Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 25cm Snowfall at base this season 1094cm Posted on Friday 13th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here The weather is still acting all confused like it's early-mid season, which is of course great news for us all here to enjoy it. There's some very happy people around at the moment, I can tell you. We have seen another very respectable amount of fresh snow, 25cm in fact, here in Hirafu base since my report yesterday and of course we expect more up there on the mountain - the report below bringing in 40cm in places. We really could not be asking for more at the moment in terms of snow with excellent fresh snow conditions and lots of it to play in. If only we could do something about that wind. Looks like top lifts are again affected at the start of the day - info as of 8:30am is posted below. Subject to change, hopefully for the better. We should be on the tail end of this storm now and can expect calmer conditions from tomorrow. --- Just a quick look at my numbers to compare with last season in March. Last March for the whole month I observed 113cm. This month up until and including today, I'm on 92cm. So there's not much more to get past last season. Of course you might expect less snow in the second half of March than the first, and the forecast into next week is showing something of a return to drier more spring like conditions, but still... :) --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -4C, 30cm new snow in last 12hrs. Moiwa 800m: NW8m/s, 40cm new snowfall, snow drift development, -6C. Annupuri 1000m: snowpack 335cm. Hirafu 1000m: NW10m/s, 40cm new snowfall, snow drift development, -6C.. Annupuri peak 1308m: -8.6℃. Cape Benkei: NW13m/s, Cape Kamui: WSW14m/s, pressure 1003hPa, wave 2.1m. There has been over 100cm snow in the last 2 days and storm is beginning to break. Mikaeri link road is not passable. From observation, at 700m on snow drift slopes there is high possibility of surface slab avalanche over 60cm in depth. Main gates will be kept closed. Dont duck ropes to go out of bounds. Yesterday some people entered strictly off limits area Haru no Taki and had to be rescued by Hirafu Patrol. These people didnt know Niseko Rules, ducked ropes, followed some tracks and went into the valley. The first track made under the ropes can lead to an accident one day. Dont disrespect the rules and people who continue to, will be banned from this mountain. The snow will slowly stablise, but to avoid a giant avalanche stay out of the valley bottoms. Avalanche speed will be over 100km/h and run a long way. Be cautious today. The wind is dropping off and the snow is deep. Best to stay near the course today. Have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 495cm Base - 190cm Niseko Village: Top - 300cm Base - 170cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 390cm Base - 200cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Friday 13th March 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1094cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 78 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 92cm reported on 7 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 30cm Snowfall at base this season 1069cm Posted on Thursday 12th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Stormy conditions continue in the wider region at the moment. Loads more snow, my highly scientific measuring methods indicate 30cm of it. Take a look at the Avalanche report below and see 50cm being mentioned... there's a lot of fresh snow out there just now. How about the wind? I have to post this report a little earlier today and some information is not yet available so I would check with the resorts for the latest. It looks like lower lifts might get to open but top lifts will be taking a rest again at least at the beginning of the day. Hopefully things might start to calm down today (good!) with snow probably going to be falling into tomorrow (very good). The current situation might not be great for the people who happen to be here right now in the middle of it (if the lifts and gates don't open), but once the bite of this storm passes those folk who decided to be here mid March will be feeling very lucky indeed! --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -4C, 40cm snowfall in 12 hours. Moiwa Mikaeri Cat track SW7m/s, 50cm new snow with large development of snowdrifts, -6C. Annupuri 1000m: snowpack 330cm. Hirafu 1000m: 50cm snowfall, snowdrift development. Peak temp -8.6C. Benkei cape: WNW19m/s, Maui cape WSW19m/s, 994hPa, 3.1m waves. Strong storm with heaviest snowfall of the season. 50cm surface slab avalanches are likely to occur in leeward slopes with heavy snowdrift deposit above 500m altitude. The avalanche risk is extreme in the Niseko range and the surrounding peaks. All gates above 800m will be closed. The snow is wind-affected & heavy. You may be stuck if you ride down to the bottom of the valleys without proper equipment. Cornices have grown over 10m in some places and are highly likely to collapse with the slightest stimulation. Falling cornices could trigger a large avalanche. No avalanches are alike, but the current condition is similar to Satsunai river No.10 creek accident in the Hidaka range that occurred on the 13th March 1965. This avalanche ran for 3km from the ridgeline, burying 6people to death who were bivouacking inside a snowcave. Better stay away from the valley bottom today. The snow is good, but heavy and deep in the trees. Beware of falling into hidden cracks. