Niseko Now: Saturday 1st March 2025
- Mar 1, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 0cm
Snowfall at base this season 706cm
Posted on Saturday 1st March 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Good morning from Niseko.
It is a beautiful and very warm day. As it seems to be across Japan. Very 'spring'.
I am not sure if all lifts started the day as scheduled but at the moment all but the top lift of Annupuri and Village are operating.
The question is, will winter-like weather return? It does look like today is the peak of this warmth and by Monday it will be much colder. And we are due some fresh snow. That sounds good.
My monthly recap will be posted on Monday.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Mountain base 0℃, surface frozen, no new snow, good visibility. Moiwa 800m: -0.4℃, W0.5m/s (15m/s@10pm). Mikaeri 750m: -4℃, WNW1.7m/s, good visibility. Annuopur 1100m: -1.6℃, W8.0m/s (25m@10pm, 22m@3am). Hirafu Hanazono: -1.3℃, WSW4.0m/s (20m@10pm, 20m@4am). Coastal data: Bnkei cape WNW14m/s (WSW21m/s@9pm), Kamui cape WSW9m/s (SSW26m/s@8pm), 1015hPa, 1.4m waves.
Calm morning at the base, however cold air and strong westerly wind remained above 1000m. The wind is starting to calm down. Strong gusts were recorded around 8pm and 4am, southwesterly 20-25m/s wind above 1000m elevation. No new snowfall and no notable development of snowdrifts or cornices were observed. The avalanche risk is low. Snow is melting below 700m and new glide cracks are forming in steep slopes. These cracks are the result of the snowpack’s tension release. Beware of glide avalanches on slopes with cracks but without wrinkles underneath them. Highly destructive glide avalanche that sweeps down the whole gully does happen in Niseko. Stay away from the gully bottom line, you can avoid accidents by staying out of the avalanche path. It is commonly said that with Spring coming, the snow starts to melt and avalanches are more likely to occur, however most of the avalanche accidents happen during winter caused by surface slab avalanches. Do not be misled by myths. Avalanche can happen anytime when the conditions align. Gates will open as the wind drops. Please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Do not take the out of bounds area too easily. Be aware that you’re stepping out of the resort’s responsibility by going out of bounds. There are too many people that are being caught in off-limit areas without knowing they’re not supposed to go. Niseko respects the freedom of skiers/boarders, however are concerned about their safety. Please understand and respect the Niseko Rules. The mountain is shifting to Spring. Have a nice day.
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Individual ski area information for Saturday 1st March 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: 0cm
Base: 0cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 290cm (-10cm change since yesterday)
Base: 215cm (-7cm 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: 0cm
Base: 0cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 345cm (-5cm change since yesterday)
Base: 130cm (-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: 235cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 195cm (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 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: 180cm (no change since yesterday)
Lifts:
The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm
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Night skiing
Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025
Niseko Now 2024-2025 season |
Data as of Saturday 1st March 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 706cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 79 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 196cm reported on 24 days March 2025 snowfall 0cm |
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.