Hakuba has recorded its snowiest winter in 13 years, and we’re only half way through February

Hakuba is in the midst of a historic winter season, with plenty more snow days on the horizon.

Hakuba is delivering a ski season for the record books. Just one week into February, the resort – more specifically, Happo One – had already recorded its snowiest winter in 13 years, surpassing the previous high of 619 cm (2014-15) at base level. As of 14 February, this figure stands at 678 cm, with plenty more snow days on the horizon.

Typically, the last snowfall isn’t observed until early April, with the ski season wrapping up in early May. With 6+ more weeks of expected snowfall, this record is nowhere near its final number.

February has already seen 123 cm of snowfall, with only one snowless day since 29 January. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) has confirmed that “La Niña-like conditions” will continue until the end of month, before gradually weakening.

Rather strangely, these once-in-a-decade conditions are only presenting in Hakuba, with even its closest neighbours experiencing above average but mostly unremarkable winter seasons. Myoko’s Akakura Kanko resort, just 50 km from Happo One (as the crow flies), had a strong December but a middling January, and, as of February, still needs more than 4 m of snowfall to eclipse its 2018-19 season high of 1,705 cm. An epic 198 cm in over the last seven days has certainly helped its cause.

Even more surprising is that Hokkaido’s resorts, which typically benefit most from La Niña conditions, are experiencing a far milder winter than their Honshu counterparts.

As of 14 February, Furano has seen 417 cm of snowfall, compared to 645 cm at the same point last year. Niseko, too, is well under par, having accumulated just 644cm of snow to date. There would need to be significant snowfall during the latter half of February for it to reach its seasonal average of 1,054 cm – measured at the base of Niseko Grand Hirafu.

Fortunately, February is trending in the right direction for both the mainland and Hokkaido. This past week, Central Honshu was hit by the biggest storm of the season, receiving over 2 m of fresh snow, while Hokkaido picked up roughly 1 m.

The Japan Meteorological Agency is expecting the “La Niña-like” conditions to continue across Japan, with a 40-60% probability of above average snowfall over the next month. Image: JMA

Another snow storm is predicted to hit Central Honshu beginning Monday, 17 February, before reaching Hokkaido on Tuesday. The weather is predicted to stick around until at least next weekend.

Promisingly, JMA is also predicting between 50-60% probability of above average snowfall across Honshu over the next month, with Hokkaido at 40%.