How Much Did It Snow In Niseko In Winter 2023/24?

April, 27th 2024

The simple answer is – a lot!

It wasn’t an above-average season by Niseko standards, but Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu recorded almost 12m of cumulative snowfall at the mid-mountain station (11.9m to be precise).

To put that in perspective, that’s about the same height as a four-storeys building!

Snowfall at Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU 820m station over the past decade

While it wasn’t a record-breaking season total, it was another memorable season with many highlights for visitors depending on the month they arrived.

A White Christmas And A 6.6m Month

It snowed on 26 out of 30 days between December 17 and January 17, with an average of 20.6cm per day!

It was a truly memorable peak season, topped off with a White Christmas Day.

A massive total of 6.6m fell throughout this period, with 10% of that falling on one day…

That 70cm Day in January

Photo by 360niseko, taken on 8 January after 24 hours of snowfall

The whole of Niseko came to a standstill between January 7 and 8 when 70cm of snowfall accumulated in a 24-hour period due to a strong, cold air mass pushing over Hokkaido.

Niseko is known for consistent snowfall, with 20-40cm regularly accumulating within 24 hours. However, falls of 50cm or more are rare.

Due to the combination of heavy snow and strong wind, the top lifts weren’t able to open, flights were delayed, train services were cancelled, cars were stranded and even rubbish collections were disrupted.

By the next day everything was under control and skiers and snowboarders enjoyed one of the deepest days of the past decade.

A March to Remember

More and more visitors are discovering how magnificent March in Niseko is, and this year was one of the best with something for everybody.

March is the start of spring and particularly great for families and fair-weather skiers – there are more blue-sky days; it’s warmer than December, January and February; the slopes are less crowded; restaurants are easier to book; and there are discounts on everything from accommodation to ski hire and lift tickets.

We had all those things this March but lucky visitors also had something else – plenty of powder days!

December to February is powder season in Niseko, but this year March recorded fresh snow on 14 days out of 31.

Powder isn’t guaranteed in spring, but if you’re coming with a family or big group of beginner to intermediate skiers then March is highly recommended – and if you’re lucky you might just get a few magical uncrowded powder days!

Next Winter 2024/25

Niseko United is actually open for another week until May 6, but we’re guessing you’re already thinking about next winter.

Good news – another La Niña weather system appears to be forming, which means there is a good chance of an above average snowfall winter.
We hope to see you next winter – but before that, what about discovering Niseko this summer too?