If there is one word that draws skiers and snowboarders to Hokkaido from every corner of the globe, it is "Japow" — the ultra-light, champagne-dry powder snow that falls in extraordinary quantities across Japan's northernmost island. And there is no place more synonymous with Japow than Niseko. Located on the western slopes of Mount Annupuri in the Shiribeshi subprefecture, Niseko United encompasses four interconnected resorts — Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri — offering 2,191 acres of skiable terrain, 61 runs, and a vertical drop of over 900 metres.
February is the heart of Niseko's peak season. This is when the snowpack reaches its deepest, the temperatures are coldest, and the Siberian weather systems that drive the legendary powder machine are at their most active. The 2025-26 season has been exceptional so far, with January delivering the highest monthly snowfall total in a dozen years and rapidly bringing the base depth well above average. Here is your complete guide to what this week holds for Niseko.
Quick Snapshot — Niseko This Week:
Base snow depth: 457 cm (15 feet!) at upper mountain
All 32 lifts at Grand Hirafu: Open
Fresh snow in last 48 hours: 24 cm at mid-mountain
Piste condition: Packed powder, groomed runs excellent
Temperature range: -14°C to -2°C at mid-mountain (706 m)
Snow forecast: Heavy snowfall expected Sunday through Monday, more mid-week
Wind: Fresh to strong during storm periods
The Japow Machine: Why Niseko Gets So Much Snow
Understanding Niseko's weather means understanding the remarkable atmospheric mechanism that delivers its powder. Every winter, an enormous high-pressure system forms over Siberia, sending frigid, dry air masses eastward across the Sea of Japan. As this cold air crosses the relatively warm sea surface, it picks up enormous quantities of moisture. When the moisture-laden air reaches the western coastline of Hokkaido and is forced upward by the mountain terrain, it releases its load as fine, dry, incredibly light snow.
This process — sometimes called the "lake effect" or "sea effect" snow mechanism — operates most intensely from December through February. It is the reason Niseko consistently receives between 10 and 15 metres of total snowfall each season at village level, and it is why the snow quality here is so distinctively different from anything in Europe or North America. Niseko's powder is typically 5-8% water content, compared to 10-15% in the European Alps. The result is snow so light that it billows around your knees in slow-motion plumes, making every turn feel effortless.
Current Snow Conditions
The numbers tell the story. Niseko's base depth currently stands at an extraordinary 457 centimetres — over 15 feet of snow — representing one of the deepest snowpacks of recent years at this point in the season. January 2026 was a blockbuster month, delivering consistent daily accumulations that quickly built the base from a slow early-season start to well above the long-term average.
The most recent 48-hour period has added another 24 centimetres at the mid-mountain level, maintaining fresh conditions across the resort. All 32 lifts at Grand Hirafu are operational, and all 50.8 kilometres of pistes are open. The piste condition is rated as packed powder with groomed runs in excellent shape. Off-piste, the story is even better — the tree runs in the famous Niseko birch forests are loaded with deep, untouched powder, and the resort's well-signed gate system provides access to extensive sidecountry terrain.
Day-by-Day Weather Forecast: February 8–14, 2026
Sunday, February 8 — Heavy Snow, Strong Storm
A significant storm system is moving across Hokkaido today, bringing heavy, continuous snowfall to the Niseko area. Models predict 15–25 cm of accumulation at mid-mountain by end of day. Temperatures drop sharply through the afternoon, from -2°C to -8°C, as the warm frontal precipitation transitions to cold, dry powder. Winds will be fresh to strong (30–45 km/h) from the northwest, which may cause temporary closures of upper mountain lifts including the King Hooded Quad and some Annupuri lifts. The lower-mountain tree runs at Hirafu and Hanazono will be skiing phenomenally in deep, fresh powder with natural wind protection.
