Niseko Now: Sunday 22nd February 2026
- Feb 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 13
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 0cm
Snowfall at base this season 819cm
A mild day yesterday with temps above zero and there's more of that today. Just warmer than yesterday and it is indeed clearly very mild out there. This doesn't make me feel excite.
It looks like top lifts are on hold at the start of the day, presumably due to pesky wind.
I want more fresh snow and, in that respect, tomorrow is going to be colder and there does seem to be a chance of some. Fingers crossed.
I think I'm going to take it easy today, so it's time for some good coffee and toast.
Have a good one wherever you may be.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Moiwa base 6am: +2℃, no new snow, frozen. Moiwa 800m: +0.4℃, SSE4.9m/s, no new snow, calm. Annupuri 1100m: -1.1℃, SSW3.3m/s. Village 1000m: -0.2℃, SSW7.0m/s. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -0.5℃, NNE13.6m/s. Hanazono 800m: +1.3℃, N6.6m/s. Coastal data: Benkei Cape S4m/s, Kamui Cape S11m/s, 1014hPa, wave 1.2m.
There is a steep pressure gradient on the west side of the Pacific high pressure system, with strong winds at higher elevations and warm air flowing in from the Pacific. The mountain is covered in wet snow, with nothing deep except on the north side at 1000m. Be careful of getting your skis caught in the heavy snow. Snowmelt will continue during the day. Beware of snow bridges collapsing and falling into creeks. The water is cold. Observations indicate the avalanche risk is low, but cornices are prone to collapse. Do not approach cornices, they can collapse suddenly and are as heavy as a bus. Gate opening times are undecided, please follow the patrols instructions. There are many dangers in the winter mountains other than avalanches. Always be cautious. Never enter strictly off limits areas defined by the Niseko Rules. Repeated violations will result in stricter regulations. Niseko respects the freedom to ski out of bounds, but following the Rules is a prerequisite. Is your beacon on? Have a nice day. The snow will fall soon.
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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: 295cm (-15cm change since yesterday)
Base: 200cm (-25cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
4 of 4 lifts
Gondola 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: 380cm (-10cm change since yesterday)
Base: 140cm (-5cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
9 of 9 lifts
Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair until 7:00pm
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Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 290cm (-10cm change since yesterday)
Base: 195cm (-5cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
8 of 8 lifts
Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair 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: 280cm (-10cm change since yesterday)
Base: 190cm (no change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
6 of 6 lifts
Jumbo Number 1 quad until 7:30pm
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Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Planned lift operations:
3 of 3 lifts
Niseko Now2025-2026 season |
Data as of Sunday 22nd February 2026 Total snowfall at base so far 819cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 76 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 150cm reported on 18 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.