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 470cm Base - 170cm Niseko Village: Top - 300cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 370cm Base - 190cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Thursday 12th March 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1069cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 77 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 67cm 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 15cm Snowfall at base this season 1023cm Posted on Thursday 5th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here So yesterday I think I might have mentioned that we were expecting some snow. And this morning we are the proud recipients of a good 15cm of new snow on the ground. It is still snowing now with snow forecast on and off during the day today and perhaps tomorrow as well. It's staying relatively mild and just under the zero mark. Mountains are covered in cloud and I suspect more limited visibility the higher you get. And talking about higher up on the mountain... Northerly wind is affecting lifts at the start of the day unfortunately, with all of Annupuri not opening yet and top lifts at the other three areas on standby. The forecast tells of less strong winds later on today, so hopefully that situation will change. Keep an eye on the latest from the resorts there... That aside, it should be a good morning. Have fun and take care. Calmer and clearer weather conditions are still forecast for the coming weekend. Back to snow early in the week perhaps. --- As we are now into March, things are starting to feel a bit quieter. Or am I imagining that? No, don't think so. Still, I can still say at this point that there is just over two month of ski season left here. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -1C, 15cm snowfall in 12 hours. Moiwa 800m: NNW15m/s, 20cm of fresh with large snowdrift development. Annupuri 1000m snowpack 320cm. Hirafu peak: N21.2m/s, -8.1C. Benkei cape: ENE10m/s, Kamui cape: ENE5m/s, 1006hPa, 2.4m waves. Mikaeri cat track 700m: 45cm of unstable & heavy snowdrifts. Potential trigger layer: March 4-5th low-pressure system snowfall. A northerly wind picked up since pre-dawn and snowdrifts are developing, notably in the western areas. Avalanche risk is high in western slopes above 700m. Peak gates will be closed. Knoll (convex) terrain are typical avalanche terrain, better not stimulate these slopes. The snow in the trees is in good shape. Surface slab avalanche are still likely to occur in open steep south facing slopes above treeline of Chisenupuri and Nitonupuri. Carefully choose your touring route. Better not traverse wide-open slopes. Customers’ safety must be the number one priority for all commercial tour operators. Please be safe. The snow condition is getting better. Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Thursday 5th March 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1023cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 74 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 21cm 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 1114cm Posted on Saturday 14th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Welcome to the weekend and it promises to be a top Saturday... right here slap bang in the middle of March as well. There has been another 20cm of snowfall since my last report taking us to within 1cm of the snow that I observed for the whole of March 2014 last season. I was kind of tempted to put 21cm in there to bring them level but in the interests of complete honesty (always, of course!)... 20cm is what my trusted ruler told me. And this morning, while there is still cloud around there is also some blue sky. Looks like the weather is going to be friendly today too with the winds at last calming. There seems to be some late openings for some lifts (de-icing, digging out, maintenance, etc) but hopefully they'll all be going fairly quickly and we can have a fully connected mountain. It should be a truly excellent day. Looking ahead not much snow forecast for the coming week; rather, warmer conditions with it probably starting to feel much more like spring again. --- Last year the snow depth at official Niseko Grand Hirafu (reported by the resort) was 395cm on this day. As you can see below, today it's on a whopping 525cm. That's quite impressive I think and unless we really do heat up it's going to last a while. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -7C, 20cm of new snow in last 12 hrs. Moiwa 800m: light winds, -8C, 40cm new snow, Mikaeri cat track major snowdrift development easily fracturing at 80cm depth. Annupuri 1000m: snowpack 330cm. Hirafu 1000m: 40.cm new snow, light winds, -8C. Annupuri peak 1308m: -8.6C. Cape Benkei: WSW3m/s, Cape Kamui: light winds, pressure 1016hPa, wave 1.3m. The isobars are spacing out under influence of high pressure and ocean and mountains are calm. The snow drifts are stabilizing, however expect 80cm fracture on 40 deg slopes. Above 800m cornice slopes, knolls high risk of avalanche continues. Also around 1000m Osawa, Kozen no sawa, Higashi One consider fractures at deeper layers as well as in surface layers. Dont go in valley bottoms. Gates 1, 2, 3, 4 will be closed. Gate 6 undecided. Please listen to the patrols instructions. The snow is in great, be careful of cracks and holes hidden by the new snow. Make wise decisions. Do not enter strictly off limits areas Yu no sawa, Mizuno no sawa, Haru no taki. If one person ducks the rope and enters, others will follow the tracks and increase the likelihood of an accident. If you are using the ski resorts you must follow the Niseko Rules. Have a good day. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 520cm Base - 210cm Niseko Village: Top - 320cm Base - 180cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 400cm Base - 220cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Saturday 14th March 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1114cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 79 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 112cm 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 6cm Snowfall at base this season 1121cm Posted on Tuesday 24th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hello and good morning from Niseko. Apologies for the early report as the site folks need to do some kind of work and it's either early or late... but I wanted to let you know about the fresh snow. Yes, some fresh this morning. Just over 5cm outside my place so hopefully, as almost always, more higher up. Guess what, some wind too. Wind affected us yesterday and looks likely to today as well though it is too early for any specific news as I write this. Expect at least the upper lifts to be affected. Snowfall forecast for today and maybe through into tomorrow morning. After that, back to spring come Thursday. For this morning though I think I'll just have to go check out conditions! --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -5C, 5cm snowfall. Moiwa peak: NE8m/s, -5C, 10cm snowfall with notable development of snowdrifts. Annupuri 1000m snowpack 340cm. Hirafu 1000m: NE10m/s with development of snowdrifts. Annupuri peak: N12m/s, -8℃. Coastal data: Benkei cape NE16m/s, Kamui cape ENE8m/s, 1003hPa, 3.5m waves. Cold air is flowing in as the low-pressure system passes. A northerly wind with snowfall is making snowdrifts develop. Surface slab avalanche of 30cm or less is likely to occur in open steep slopes and knolls. According to observations and snowfall transition, avalanche hazard (including climax slides) is high. Peak gates will be closed. New snow is still shallow and is not covering old tracks. Bumpy conditions around the course; be careful. Sunlight is weak and the snow surface is hard to ready. Beware of falls, collisions, falling into cracks and creek holes. All surrounding peaks are in a similar condition and the risk will rise in higher elevations. Carefully choose your touring route in steep slopes above 1000m. Winter is back for a short time. Have a nice day. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 440cm Base - 130cm Niseko Village: Top - 310cm Base - 150cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 340cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Tuesday 24th March 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1121cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 81 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 119cm reported on 10 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 1cm Snowfall at base this season 1115cm Posted on Sunday 22nd March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Hurray, it is actually snowing this morning! Can't help but smile seeing fresh snow fall outside at the moment. Don't get overly excited, there's just a thin layer on the ground and it's hardly peak season quality... but still, it's snow. And it's a good sign that things are getting colder... hold on though... sun was forecast for this morning, along with a high of around 6C later on. Still is actually, so perhaps it will stop and clear. It's all very confusing! Limited visibility on mountain this morning at the moment, but like said above that may well change quickly as things are forecast to clear. Anyways, we should get some more snow tomorrow and perhaps Tuesday as well and it should be colder and keep colder for a few days anyway. I suppose the best thing is for me to shut up for now and just report again in the morning! Have a good day. --- It's the last nighta of the season tonight. Expect fireworks around 9:30pm. Clear weather for that would be nice. