Niseko Now: Monday 6th May 2024
- May 6, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 0cm
Snowfall at base this season 884cm
Posted on Monday 6th May 2024 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
Good morning from Niseko on this official last day of the 2023-2024 ski season.
The two ski lifts at Hirafu will be finishing up the season later today. Unfortunately for people wanting to enjoy this last day of the season, it's raining and a bit windy too. Doh! From tomorrow, all the ski lifts will be taking a well-earned rest.
Here are the final snowfall numbers for the 2023-2024 season and previous seasons, so we can all lets comparing. Observed by me at base, here in Hirafu:
2023-2024 season: 884cm
2022-2023 season: 1006cm
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
884cm is less than the previous three seasons and 170cm less than the average of 1054cm over the last 12 seasons.
The first ski lifts started the season on 1st December 2023, and it is now 6th May 2024. I believe that means that the season was 158 days.
I set out to write an entire season review to finish the season, but looking back at my monthly recaps, I realise there's not much more I can say that I haven't already said. So, I'll point you in the direction of those monthly recaps. Along with the daily reports throughout the season, they give a good idea of how the season developed along the way with some added personal observations (sometimes featuring toast, bubbles, and posh bags). Here are those main recaps:
2nd January 2024 (a look back at the season so far: up to the end of December 2023)
1st February 2024 (a look back at the season so far: up to the end of January 2024)
1st March 2024 (a look back at the season so far: up to the end of February 2024)
1st April 2024 (a look back at the season so far: up to the end of March 2024)
I said this last year, but after thinking about the weather and snow for such a long time, I don't want to start thinking about what next year might bring. Bottom line, though, let's have tons of snow, please. 'More than average' would be great!
For now, I plan to take a much-needed rest from all this stuff. I will start paying attention again when I come out of hibernation and get ready to go in late October.
I hope you enjoyed following the Niseko Now reports this year, and perhaps some or all of the other regional reports on SnowJapan too. It has been a pleasure. Hopefully, that comes across. Even the little frustrations along the way make the whole more interesting. (Sort of).
If you so wish, you can send me a message using the SnowJapan contact form. All Niseko Now-related comments are sent to me. It might not be possible to reply to them personally, but I do read them and appreciate any comments. Thank you to everyone who has been in touch during the season.
A big shout out and respect to the folks who work throughout the year to bring us the unique, excellent, independent resource that is SnowJapan.com. I truly believe we are fortunate that such a thing exists in 2024.
One last funny story.
This season, after discovering I was a 'local', one visiting person I shared a ski lift ride with asked me if I liked toast. Firstly, ridiculous question, right? Everyone likes toast. But I think it might have been a ruse to try and expose my identity, so I was careful in how I responded. (I later had a bit of a chuckle imagining them asking the same question to other people.)
I know some people wonder, 'Why the anonymity?' These reports are high-profile and are read by thousands of people every day. Basically, I feel more comfortable being anonymous and I really do not wish to be known as 'the Niseko Now reporter'.
(Also, I'm really shy).
In time-hono(u)red tradition, it's time to fill myself up on toast and prepare for a prolonged summer hibernation. I hope it doesn't get too hot for you non-hibernating types. (But it probably will).
Thank you, take care, peace to all, and see you again in November.
Niseko Now 2023-2024 season |
Data as of Monday 6th May 2024 Total snowfall at base so far 884cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 94 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 62cm (8th January) November 2023 snowfall 120cm reported on 11 days December 2023 snowfall 247cm reported on 24 days January 2024 snowfall 298cm reported on 24 days February 2024 snowfall 144cm reported on 20 days March 2024 snowfall 70cm reported on 13 days April 2024 snowfall 5cm reported on 2 days May 2024 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.