Japan Snow Report - 23rd Feb 2011

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There's a change in the air! Winds have picked up and clouds were crossing the sky in Niseko today. Temperatures were still quite mild but the good news is that snow is on the way!

Niseko Avalanche Information - 2011.02.23

Grand Hirafu: Top - 395 Bottom - 200 Niseko Village: Top - 390 Bottom - 200Annupuri: Top - 350 Bottom - 220

All gates scheduled to open this morning, peak gates 2 & 3 at 9:30. Seek for ski patrol’s advice at the gates. Annupuri peak 6am: -8℃ and SSW13m/s wind. The southerly wind that started blowing from yesterday is slowly picking up. There is no new snowfall and the slopes are tracked out. Sun-exposed slopes surface are re-frozen during early morning and are in a difficult condition for skiing. Be careful and remain in control. The temperature is forecasted to rise above 0℃ at the base of the mountain again today. Beware also of glide-cracks (crevasses) that are hardly noticeable from above. There have been few reports of avalanches occurring from Feb 18th layer (1000m NE and NW slopes of Mt. Yotei). The surface snow density and weight is increasing due to the sun-effect and high temperature. Similar conditions avalanches are still to be considered, especially in south facing steep faces and other slopes where distinctive snow-layers are still present.

Japan Snow Report - 21st Feb 2010

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We are back in Niseko and it's good to be home! Looks like we'll have blue sky for the next few days and then snowfalls on Thursday.

This video provides information on snow resorts across Japan. Check it out for the latest weather and snow conditions from Niseko, Furano, Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Zao Onsen, Appi and Alts.

Japan Snow Report - The Tour de Flake wrap up with Luke Kneller

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We've had an awesome time during The Tour de Flake but unfortunately all good things must come to an end. Luke Kneller wraps up some of the trip highlights for us. Check it out!

This video provides information on snow resorts across Japan. Check it out for the latest weather and snow conditions from Niseko, Furano, Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Zao Onsen, Appi and Alts.

Japan Snow Report - GEIBI GORGE and HIRAIZUMI special

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We took a slight detour today to go and visit Geibi Gorge and the Buddhist shrines and temples of Hiraizumi. Both of these areas offer some of the most beautiful scenery in Japan. The perfect way to mix some culture in with your ski holiday! Next stop on the tour is Alts and we will be reporting from there tomorrow.

This video provides information on snow resorts across Japan. Check it out for the latest weather and snow conditions from Niseko, Furano, Hakuba, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, Zao Onsen, Appi and Alts.

Japan Snow Report - 15th Feb 2011 SPECIAL REPORT FROM APPI

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Stop two of the Tour de Flake! We have had a great time in Appi, which is located on Japan's main island - Honshu. Next stop, Alts!

Niseko Avalanche Information - 2011.02.15 Tuesday

Annupuri base 6am: -10℃, clear sky and no overnight snowfall. The Sea of Japan is calm and no snowclouds are present. A moderate 10m/s NW wind is persisting at the peak, making some snowdrifts of windblown snow develop in leeward slopes. Although some tracks are remaining, the slopes are mostly recovered and the snow in the trees is in good condition. Peak gates are scheduled to open as soon as ready (9:30 – 10:00). Do not duck ropes to step out of bounds. According to the snowfall transition, the snowdrifts development is slow and the general avalanche risk is low. However, cornices may collapse at anytime especially around this time of the season, and if anyone get caught in it, the damage can be fatal. Better not remain underneath cornices on purpose and stay away from gully bottoms. The freedom of out of bounds riding is protected by the Niseko Rules, however safety is not guaranteed at all. Stay alarmed; be aware of all risks involved in riding the backcountry. Collisions, slipdrops, crevasses, avalanches and more…
Have a nice day.

http://niseko.nadare.info/

Japan Snow Report - 11th Feb 2011

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We're on our way to Tohoku on the main island in Japan, for the 'Tour de Flake'! ! Our next report will be on Monday, so in the meantime, check out some of the best footage we've captured so far this season.

Japan Snow Report - 10th Feb 2011

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The day started out perfectly clear, but the clouds came over at lunch time and by the afternoon the flakes were falling heavily! It should continue to snow lightly over the coming days and temperatures will be chilly. Check out today's report to find out how easy it is get get around Niseko by bus!

Japan Snow Report 9th Feb 2011

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A clear and calm day in Niseko! Perfect for hiking into the back bowls or the up the peak. If you took the proper safety precautions of course! The groomed runs were also in pristine condition. Temperatures were around -11 degrees on the mountain today.

Japan Snow Report - 7th Feb 2011

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It started snowing last night and continued throughout today, heavily at times! The cover of fresh was quite thin this morning off-piste, however conditions improved as the snow kept falling. Snowfalls are forecast to continue this week!

Niseko 6th Feb 2011 SUNDAY SPECIAL

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Check out some of the best footage we shot last week, plus a two day forecast! It was fine and partly cloudy sky today, but snow is on the way for Niseko, we'll let you know when the flakes start to fall. Keep watching!

Japan Snow Report - 3rd February 2011 HIKING THE PEAK

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What do you do on a stunning blue sky day in Niseko? Hike the peak! The Mt. Annupuri Peak sits at 1308m above sea level and offers incredible riding opportunities for advanced skiers and boarders who are experienced in the backcountry. Check out today's...

Japan Snow Report - 2nd Feb 2011

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We woke up to around 10cm of fresh snow this morning and then the sun came out! There are literally football fields full of powder out there at present in Niseko, and it looks like we'll be exploring it all under blue sky this week. Today winds were next to non existent and temperatures were down to -10 degrees.

Japan Snow Report - 1st Feb 2011

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Another brilliant day in this wintry, powdery paradise called Niseko! 45cm fell last night and we saw light falls along with intermittent sunshine during the day. Winds were strong up high and temperatures were down to -14 degrees.

Niseko Avalanche Information - 2011.02.11

Annupuri peak 6am: W13.4m/s, -12.1℃. Annupuri 800m: W6.7m/s, -9.4℃. The strong storm seems to have finally settled down. However, yesterday’s strong westerly wind & snow have made more snowdrifts and cornices to develop in leeward steep slopes. Intermittent wind made slight differences in the density within the snow pack and weak unstable layers are randomly present within the slabs. These layers would stabilize with time, however unpredictable knife-edge conditions will remain for a little while. Typical avalanche terrains, such as the Backbowl, Osawa, Mikaeri and Higashi-One are still in extremely hazardous conditions. Deep fissure occurrences observed yesterday in 800m steep slopes seems to have settled now, however caution is still required in steep slopes in all elevations. Heavy loads of fresh snow within a short period of time is a typical cause of an avalanche.
Gate 2 & 3 are scheduled to open at noon and other gates slightly earlier. Please respect the ski patrol’s instructions. DO NOT traverse across slopes under cornices today. The conditions are very sketchy; better not take it too easily. Think twice about the possible risks you’re taking, consequences can be huge. Be safe!