Niseko Now: Saturday 7th February 2026
- Feb 7
- 4 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 7cm
Snowfall at base this season 732cm
Good morning from Niseko.
It's cold out there this morning, with another layer of snow and - hopefully - there will be less wind today. It certainly doesn't feel as bad.
Wind being a factor over the last 24 hours means that the snow has been blown around a lot. On my early morning walk, I observed varying amounts (though I have to go with my trusted spot for consistency), and that is going to be the case on the slopes too. Ski areas themselves are this morning reporting between 5cm and 15cm of fresh snow since yesterday, and the Avalanche Report is reporting 20cm. Generally more on the south/west side perhaps?
We should be getting more snow maybe into Monday.
As of 8:30am, it looks like lifts will be opening as planned. It is currently snowing moderately at Hirafu and less so over at Annupuri. (Actually, just as lifts are about to open, there was even a bit of sunshine breaking through at Annupuri; I'm guessing that will be temporary).
I note all top gates closed today with high avalanche risk. Visibility looks limited on the mountain. Take care out there in these conditions.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Moiwa base 6am: -12℃, 20cm new snow, snowdrift development. Moiwa 800m: -15.2℃, NW7.7m/s, rapid snowdrift development from winds that peaked midnight @ 30m/s, winds dropping from 4am. Annupuri 1100m: -17.6℃, WNW7.2m/s(30m/s @ midnight). Village 1000m: -16.3℃, WNW3.0m/s. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -17.0℃, N2.0m/s(30m/s @ midnight. Hanazono 800m: -14.5℃, N4.3m/s. Coastal data: Benkei Cape NW15m/s, 22m/s @ midnight, Kamui Cape WSW13m/s, 1012hPa, 3.6m waves.
The winds have begun to drop. Above 800m, there is continued snowdrift development from the wind and snow, however the rate of development is slowing. Winds of over 15m/s have caused a HIGH avalanche risk this morning, and snowdrifts are continuing to develop. All top gates will be closed to prevent accidents. Be patient. Once the snow stabilizes, you can ski off-piste again. Do not duck ropes. Never enter restricted areas. The snowfall pattern at Haru no Taki, Yunosawa, and Anbetsu presents a HIGH risk of avalanches with 100cm fractures. Wait for the storm slabs to stabilize. Beacons are not just for decoration; having one can save the lives of your teammates. We strongly recommend having one. Observations show the snow is so good it’s ecstatic. Niseko respects the freedom of skiers, but is concerned about their safety. Respect the Niseko rules. The surrounding mountains also pose similar risks. While the snow in the forests is fine, it’s best to avoid skiing in open, steep valleys and cornice slopes today.
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 15cm
Base: 15cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 280cm (-5cm change since yesterday)
Base: 200cm (no change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
4 of 4 lifts
Gondola until 7:00pm
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Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 5cm
Base: 5cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 360cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 155cm (+10cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
9 of 9 lifts
Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair until 7:00pm
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Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 270cm (+5cm change since yesterday)
Base: 150cm (-40cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
7 of 8 lifts (not Country Road)
Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair until 7:00pm
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Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 15cm
Base: 15cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 290cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 200cm (no change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
6 of 6 lifts
Jumbo Number 1 quad until 7:30pm
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Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Planned lift operations:
3 of 3 lifts
Niseko Now2025-2026 season |
Data as of Saturday 7th February 2026 Total snowfall at base so far 732cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 64 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 451cm reported on 28 days February 2026 snowfall 63cm reported on 6 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.