Niseko Now: Tuesday 10th November 2026

13 hours ago

3 min read

Updated: 11 hours ago

New snowfall 16cm

Season total 33cm

Posted at 8:30am

Base temp: -5°C

Niseko Now overview

2026-2027 season

Excellent news this morning. We have had some good snow falling. 16cm of snow since my report yesterday. Very nice.

Cold, too. It almost feels like proper winter.

Light snow continues to fall as I put this report together, but it is expected to ease off sometime this morning and we might even get to see a bit of sun later today.

I think this is worth mentioning. At 8am this morning, JMA (Japan Meteorological Agency) is reporting as much as 46cm (!) of snowfall in the last 30 hours or so. That would be impressive mid-winter. Their measuring point is located in Kutchan town, about 5km east of Hanazono base and 6km north-east of Hirafu base (direct). It's exciting to think how much snow there might be on the mountain (...and over there to the east). Alas, my measuring point is fixed and I must be totally consistent!

Like I said, forecasts do show the chance of some clearer skies and somewhat 'less cold' conditions from tomorrow and probably until at least Saturday. Hopefully it won't warm too much and this snow might even stick around to form our base. We'll just have to wait and see.

It's time for me to start talking about ski area related news for the upcoming season.

First up is a lift change at Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, the ski area that confidently describes itself as 'The Diamond of Niseko'.

I'll quote the ski area:

"The Ace Lift # 3 has been upgraded from a pair to a quad lift with a bubble. With roughly twice the operating speed of the original lift, passenger capacity has increased significantly. The bubble makes the ride extra comfortable."

As proved last year with my questioning of the 'sixpack' naming conventions, I'm not really familiar with international ski lift terminology, but I think that's generally known as a 'hooded quad lift'. But I like bubbles! Kawai!

If it's four people instead of two and about twice the speed, it sounds to me like it will offer up to four times the original passenger capacity. Significant indeed. I am really looking forward to trying it soon.

Remember, boys and girls, especially on busy days (ie. every day), let's try to load up four at a time. You might make new friends. (Might even meet a Japanese person if you are really lucky).