10 cm of fresh snow has accumulated in Niseko in the 12 hours to 7am.
Conditions at Hirafu midway station (820m)
Snowfall estimated: 15 cm
Temperature: -11 °C
Wind: WNW 8 m/s
Conditions observed in Niseko Town (139m)
Snowfall observed: 10 cm
Temperature: -5 °C
Wind: WNW 2 m/s
It’s much calmer than last few days this morning. I finally went to Grand Hirafu “Early Morning” yesterday. When I arrive there at 7:45 am, there were so many people lined up already. There were about 200 people in front of me, but I still got 2 great runs. Then I waited till King 3 lift was opened then had an awesome first track! Snow was untouched, silky and deeeeeep.
I believe the Niseko gondola was closed all day yesterday. So I will go to Niseko Village and ride “Mizuno area” again if the gate 11 opens. The top lifts/gates might be opened, might not be… so please check Niseko avalanche information before you go, avalanche risk should be high after the storm.
Next low pressure is heading to Hokkaido. Snow will fall again soon.
– Maiko :)
