Niseko Now: Sunday 1st March 2026
- Mar 1
- 9 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 1cm
Snowfall at base this season 824cm
Good morning from Niseko.
We have had a sort of dusting of snow in places; best seen on the Niseko Village gondola roof. I can just about justify the 1cm added to this report (but there's a bit of rounding up going on that will be taken into account next time there is any snow to report). The ski areas aren't reporting any cm of snow this morning.
As I write this, there is a bit of sun shining through my window, but generally we have a lot of cloud around this morning. Sun is expected for at least part of the day both today and tomorrow.
Not sure why and might just be temporary but at the start of the day the top Hanazono lift is shown as on hold. All other lifts starting up as planned.
Here's something I prepared yesterday.
A look back at the season so far: until the end of February 2026
In what seems like the blink of an eye, it's already time for another monthly recap.
The usual first bit; repetitive for long-time readers, but important. 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. Keep in mind that 'snowfall numbers at base' is by no means the full story of how the season is going. The observed snowfall data do not account for the fact that there is usually more snow at higher elevations or say anything about snow quality. More insight into the season can be gained from the daily commentary in my reports. Always remember to look beyond the numbers and ignore the silly bits if you wish.
OK, so here's how much snowfall I have observed and measured in February each season since 2012.
February 2026: 154cm
February 2025: 196cm
February 2024: 144cm
February 2023: 289cm
February 2022: 337cm
February 2021: 325cm
February 2020: 143cm
February 2019: 198cm
February 2018: 299cm
February 2017: 160cm
February 2016: 266cm
February 2015: 196cm
February 2014: 178cm
February 2013: 316cm
I was able to report snowfall on 19 days in February 2026. Up until the final week of the month, you could reasonably call that consistent. It's just that the numbers were generally fairly modest, rather than impressive, with over 10cm on only four days. Consistency is, of course, very important – especially when there are lots of people around tracking out the snow in the first few hours of the morning – but some larger numbers and deep conditions are an important part of the fun mix, too.
In the end, the month's snowfall was below average based on what I have observed since 2012-2013.
Further thoughts after I get through all the numbers.
Here's how much snow has been observed since the beginning of the season?
2025/2026 season up to the end of February 2026: 823cm
2024/2025 season up to the end of February 2025: 706cm
2023/2024 season up to the end of February 2023: 809cm
2022/2023 season up to the end of February 2022: 974cm
2021/2022 season up to the end of February 2021: 1054cm
2020/2021 season up to the end of February 2020: 1122cm
2019/2020 season up to the end of February 2019: 659cm
2018/2019 season up to the end of February 2018: 900cm
2017/2018 season up to the end of February 2017: 1198cm
2016/2017 season up to the end of February 2016: 603cm
2015/2016 season up to the end of February 2015: 874cm
2014/2015 season up to the end of February 2014: 1002cm
2013/2014 season up to the end of February 2013: 1037cm
2012/2013 season up to the end of February 2012: 1295cm
At this point in the season, I have observed more snowfall than last season, though the numbers are, again, below average.
In a tradition dating way back to the Edo period (* actually, since last month), let's sort that list into 'ranking' order:
2012/2013 season up to the end of February 2012: 1295cm
2017/2018 season up to the end of February 2017: 1198cm
2020/2021 season up to the end of February 2020: 1122cm
2021/2022 season up to the end of February 2021: 1054cm
2013/2014 season up to the end of February 2013: 1037cm
2014/2015 season up to the end of February 2014: 1002cm
2022/2023 season up to the end of February 2022: 974cm
2018/2019 season up to the end of February 2018: 900cm
2015/2016 season up to the end of February 2015: 874cm
2025/2026 season up to the end of February 2026: 823cm
2023/2024 season up to the end of February 2023: 809cm
2024/2025 season up to the end of February 2025: 706cm
2019/2020 season up to the end of February 2019: 659cm
2016/2017 season up to the end of February 2016: 603cm
Here's how much of the total snowfall of a season had been reported at the end of February in previous seasons:
By the end of February 2025, as a % of the season total: about 90%
By the end of February 2024, as a % of the season total: about 92%
By the end of February 2023, as a % of the season total: about 97%
By the end of February 2022, as a % of the season total: about 93%
By the end of February 2021, as a % of the season total: about 93%
By the end of February 2020, as a % of the season total: about 91%
By the end of February 2019, as a % of the season total: about 95%
By the end of February 2018, as a % of the season total: about 95%
By the end of February 2017, as a % of the season total: about 88%
By the end of February 2016, as a % of the season total: about 88%
By the end of February 2015, as a % of the season total: about 88%
By the end of February 2014, as a % of the season total: about 89%
By the end of February 2013, as a % of the season total: about 87%
Looking at that data, we expect to have already received about 90% of the total snowfall at this point in the season.
How much do we usually receive in March? Here's my data:
March 2025: 76cm (782cm)
March 2024: 70cm (879cm)
March 2023: 32cm (1006cm)
March 2022: 81cm (1135cm)
March 2021: 79cm (1201cm)
March 2020: 59cm (718cm)
March 2019: 45cm (945cm)
March 2018: 49cm (1247cm)
March 2017: 83cm (686cm)
March 2016: 109cm (983cm)
March 2015: 139cm (1141cm)
March 2014: 113cm (1150cm)
March 2013: 164cm (1459cm)
The number in brackets is the season total as of the end of February.
