Niseko Now: Tuesday 27th January 2026
- Jan 27
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 16cm
Snowfall at base this season 660cm
We enjoyed another day of fresh snow delivery yesterday and this morning I can add another 16cm.
Don't get bored of this, now. It can't last forever! All the more reason why we should make the most of it and... kansha.
Should be another day of very fine conditions on the mountain, with hopefully not much wind. Visibility seems fine and is fairly good around base and quite bright, but the Hirafu webcam higher up shows much more limited.
------------------------------------
Niseko Avalanche Report
Moiwa base: -9℃, 15cm snowfall overnight. Moiwa 800m: -11.0℃, snowdrift development stabilised, 20cm new snow. Annupuri 1100m: -12.5℃, data n/a. Village 1000m: -12.3℃, WNW2.1m/s, calm. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -11.8℃, SSW1.9m/s, 10cm snowfall overnight, calm. Hanazono 800m: -10.4℃, SSW3.3m/s, 20cm snowfall. Sea of Japan Benkei cape S4m/s, Kamui cape W5m/s, 10137hPa, 1.0m waves.
Across the entire low-pressure system, isobars are widely spread, resulting in calm conditions both at sea and in the mountains. Snowfall consists of light, crystal snow totaling 10-20 cm by morning. Wind-generated snow slabs from previous days are consolidated and stabilised beneath the new snow, sintered like marble, with no weak-line fractures. Based on observations and evaluation of all data, the overall avalanche risk is low. Light slough (powder snow avalanche) is likely on open, steep slopes above the tree line. Stay clear of the slope base as this can trigger surface avalanches. All peak gates will open. Follow the patrol’s instructions. Group leaders bear significant responsibility. Do not casually take beginners to challenging slopes such as back bowls. There is no such thing as a safe winter mountain. Are you prepared for self-rescue?
The day before yesterday, Team Leader Kanazawa of the Hirafu Patrol fractured his tibia during work. We wish him a speedy recovery. The snow is fantastic. Keep your avalanche beacon turned on. Be alert for sudden weather changes. Have a good day.
------------------------------------
The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources.
The 'change since yesterday' data is manually calculated each morning by me.
Lift information is the planned operations for the day at the time of writing.
------------------
Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 14cm
Base: 18cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 288cm (-3cm change since yesterday)
Base: 203cm (+6cm 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: 20cm
Base: 20cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 380cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 160cm (no 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: 290cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 200cm (no 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: 20cm
Base: 20cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 250cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 180cm (no 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 Tuesday 27th January 2026 Total snowfall at base so far 660cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 56 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 442cm reported on 26 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.