Beautiful weather yesterday in Niseko with clear blue skies and stunning views on show. Warmer than we expect and want. Snow conditions of course not at their best in these conditions - there was even some slushy-like conditions later on in the day out there, though especially earlier on in the day the groomers were a lot of fun.

There is no new snowfall to report this morning from Niseko, so we are going to have to wait for a refill and freshening up of conditions. It seems we might have to ride out a few more days of similar relatively mild conditions with no or little new snow for the next few days. Late Thursday and into Friday looks like it brings with it good potential for colder temperatures and heavy snow and that should continue through the coming weekend according to the latest forecast information.

All resorts on the mountain are open as normal this morning and there's not much of a wind. There's a more overcast feel to proceedings early on this morning than yesterday but still I would guess we will see a fair bit of the sun today.

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Official Resort Snow Depths

Grand Hirafu & Niseko Hanazono
Top - 400cm
Bottom - 210cm

Niseko Annupuri
Top - 330cm
Bottom - 210cm

Niseko Village
Top - 365cm
Bottom - 210cm

Avalanche Information:

Moiwa base 6am: -7C, no snowfall and calm morning. Moiwa peak: mild wind, no development of snowdrifts. Annupuri peak: NNE2.7m/s, -11.6C; forecast at noon: NNE10m/s. Coastal data: SE2m/s, 1020hPa and calm ocean.

According to observations and data evaluations, the general avalanche risk is low. Peak gates are scheduled to open at 9:30am. The mountain is tracked out, be careful of those tracks when riding in steep slopes. Small hard-slab avalanches are likely to slide from re-crystallized tracks around 1000m altitude. Although small, these slides can be powerful enough to carry a person for a long distance and result in serious/fatal injuries.

Do not step into strictly off limits areas to seek fresh tracks. Do not duck ropes. Always use gates to access the out of bounds areas. Ski/ride safely, better not overestimate your skills. The groomers' conditions are fantastic this morning.