Niseko Now: Thursday 1st January 2026
- Jan 1, 2026
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 13
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 19cm
Snowfall at base this season 237cm
Happy New Year!
Yesterday, we had some periods of snowfall during the day, but in a somewhat familiar pattern; it just didn’t keep going or get to be ‘full-on’. I don’t know how to explain it better than to say it has often felt a bit... half-hearted.
This morning I am happy to report that we got a nice addition overnight and it is snowing quite heavily as of 8:15am. It is also nice and cold. This is allowing me to feel that we have a feel-good, positive start to the year. (I was a bit surprised to see the very large snowfall numbers in the Avalanche Report this morning; ski areas aren't reporting that much, and you can see my own measurement).
Bottom line: good, fresh snow!
I have already enjoyed my hatsu-toast (‘first toast of the year’), another of those Japanese traditions dating back to the Edo period. Or perhaps even before that.
Tomorrow, I will bring you news of an exciting new, super-expensive lift ticket that I heard about yesterday. If you have way too much money and are looking for ways to get rid of it, you might find that one appealing!
For today, though, it’s time to take a bit of a snapshot of the season so far.
A look back at the season so far: until the end of December 2025
Early every month during the winter season, I do a recap thingy where I look at the season so far and compare it to previous seasons.
For those unfamiliar with how this works, the numbers I am introducing below are all the snowfall measurements I observed near the base of Hirafu. The monthly and annual numbers in these reports are comparable, because they come to you from the same spot and are being observed by the same person every day over the last 14 seasons.
It is important to always keep in mind that 'snowfall numbers at base' is by no means the full story of how the season is going. My observed snowfall data does not account for the fact that there is usually more snow at higher elevations or, indeed, say anything about snow quality. (More information on snowfall numbers here).
Statistics may be interesting, and the numbers themselves may be comparable, but much more insight into the season can be gained in the daily commentary I write in my report each morning. Always remember to look beyond the numbers.
Anyway, with all that out of the way, let’s numbers!
Here's how much snowfall I have measured during the months of November and December every season since 2012.
November 2025: 29cm
November 2024: 38cm
November 2023: 120cm
November 2022: 17cm
November 2021: 85cm
November 2020: 62cm
November 2019: 85cm
November 2018: 84cm
November 2017: 188cm
November 2016: 110cm
November 2015: 61cm
November 2014: 30cm
November 2013: 123cm
November 2012: 118cm
December 2025: 189cm
December 2024: 311cm
December 2023: 247cm
December 2022: 336cm
December 2021: 307cm
December 2020: 348cm
December 2019: 207cm
December 2018: 333cm
December 2017: 406cm
December 2016: 181cm
December 2015: 244cm
December 2014: 519cm
December 2013: 275cm
December 2012: 418cm
After some initial delays from the planned opening dates, all five main ski areas on the mountain opened on 4th December.
The small Asahigaoka ski area behind Kutchan Station was scheduled to open on 25th December, but that was delayed. As far as I can tell, it is planning to open tomorrow (2nd January) – if there is enough snow.
Here are the total snowfall numbers for the season so far (November + December):
2025/2026 season up to the end of December 2025: 218cm
2024/2025 season up to end of December 2024: 349cm
2023/2024 season up to end of December 2023: 367cm
2022/2023 season up to end of December 2022: 353cm
2021/2022 season up to end of December 2021: 392cm
2020/2021 season up to end of December 2020: 410cm
2019/2020 season up to end of December 2019: 292cm
2018/2019 season up to end of December 2018: 417cm
2017/2018 season up to end of December 2017: 594cm
2016/2017 season up to end of December 2016: 291cm
2015/2016 season up to end of December 2015: 305cm
2014/2015 season up to end of December 2014: 549cm
2013/2014 season up to end of December 2013: 398cm
2012/2013 season up to end of December 2012: 536cm
There's no getting around the fact that, so far this year, I have observed the least snowfall (at this point) since these statistics began in the 2012/2013 season. Still better than many regions of Japan this season, but with spells of mildness and rain, it has been a less than impressive start.
We had a period starting around the second week of December and a couple of days just after Christmas when we enjoyed some consistently decent snowfall. Those were the times when we got to enjoy brief flashes of Niseko goodness, but, as I noted earlier, it just didn’t keep going.
I was able to report snowfall on 7 days in November and on 23 days in December. The most snowfall reported in any one report was the 24cm reported on 12th December.
I made a few extended comments across several reports, particularly on 4th December, 25th December, and 26th December.
I can't really think of much else to add at the moment. With the top lifts and gates yet to open this season, it still somehow feels like we're waiting for the main event to get started.
Here's the % of the eventual season total that we had received by the end of December in previous seasons.
