A 5cm or so layer of new snowfall this morning to report from Hirafu on this last day of February. And it's a mild start to the day as well with the thermometer pushing up towards positive numbers.

Earlier on when I got up it was cloudier but there are some patches of clearer sky here and there now and the sun shining down on us at times. A moderate wind at the moment and that is forecast to get stronger later on in the day as well as more snow falling.

Actually the wind today is prevening some lifts from operating early on. Currently the top lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri are affected as well as the Annupuri Gondola and the Niseko Gondola. Hirafu Gondola is operating as normal for the moment.

Snow likely through the weekend, along with potentially windy conditions and colder temperatures.

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Official Resort Snow Depths

Grand Hirafu & Niseko Hanazono
Top - 480cm
Bottom - 240cm

Niseko Annupuri
Top - 390cm
Bottom - 250cm

Niseko Village
Top - 450cm
Bottom - 250cm

Avalanche Information:

Niseko base 6am: -2C, 5cm of humid low-pressure snowfall. Moiwa 800m: westerly wind is picking up and making new snowdrifts start to develop. Annupuri peak: WSW6.1m/s, -7.5C. Coastal data: WNW15m/s, 0.9m waves and 1010hPa.

The wind is complex in high altitude as a small low-pressure is passing. According to observations and snowfall transition until this morning, the general avalanche risk is low, however future snowdrifts above 800m will be unstable and easily collapsible. Gate 2 & 3 will be closed for the sake of all resort users. Other gates still to be determined. Please respect the ski patrol's decisions.

The snow in the trees is not bad, but a bit heavy. The visibility is poor and light is flat, beware of hitting trees and falling into cracks. A westerly storm is forecasted to pick up from noon. Better stay close to the resort today. Do not duck ropes. Be safe, enjoy and have a nice day.