Niseko Now: Thursday 20th February 2025
- Feb 20, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 2cm
Snowfall at base this season 686cm
Posted on Thursday 20th February 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
I have 2cm snowfall to report to you this morning, but it is a beautiful morning. Mostly clear blue skies and sunshine and a little cloud here and there. Lovely.
Hopefully all lifts will be moving so we can go get some excite fun up there. I'm heading out myself.
------------------------------------
Recently, a few people have asked me what I thought about the massive snowfall numbers that are sometimes reported in some of the other daily reports on this site. In particular, the Myoko Now report from Niigata Prefecture.
I often read the other reports on this site with interest. When I see some of the large numbers reported, my initial reaction is often... wow.
I also think how I might not enjoy dealing with that much snow in my daily life. The idea sounds very excite, but the reality might be less so.
大変そう！
As we often say on this site, it is not recommended to directly compare observed snowfall data from the different daily report sections (especially without delving deeper into what is going on). There are just too many differences and circumstances, making direct comparisons problematic.
Having said that, let's take a quick look.
As of yesterday, the Myoko Now report has posted 30cm or more snowfall in 20 individual reports this season alone. Over 40cm in 11 reports. And over 50cm in 4 reports. 87cm in one report! That is pretty bonkers when you consider the most I have been able to report in one day this season was 24cm. The total snowfall so far was 1383cm, compared to my Niseko number of 684cm.
Undeniably, they sometimes get incredible amounts of snowfall there. And they do seem to be enjoying a good season re: snowfall.
The Myoko reports come to you from close to the base of one of the main ski areas, Akakura Kanko. Remember, that is the same policy as my reports - and all the others on SnowJapan.
The base of Hirafu is at a relatively low 260m elevation, while the base of Myoko Akakura is at 740m. Each summit is at about 1200m and 1500m, respectively (but actual snowfall data at the top is unrecorded).
Not wanting to further complicate things, I notice that Yuzawa Town in Niigata Prefecture, also known for sometimes getting crazy amounts of snow, is only at about 350m. The Yuzawa Now report has observed a mind-boggling 148cm of snowfall over the last 3 reports (including this morning).
From my observations while reading the Myoko reports, it rarely seems to get as cold down there as it does here in Hokkaido.
Rather different profiles.
Traditionally, Hokkaido people are rightly very proud of the quality of the snowfall we enjoy here and consider it the best in Japan. (The world?) (The galaxy?)
After all, that is why people from around the world consistently come to Niseko. It is also a big reason why I ended up here, as it was the best snow I had experienced so far in Japan during my time here.
I have sometimes heard derogatory remarks about snow quality in other regions of Japan to the south, though I don't know how much of a dose of territorial pride there might be in that thinking.
I have never been to Myoko, so I am not qualified to offer a valid comparison. But I have heard very good things about the snow quality there from long-time skiing friends from Hokkaido. It is definitely on my list of places that I would like to visit if and when I ever get the chance. (The list is quite long.)
I guess some people might not like me discussing something like this, but I don't see any of this as a competition. And it's not as if the data is a secret!
Different regions can all be brilliant, and each can excel in various aspects, whether it's the quality of snow, the quantity of snow, both quality and quantity, type of terrain, scenery, atmosphere, facilities, or whatever. We should rejoice in the fab amazingness that Japan has to offer.
This analysis was brought to you by Myoko Advertising Authority (thanks for the thick brown envelopes stuffed with used cash)*.
(* It's a joke).
------------------------------------
Individual ski area information for Thursday 20th February 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: 6cm
Base: 8cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 323cm (-7cm change since yesterday)
Base: 252cm (+2cm change since yesterday)
Lifts:
The gondola is scheduled to be open 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: 370cm (-5cm change since yesterday)
Base: 160cm (-5cm 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
------------------
Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 240cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 190cm (no change since yesterday)
Lifts:
The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm
------------------
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 260cm (+10cm change since yesterday)
Base: 180cm (+10cm change since yesterday)
Lifts:
The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm
------------------------------------
Night skiing
Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025
Niseko Now 2024-2025 season |
Data as of Thursday 20th February 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 686cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 74 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 176cm reported on 19 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.