Good morning from Niseko.

For all the talk of hints of spring around various corners, it is good to report a good dose of winter!

Great to see Moiwa reporting 40cm of fresh snow. I'm not as much as that over here close to Hirafu base, but there should be a decent fresh layer of snow on the slopes this morning. And the webcams show quite a lot of people lining up for the first lifts of the day. (Give us a wave!)

Alas, wind is a factor again this morning which is somewhat annoying. Top lifts at Hirafu, Village and Annupuri not opening as planned as well as the gondola at Annupuri.

Snow on and off over the next few days and looking ahead maybe some sun over the weekend. Sunday and Monday look like they might be a bit warmer again. For the moment though, it's cold.

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Niseko Avalanche Report

Coastal Data 6:25am. Cape Benkei:NW15m/s. Cape Kamui: W13m/s, 1013hPa, wave 2.1m. Hanazono 1000m: -13.5℃, NNE2.3m/s. Hanazono 720: -11.1℃, NNW4.8m/s. Moiwa 800m: -11.6℃, NNE6.8m/s. Annupuri 1100m:-14.5℃, WSW wind speed n/a. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -13.9℃, SSW3.2m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -13.0℃, WNW3.3m/s. Kutchan Town: -6.9℃, WSW2.2m/s, 8cm snow in last 24hrs, snow depth 190cm. Moiwa base 300m: -9, 40cm new snow in last 24hrs.

The winter type weather pattern and blizzard conditions has set in. Wind, snow and snow drift development continues at all elevations. From this morning's observation at Moiwa 800m, up to 200cm, and growing, of hard, heavy snow drift development on the Feb23 layer. The avalanche risk on leeward snowdrift slopes above the tree line is high. The snow is wind blown, dry and compact and good for skiing. Surface undulations are difficult to see in flat light. Be careful picking your line. Do not stimulate cornices or knolls. Gate openings yet to be decided. Please respect the patrol's decisions and instructions.

WInter continues. Be careful of snow falling from roofs, buildings collapsing and generally clearing snow. Spring is still a way off. Remember the pioneering farmers of the Meiji era, tough life. Be careful out there.

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Planned ski area operations: Wednesday 24th February 2021
The below information is manually checked each morning from official sources.
The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report.

Niseko Grand Hirafu

24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 20cm
- Base: 20cm

Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 460cm (+15cm)
- Base: 240cm (+15cm)

Ski lifts:
- Planned: 5 lifts today - Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, King Quad 3, King 4
- Night skiing: Ace Center Four quad (every day) and Ace Family quad (Saturdays only at the moment)
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort

24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 15cm
- Base: 15cm

Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 318cm (+11cm)
- Base: 226cm (+11cm)

Ski lifts:
- Planned: 3 lifts today - Hanazono 1, 2 and 3
- There is no night skiing at Hanazono

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Niseko Annupuri

24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 10cm
- Base: 10cm

Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 290cm (+0cm)
- Base: 210cm (+0cm)

Ski lifts:
- Planned: 4 lifts today - Jumbo 2 and 3 rested on weekdays
- Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing

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Niseko Village

24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 20cm
- Base: 10cm

Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 310cm (+17cm)
- Base: 220cm (+10cm)

Ski lifts:
- Planned: 4 lifts today - Niseko Gondola, Community, Banzai, Wonderland
- Community Chair lift operates for night skiing

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Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021.
There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area.