By Nick Russill
in
Snow News
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Dec 17, 2025
Weekly Snow News for Japan, updated 17 December 2025: Siberian cold fuels relentless powder storms, with Hokkaido leading Japan’s mid-winter surge.
Furano | 12th December
Siberian cold drives classic powder cycleHokkaido records exceptional snowfall totalsHonshu sees steady, base-building snowCold temperatures preserve snow qualityJapan Snow Report and Ski Conditions 2025/26
Japan has entered a classic mid-winter powder cycle, driven by repeated outbreaks of cold Siberian air flowing across the Sea of Japan. This setup has produced frequent snow showers, strong orographic enhancement, and the light, dry powder the country is famous for.
Niseko Hanazono live webcam
Over the past week, Hokkaido has been the standout, with several intense snowfall events delivering deep refreshes across northern resorts. Furano recorded an impressive 83 cm (33”) in just 72 hours, while Rusutsu wasn’t far behind with 75 cm (30”) in the same period. Snowfall has been steady rather than stormy, resulting in minimal wind disruption and excellent snow preservation.
The deepest base in the country remains at Daisetsuzan Kurodake, reporting a massive 320–360 cm (128–144”). Temperatures have remained well below freezing, locking in snow quality and preventing melt-freeze issues.
On Honshu, snowfall has been less extreme but highly consistent. Resorts in Nagano and Niigata have seen regular top-ups, keeping pistes fresh and gradually building coverage, particularly at mid and upper elevations.
Japan Resort Highlights and Snow Conditions
Furano (Hokkaido)
Snow: Powder
Last snowfall: Today
Open terrain: 35%
Snow depth: 90 cm base / 175 cm upper
Furano continues to shine with frequent light snowfall and excellent tree skiing. Coverage is building quickly, and off-piste conditions are already exceptional.
Niseko Hirafu (Hokkaido)
Snow: Packed powder & groomed
Last snowfall: Today
Open terrain: 70%
Snow depth: 60 cm base / 185 cm upper
Niseko now has around two-thirds of its terrain open, with all sectors accessible. The snowpack is deepening rapidly, and classic powder days remain frequent.
Kamui Ski Links (Hokkaido)
Snow: Fresh snow across the ski area
Last snowfall: Today
Open terrain: 85%
Snow depth: 50 cm base / 95 cm upper
One of the most impressive early-season openings in Japan, Kamui benefits from consistent snowfall and efficient grooming.
Nozawa Onsen (Honshu)
Snow: Powder
Last snowfall: Today
Open terrain: 25%
Snow depth: 0 cm base / 110 cm upper
Upper mountain conditions are excellent, with powder continuing to accumulate, though lower slopes are still filling in.
Happo-One (Hakuba Valley)
Snow: Packed powder & groomed
Last snowfall: Today
Open terrain: 40%
Snow depth: 54 cm base / 115 cm upper
Solid coverage at elevation, with improving connectivity as snowfall continues across the Hakuba Valley.
Naeba (Niigata)
Snow: Packed powder & groomed
Last snowfall: Today
Open terrain: 35%
Snow depth: 40 cm base / 70 cm upper
Reliable grooming and steady snowfall are gradually improving conditions, especially on higher runs.
Japan Storm Recap and Snow Pattern
Repeated lake-effect style snow showers across Hokkaido have driven recent snowfall. Several moderate but frequent storms have delivered consistent accumulations, rather than single extreme events. Low wind impact has allowed excellent snow retention, while persistently cold temperatures have preserved light, dry powder across all elevations.
Japan Weather and Snow Forecast
Next 3–5 Days
Snowfall continues across both islands, though totals ease slightly compared to the past week. Hokkaido resorts including Niseko and Furano can expect 15–30 cm (6–12”) of fresh snow by the weekend. On Honshu, the Hakuba Valley, Nozawa Onsen, and Naeba should see 10–20 cm (4–8”), mainly at mid and upper elevations.
Temperature Outlook
Temperatures remain well below freezing across Japan, with no thaw signals in the near term. Snow quality will stay excellent, and grooming conditions remain optimal.
Extended Outlook
Beyond the weekend, continued unsettled winter weather is expected, with additional snowfall chances every 2–3 days, particularly favourable for Hokkaido.
AloJapan.com