Hello from Appi Kogen and welcome back to the reports.

We are all excited to see the first runs open in 3 days, albeit on a very very limited scale. Maybe 2 lifts at that but it’s certainly better than last years attempt right.

The 2017 Season here at Appi brings quite a few changes with it too. The primary one being New Owners. Obviously someone with fairly deep pockets paid quite a few Yen to buy this place... and when I say this place I mean all of it. The Mountain, Hotels, even the land down to the main road which includes the Lawsons on the corner, every bit of equipment and all the rest of the trimmings too. They have some relatively grand plans in store so let's hope they don't run out of money and patience before it's all accomplished.

Some lifts have been replaced with ones that actually work, some have been extended to take you further up the mountain and others have been decommissioned as they were just an eyesore anyway. I was at the resort late this afternoon and the snowmaking equipment was in full operation covering the lower slopes in hopes of an on time opening.

So now you're all excited and can't wait to come here let me burst your bubble ever so slightly and fill you in on current conditions and the weather forecast.

Since mid-November there's been on again off again snowfall. Some of it staying long enough to make you wax your skis and get ready for the big day. Unfortunately most of that vanished with the rain that usually followed so we’re back to what I would realistically describe as a smattering of snow, freezing temperatures and as I type this clear skies.

The forecast is good calling for more snow over the next few weeks and the lower temperatures should mean it actually stays with us too. Without wanting to reminisce about the Season that never was, 2016, this year is already looking significantly brighter so lets hope the snow Gods smile ever so brightly down on our small piece of paradise here and bring us plenty of the white powder.

Come and join us and don't forget any day on the slopes beats any day at work!

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For the sake of the report and for the season total, we have had just under 30cm of snow fall here in base areas over the last few weeks. So that is the number that is going on this report but please note that it's not all from today/yesterday. (In fact, just a smattering since yesterday).