Yesterday we saw that Rusutsu didn't get quite as much snow as Niseko did. In fact it was probably about 1/3 the snowfall. When I took weather details yesterday, Niseko saw 33 cm lower in altitude than Niseko Village's base area. With the additional snow from last night and higher elevation, we could see some hefty snow totals.

It looks like it is supposed to snow all day today with intermittent periods of sunlight, albeit very minimal ones. The low pressure system is over us now and we should see light snow and cold temps with that.

The gates should be open today so a fine day to get out and enjoy this snow. There's plenty of fresh tracks in there that need some turns laced into them. Get on out and have an awesome day!

Happy Australia Day to all our Australian friends both here in Niseko and around the world.

Current Official Snow Depths:

Grand Hirafu / Hanazono:
Top - 385cm
Bottom - 200cm

Niseko Village:
Top - 360cm
Bottom - 220cm

Annupuri:
Top - 370cm
Bottom - 220cm

Niseko Avalanche Report:

[Hazard Evaluation]: Coordinates B9 to H9, H2,C4 ,areas surounding B9 , cornices, faces that collect drifting snow and steep slopes above creeks and rivers the avalanche risk continues. Generally the avalanche risk today is not high if the weak layer from 22 Jan and snowdrifts are avoided.

[Caution]: A lot of snow has fallen in the last 24hrs, don’t travel in the backcountry today without any equipment. Wandering around cornices in conditions like today is also dangerous. Beware valley bottoms - if an avalanche occurs its path will follow the valley bottom. Please don’t enter the anbetsu area(co-ordinate A4) in the late afternoon

[Gates]: gates are scheduled to open after commencement of lift operation. Please respect the ski patrols decision.