By the end of December 2024, as a % of the season total: about 40%
By the end of December 2023, as a % of the season total: about 42%
By the end of December 2022, as a % of the season total: about 35%
By the end of December 2021, as a % of the season total: about 34%
By the end of December 2020, as a % of the season total: about 34%
By the end of December 2019, as a % of the season total: about 40%
By the end of December 2018, as a % of the season total: about 44%
By the end of December 2017, as a % of the season total: about 47%
By the end of December 2016, as a % of the season total: about 43%
By the end of December 2015, as a % of the season total: about 31%
By the end of December 2014, as a % of the season total: about 48%
By the end of December 2013, as a % of the season total: about 34%
By the end of December 2012, as a % of the season total: about 36%
Let us hope that the corresponding percentage will be lower than the above numbers this season. (Obviously, we won't know that until the season has finished).
You never know, I might be talking about record-breaking January snowfall this time next month. And nothing would make me happier!
Talking of January, here is how much snowfall I have recorded during previous seasons in the month of January:
January 2025: 161cm (510cm)
January 2024: 298cm (665cm)
January 2023: 332cm (685cm)
January 2022: 325cm (717cm)
January 2021: 387cm (797cm)
January 2020: 224cm (516cm)
January 2019: 285cm (702cm)
January 2018: 305cm (899cm)
January 2017: 152cm (443cm)
January 2016: 303cm (608cm)
January 2015: 257cm (806cm)
January 2014: 461cm (859cm)
January 2013: 443cm (979cm)
The numbers in brackets show the total observed snowfall in each season at the end of January.
Let's have a January like we enjoyed in 2013 or 2014, please. I’ll get super excite if we do... and you will notice!
There's a long way to go - over four months - and lots can happen. This morning feels like a good start.
Remember, all this data is available to you at any time on the Snowfall Analysis and Seasonal archive pages of this report.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Moiwa base -12℃, light wind, 40cm new snowfall. Moiwa 800: -12.2℃, WNW7.2-15m/s. Annupuri 1100m: -18.3℃, W10.1-20m/s. Village1000m: -17.2℃, WSW9.2m/s. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -17.3℃, N2.5m/s, 50cm new snowfall. Hanazono 800m: -12.9℃, NNE4.0m/s. Sea of Japan Benkei cape WNW17-20m/s, Kamui cape SW20m/s, 1005hPa, 2.2m waves.
Winter-type pressure pattern, narrow isobars over the sea and mountains with wind and snow. Significant snow accumulation; wind-drifted snow exceeding 100cm is developing on the upper slopes of leeward cornices. Consolidation cannot keep up with accumulation, leading to fractures along internal weak lines within the snowslabs. This could create fracture surfaces exceeding 50cm, making surface avalanches highly likely. Avalanche risk is high. Do not enter the following restricted areas: Yunosawa, Harunotaki, Annupuri Osawa at 1000m elevation on the cornice slopes, Kōzan-no-sawa, and the upper slopes of the Higashi-One. Do not duck ropes when you go out of bounds.
This snowfall will flatten the grass and restore Niseko to its usual state. Today’s snow is like a New Year’s gift, but don’t be greedy. Once the storm passes and wind-drifted snow stabilizes in a layered structure, the mountain summit gates will open. Follow patrol instructions. Depending on local weather conditions, the No. 6 Moiwa Gate is scheduled to open for limited hours, 10am-12pm today. Gullies are still uncovered, and the bush is thick. Snow is deep. Listen to the patrol’s advice. It’s best to carry a beacon. Niseko respects the freedom to ski out of bounds, but we are always concerned for your safety. Overconfidence and ignorance cause accidents. Today, you can enjoy yourself fully even around the groomed slopes. Do not push too hard. Beware of frostbite. Happy New Year.
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 20cm
Base: 16cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 155cm (+13cm change since yesterday)
Base: 85cm (+15cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
4 of 4 lifts
Gondola until 7:00pm
Planned open courses:
All main runs
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Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 30cm
Base: 30cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 230cm (+25cm change since yesterday)
Base: 60cm (+25cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
7 of 9 lifts
Ace Gondola (until 7:00pm)
Ace Family quad (until 7:00pm)
Ace Number 3 pair
King Gondola (until 7:00pm)
King Holiday pair (until 7:00pm)
King Number 3 six
Swinging Monkey
Planned open courses:
Most runs apart from the top are now open
Courses yet to open are Furiko, Large, Konayuki, Miharashi and Dynamic
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Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 129cm (+9cm change since yesterday)
Base: 55cm (+10cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
7 of 8 lifts
Niseko Gondola
Upper Village Gondola (until 7:00pm)
Village Express (until 7:00pm)
Community Chair
Banzai Chair (until 7:00pm)
Morino Chair
Country Road Chair
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Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 20cm
Base: 20cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 140cm (+20cm change since yesterday)
Base: 80cm (+20cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
5 of 6 lifts
Annupuri gondola
Dream Number 1 quad
Jumbo Number 1 quad (until 7:30pm)
Jumbo Number 2 pair
Niseko Now2025-2026 season |
Data as of Thursday 1st January 2026 Total snowfall at base so far 237cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 31 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (on 12th December) November 2025 snowfall 29cm reported on 7 days December 2025 snowfall 189cm reported on 23 days January 2026 snowfall 19cm reported on 1 day |
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.