Niseko Now: Friday 19th February 2021
- Feb 19, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 12cm
Snowfall at base this season 1059cm
Posted on Friday 19th February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Hirafu gondola got moving during the day yesterday and there was even a hint of clearing skies and blue sky in the afternoon.
After the storm, at last things seem to be calmer this morning and all lifts (that plan to be operating) look set to open as scheduled this morning. Hurray!
Just light snow is falling now. Visibility generally seems like should be ok, perhaps more limited higher up on the mountain.
The Avalanche Report today says that 'snow is not bad'. I would imagine it would be rather more to-be-excited-about than that, but perhaps I just need to get out there and check for myself. All in the name of research and work, of course.
It looks like it will be a milder the next day or so, with just light snow at times. Nothing major. Might need to check on wind tomorrow (hopefully it will refrain from being too pesky).
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I have adjusted one piece of information in the listing below that I thought I would point out - it seems like only the Ace Quad Center 4 is now operating at Niseko Grand Hirafu for night skiing. I am unsure when that changed. Usually night skiing plans are set for the season and that's it, weather conditions permitting. But this is 20-21, so...
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Coastal Data 6:25am. Cape Benkei:NW13m/s. Cape Kamui: SW11m/s, 1004hPa, wave 1.8m. Hanazono 1000m: -8.6℃, E2.8m/s. Hanazono 720: -6.8℃, S2.1m/s. Moiwa 800m: -7.6℃, N6.0m/s. Annupuri 1100m:-10.3℃, W5.0m/s. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -9.9℃, WSW3.3m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -9.1℃, W3.7m/s. Kutchan Town: -2.8℃, SSW4.2m/s, snow depth 195cm, 1005.3hPa. Moiwa base: -5, light wind, sunny, 15cm in last 12 hrs.
The low pressure system has moved away and been replaced by a weak winter type pressure pattern. Winds above 800m dropped to 10-15m/s after 10pm last night. From observation, data and the snowfall transition, the general avalanche risk is beginning to fall. Peak gates are expected to open depending on lift operation. The last 48hrs of strong winds have changed the landscape and developed snowdrifts and cornices in unexpected places. It is better to not enter the big valleys or ride under cornices on open slopes today. The risk of large surface avalanches, fracturing on 15th Feb layer will continue into the afternoon. Stay out of the creek bottoms. Don't stimulate cornices or cut knolls. Watch out for tree bombs and cracks hidden under the snow. Wear a helmet. Is your beacon on? Snow is not bad. Have a good day.
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Planned ski area operations: Friday 19th 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: 15cm
- Base: 15cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 470cm (+0cm)
- Base: 240cm (-5cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Planned: (5 lifts) - Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, King Quad 3, King 4
- Ace Quad Center Four lift operates for night skiing
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 13cm
- Base: 0cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 318cm (+8cm)
- Base: 225cm (+5cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Planned: (3 lifts) - 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: 10cm
- Base: 5cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 290cm (+0cm)
- Base: 210cm (+0cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Planned: (4 lifts) - All lifts apart from Jumbo 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: 10cm
- Base: 10cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 270cm (+0cm)
- Base: 230cm (+0cm)
Ski lifts operating:
- Planned: (4 lifts) - Niseko Gondola, Community, Banzai, Wonderland
- Community Chair lift operates 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.
Niseko Now 2020-2021 season |
Data as of Friday 19th February 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 1059cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 74 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 48cm (17th February) 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 262cm 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.