Niseko Now: Sunday 25th January 2026
- Jan 25
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 34cm
Snowfall at base this season 625cm
Greetings Niseko fans.
The excellent snow news continues.
I have measured 34cm of fresh snow since yesterday. That takes the monthly observed snowfall number up over 4m with nearly a week left to go further. Brilliant.
And it is still snowing at a moderate rate.
As of 8:30am start the top lift at Annupuri is shown as being on hold due to wind. Others may follow so need to keep an eye on that. Other lifts, for now, appear to be opening as planned.
Tomorrow and Tuesday might see the weather ease off somewhat. (I wonder if we might even be treated to a bit of sun).
------------------------------------
Niseko Avalanche Report
Moiwa base 6am: -8℃, 50cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: -10.8℃, data n/a. Annupuri 1100m: -13.1℃, NNE wind speed n/a. Village 1000m: -11.8℃, N9.3m/s. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -12.5℃, N6.3m/s. Hanazono 800m: -10.3℃, N7.5m/s. Coastal data: Benkei Cape N14m/s, Kamui Cape N13m/s, 1008hPa, 3.5m wave.
There are strong northerly winds on the mountains, causing heavy snowfall at the base and making grooming difficult. Following a 6:00 AM meeting between the Hirafu and Annupuri patrols and the Avalanche Research Center, the main gates will be closed due to the complexity of responding to an accident. Please follow the patrols instructions. Heavy snowfall can turn into slabs under its own weight. Avalanches with unclear fracture surfaces are possible even in the forest today. Avalanche conditions remain HIGH even below 1,000m. Do not get into the bottom of valleys and gullies, these are avalanche paths.
Do not duck ropes to go out of bounds. One track will lead others to follow, increasing the chances of an accident. Sometimes there are days like this. Have a safe day.
------------------------------------
Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 30cm
Base: 20cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 280cm (+20cm change since yesterday)
Base: 190cm (+10cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
4 of 4 lifts
Gondola until 7:00pm
------------------
Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 40cm
Base: 40cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 370cm (+15cm change since yesterday)
Base: 150cm (+15cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
9 of 9 lifts
Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair until 7:00pm
------------------
Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 280cm (+22cm change since yesterday)
Base: 190cm (+20cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
7 of 8 lifts (not Country Road)
Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair until 7:00pm
------------------
Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 40cm
Base: 40cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 250cm (+30cm change since yesterday)
Base: 180cm (+30cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
6 of 6 lifts
Jumbo Number 1 quad until 7:30pm
------------------
Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Planned lift operations:
3 of 3 lifts
Niseko Now2025-2026 season |
Data as of Sunday 25th January 2026 Total snowfall at base so far 625cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 54 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 407cm reported on 24 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.