Niseko Now: Wednesday 10th February 2021
- Feb 10, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 15cm
Snowfall at base this season 966cm
Posted on Wednesday 10th February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
It is snowing lightly at the start of the day today (though in the last short while started coming down a bit more). There's more fresh snow on the ground but not as much as yesterday and this snow might well be easing off this morning leaving us with just cloudy skies.
Wind isn't an issue and all lifts are starting the day as per schedule.
From tomorrow we are expecting a fairly calm and dry period with an increasing chance of the sun making some headline appearances. That will probably last into next week.
I imagine conditions should be pretty great today. In the name of research, I think I should go and check. The things I do for you. ;)
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The official snow depth number at Niseko Village peak this morning increases by... 63cm. I can only imagine that it is playing catch up after not being updated much in recent days. Especially as they only report 20cm of fresh snow at peak. Again, large giant-hands sized pinch of salt.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Coastal Data 6:25am. Cape Benkei:WNW14m/s. Cape Kamui: WSW12m/s, 1011hPa, wave2.0m. Hanazono 1000m: -10.2℃, NNE3.1m/s. Hanazono 720: -8.9℃, N3.6m/s. Moiwa 800m: -9.5℃, N8.7m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -12.2℃, W10.3m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -11.6℃, W4.4m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -10.8℃, WNW6.4m/s. Kutchan Town:-5.2℃, SW2.3m/s, snow depth 198cm, 1012.6hPa. Moiwa base: -6, calm, good visibility, 10cm new snow in last 12hrs.
From observation and data the general avalanche risk is low. This information is based on morning observations, data from the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Japan Coast Guard and snowfall trends. Wind direction and temperature data are from six locations on the Niseko Mountains. Niseko is working to prevent accidents by communicating the off-course conditions widely and fairly to all mountain users. Winter mountains are never 100% safe. Only common sense behavior and caution prevent accidents. Wear a helmet and beacon. Peak gates are expected to be open (dependant on lift operation). Outside the gates are not part of the ski area. Always be cautious and aware of conditions. Today's snow is good.
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Planned ski area operations: Wednesday 10th February 2021
The below information is manually checked each morning from official sources.
The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report.
Niseko Grand Hirafu
24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 30cm
- Base: 30cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 430cm (+25cm)
- Base: 250cm (+25cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Planned: Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, King Number 3 Quad, King Number 4
- Ace Family Quad and Ace Number 2 Center Four lifts operate for night skiing
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 15cm
- Base: 20cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 320cm (-2cm)
- Base: 240cm (+0cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Planned: All lifts
- There is no night skiing at Hanazono
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Niseko Annupuri
24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 15cm
- Base: 15cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 270cm (+0cm)
- Base: 200cm (+0cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Planned: All lifts apart from Jumbo Number 2 and 3
- Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing
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Niseko Village
24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 20cm
- Base: 10cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 338cm (+63cm)
- Base: 230cm (+30cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Planned: Niseko Gondola, Community Chair, Banzai Chair and Wonderland Chair
- Community Chair and Banzai Chair lifts operate for night skiing
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Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021. There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area.
The Ace Pair Number 1, 3 and 4, King Pair Number 1 lift and King Quad Number 2 lifts are being rested for the season at Niseko Grand Hirafu. There may be other lift operation changes at the moment due to coronavirus situation. Do be sure to check for details with ski areas.
Niseko Now 2020-2021 season |
Data as of Wednesday 10th February 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 966cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 68 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 34cm (31st December and 18th January) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 387cm reported on 27 days February 2021 snowfall 169cm reported on 10 days |
All snowfall data presented on this page is the snowfall measured and observed at base/town level by our reporter based in Kutchan/Niseko. The 'new snowfall' number represents the amount of snow measured since the previous report. All opinions are those of the individual reporters. Information regarding ski area operations is manually checked every morning and is believed to be correct at the time of the report.