Another just recorded its snowiest December in 13 years.
It’s been a cracking start to the winter season for resorts across Japan. Virtually anyone who booked the notoriously unreliable early December period was duly rewarded with all-time conditions, and the tap has remained firmly on ever since.
Geto Kogen
Japan’s big-name resorts like Niseko, Hakuba, Myoko and Rusutsu have all been belted with snow, and yet it’s a lesser-know one – Geto Kogen – that has really captured out attention, reporting an astonishing 941cm of cumulative snowfall as of today, January 3.
A visit to the resort’s Instagram page reveals a steady stream of videos showing off powder-laden slopes – albeit with some challenging windy conditions that may be giving lifties a few headaches.
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The snow is not expected to stop anytime soon, either. According to snow-forecast.com, moderate snow showers will continue into early Sunday morning, followed by a brief hiatus, and then a return to snowy conditions. However, warmer temperatures early next week also pose the risk of rain and – if not – some heavier snow.
Hakuba
It’s been a dream start to the season for Hakuba, with Happo reporting more than 5 metres of cumulative snowfall for the season and other resorts not far behind. Snow Japan’s Hakuba Now report put it best in their December 28 update:
“The really good snow news just keeps on coming this season! We’re still in December, it makes me wonder how the whole season will shape up. But we sure have got off to a flying start.”
According to analysis from Snow Japan, last month’s tally of 278cm makes it the snowiest December of the last 13 years on record, eclipsing the 276cm mark set in 2014.
The magic is set to continue, with forecasts predicting some snowfalls this evening, then what is shaping up to be a monster storm early next week. Get excited!
Nozawa Onsen
In our last update two weeks ago, Nozawa was the only resort that wasn’t really firing yet with only upper parts of the resort open for riding. Thankfully, the tables have turned, with plenty of snow finding the ground over the last 10 days of December, including a 41cm dump on December 29.

Image: 野沢温泉スキー場 / Facebook
All lifts and runs are now in operation, and with more snow in the forecast for the next couple of days and early next week, things are looking promising.
“We really can’t ask for more” – Nozawa Onsen Now report, Snow Japan – December 24.
Niseko
23cm fell in Niseko yesterday*, with the day described as a “white puffy powder paradise” by local reporter 360niseko.
It’s been the story of the season so far, with 400cm of cumulative snowfall measured for the season and a phenomenal 29 or the last 30 days recording new snowfall.

Image: Hanazono Niseko / Facebook
Temps are set to remain low, with snowfall to continue through to Sunday evening before a (very brief) break on Monday.
With tourists flocking to Niseko in record numbers this season, there will be a lot of smiling faces around.
*Measured from 360niseko’s weather station in Higashiyama
Rusutsu
“The crazy run continues.” That was the lead-in to today’s Rusutsu report, which has tallied a mind-blowing 31 days in a row of fresh snowfall and a cumulative total of 529cm.
The good run doesn’t appear to be ending anytime soon, with snow in the forecast for the next six days, according to snow-forecast.com.

Image: Rusutsu Resort (Official) / Facebook
Furano
“Temps are cold. Snow is dry. Life is good.”
That was the assessment from yesterday’s Furano report, which observed another 10cm of fresh snow in what has been a very consistent start to winter for the Central Hokkaido resort.

Image: 富良野スキー場 【プリンススノーリゾート】Furano Ski Area, Prince Grand Resort Furano / Facebook
22 of the last 27 days have seen fresh snow, albeit without the crazy single day numbers that have been put up by the likes of Geto, Niseko and Hakuba.
There’s plenty more to come over the new few days, and with all lifts operating, terrain open and night skiing operating, life is indeed very good.