Niseko Now: Thursday 5th May 2022
- May 5, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 7, 2025
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 0cm
Snowfall at base this season 1137cm
Posted on Thursday 5th May 2022 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
That's it then! Today is the last day of the season and this is my last report of the 2021-2022 season. I am happy to report that we are ending the season with some clear weather.
Here are the final snowfall numbers for the season and previous seasons – as observed by me, at base, here in Hirafu:
2021-2022 season: 1137cm
2020-2021 season: 1210cm
2019-2020 season: 728cm
2018-2019 season: 951cm
2017-2018 season: 1260cm
2016-2017 season: 686cm
2015-2016 season: 989cm
2014-2015 season: 1144cm
2013-2014 season: 1163cm
2012-2013 season: 1491cm
We didn't get quite as much snow as last season, but it was still an impressive turn out and consistent too. I reported snowfall (at base) on 99 days – and on 30 of the 31 reports in January! No complaints with the snow.
All sorts of interesting snowfall data can be found within this report section, so please do take a look around.
Of course, 2021-2022 was another season without the inbound visitors, and it has once again been strangely quiet. While the snow is obviously super important, I have noticed that the people (and the atmosphere they bring) certainly add a special extra aspect to the experience. I look forward to seeing some familiar faces again soon.
I'm not sure how some smaller businesses would cope with yet another year of the same. We can only hope that we are not faced with that prospect.
There's nothing to report to you regarding Japanese international border restrictions. All we can do is wait and keep fingers crossed for changes that will allow people to come next winter over the next six months.
This is the third time I have signed off the season hoping for a 'return to normal'. The thinking and policies regarding the covid situation seem to be improving around the world and things do feel different from this time last year. Still, other things are going on in the world right now that feel far from normal. Let's normal, please!
I hope you enjoyed following the reports this year. It has been a pleasure to bring them to you, with the help of the fine guys at SnowJapan.
If you so wish, you can send me a ‘hello’ using the SnowJapan contact form (Niseko Now related comments are sent on to me). It might not be possible to reply to them all personally, but I do read them and appreciate comments.
Anyway, it's now time for me to fill up on toast and prepare for my prolonged period of summer hibernation.
Thank you, take care, peace to all, and see you in November.
Niseko Now 2021-2022 season |
Data as of Thursday 5th May 2022 Total snowfall at base so far 1137cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 99 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 40cm (23rd December and 22nd February) November 2021 snowfall 85cm reported on 6 days December 2021 snowfall 307cm reported on 23 days January 2022 snowfall 325cm reported on 30 days February 2022 snowfall 337cm reported on 25 days March 2022 snowfall 81cm reported on 14 days April 2022 snowfall 2cm reported on 1 day May 2022 snowfall 0cm |
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.