Niseko Now: Thursday 8th January 2026
- Jan 8
- 3 min read
Independent snow and weather reporting from the Niseko region of Hokkaido
New snowfall at base 23cm
Snowfall at base this season 331cm
A very good morning to you from Niseko.
Here's the 24 hour snowfall news from the ski areas this morning, in order of much snowfullness:
Niseko Hirafu: 30cm
Niseko Hanazono: 25cm
Niseko Annupuri: 15cm
Niseko Village: 0cm
My own measurement is 23cm, and it is still snowing - with consistent snowfall lined up still on the forecasts for the week ahead.
I have been able to report snowfall in every report so far this month, bringing the total for January 2026 up to 113cm.
Good times. (Well, in terms of our Niseko January 2026 snowfall patterns).
Limited visibility at the moment. Take care out there.
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Niseko Avalanche Report
Moiwa base -5℃, light wind, heavy snowfall from midnight, 20cm new snow. Moiwa 800m: -8.3℃, NNW2.1m/s, strong southerly wind during the day yesterday created large snowdrifts development, heavy snowfall from midnight. Annupuri 1100m: -10.6℃, W0.8m/s. Village 1000m: -9.4℃, NNE2.0m/s. Hirafu Hanazono 1000m: -9.7℃, N3.6m/s. Hanazono 800m: -7.8℃, NNE2.2m/s. Sea of Japan Benkei cape: N10m/s, Kamui cape: N9m/s, 1005hPa, 2.3m waves.
Snowdrifts created by the southerly wind as the low-pressure system passes through have stabilised over time. Snowfall intensified from midnight with light wind, and snowdrift development is small. New snowfall reached a maximum of 40cm, with minimal wind impact, during the early morning. Based on our observations and data, the overall avalanche risk is low. Gates are expected to open; please follow the ski patrol’s instructions. Heavy snowfall since midnight can trigger loose-snow avalanches. Be cautious as their speeds remain high even in the trees.
There’ve been quite a few accidents caused by losing control on groomers. Ski within your ability. The mountains are crowded. Do not trigger avalanches by traversing cornice slopes. Do not stay in valley bottoms. Avalanches come from above. Snow has finally begun to bury the bamboo grass. Today’s powder is good. Watch out for riding into trees. There is no safety in this sport. Did you bring your beacon? Be alert for sudden weather changes. Check the weather map. Isobars don’t lie. Have a good day.
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Niseko HANAZONO Resort
Official 24 hours snowfall (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 25cm
Base: 25cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 195cm (+15cm change since yesterday)
Base: 125cm (+10cm 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: 30cm
Base: 30cm
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 255cm (+15cm change since yesterday)
Base: 85cm (+5cm change since yesterday)
Planned lift operations:
8 of 9 lifts (not Ace 4)
Ace Gondola, Ace Family quad, King Gondola and King Holiday pair until 7:00pm
Planned open courses:
Courses not open are Large, Konayuki and Miharashi
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Niseko Village Ski Resort
Official snow depth (reported by the ski area):
Peak: 173cm (+8cm change since yesterday)
Base: 92cm (+12cm 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: 160cm (no change since yesterday)
Base: 120cm (+20cm 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 Thursday 8th January 2026 Total snowfall at base so far 331cm Number of days snowfall observed at base 38 days Most snowfall observed in 1 day 24cm (on 12th December and 2nd January) November 2025 snowfall 29cm reported on 7 days December 2025 snowfall 189cm reported on 23 days January 2026 snowfall 113cm reported on 8 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.