Niseko Now: Saturday 8th February 2025
- Feb 8, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 9, 2025
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 6cm
Snowfall at base this season 582cm
Posted on Saturday 8th February 2025 This is an archived report. The latest Niseko Now report can be found here
It is an extremely cold start to the day. I am guessing it is the coldest of the winter so far.
We had some clearer skies just a short while ago, but it has been becoming more cloudy and light snow has started to fall in places. In other areas, mainly to the south, we can still see some blue sky.
Forecasts appear to be generally telling us to expect snow showers over the coming days with perhaps some clearer skies at times.
My snowfall measurement since yesterday is 6cm.
You can see what Hirafu and Hanazono are reporting below.
Annupuri is displaying some funky snowfall numbers this morning (5cm at top, 30cm at base). That base number is presumably just left over from yesterday. Anyway, as I feel those numbers are unreliable and possibly confusing, I am taking that data out of my list (again).
Wind should not be an issue today and so all lifts are scheduled to be opening as planned.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Mountain base -12℃, 5cm crystal snow, light wind and good visibility. Moiwa 800m: -8.5℃, NNE3.1m/s, 10cm snowfall in 12h. Miakeri 750m: -22℃!?, ENE1.9m/s, snowpack growth 150cm in 48h. Annupuri 1100m: -11℃, N4m/s. Hirafu Hanazono: -10.8℃, other data n/a. Coastal data: Benkei cape S5m/s, Kamui cape E2m/s, 1002hPa, 0.5m waves.
The atmospheric pressure gradient is flat. The weather on the Sea and the mountains is calm and clear. The slopes have been softly reset by yesterday afternoon’s snowfall. Test results and other data shows that the avalanche risk is low today. All gates are scheduled to open. Keep in mind that the area outside the gates is outside the resort’s management. Read and understand the Rules carefully before stepping out the gates. Gate 10 (Moiwa Anbetsu) will be shut due to repeated accidents. Violation of the Rules will be strictly regulated. Do not duck ropes, you’re risking losing your lift-pass. Don’t mess up the chairlift waiting line. Don’t make racist comments. The Niseko Rules puts fairness as a priority. Please be mindful of others. Too many people are present at the bottom of the valleys, and should an avalanche occur in the Backbowl or Annupuri bowl (O-sawa), countless people could be buried. PLEASE stay away from the bottom of the valley to avoid critical accidents. Winter sports are inherently dangerous, and the hazard level rises significantly in the backcountry (outside the resorts boundaries). And as always, beware of hitting trees, they’re stronger than you. Have a nice day.
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Individual ski area information for Saturday 8th February 2025
The below snow depth and snowfall numbers are manually checked each morning from official sources.
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: 8cm
Base: 7cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 290cm (-2cm change since yesterday)
Base: 220cm (no change since yesterday)
Lifts:
The gondola is scheduled to be open until 7:00pm
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Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 15cm
Base: 15cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 350cm (-10cm change since yesterday)
Base: 145cm (-15cm change since yesterday)
Lifts:
The Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm
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Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 190cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 150cm (no change since yesterday)
Lifts:
The Upper Village Gondola, Village Express and Banzai Chair lifts are scheduled to be open until 7:00pm
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Niseko Annupuri Kokusai
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 220cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 160cm (+10cm change since yesterday)
Lifts:
The Jumbo Number 1 quad lift is scheduled to be open until 7:30pm
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Niseko Moiwa Ski Resort
Lifts:
All scheduled lifts are operating
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Night skiing
Floodlit night skiing is planned daily until Wednesday 23rd March 2025
Niseko Now 2024-2025 season |
Data as of Saturday 8th February 2025 Total snowfall at base so far 582cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 62 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (6th February) November 2024 snowfall 38cm reported on 8 days December 2024 snowfall 311cm reported on 28 days January 2025 snowfall 161cm reported on 19 days February 2025 snowfall 72cm reported on 7 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.