I saw lots of very happy faces yesterday on the mountain. The top gates were open and lots of people getting excited about the goodies on offer and my legs are still feeling it now. I guess there will be a few more people feeling the same this morning. It was worth it though with some excellent untracked snow to play in. We even had a guest appearance by the sun, who was looking on jealously.

Awesome.

This morning the resorts are all going to be open again as normal with not enough winds to mess up people's plans today! Hirafu reporting wind speeds of 2m/s to 3m/s, and a bit stronger over on Annupuri side, but all of the lifts that should be open will be moving today.

Just over 5cm of new snow to report since yesterday and it is a very cold morning. -11 degrees here in the village area and -16 at higher elevations on the mountain currently. Brrrr. But that's all part of the fun isn't it.

Cloud and light snow lined up for today, and again similar conditions likely over the new few coming days.

Official Resort Snow Depths

Grand Hirafu & Niseko Hanazono
Top - 340cm
Bottom - 165cm

Niseko Annupuri
Top - 310cm
Bottom - 190cm

Niseko Village
Top - 285cm
Bottom - 190cm

Avalanche Information:

Niseko base 6am: -12C, 5cm of crystal snowflakes and no snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m: -16C, slight snowdrift development. Annupuri peak: WNW7.9m/s, -17.5C. Coastal data: W7m/s, 0.7m waves and 1013hPa.

The atmospheric pressure gradient is flat, resulting in a calm weather. There are no notable developments of new snowdrifts and the general avalanche risk is low today. The slopes have been partially reset and are in pretty good condition. Gates 2 & 3 will open at 10am. Stay in control, stay away from cornices and knolls. Temerature is low; beware of frostbites.

When you step out of a gate, you are stepping out of the ski resort management. Always make sure of where you are and how to get back. Ski/ride on by one when you need to traverse the gullies between the north face and the west face. This area can slide from the ground level even during the heart of winter. Be careful not to loose your way and get lost in the backcountry. There are no buses to come back from Goshiki Onsen. Riding the Backbowl always involves high risks; better not take it too easy. Are you properly equipped for backcountry skiing/riding? Have a safe and enjoyable day.