Niseko Now: Monday 17th February 2025
- Feb 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 2cm
Snowfall at base this season 649cm
Posted on Monday 17th February 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Hello from Niseko on this Monday morning.
It doesn't feel like a particularly inspiring early morning with just a little (wet) snow to report and an overcast and dull kind of start to the day, along with continued relatively mild temperatures.
Visibility is fair lower down but looks limited to poor at higher elevations this morning.
Hirafu ski area is reporting 10cm of fresh snow. That seems somewhat 'optimistic' to me.
Happily, all lifts appear to be starting the day as normal this morning.
Forecasts for the coming week are looking encouraging and we should be getting some consistent snowfall over the coming days.
As of today, my observed snowfall for the month is standing at 139cm, with the total for the season so far at 649cm. Another 22cm and we'll have received more snow in February than during January 2025. Another 5cm and we'll have received more snow than last February (2024). With another 11 reports to go this month, I am hoping for a good showing.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Moiwa Mountain base -2℃, 2cm wet snow, light winds. Moiwa 800m: -4.1℃, NNW3.4m/s, No cornice or slab development, 3cm new snow, bad visibility. Mikaeri 750m: -5℃,NW1.0m/s, 3cm new snow, bad visibility, thick fog from 600-700m. Annupuri 1100m: -6.2℃, WNW3.4m/s, no significant cornice development. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -5.7℃, ESE2.0m/s, 3cm new snow. Coastal data: Benkei Cape NNW10m/s, Kamui Cape N3m/s, 1003hPa, wave 0.7m.
The current low pressure zone is dropping intermittent light snowfall and warm air is continuing to flow into the valley. There is a dense fog layer around the 600-700m level. With only a little snow overnight, the mountain is still covered with yesterday's traverse lines. From observations, tests, and a data review, the overall avalanche risk is low. But beware of heavy avalanches and collapsing blocks below lift lines and on steep slopes. Do not duck ropes in search of snow or to ride strictly off limits areas. One set of tracks will lead others to follow, eventually resulting in an accident. In any case, it snowed overnight, so be happy. Be careful when skiing in the trees, it will be easy to catch an edge. Gate openings are yet to be decided. Please understand and follow the patrol's decisions. Beware of sudden changes in weather. People going to the mountains should prepare beacons and probes, shovels, short ropes, and emergency food. Always check your location when in the mountains. There is no safety in the winter mountains. Again - Beware of sudden changes in weather. Have a nice day.
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Individual ski area information for Monday 17th February 2025
The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources.
Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 5cm
Base: 5cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 300cm (-5cm change since yesterday)
Base: 235cm (-5cm change since yesterday)
Lifts:
The gondola is scheduled to be open until 7:00pm
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Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 10cm
Base: 10cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 360cm (-5cm change since yesterday)
Base: 155cm (-10cm change since yesterday)
Lifts:
The Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm
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Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 240cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 190cm (no change since yesterday)
Lifts:
The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm
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Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 250cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 170cm (no change since yesterday)
Lifts:
The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm
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Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025
Niseko Now 2024-2025 season |
Data as of Monday 17th February 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 649cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 71 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (6th February) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 311cm reported on 28 days January 2025 snowfall 161cm reported on 19 days February 2025 snowfall 139cm reported on 16 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.