5 cm of fresh snow has accumulated in Niseko in the 12 hours to 7am.
Conditions at Hirafu midway station (820m)
Snowfall estimated: 10 cm
Temperature: -9 °C
Wind: WNW 11 m/s
Conditions observed in Niseko Town (139m)
Snowfall observed: 5 cm
Temperature: -5 °C
Wind: W 3 m/s
It’s quiet and not snowing outside in Niseko town this morning. I went to Niseko Village as I had planed from three days ago. Although Niseko Gondola was closed at 8:30 am due to strong wind, I believed it would open later. So I took Mori chair and Banzai lifts while I was waiting and had great 5 or 6 fresh runs. Then I was going back to my car and found that the Gondola was ready to operate!! I finally had a fantastic run at Super station. Snow was a bit heavy but smooth and deeeeeep.
There are many options today. The top lifts might open after 2 days of closing. Snow must be really deep there. Or Mizuno area looked so good from Gondola yesterday. So I will go Niseko Village again to find the best snow! Please read Niseko avalanche report because avalanche risk should be still high. Please don’t duck ropes, Niseko’s ropes are serious and strict.
Next small low pressure is heading to Hokkaido. More snow will fall tomorrow night.
– Maiko :)
