Niseko Now: Sunday 23rd March 2025
- Mar 23, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 1cm
Snowfall at base this season 772cm
Posted on Sunday 23rd March 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Good morning from Niseko.
It is an improved picture this morning with a lot of cloud and some patches of blue sky and hints of sun.
We did actually get to see some sky yesterday, so that early morning yucky kind of start didn't continue for the day.
I'm afraid that wind is an issue once again this morning, though. As of 8:30am, the top lift at Annupuri is on hold.
Ski areas are not reporting any new cm of snow this morning - not even Niseko Village! - but I am feeling generous and actually going to add 1cm to the report today to represent the 'dusting plus' that we have actually got. Using a few mm that I had 'in hand' from previous reports there.
Roll up roll up, it's the last 'evening skiing' of the season today.
Ski area folks who might be reading this: how about some proper 'night skiing' next season? Say, until 9pm or something. Like you used to offer, back in the day...
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Moiwa Mountain base -2℃, trace new snow, intermittent gusts. Moiwa 800m: -4.7℃, NNW13.6m/s, strong winds, wind blown cornice development. Mikaeri 750m: -5℃, NW2.1m/s, good visibility. Annupuri 1100m: -7.1℃, WNW6.3m/s, cornice and snowdrift development. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -6.3℃, NNE10.7m/s, wind blown snow, cornice and snowdrift development. Coastal data: Benkei Cape N9m/s, Kamui Cape NW8m/s, 1004hPa, wave 1.9m.
A typical winter pressure pattern, northwest winds from midnight to dawn caused snowdrift and cornice development. Cornices are breaking easily with little stimulation. Cornice and snowdrift development has been from drifting snow, not new snowfall. Snow on the slopes has been blown by the wind and drifts on the leeward slopes above 800m are breaking easily this morning. This information is issued to prevent accidents among ski resort users. Accidents occur due to carelessness. Accidents can be prevented if everyone is careful. Do not duck ropes to leave the ski area, use the gates. Never enter Strictly Off Limits areas Haruno Taki or Yunosawa. The risk of full-depth avalanches is increasing. To avoid danger, stay out of the bottom of Osawa and Kozan no Sawa. Cracks in the slopes are deep, up to 5m. Be careful not to fall in. Although Niseko allows out of bounds skiing, we are always concerned about accidents. Be careful of cornices and snow bridges suddenly collapsing. Also water in the creeks is rising. All gates are scheduled to open. Please listen to the patrol’s advice and prepare before going through the gates. Have a nice day.
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Individual ski area information for Sunday 23rd 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: 300cm
Base: 185cm
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: 355cm
Base: 120cm
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: 230cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 130cm (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 snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 260cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 120cm (-10cm 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... today!
Niseko Now 2024-2025 season |
Data as of Sunday 23rd March 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 772cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 91 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 66cm reported on 12 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.