Monday, February 9 — Continued Snow, Turning Cold and Dry
The storm wraps up through Monday morning with a final 5–10 cm of very high-quality dry powder. By midday, the precipitation eases and temperatures plummet to -10°C to -14°C at mid-mountain — classic Niseko deep-freeze conditions that preserve powder quality. Winds ease to moderate (15–25 km/h). This is a day to ski aggressively: the fresh snow from the weekend storm will be sitting untouched in the trees, and the cold temperatures mean it will stay pristine well into the afternoon. Night skiing at Grand Hirafu (open until 8:30 PM) under the floodlights will be magical.
Tuesday, February 10 — Cold and Clear, Powder Preservation
The coldest day of the week. Expect temperatures between -14°C and -6°C at mid-mountain, with clear to partly cloudy skies. The extreme cold ensures that untracked powder in shaded tree runs remains light and fresh — something almost unique to Hokkaido. On the groomed pistes, conditions will be firm and fast in the morning. Winds are light at 5–10 km/h. This is an excellent day for exploring the quieter runs at Annupuri or the far end of Hanazono, where you may find untouched stashes from the weekend storm.
Wednesday, February 11 — Cloud Building, Snow Showers Developing
Another weather system approaches from the Sea of Japan. Cloud cover increases through the day, with light snow showers beginning by afternoon. Accumulations remain modest — perhaps 3–5 cm — but this signals the leading edge of a more substantial event. Temperatures warm slightly to -4°C at mid-mountain. Visibility may become restricted above the tree line during the afternoon. Lower-altitude runs remain the best choice for afternoon skiing.
Thursday, February 12 — Moderate to Heavy Snow
The mid-week storm delivers its main payload on Thursday. Expect moderate to heavy snowfall throughout the day, with 15–20 cm of fresh accumulation at mid-mountain. The snow quality should be outstanding — temperatures sitting at -8°C to -11°C ensure dry, light flakes with a low water content. Winds pick up to fresh levels (25–35 km/h) from the northwest. Some exposed lifts may intermittently close, but the core Hirafu and Village areas typically remain operational. This is Japow at its finest.
Friday, February 13 — Snow Tapering, Another Powder Day
Snow showers continue but gradually ease through the day. An additional 5–8 cm falls by mid-morning before the precipitation tapers off. Temperatures remain cold at -6°C to -10°C, and the accumulated fresh snow from the mid-week storm — potentially 25–30 cm in total — will be sitting ready for eager powder hounds. Visibility improves through the afternoon. The gates to the backcountry should be open, offering access to the famous runs off the summit ridge of Mount Annupuri.
Saturday, February 14 — Partly Sunny, Cold, Deep Snow Everywhere
The week ends on a high note. Partly sunny skies emerge, the wind drops to light, and temperatures hover around -8°C at mid-mountain. With two separate storm cycles having delivered 40–50+ centimetres of fresh snow over the preceding seven days, conditions across Niseko United will be extraordinary. The groomed runs will have a beautiful soft surface, and any remaining untracked off-piste terrain will be deep and soft. A perfect Valentine's Day for powder lovers.
Weekly Temperature and Snow Summary
| Day |
High (706 m) |
Low (706 m) |
Fresh Snow |
Conditions |
| Sun 8 | -2°C | -8°C | 15–25 cm | Heavy storm |
| Mon 9 | -6°C | -14°C | 5–10 cm | Snow easing, very cold |
| Tue 10 | -6°C | -14°C | 0 cm | Cold and clear |
| Wed 11 | -4°C | -8°C | 3–5 cm | Cloud, light snow PM |
| Thu 12 | -8°C | -11°C | 15–20 cm | Moderate-heavy snow |
| Fri 13 | -6°C | -10°C | 5–8 cm | Snow tapering |
| Sat 14 | -5°C | -8°C | Trace | Partly sunny |
Where to Find the Best Powder
Grand Hirafu
The largest and most popular of the four Niseko resorts, Hirafu is the hub of the action. The tree runs between the Holiday and Ace pair lifts consistently hold excellent powder, and the steeper terrain accessed from the King Hooded Quad delivers genuine advanced-level deep snow skiing. The lower village area offers extensive night skiing under floodlights — Niseko is one of the few resorts in the world where you can ski deep powder at night. After the Thursday storm, the dawn patrol on Friday morning at Hirafu will be unforgettable.
