This year has started fairly slowly for those chasing Niseko's legendary powder – or at least on the front of the mountain! If you're prepared to look a little further abroad there's still freshies to be found…
The last 24 hours only saw around 8 cms fall at village level but the real story was the wind. Strong even at low altitudes but increasing dramatically with altitude, last night's wind will have scoured some faces but left significant snowdrifts elsewhere. Look to leeward faces with trees for powder turns today.
The whole mountain is expected to open this morning though winds may impact operations on some of the more exposed lifts. Check you fave lifts here before you head up.
Due to windloading the gates look set to stay closed today – please don't do anything silly – and check the backcountry report here if you are looking to head out somewhere. And enjoy your day whereever you end up.