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: 0C, 2cm snowfall from predawn. Moiwa data n/a. Annupuri snowpack 340cm. Hirafu 1000m: -2C, wet snow and bad visibility. Coastal data: Benkei cape NW6m/s, Kamui cape WNW7m/s, 1010hPa, 0.7m waves. Block avalanches from cracked slopes are likely to occur in 700m and lower Mikaeri bowl and Osawa. Avalanches always happen without warning. Stay away from valleys with cracked or wrinkled slopes. Most accidents occur due to repeated carelessness and can be avoided by being cautious. All gates are expected to open. Listen to the ski patrol’s advice before stepping out of the gates. Niseko community is concerned about all guests’ safety and operates accident prevention practices. The Niseko Rules are not implemented to regulate the freedom to ride out of bounds, but to protect it. Please respect those Rules to protect everyone’s freedom to enjoy snow riding. Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Sunday 22nd March 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1115cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 80 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 113cm 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 20cm Snowfall at base this season 1141cm Posted on Wednesday 25th March 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Wind messed around with us yesterday, be off with it!, and afraid it may might again today. OK bad news out of the way. You want the good news? There's lots of fresh snow. Might not be able to get up to it using the wind-affected lifts again, but it's there for sure. Once they do open though it should be some excellent late March conditions waiting to be ridden. No more snow is likely to be falling after today through into early next week at least so we want as much as possible. --- Niseko Avalanche Report Niseko base 6am: -2C, 20cm of humid snowfall in the last 12 hours. Moiwa data n/a. Annupuri 1000m snowpack 345cm. Hirafu1000m -7C, heavy wind. Peak data: N23.3m/s, -7.3C. Coastal data: Benkei cape ENE11m/s, Kamui cape ENE5m/s, 1019hPa, 3.3m. Isobars are close together, generating heavy wind above 800m. Snowdrifts are developing in leeward slopes and gullies. Looking at the snowfall and various other data, the avalanche risk is high today, especially in alpine steep slopes. Peak gates will be closed. Do not duck ropes to step out of bounds. Wind and snow will clam down soon, but the hazards will remain high for a while. Most avalanche accidents are caused by snowdrift slabs sliding during or just after storms. Remember this term as a common sense and most accidents can be avoided. Climax (ground) avalanche risk from 1100m area is also rising. Stay away from valley bottoms. The snow along the course and in the trees is in good shape. Beware of hidden cracks and holes and they might have been covered and hard to notice from above. Have a nice day. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 440cm Base - 130cm Niseko Village: Top - 330cm Base - 160cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 340cm Base - 160cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 25th March 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1141cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 82 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 139cm reported on 11 days Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

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

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

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1141cm Posted on Monday 6th April 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here It was rain last night and overnight here and this morning we start the day very grey and cloudy and indeed foggy. It's keeping quite cold and set to get colder later on today and tomorrow. Last bit of snow perhaps? Come on, let's see it one more time... There's now less lifts opening up as we enter this last stretch of the season, and I have noted below which lifts are scheduled to be open at each of the resort areas. Today is the last day of the season for the Niseko Hanazono lifts and area, while tomorrow is the last day of the main season for Niseko Village - though they plan to be back open for Golden Week. --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu / Hanazono: Top - 380cm Base - 60cm Niseko Village: Top - 280cm Base - 80cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 310cm Base - 110cm --- Niseko Hanazono - open daily until today Niseko Village - open daily until tomorrow and then April 29th until May 6th Niseko Annupuri - open daily until Wednesday May 6th Niseko Grand Hirafu - open daily until Wednesday May 6th Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Monday 6th April 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1141cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 82 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 139cm reported on 11 days April 2015 snowfall 0cm Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 3cm Snowfall at base this season 1144cm Posted on Wednesday 8th April 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Good morning from Hirafu and I have some snow to report. Yey! 3cm of it as well here outside my place so hopefully and very probably a bit more than that in higher areas. And it's keeping real cold too. Brrr. Under