A few thoughts
Firstly, I'd like to say that I enjoyed some fine conditions and joyous times on the mountain over the last month, and I'm sure many others did, too. I have spoken to quite a few of you on lifts (though I was cunningly wearing my super-secret mask and flowing cape to conceal my true identity).
There's really nothing like being out there on the snow.
I'm sure long-term readers know this already, but it is important to me that people know my comments are never intended to take away from the goodness. I'm coming from a position of being nerdy about numbers, having the privilege of observing things up close for many years, and making comparisons, etc. I have said it before, but the expectations for Niseko are high. In the end, it's probably best that most of you are not afflicted with this silly obsession and just go about enjoying it!
Given my experience, though, my thoughts beyond the numbers might still be of interest to some of you.
Looking back on this season so far, December 2025 was disappointing for snowfall, but January 2026 was much more exciting (in fact, very excite), with an impressive 451cm of snowfall. As we entered February, I was hopeful that the taps had been turned on good and proper and we might be on for another very snowy month. And, actually, we did have a good start to the month. As noted above, we did get fairly consistent but modest amounts of snowfall up until around the 20th of the month.
Overall, though, in terms of snowfall and comparing with our high expectations... it was disappointing.
So, are we already in spring or not?
Obviously, I'd like to think not. I always feel uncomfortable talking about spring in February. It just seems way (way) too early. Especially when the ski areas on our mountain hope to be open until early May, which is over two months from now. But there are various signs of spring, and as the Avalanche Report admitted yesterday, 'the mountain is transitioning into spring'.
I do not know or follow other regions as closely as I do Niseko, of course, but Japan seems to be having an early spring across the country. I have noticed a few reports of some ski areas in western Japan already closing, and up here in Hokkaido, it was on the news in recent days that 'Hokkaido Greenland White Park' ski area had closed due to the snow situation. That is nearly two weeks earlier than its planned closing date. (Note: that ski area is over in Iwamizawa City on the other side of Sapporo, so it's not local to Niseko).
Some forecasts still show snowfall in our region here and there over the coming weeks, though it would be stretching it to say it looks like it might be anything significant. Hopefully, they are wrong, and we get some nice March surprises. Right now, I think I might be fairly pleased if we get an 'average' March snowfall.
Thanks to my self-imposed ban on social media and consciously trying to keep a distance from ‘news’ in general, my mind is largely free of whatever nonsense (or absolute brilliance) might be being published by self-proclaimed 'influencers' this season, or indeed what awfulness might be happening in the world. I can't imagine much is happening anyway. Someone asked a question related to something on social media, but sorry I don't have any insights - wise or otherwise! My mental well-being takes priority and life certainly feels less... polluted... for not constantly consuming all that stuff. Highly recommended for a good mind reset.
Good toast and skiing helps, too. Obviously. Preferably on fresh snow! :)
------------------------------------
Niseko Avalanche Report
Moiwa base 6am: -3℃, strong winds, trace new snow. Moiwa 800m: -7.8℃, NNW14.1m/s, cornice development. Annupuri 1100m: -9.7℃, NNW3.0m/s. Village 1000m: -8.4℃, NNE4.4m/s. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -9.1℃, N9.9m/s. Hanazono 800m: -6.8℃, N6.0m/s. Coastal data: Benkei Cape N9m/s, Kamui Cape N6m/s, 1022hPa, wave 2.0m.
Wind speed is starting to drop at sea, however above 800m winds are strong and visibility is poor. The snow condition is also poor. To prevent accidents among resort visitors, all peak gates will be closed. Gates 5 & 6 are yet to be determined. Yesterday, a person who left gate 5 got lost and had to be rescued by the Hanazono patrol. More people means more accidents. Patrol are playing whack-a-mole trying to keep everyone safe. Rescuing lost and injured people repeatedly. If the number of accidents continues to increase, regulations will become even stricter. The risk of full-depth avalanches will increase in the spring. Large-scale full-depth avalanches have occurred in past years in Moiwa Bowl, which is at a low altitude, causing significant damage to forests. Due to the snowfall patterns this winter, the risk of massive avalanches will increase from mid-March in Kozan-no-Sawa and Annupuri-Osawa. To avoid accidents, do not stop or wait in the bottom of valleys or gullies.
------------------------------------
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: 270cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 170cm (no change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
4 of 4 lifts
Gondola until 7:00pm
------------------
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: 350cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 90cm (no change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
9 of 9 lifts
Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair until 7:00pm
------------------
Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 255cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 165cm (no change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
8 of 8 lifts
Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair until 7:00pm
------------------
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: 280cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 150cm (no change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
6 of 6 lifts
Jumbo Number 1 quad until 7:30pm
------------------
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Planned lift operations:
3 of 3 lifts
Niseko Now2025-2026 season |
Data as of Sunday 1st March 2026 Total snowfall at base so far 824cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 78 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 36cm (on 12th January) November 2025 snowfall 29cm reported on 7 days December 2025 snowfall 189cm reported on 23 days January 2026 snowfall 451cm reported on 28 days February 2026 snowfall 154cm reported on 19 days March 2026 snowfall 1cm 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.