Asia Weekly Snow Roundup #274

Japan Snow Bulletin

Japan has delivered an unforgettable week for powder enthusiasts, with 50-100 cm (20-40”) of fresh snow falling in many areas. Niigata prefecture leads the pack, with Arai (300/403 cm | 120/161”) claiming the deepest snow in the world, breaking the 4-meter barrier for the first time this season. Niseko (100/240 cm | 40/96”) is also shining, with 95% of its terrain open and ideal snow conditions.

Top Picks for Best Conditions

Rusutsu Resort is a powder paradise with 140 cm (lower) and 170 cm (upper) snow depths, and 85% of its slopes open for skiers to enjoy. With fresh snowfall today, conditions are ideal for powder lovers. Fun fact: Rusutsu is known for its quirky atmosphere, including a ski-through amusement park and beautifully groomed tree-lined runs.

Niseko Hirafu boasts packed powder and groomed snow, offering impeccable skiing conditions with a snow depth of 110 cm (lower) to 245 cm (upper). The resort is fully open, with snowfall recorded today. Interesting fact: Niseko is often called the “Aspen of Asia” for its vibrant après-ski scene and consistent snowfall fueled by Siberian weather systems.

Happo One provides an incredible powder experience with 85 cm (lower) and 360 cm (upper) snow depths. With 95% of its terrain open and fresh snow today, it’s a skier’s dream. Did you know? Happo One was a host venue for the 1998 Winter Olympics, making it a historic destination for skiing enthusiasts.

Nozawa Onsen is another standout, featuring 150 cm (lower) and 240 cm (upper) snow depths, with powder conditions and 90% of slopes open. Last snowfall was today. Unique to Nozawa is its charming village, famous for natural hot springs (“onsen”) that are perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes.

Furano, known for its powder snow, offers depths of 55 cm (lower) and 130 cm (upper). While the last snowfall was yesterday, fresh snow is expected today, with 80% of the slopes open. A fun fact for skiers: Furano is renowned for its long, uninterrupted runs, some of the best in Hokkaido.

Alpha Resort Tomamu features powder conditions with 53 cm (lower) snow depths and 94 cm (upper). With 100% of its slopes open, and fresh snow expected today, it’s ready for visitors. Tomamu is famous for its Ice Village, a magical winter wonderland that opens during the ski season and offers unique après-ski activities.

JAPAN FORECAST

It’s more of the same for Japan, with more snowfall forecast daily and temperatures typically in the -5 to -15C range. Accumulations may be a little lighter than they have been over the past week. Daily falls of 5-10 cm (2-4”) though are forecast.