zero still at Hirafu is reporting a temperature of -5 degrees on it's upper areas. Nice! There was a bit of blue sky to see earlier on but right now as I write this it's generally mostly cloudy. Might get some blue sky and sun again though as the weather decides to do for the day. With not much of a wind at all, I can't see why the planned lifts would not be able to open this morning. So it should be good to find that new snow up there. I'm going to go and take a look... in the name of research of course. --- Planned resort operations for the rest of the season - wind and snow conditions aside may mean changes on any given day, but these are the plans! Niseko Grand Hirafu: - Holiday Pair Lift Number 1 - until Apr 8 - Ace Quad Number 2 Center four - until May 6 - King Triple Lift Number 3 - until May 6 - King Number 4 - until May 6 - Hirafu Gondola (** ONLY ON SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS and HOLIDAYS) - until May 6 - Spring Park plans to be open until May 6 Niseko Annupuri: - Annupuri Gondola - until May 6 - Jumbo Number 1 quad - until May 6 - Jumbo Number 4 pair - until May 6 Niseko Village: Niseko Village is now closed but plans to reopen for the Golden Week holidays - from April 29th until May 6th Niseko Hanazono: Niseko Hanazono is now closed for the season --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu: Top - 385cm Base - 60cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 310cm Base - 110cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Wednesday 8th April 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1144cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 83 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 139cm reported on 11 days April 2015 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com

Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido New snowfall at base 0cm Snowfall at base this season 1144cm Posted on Friday 17th April 2015 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here Strong southerly winds with visibility down to just 50m on upper areas of the resorts early this morning... the wind is affecting the top lifts at the start of the day with currently only the Ace Number 2 Center Four lift moving at Niseko Grand Hirafu (top two scheduled lifts on hold), and a similar situation with the top Jumbo lift at Niseko Annupuri. So for now there are 3 lifts operating. Maybe a bit of rain on and off today. Cold enough for a bit of snow higher perhaps? Snow continues to disappear from base areas and a few patches on the lower mountain as well. Niseko Grand Hirafu is still showing an official snow depth on it's upper areas as 345cm though, so we're not struggling to keep open in terms of the amount of snow. Whether you like the late spring snow conditions here in Niseko is quite another matter of course. The rain that we have been having over the last few days has made things pretty heavy going. Perhaps that's all part of the fun! ;) Just out of interest I took a look back at the corresponding number on the same date last year... it was 305cm. Good chance of sun tomorrow as well as warmer conditions and the temps rising into double digits. --- Planned resort operations for the rest of the season - wind and snow conditions aside may mean changes on any given day, but these are the plans! Niseko Grand Hirafu: - Ace Quad Number 2 Center four - until May 6 - King Triple Lift Number 3 - until May 6 - King Number 4 - until May 6 - Hirafu Gondola (** ONLY ON SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS and HOLIDAYS) - until May 6 - Spring Park plans to be open until May 6 Niseko Annupuri: - Annupuri Gondola - until May 6 - Jumbo Number 1 quad - until May 6 - Jumbo Number 4 pair - until May 6 Niseko Village: Niseko Village is currently closed but plans to re-open for the Golden Week holidays - from April 29th until May 6th Niseko Hanazono: Niseko Hanazono is now closed for the season --- Official resort snow depths: Grand Hirafu: Top - 345cm Base - 20cm Niseko Annupuri: Top - 285cm Base - 60cm Niseko Now 2014-2015 season Data as of Friday 17th April 2015 Total snowfall at base so far 1144cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 83 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 45cm (15th & 26th December and 11th February) November 2014 snowfall 30cm reported on 5 days December 2014 snowfall 519cm reported on 25 days January 2015 snowfall 257cm reported on 23 days February 2015 snowfall 196cm reported on 18 days March 2015 snowfall 139cm reported on 11 days April 2015 snowfall 3cm reported on 1 day Previous report Next report All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report. SnowJapan is an entirely independent operation. Our daily reports are not posted on behalf of ski areas or any other business or organisation. Since first going online in 1999, the integrity of this website has always been our top priority, and it is something we are not prepared to compromise. All content is carefully created and written by humans who share a passion for the subject and what SnowJapan stands for. About SnowJapan.com About the daily reporting on SnowJapan.com