Niseko Now: Thursday 12th March 2026
- Mar 12
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 0cm
Snowfall at base this season 861cm
Hello from Niseko.
Unfortunately there is a lot of lift disruption this morning due to pesky winds. As of nearly 10am, three lifts at Hanazono are moving, but otherwise it is lower lifts only.
Going back to yesterday, I really enjoyed a few hours out there. (I'm still in my early 20's*, of course, but) as the years roll on, I am finding myself enjoying 'spring' much more than I used to. The snow might not be deep and fluffy and all that, but there's less people around and a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere (as I see/feel it, anyway). And there is also that feeling that time is running out; the snow won't be for that much longer. I think that helps me remember to appreciate it, even when conditions are not perfect. I do wonder if ski areas that plan to remain open until early May will be able to this season. We'll surely find out!
For the record, here at the planned closing dates:
Niseko Village and Niseko Hanazono: Sunday 12th April
Niseko Grand Hirafu and Niseko Annupuri: 6th May
And oh yes, night skiing plans to continue until Sunday 22nd March.
(* Might well be a fib)
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Moiwa base: -2℃, no snowfall. Moiwa 800m: -6.1℃, NNE9.1m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -8.6℃, N6.5m/s. Village 1000m: -7.3℃, NNE17.6m/s. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -7.7℃, N14.4m/s. Hanazono 800m: -5.5℃, NNE6.6m/s. Coastal data: Benkei Cape NE12m/s, Kamui Cape NE12m/s, 1027hPa, wave hight unknown.
Upper lift operations are difficult due to the strong northeast winds above 1000m elevation. No snowfall; the mountain is icy. Gates will be closed to prevent accidents in the out of bounds. Do not duck the ropes. Follow patrol’s instructions. This information is provided to prevent out of boundary avalanche accidents in Niseko ski areas. Many avalanche accidents occur during severe weather conditions like blizzards. Niseko assesses risk based on the development and progression of wind blown snowdrifts (wind-formed snow slabs) and urges caution. Eighty percent of avalanche accidents occur during or immediately after blizzards. Niseko believes that correctly understanding the dangers during heavy snowfall and severe weather like blizzards is most crucial for accident prevention. We hope people do not overestimate the knowledge they have learned. Today, northeasterly winds and snow continue in eastern Hokkaido. We deeply thank the Hokkaido Police Mountain Rescue Team and all fire departments responding to the frequent accidents.
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 0cm
Base: 0cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 295cm (-5cm change since yesterday)
Base: 180cm (no change since yesterday)
Planned night lift operations:
Gondola until 7:00pm
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Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 0cm
Base: 0cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 365cm (-10cm change since yesterday)
Base: 100cm (-5cm change since yesterday)
Planned night lift operations:
Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair until 7:00pm
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Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 270cm (+2cm change since yesterday)
Base: 153cm (-7cm change since yesterday)
Planned night lift operations:
Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair until 7:00pm
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Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 0cm
Base: 0cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 270cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 140cm (-10cm change since yesterday)
Planned night lift operations:
Jumbo Number 1 quad until 7:30pm
Niseko Now2025-2026 season |
Data as of Thursday 12th March 2026 Total snowfall at base so far 861cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 85 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (on 12th January) November 2025 snowfall 29cm reported on 7 days December 2025 snowfall 189cm reported on 23 days January 2026 snowfall 451cm reported on 28 days February 2026 snowfall 154cm reported on 19 days March 2026 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 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.