Japan’s Deepest Snowpack Starts to Drop from 7.8m Peak
Updated March 19, 2025: Japan’s deepest snowpack at Tengendai Kogen (770cm/308") may have peaked. Happo-one still holds 600cm (240"), but spring warmth is taking over. Read more here.
- Happo-one Now Only Resort Besides Tengendai Kogen with 6m+ Base
- Spring Takes Hold: More Sun, Less Snow Across Japan’s Ski Areas
- Hokkaido Stays Cold with Light Snow, Honshu Heats Up to 15°C
- Massive Bases Hold Strong Despite Rising Temperatures
JAPAN REPORT
It’s too early to be sure, of course, but it appears the 7.8-meter snow depth at Tengendai Kogen Ski Area (770/770cm / 308/308”) in Yamagata early last week may have been Japan's and the world’s 2024-25 season peak depth, as the numbers have started to drop. There were six ski areas posting 6-meter (20-foot) plus base depths too, but now the only other one is the famous Happo-one (600/600cm / 240/240") in the Hakuba Valley.
The changing trend comes as Japanese ski areas have seen rising temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and fewer snowstorms over the past week—in other words, the spring norm!
JAPAN FORECAST
A big temperature divide in Japan, with northerly Hokkaido Island seeing temperatures remain in the -7 to +7°C range and light snow showers continuing through most days of the coming week (potentially rain at times at lower elevations).
By contrast, sunny and warm weather is expected for Honshu, with daytime highs reaching above +15°C at resort bases and overnight lows only a few degrees below freezing up high. So, freeze-thaw in the upper mountain, but remaining above freezing—so just thawing—at bases. But then, there are some huge bases.
