Niseko Now: Sunday 28th December 2025
- Dec 28, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 13
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 16cm
Snowfall at base this season 210cm
Good morning from Niseko.
It doesn't feel as cold as yesterday but we have another good amount of fresh snow to report again this morning. I just measured slightly over 16cm since my last report.
Forecasts are still looking rather good for largely consistent snowfall across the coming week.
I don't think I need many more words this morning. Time to enjoy it!
Oh, it looks like Annupuri gondola is not be moving at the start of the day. Other lifts are open as scheduled (not including the top ones of course).
I can see a hint of blue sky on the Annupuri webcam over there too right now, but it is still snowing here in Hirafu.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Moiwa base 6am: -5℃, moderate winds, 15cm new snow. Mowia 800m: -9.9℃, NW10.1m/s(gusts to 20m/s from 4am), average snowdrift depth 10m. Mikaeri 800m: -8℃, W5.5m/s, strong winds and snow. Annupuri 1100m: -12.2℃, WNW12m/s, winds increased from 4am. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -11.8℃, N4.0m/s. Hanazono 800m: -9.6℃, NW6.3m/s. Coastal Data: Benkei Cape NW18m/s, Kamui Cape W14m/s, 1014hPa, 2.9m waves.
A winter pressure pattern is bringing wind and snow to the sea and mountains. Wind strength varied through yesterday and the snowdrift compaction structure is unstable in some areas. On SE slopes and cornices above 1,000 meters, there is a possibility of a 50cm surface avalanche due to weak layers fracturing. Even if the wind dies down, avoid skiing on open, steep slopes with large elevation changes in the morning. Approximately 20cm of Niseko-style snow with moderate moisture and bounce has accumulated. Observations and data indicate that the overall avalanche risk is low. Avalanches are natural phenomena and can occur at any time if the conditions are right. But if no one gets caught in one, there is no accident. Always be on guard.
Discussions regarding gate opening and closing are continuing, but there is still a lack of snow, making rapid rescue operations difficult. Off-piste skiing is at your own risk, but the local community enforces the Niseko Rules out of concern for the safety of visitors. Please understand and respect the rules. Today is warmer than yesterday. There may even be some sunshine. Have a nice day.
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 15cm
Base: 20cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 138cm (+8cm change since yesterday)
Base: 80cm (+10cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
4 of 4 lifts
Gondola until 7:00pm
Planned open courses:
All main runs apart from Legend of Shinya
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Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: ?cm
Base: ?cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 180cm (+5cm change since yesterday) NOT UPDATED
Base: 30cm (+10cm change since yesterday) NOT UPDATED
Planned lift operations:
7 of 9 lifts
Ace Gondola
Ace Family quad (until 7:00pm)
Ace Number 3 pair
King Gondola
King Holiday pair
King Number 3 six
Swinging Monkey
Planned open courses:
Family
Sennoki
Super
Beginners access
Green
Shirakaba
Center
Kogen
Dai-ni no kabe
Kokutai
Holiday
Rinkan
Jumbo
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Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 115cm (+9cm change since yesterday)
Base: 45cm (no change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
6 of 8 lifts
Niseko Gondola
Upper Village Gondola (until 7:00pm)
Village Express (until 7:00pm)
Community Chair
Banzai Chair (until 7:00pm)
Morino Chair
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Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 15cm
Base: 10cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 115cm (+5cm change since yesterday)
Base: 60cm (+5cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
5 of 6 lifts
Annupuri gondola
Dream Number 1 quad (until 7:00pm)
Jumbo Number 1 quad
Jumbo Number 2 pair
Jumbo Number 3 pair
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Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Planned lift operations:
3 of 3 lifts
Niseko Now2025-2026 season |
Data as of Sunday 28th December 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 210cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 27 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (on 12th December) November 2025 snowfall 29cm reported on 7 days December 2025 snowfall 181cm reported on 20 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.