevation has a soft crust layer and is catchy, easy to loose control. Beware of hitting trees and falling into creeks. Cracks are forming everywhere and are hard to notice from above. Be prudent when riding steep slopes. Surveillance of strictly off-limits areas are enforced. Ride carefully and have a nice day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Friday 19th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 345cm Base - 150cm Niseko Village Top - 340cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 350cm Base - 170cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Friday 19th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 791cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 61 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (17th February) 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 183cm 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 6cm Snowfall at base this season 811cm Posted on Monday 22nd February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko and it feels nice and cold this morning. There's 6cm of snow outside my place this morning and so I would expect 10+cm out on the mountain this morning. Just cloudy at the moment and quite bright. Not much in terms of snow is expected today but it should be back tonight giving me more to report tomorrow morning. Unfortunately, wind is once again going to be an issue today. There were strong winds overnight and as we start the day top lifts are on hold at Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri - current status at the time of writing added below. Those of you who have followed my reports over the last few years will know just how much the winds annoy me... they affect top lifts on too many days in a season. (Not that I have a solution for a way round the problem...!) Regular snowfall is still lined up on the current 6-day forecast and it looks like temperatures should be dropping further again come mid-week. So if you are going to be here in Niseko this coming week, be prepared for snowy and cold conditions! Have fun; do take care out there. --- 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 Currently the Number 1 lift is open but operating at reduced speed. Niseko Village The top Wonderland Chair lift is on hold at the start of the day due to strong wind. Gondola currently open but moving slowly. Niseko Annupuri The Annupuri Gondola, Jumbo Number 3 and Jumbo Number 4 lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -6℃, 10cm snowfall. Moiwa 838m: -10.4℃, N4.7m/s, 20cm snowfall with snowdrifts development. Benkei cape: NNW15m/s, Kamui cape: W12m/s, 1025hPa, wave height unknown. Hirafu peak ridge 1250m: -13℃, NE15m/s with development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1150m: -12℃, NW15m/s with snowdrift development. Intermittent snowfall under the winter pressure chart. Snow amount is small, however newly formed 40-50cm snowdrifts are developing in leeward knolls and under ridgelines above 800m elevation. Looking at observation and weather data, the snowdrifts are developing as we speak and are very unstable, easily collapsing from Feb 22nd layer with riding stimulation. Avalanche hazard level is high. Peak gates closure is undecided, please respect the patrol’s instructions. Bumpy Feb 21st layer is hiding shallow under the new snowpack, be careful not to fall and ride in controllable speed. Various hazards are lurking in the mountains. Better not overestimate your knowledge, experience, equipment and skills; always stay humble and prudent. Marginal conditions today, we strongly hope for everyone to stay safe out there. Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Monday 22nd February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 811cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 64 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (17th February) 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 203cm 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 4cm Snowfall at base this season 795cm Posted on Saturday 20th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Niseko. I have 4cm of fresh snow to report to you this morning from my base here in Hirafu. I was out of town yesterday but it sounds like fog and limited visibility were the headline of the day. Relatively mild again this morning, just slightly colder than this time yesterday here at base. The light westerly wind this morning isn't an issue and it seems that all of the lifts on the mountain should be open and operating as planned from the start of the day. It's a fine morning actually with some thin hazy cloud around and the sun shining through them at the moment. Things are set to change though soon with a drop in temperatures and heavy snowfall due tonight and into tomorrow, followed by regular snow through the coming week. That sounds good to me! I look forward to bringing you good snowy news tomorrow morning. In the meantime hope you have a fine Saturday. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6am: -3℃, 5cm snowfall. Moiwa 838m: -6.6℃, SW3.2m/s, 20cm snowfall with snowdrift development. Benkei cape: NNW7m/s (18m/s @ 8pm), Kamui cape: W6m/s, 1026hPa, wave height unknown (SW14m/s, 1020hPa @ 9pm). Hirafu peak ridge: -9℃. Annupuri 1000m: -8℃, mild wind, 10cm snowfall, 260cm snowpack. A calm morning as the Low passed and the isobars spaced out. The wind peaked around 9pm last night, generated development of wet snowdrifts around 800m elevation, however have stabilized since then. Possibilities of avalanches from Feb 20th Low pressure snowfall layer is still to be considered around cornices, knolls and steep terrain above 900m elevation. Be alert. Peak gates will open from the morning, however may close anytime depending on the weather condition. Please respect the patrol’s decisions. The snow condition is better than it looks, slightly heavy & dense, typical Niseko snow. We strongly hope a safe day for all, please be mindful of your routes and always stay prudent in the mountains. Have a nice day. Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Saturday 20th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 795cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 62 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (17th February) 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 187cm reported on 15 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 8cm Snowfall at base this season 819cm Posted on Tuesday 23rd February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here There's 8cm of fresh snow on the ground to report this morning, and as I write this report light snow continues to fall. It was coming down a bit heavier just a little earlier on so might be easing off for the day... with more forecast for tonight. A good pattern that, I reckon! Wind seems to be less of an issue this morning and so I would expect all of the lifts to be open as planned this morning, and gates to be open as well. There's not much else to report this morning really. Regular snowfall is still forecast through the week and up until around Sunday. We expect regular snowfall here of course, but so do lots of other areas of Japan who still seem to be battling against a relative lack-of-snow situation which is sad to see. It sure has been an odd winter season for many areas of Japan! --- Niseko Avalanche Report: Niseko base 6.00am: -5°C, 5cm new crystal snow, calm. Moiwa 838m: -7.3°C, NNE0.7m/s, 20cm new snow, calm. Coastal data: Benkei Cape: SSE3m/s. Kamui Cape W10m/s, 1020hPa. Hirafu Peak ridge line: W10m/s, -13C, 10cm new snow. Annupuri 1150m: -11°C, N8m/s, 20cm new crystal snow. The atmospheric pressure gradient is shallow, seas and mountains are calm. 10 to 20cm of good snow has fallen unaffected by wind. From observation the avalanche risk at 1000m is low. All peak gates are expected to open. Please listen to the patrol and respect their decisions. Do not duck ropes. Don't carelessly traverse under cornices and knolls. When performing a pit check anchor yourself with rope. The no such thing as a safe mountain in winter. Always make safe and cautious decisions, so when bad luck comes your way, its not a deadly encounter. Mikaeri Ridge road is closed today while avalanche experiments are being conducted. Due to some mechanical maintenance issues, the daily avalanche report will not be released for the next few days. Have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths as of Tuesday 23rd February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 370cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village Top - 340cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 350cm Base - 170cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Tuesday 23rd February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 819cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 65 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (17th February) 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 211cm 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 10cm Snowfall at base this season 836cm Posted on Thursday 25th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning everyone from here in snowy Niseko. And this morning there's another 10cm of fresh snow here at Hirafu base. It's been there or thereabouts for the last five days now, so full marks for consistency! Good quality snow by the looks of it too - so conditions should be good up there this morning - even if I would prefer just a bit more each day. I must try to reign in my insatiable greed for fresh snow once again though after saying that. This new 10cm brings the February total up to 228cm (32cm more than February 2015) and the season total up to 839cm. Let's see where those numbers stand come the end of February. Over the previous two seasons, by the end of February we had received what ended up being just under 90% of the total snowfall of the season (here at base), with 139cm of snow observed in March 2015 and 113cm observed in March 2014. But back to today. It's nice and cold this morning and fingers crossed wind won't be an issue as well. I almost might as well copy and paste it*, but the 6-day forecast remains one of consistent and regular snowfall as well as cold temperatures. --- (* not that I would ever do such a thing!) --- Resort specific lift opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu Niseko HANAZONO Resort Niseko Village Niseko Annupuri Lifts at all four resort areas appear to be opening as planned at the start of the day. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: There is no report today. --- Official resort snow depths as of Thursday 25th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 370cm Base - 160cm Niseko Village Top - 340cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 360cm Base - 170cm Niseko Now 2015-2016 season Data as of Thursday 25th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 836cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 67 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (17th February) 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 228cm 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 7cm Snowfall at base this season 826cm Posted on Wednesday 24th February 2016 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Morning from Niseko and this morning I have another 7cm of snow to report. It was more cloudy when I got up, but now there is a lot of blue sky and sunshine and it looks like it's going to be a very fine morning. Wind today just seems to be affecting the gondola and top lift at Annupuri with the other reports looking to open as planned. That regular snowfall on the forecast for the coming week? It's still there looking pretty so it looks like February 2016 is going to end well for us here in Niseko. --- Resort specific lift opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day): Niseko Grand Hirafu Niseko HANAZONO Resort Niseko Village Lifts at these three resort areas appear to be open as planned at the start of the day. Niseko Annupuri The Annupuri Gondola and top Jumbo Number 4 lifts are on hold at the start of the day due to strong winds. --- Niseko Avalanche Report: There is no report today. --- Official resort snow depths as of Wednesday 24th February 2016: Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono Top - 360cm Base - 150cm Niseko Village Top - 340cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri Top - 360cm Base - 170cm --- Lifts planned to be open for night skiing: Nighta will be open every day until Monday 21st March 2016 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 Wednesday 24th February 2016 Total snowfall at base so far 826cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 66 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 38cm (17th February) 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 218cm 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