68-year Niseko snowfall record broken as Japanese ski resorts get off to a flyer

We're bringing you updates on conditions from Niseko, Rusutsu, Furano, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen and Geto Kogen

Ok, Japan, you have our attention. With 68-year-old snowfall records going down and resorts reporting almost six metres of snow a week before Christmas, things are looking good. There was a lot of speculation in the lead-up to this season, with favourable long-range forecasts and words like La Niña being thrown around by anyone and everyone.

There’s a long way to go, but wow, it’s been a cracking start.

So, in an effort to get a feel for how the season is tracking, we’re giving readers a conditions update from six resorts around Japan: Niseko, Rusutsu, Furano, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen and Geto Kogen. Please note that figures are taken from a variety of online sources, and that even within a resort snowfall numbers can vary hugely depending on elevation, aspect, time of day … the list goes on.

So, take everything below with a grain of salt, but we sincerely hope you’re getting as excited as we are.

Hokkaido resorts

Niseko United

To say that Niseko is off to a flying start would be a huge understatement, with records kept by nearby Kutchan Town suggesting that the area hasn’t seen a better start to winter since …. wait for it … 1956!

Kutchan Town recorded a snow depth of 142cm two days ago on December 17, a mark that was bettered 68 years ago when it hit 144cm on December 11.

It’s all about that base! Our live Niseko web cam shows wintry conditions on the morning of 19 December 2024

Not since 1956 has Kutchan Town reached a snow depth of 140cm this early

Yes, we’ve cherry-picked a single piece of data and no, it doesn’t necessarily tell the full story. But recent local snow reports are backing up the sentiment, with musings like this from reporter 360niseko: “Holy Moly! It is the silly season but this is getting ridiculous”. Or this from Snow Japan: “The snowfall is set to continue. I hope this isn’t getting boring!”

As of this morning, December 19, 360niseko has reported 281cm of cumulative snowfall to date from their base in Higashiyama at 200m. For comparison, the mark was at 79.5cm on the same date last year.

There’s more in the forecast, too, with a brief hiatus on Friday and Saturday before a return to snowy conditions on Sunday and early next week.

Niseko Grand Hirafu Snow Forecast (19 December): snow-forecast.com

Summary: Epic early season. Doesn’t get much better.
Live cam: Niseko Hanazono
Local Report: Snow Japan
Lift status: Niseko United

Rusutsu

Rusutsu is about 20km east of Niseko, so it’s no surprise that the resort is also experiencing some very favourable early season conditions.

Local reporter Rusutsu20-20 has measured 343cm of cumulative snowfall so far from their weather station – a 10 minute walk from the resort at an altitude of 390m (Rusutsu list their base at 400m). The season to date has seen seven daily snowfalls total more than 20cm and an incredible 16 days with more than 10cm.

Naturally, it means great coverage on the mountain, with lifts and runs mostly open. Up to date trail and lift status can be found here. With cold temps and more snow in the forecast, it’s only going to get better.

Rusutsu Resort Snow Forecast (19 December): Snow-forecast.com

Summary: Over 3 metres of snow so far. Need we say more?
Live cam: Rusutsu
Local Report: Rusutsu20-20
Lift & Trail Status: Rusutsu Resort

Furano

Furano has had a steady start to the season, but hasn’t quite felt the effect of the storms that have hit Niseko and Rusutsu to the south west. Snow Japan’s Furano Now report has recorded 158cm of snowfall for the season so far, with only one day since December 7 without anything.

It’s been enough to get the Furano Ropeway and the No 3. Romance lift open, which has meant top-to-bottom skiing on the Furano Zone side. However, Kitanomine remains closed, with a likely opening date on December 21 (as planned).

There’s snow in the forecast tonight and early Friday, then a lull before some light showers early next week. Temps will stay very low, so we recommend an extra layer for the cold, dry powder!

Furano Snow Forecast (19 December): Snow-forecast.com

Summary: Steady, but Kitanomine remains closed (for now)
Local Report: Snow Japan
Lift status: Furapuri

Honshu resorts

Hakuba

Hakuba locals have been treated to some superb early season conditions, with Happo, Goryu and Hakuba 47 all reporting snow depths around the 2 metre mark at their respective top stations.

Hakuba 47 and Goryu currently have all courses open, with Happo “mostly open” and other resorts expected to open up more lifts and terrain in the coming days.

Better yet, it looks like there is a monster storm on the way, with Snow Forecast predicting heavy snow from Saturday evening through to Monday night. Bring it on.

Hakuba 47 Snow Forecast (December 19): Snow-forecast.com

Summary: Excellent early season conditions, and it’s about to get better.
Local report: Hakuba Now
Lift status: Hakuba Valley website

Nozawa Onsen

Snow Japan’s Nozawa Now report has observed (cumulative) snowfall at the 101cm mark (base level), with depths of 120cm and 115cm currently being reported by the resort at the Yamabiko and Uenotaira stations.

Nozawa Onsen lift status: 19 December 2024 (view online)

It’s a modest start that has seen only the upper parts of the mountain open so far, but with a few days of heavy snow in the forecast from Saturday night, that looks set to change soon.

That all said, it’s a big improvement on the same time last season, which had seen only 11cm fall at village level.

Nozawa Onsen Snow Forecast (19 December): Snow-forecast.com

Summary: Slow-ish start, with storms around the corner
Lift status: Nozawa Onsen
Local report: Nozawa Now

Geto Kogen

Snow reports coming out of Geto constantly amaze us, and yet it still feels like too many people are sleeping on this gem of a resort. The resort is currently reporting a cumulative snowfall total of 586cm, including an 80cm day on December 16.

“This is mid-winter style weather now, and hopefully it will no be long until some tree run courses get open”, remarked the Geto Kogen Now reporter in that particular report.

The good run is set to continue, with some heavy snow in the forecast for Sunday and Monday.

All main runs open at Geto Kogen as of 19 December 2024, with several tree skiing zones currently closed. #2 Gondola will only open on weekends, holidays and over a short New Year period.

Getō Kōgen Snow Forecast (19 December): Snow-forecast.com

Summary: The tap is on!
Lift status: Getokogen.com
Local report: Geto Kogen Now