Japan Weekly Snow Roundup #292
Weekly Snow News for Japan, updated 10 December 2025: early-season bases deepen rapidly as Siberian air drives repeated snow across Hokkaido and Honshu
Japan Snow Report and Ski Conditions — Early December 2025
- Japan records some of the world’s largest snowfalls this week.
- Niseko opens all four sectors with around half its runs available.
- Early-season bases deepen fast in Hokkaido and Honshu.
- Daisetsuzan Kurodake already boasts one of the deepest bases in the world.
Japan’s season has truly begun, accompanied by the largest reported snowfalls worldwide over the past week. Furano, the Hakuba Valley, and Niseko experienced accumulations of 50–60cm (20–24”) in the latter part of last week, leading into opening weekend, with seven‑day totals around 150cm (60”).
Niseko reports that all four of its sectors are now open, with about half of its runs available. Most centres have 10–30% of their runs open for the early season, but Hokkaido's Daisetsuzan Kurodake (280/320cm / 112/128”) is fully open, boasting one of the deepest bases in the world for this early stage.
Japan Weather and Snow Forecast
Japanese ski areas are set to benefit from more excellent conditions as Siberian air brings repeated snowfalls across Hokkaido and Honshu. Ski resorts in Hokkaido can expect more substantial snow accumulations with subzero temperatures keeping the conditions light and dry. On Honshu, resorts in Nagano and Niigata predict 20–30cm (8–12”) of new snow, which will quickly strengthen cover.
