Morning. It has been snowing lightly again here this morning though as I look outside the window it seems to have stopped for the moment. It's actually quite bright looking up towards the mountain... might it even clear up a bit today?

Anyway, there's 6cm of fresh new snowfall here near base since my last report. It does feel colder out there this morning and the resorts are indeed reporting lower temperatures than yesterday and with the wind it'll probably feel very cold.

Wind unfortunately continues to affect us I'm afraid. As of 8:30am, it looks like again we are going to be starting the day with top lifts at Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri not able to open as planned, though it's just the top lifts right now with all of the Gondolas operating. Please see the info below for the situation as it is right now.

Snow is still expected on and off over the coming week, but tomorrow might well start off with some sunshine. Again, if the forecasts are correct I wouldn't expect heavy snow (best chance of decent snow looks like Sunday night) but rather modest amounts. It should be keeping cold through as we venture into February.

---

Resort specific lift opening news at time of writing (subject to change during the day):

Niseko Grand Hirafu
The top Ace Number 4, King Number 4 and King Number 3 lifts are not starting the day as planned due to strong winds.

Niseko HANAZONO Resort
All three Hanazono lifts plan to be operating though currently the open lower lift is operating at reduced speed.

Niseko Village
The top Wonderland lift is not starting the day as planned due to strong winds.

Niseko Annupuri
The top Number 4 lift is not starting the day as planned due to strong winds.

---

Niseko Avalanche Report:

Niseko base 6.00am: -8°C, 3cm new snow, calm. Moiwa 800m: -12°C, NNW10m/s, 15cm new snow, snowdrift development. Mikaeri 740m: -11.6°C, SW1.0m/s, 25cm new snow, snowdrift development. Annupuri 1150m: -15°C, NW20m/s, cornice and snowdrift development. Hirafu ridge line -15°C, strong wind, snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape:NNW14m/s. Kamui Cape WNW10m/s, 1026hPa, wave 2.1m.

A strong westerly wind above 1100m from the high pressure system to the west is producing rapid cornice and snow drift development on leeward slopes. Osawa cornice slope 1000m, Kozan no sawa (backbowl) sidewall, Higashi One(east ridge) cornice slope and other steep leeward slopes the avalanche risk extremely high. Gates 2,3 will be closed. Gates 1,5,6 yet to be decided. Listen to the patrols advice. From observation leeward slopes below 800m are starting to stabilize, although cornice and knoll areas are still easily fracturing by ski stimulation. Do not enter these areas carelessly. When the atmospheric pressure gradient flattens out the wind will drop and slabs will stabilize. Don't over estimate your skills or knowledge, make prudent safe decisions.

This information is issued to aid in accident prevention. Your freedom to ride out of bounds will be protected if you follow the Niseko Rules. Be careful of frostbite. Use caution to avoid accidents.

---

Official resort snow depths as of Friday 29th January 2016:

Niseko Grand Hirafu & Hanazono
Top - 320cm
Base - 140cm

Niseko Village
Top - 270cm
Base - 160cm

Niseko Annupuri
Top - 270cm
Base - 150cm

---

Lifts planned to be open for night skiing:

Niseko Grand Hirafu:
Ace Family Pair lift, Ace Number 2 Center Four lift, Hirafu Gondola, Holiday Number 1 Pair lift
(There is no night skiing at the Hanazono area)

Niseko Village:
Community Chair and Banzai Chair

Niseko Annupuri:
Jumbo Number 1 Quad

---

Niseko Grand Hirafu 6 day weather and snow forecast