Today, we beat Tokyo! About 20cm of new snowfall in the Hirafu village area since yesterday. A friend from over in Annupiru who I just spoke with said they have perhaps 30cm or so over there. With more higher up, it should be a good snow day out there.

So overnight the clouds moved in and brought us this nice new snowfall and the snow continues to fall now as I write this report. There is much less wind today and it is around -8C at the moment.

It looks like all the lifts should be open as usual on the mountain this morning, except the Annupuri Gondola which is set for a late start due to some safety checks. The resort says that it might be about 3 hours late opening so hope to have that operating by late morning.

Looking at the forecast, we can expect snow clouds to be with us through into the weekend, so hopefully tracks should be getting filled in quickly. Just how we like it!

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Official Resort Snow Depths

Grand Hirafu & Niseko Hanazono
Top - 380cm
Bottom - 200cm

Niseko Annupuri
Top - 340cm
Bottom - 200cm

Niseko Village
Top - 315cm
Bottom - 190cm

Avalanche Information:

Niseko base 6am: -9C, 30cm of fresh crystal snow. Moiwa peak: W6m/s, moderate development of snowdrifts. -12C. Annupuri peak: NW5m/s, -16.3C. Annupuri 1000m snowpack:310cm. Coastal data: WNW10m/s, 0.5m waves and 1018hPa.

The wind is calm due to a small low-pressure system now located above the Korean peninsula. The snow clouds will remain above the Niseko area during the morning, making soft-slabs develop slowly in leeward slopes. The general avalanche risk is low.

Gates 2 & 3 are scheduled to open at 10:30am and others to follow. Ask for information from the ski patrol at the gates. Although avalanche risk is low, it is strongly discouraged to stimulate open steep slopes, knolls and cornices. Chances of a large surface slab slide from Jan 14th layer remain in the Backbowl 1000m area, Mikaeri bowl, Higashione cornice slopes. Better beware & be prepared. The new snow is light crystals that floats and glide fast; good condition. Don’t duck ropes and have a nice day.