Niseko Now: Friday 19th December 2025
- Dec 19, 2025
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 2cm
Snowfall at base this season 172cm
It is a lovely morning here in the Niseko region.
We have sunshine, blue sky and some thin cloud.
A very fine morning to be out on the mountain.
Looking ahead, we have to get past this bit of a mild bump that is centered around tomorrow. A Japan-wide thing, by the looks.
We might have to endure some rain tomorrow - hopefully not, obviously - with a chance of snow later Sunday as temperatures drop once again.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Moiwa base 5am: -5℃, light winds, clear skies, no new snow. Mikaeri 800m: -9℃, WNW0.8m/s, 5cm new snow, good visibility. Hanazono 800m: -5.3℃, N2.0m/s. Coast Data- Benkei Cape NW11m/s, Kamui Cape WSW9m/s, 1026hPa, 1.6m waves.
We are currently under a high pressure system, ocean waves and winds have decreased, and only light snowfall fell overnight. Data and observations indicate that cornice formation has settled and avalanche risk is low. The low temperatures continue, making the slopes excellent, but there is a lack of snow.
The bamboo grass and bushes off-piste are still not buried, making off-piste skiing from the ski resort impossible. Niseko Rules were established out of necessity due to many accidents. A diverse range of people visit ski resorts to enjoy the snow. The Rules are in place to ensure the safety of all ski resort users. Please respect the Niseko Rules. The slopes are crowded. Don’t be overconfident, ride within your limits. Accidents can happen.
Today an anemometer will be installed at Moiwa 800m. This report is based on observations and objective numerical data. Conditions are good today. Have fun and don’t be overconfident in your knowledge or skills. There is no safety in this sport.
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 4cm
Base: 2cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 145cm (-5cm change since yesterday)
Base: 85cm (-5cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
All 4 lifts
Gondola until 7:00pm
Planned open courses:
All main runs apart from Legend of Shinya (and Hanazono Park)
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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: 210cm (+10cm change since yesterday)
Base: 45cm (+5cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
Ace Gondola
Ace Family quad (until 7:00pm)
Ace Number 3 pair
King Gondola
King Number 3 six
Swinging Monkey
Planned open courses:
Family
Sennoki
Alpen
Beginners access
Green
Shirakaba
Center
Kogen
Dai-ni no kabe
Kokutai
Holiday
Rinkan
Jumbo
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Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 125cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 60cm (-5cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
Niseko Gondola
Upper Village Gondola (until 7:00pm)
Village Express (until 7:00pm)
Community Chair
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: 100cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 80cm (no change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
Annupuri gondola
Dream Number 1 quad (until 7:00pm)
Jumbo Number 1 quad
Jumbo Number 2 pair
Planned open courses:
Utopia
Shirakaba
Paradise
Junior
Family
Junior
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Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Planned lift operations:
All 3 lifts
Niseko Now2025-2026 season |
Data as of Friday 19th December 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 172cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 23 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (on 12th December) November 2025 snowfall 29cm reported on 7 days December 2025 snowfall 143cm 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.