I have some new snow to report. Yes, about 10cm or so of it. It started snowing in the evening yesterday. We're still not back into prime Niseko weather though as it's very mild this morning. Above zero in fact, and currently the resort is saying +2C at base though down to around -8C up top.

10cm is good to report but that's on top of conditions we had until today and so not enough to cover up the harder conditions underneath it. Extra care needed as looks can be deceiving. Hopefully we'll get a decent amount today.

Until not long ago it was just being generally grey and overcast this morning but I'm happy to report that it has started snowing once again and that the forecast is for the weather conditions to 'deteriorate' as the day goes on. Heavy snow is expected which of course is great. But along with it strong winds, which is less good. But we can't have it all, all of the time!

There's already a moderate wind even at village level and stronger winds are affecting lift operations on the mountain. Niseko Annupuri is reporting a wind speed of 17m/s at the top area of the resort. Due to the wind, none of the top lifts are moving early this morning:

Hanazono - just the lower quad lift is currently operating.

Niseko Grand Hirafu - at the time of writing just the Ace Family, Ace Number 1 and Holiday Number 1 lifts are operating as normal. The Ace Number 2 Center Four lift is moving at reduced speed and the King Number 1 lift due to open at about 10am. Other lifts waiting (very possibly in vain today) for winds to change.

Niseko Village - the lower Bandai Chair, Morino Chair and Community Chair lifts are operating.

Niseko Annupuri - the lower Jumbo Number 1 and Jumbo Number 2 lifts are moving at reduced speed.

---

Official Resort Snow Depths

Grand Hirafu & Niseko Hanazono
Top - 390cm
Bottom - 200cm

Niseko Annupuri
Top - 330cm
Bottom - 200cm

Niseko Village
Top - 365cm
Bottom - 210cm

Avalanche Information:

Niseko base 6am: -2C, 10cm of low-pressure system snowfall. Moiwa 800m: SW 5m/s, 10cm of snow and moderate development of snowdrifts. Annupuri peak: S11.6m/s, -7.6C. Coastal data: SSE3m/s, 0.6m waves and 995hPa.

Light pre-low pressure snowfall during the night; the wind is still calm as the Low's center is close. A SE wind will pick up as the Low moves east and the weather will worsen from around 9am. The new snow layer is very loose and slides easily in all slopes of all altitude and orientation. These loose snow avalanches can be small but powerful enough to drag someone to hit a tree. Beware.

Overnight gusts generated unstable snowdrifts development in 1000m Higashione area. These new-formed snowdrifts are very likely to slide. Many of the avalanche related accidents are the results of reckless behaviors during poor weather. Better be flexible and adjust holiday plans according to the weather conditions. Gates 2 & 3 will be closed due to bad visibility; other gates to be determined. Do not duck ropes. One track left under a rope leads many others to do the same and increase the chances of accidents to happen. Think safe and have a nice day.