Niseko Now: Thursday 25th February 2021
- Feb 25, 2021
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 6, 2025
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 10cm
Snowfall at base this season 1093cm
Posted on Thursday 25th February 2021 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Yesterday as of 4pm it was a case of some cloud and some blue sky, though it was still snowing lightly over at Hanazono. Very pretty.
It is another cold morning. As you can see on the images below, the sun is trying to break through the clouds in some places, particularly away from the mountain early on. We're not expecting a full clear up, but you never know.
At the start of the day Hirafu is covered in cloud and light snow falling. Wind is not causing any issues this morning and all lifts that should be moving will be opening as planned.
The chance of (probably light) snowfall continues through today and tomorrow, with a break from the snow and some sun over the weekend - particularly on Sunday when it will be milder.
Beyond that, it looks like the start of March should start with more fresh snow. That's what we like to see!
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Coastal Data 6:25am. Cape Benkei:NNW15m/s. Cape Kamui: NW11m/s, 1021hPa, wave 1.5m. Hanazono 1000m: -15.5℃,NW9.5m/s. Hanazono 720: -12.5℃, NNW6.4m/s. Moiwa 800m: NNW9.9m/s. Annupuri 1100m:-15.7℃, WNW wind speed n/a. Yu no Sawa 1100m: -15.1℃, WNW4.1m/s. Mizuno no Sawa Top: -14.1℃, WNW7.7m/s. Kutchan Town: -8.3℃, W3.1m/s, 7cm snow in last 24hrs, snow depth 192cm. Moiwa Base 300m: -10, 20cm new snow in last 24hrs, light wind and snow, good visibility.
Above 800m a 15m/s wind and snow continue, snow drift development on top of Feb23 reaching 240cm in some locations, the lower 200cm has consolidated. From observation and tests, the avalanche risk is starting to fall. Gates are expected to open depending on lift operation. Please respect the patrol’s decisions and follow instructions. Do not stimulate Kozan no Sawa sidewall around 1100m or Osawa cornice slope. The possibility of a large scale avalanche continues. Do not wait in the creek bottoms. Guides should not take guests onto these slopes. Legal precedents show a disclaimer agreement or danger notice will not protect you in the event of an accident. Guides and party leaders always carry a great deal of responsibility. It is cold today, beware of frostbite and hyperthermia. Beware of large cornice collapsing, do not ride under them. The snow is shallow but good. Take care.
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Planned ski area operations: Thursday 25th February 2021
The below information is manually checked each morning from official sources.
The numbers in brackets show the change in the official snow depth numbers since the previous report.
Niseko Grand Hirafu
24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 10cm
- Base: 10cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 470cm (+10cm)
- Base: 240cm (+0cm)
Ski lifts:
- Planned: 5 lifts today - Ace Family Quad, Ace Quad Center 4, Hirafu Gondola, King Quad 3, King 4
- Night skiing: Ace Center Four quad (every day) and Ace Family quad (Saturdays only at the moment)
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 13cm
- Base: 13cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 324cm (+6cm)
- Base: 233cm (+7cm)
Ski lifts:
- Planned: 3 lifts today - Hanazono 1, 2 and 3
- There is no night skiing at Hanazono
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Niseko Annupuri
24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 10cm
- Base: 10cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 290cm (+10cm)
- Base: 210cm (+5cm)
Ski lifts:
- Planned: 4 lifts today - Jumbo 2 and 3 rested on weekdays
- Jumbo Number 1 quad lift operates for night skiing
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Niseko Village
24 hours new snowfall (as reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 10cm
- Base: 5cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
- Peak: 310cm (+0cm)
- Base: 220cm (+0cm)
Ski lifts:
- Planned: 4 lifts today - Niseko Gondola, Community, Banzai, Wonderland
- Community Chair lift operates for night skiing
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Night time operations are available in the Niseko Grand Hirafu, Niseko Village and Niseko Annupuri areas until 7th March 2021.
There is no night skiing in the Niseko HANAZONO area.
Niseko Now 2020-2021 season |
Data as of Thursday 25th February 2021 Total snowfall at base so far 1093cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 80 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 48cm (17th February) November 2020 snowfall 62cm reported on 6 days December 2020 snowfall 348cm reported on 25 days January 2021 snowfall 387cm reported on 27 days February 2021 snowfall 296cm reported on 22 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.