Niseko opening with some of the best early season snowfalls in almost 10 years

SkiJapan.com's Niseko-based snow reporter has declared the interconnected Niseko ski areas are opening with some of the best early season snowfalls in almost 10 years.

Rod White said:"Amazing scenes across the Hokkaido Alps.In fact yesterday's opening at Hirafu was the closest to what occurred in 2008.

"Around our local area, we have other resorts opening, with Annupuri and Rusutsu tomorrow then Niseko Village on December 1 and Hanazono December 2. Teine, Kokusai and Nakayamatoge are already open and would expect Moiwa bull wheels to spin any day now. Night skiing at Hirafu is scheduled to begin on December 9."

Niseko United added Winter 2012/13 was the last time Niseko Grand Hirafu opened on schedule It was also the largest snowfall year in the past five years with a cumulative total snowfall of more than 14metres at village level, and more than that on the mountain. Hopes are high the bumper early season will also translate into another record season.