Niseko Now: Friday 21st February 2025
- Feb 21, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 3cm
Snowfall at base this season 689cm
Posted on Friday 21st February 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
I have to post early this morning, but hopefully lifts will be opening as planned and we can get to enjoy the whole mountain.
As of 8am, we have some sunshine and hints (or more) of blue sky. It feels like the remaining cloud might move on leaving us with fine and clearer skies. Should be a nice morning to be out on the slopes, anyway.
And, hopefully, the snow clouds might remain on hand to bring us the chance of some deliveries at times across the next few days.
This morning, Hirafu is reporting 5cm and Hanazono is reporting 6cm of fresh snowfall over 24 hours (peak numbers). Niseko Annupuri is reporting 7cm and Village is there with the usual 0cm. (Just ignore that).
On that note...
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When I posted my comments yesterday, I should have realised that they might generate a few responses. Some were friendly and interesting, while some were more accusatory in nature. (Hey, I like you, too).
There are a few points I would like to make.
First up, a curious misunderstanding that some people seem to have (despite apparently reading the reports):
These reports are not 'from the slopes' skiing reports. They never have been.
OK, on to snowfall numbers.
I do not 'over-report' snowfall.
I do not 'under-report' snowfall.
I simply report the snowfall that I observe.
Is my observation taken from near the base of the ski area (Hirafu) rather than up at the top of the mountain?
Yes, it is. That is not a secret.
My daily snowfall number is clearly marked Observed snowfall at base (24 hrs). Scroll up and take a look.
That is exactly the same policy for each of the daily reports here on SnowJapan. They are all coming from areas close to the base of the ski areas.
So, suppose I am considered to be 'under-reporting' snowfall from here in Niseko. In that case, the Myoko reporter should similarly be considered to be 'under-reporting' snowfall in Myoko. (I wonder how much snow they get up at 1500m?!)
And following the same logic, all the other reporters are similarly 'under-reporting' from their regions, too, right?
Does more snow fall higher up on the mountain than at base?
Very often, absolutely, yes.
That applies here in Niseko. But surely that also applies to other mountains in other regions. It's not just a Niseko thing. (Though I guess there will likely be variations in how much of a difference there is in different locales).
Do I mention that reality in my reports?
Yes, I do.
Every morning, I report how much snowfall is being reported by the ski areas (top/base), when they can be bothered to publish such things (!). I often talk about those snowfall numbers within the text report, too.
I also frequently mention the traditional thinking here that there is usually at least 1.5 times more snow up high than in lower areas.
I think SnowJapan is quite clear about all of these things. Not much can be done when some people choose not to read stuff and just come to instant assumptions and conclusions based on what they think something should be or what they want.
One more thing. Putting all the above to one side momentarily...
I do not live on the top of the mountain.
Even if SnowJapan suddenly wanted to drastically change how all the reports are done by trying to measure snowfall at the top of the mountain(s), it would be impractical/impossible to do so consistently every day. Where exactly would I take consistent daily measurements for 6 months? And what would I do when there are strong winds, the fresh snow is blown about on the exposed mountain, and the top lifts are closed? I could see it being a right proper old mess.
I believe consistency is one of the important things about these reports.
Is this a perfect and exact scientific project? No, it isn't.
But I/we do our best to provide good and honest information (in a consistent manner) every day for about six months of the year.
Please take it (or leave it) for what it is.
Time for some toast!
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Individual ski area information for Friday 21st 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: 3cm
Base: 6cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 320cm (-3cm change since yesterday)
Base: 252cm (no 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: 5cm
Base: 5cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 370cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 160cm (no 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: 240cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 200cm (+10cm 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 snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 260cm (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 Friday 21st February 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 689cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 75 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 179cm reported on 20 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.