Niseko: Best of the Bunch

29 January, 2020 Conor Acutt

Niseko proves again why it is Japan's most desirable ski destination.

JR Odekake, the tourism branch of JR West, who operate the Shinkansen and local trains throughout the Japan Alps area, including Niigata and Toyama, has released snow fall data for the 2019/20 season. Despite some warmer periods and clear spells of weather, Niseko Grand Hirafu is the top performer with 235 cm of 'accumulated' snow. This value reflects the snow base as reported by each of the resorts. Total snow fall in Niseko Grand Hirafu is currently at 643 cm for the season.

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Other notable Hokkaido ski resorts are Kiroro with 235 cm and Furano with 183 cm. The southern alps are are also represented with areas of Hakuba receiving 150-160 cm of accumulated snow however these areas simply do not pack the same powder punch as the northern island.

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With 270 cm of total snow fall already measured in January it looks like Niseko will stay ahead of the pack as we move into February.

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To see what you are missing check out this amazing Niseko edit.

Conor Acutt
Conor Acutt

Conor is from Brisbane, Australia and left his Engineering career to get out of the office and into the outdoors. With no shortage of mountains, lakes and forests, he believes he has found the perfect place here in Hokkaido. He can often be seen with a camera in one hand and a coffee in the other, heading towards a muddy hiking trail.