Hanazono
Located on the northern face of Mount Annupuri, Hanazono receives slightly more snow than the other three resorts thanks to its direct exposure to the northwest weather systems. The resort has undergone significant investment in recent years, with a new base lodge, improved lift infrastructure, and an expanded terrain park. The sidecountry gates off the Hanazono summit ridge provide access to spectacular ungroomed terrain. This is arguably the best area in Niseko for intermediate-level powder skiing, with wide, forgiving glades and a consistent pitch.
Niseko Village
Anchored by the luxurious Hilton Niseko Village at its base, this resort offers a balanced mix of groomed and ungroomed terrain. The Mizuno-no-Sawa run is a local favourite — a long, winding trail through dense birch forest that catches and holds powder beautifully. The area tends to be slightly quieter than Hirafu, making it a smart choice for powder days when crowds at the main resort can make first tracks competitive.
Annupuri
The quietest and most family-friendly of the four resorts, Annupuri sits on the southern face of the mountain and offers wide, gentle slopes ideal for beginners and intermediates. But don't write it off for powder: the summit gate provides access to the same backcountry terrain as the other resorts, and the lower-angle tree skiing here is forgiving and deeply satisfying in fresh snow. The onsen (hot spring bath) facilities at the base of Annupuri are among the best in the area — there is nothing quite like soaking in a steaming outdoor pool surrounded by falling snow after a day of powder skiing.
Essential Niseko Tips for This Week
Powder Skiing Tips:
• Set your bindings slightly back on your skis or use powder-specific skis (fat, rockered designs work best in Japow)
• Keep your speed up — Niseko's deep snow requires momentum
• Ski the trees: the birch forests filter wind and preserve powder for days
• Use the gate system responsibly — check the gate status board before heading backcountry
• Buddy up: deep powder can be surprisingly exhausting, and the trees can be disorienting in flat light
What to Wear in Niseko This Week
Niseko in February is cold — properly cold. With temperatures potentially dropping to -14°C and wind chill making it feel even colder during storm periods, you need to dress for genuine winter conditions. A high-quality waterproof shell is essential, as Niseko's snow often arrives in high volumes with significant wind. Beneath that, a warm insulating layer (down or synthetic) and a moisture-wicking base layer will keep you comfortable during both active skiing and chairlift rides.
Goggles are arguably the single most important piece of equipment in Niseko. Flat light and heavy snowfall can reduce visibility dramatically, and high-contrast lenses (yellow, pink, or rose-tinted) make an enormous difference. Bring a spare pair or spare lens, as the humidity can cause fogging. Waterproof gloves with removable liners allow you to dry them overnight — essential when you are skiing in fresh snow every day. A face mask or balaclava protects against windburn on the coldest days.
Beyond the Slopes: Niseko Culture and Cuisine
Niseko has evolved into one of Asia's most cosmopolitan mountain destinations, with a dining scene that would be impressive in any city. The Hirafu village area is packed with excellent Japanese restaurants — from steaming bowls of Hokkaido miso ramen at Niseko Ramen Kazahana to exquisite sushi at Sushi Shin, which sources its fish fresh from the nearby coast. Izakayas (Japanese gastropubs) like Bang Bang and Kamimura offer both casual and fine-dining options. Do not miss trying Genghis Khan — grilled lamb on a dome-shaped grill — which is a Hokkaido speciality rarely found elsewhere in Japan.
The onsen culture is central to the Niseko experience. After a long day in the powder, soaking in a natural volcanic hot spring is therapeutic in every sense. Yukichichibu onsen in Annupuri offers a wild, atmospheric outdoor setting, while the Grand Hirafu area has several modern onsen facilities. Many hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) also have private onsen baths.
Getting to Niseko
New Chitose Airport (CTS), serving Sapporo, is the primary gateway. From the airport, Niseko is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours by road. Several bus companies operate direct services (Niseko Bus, Chuo Bus, and Whiteliner), and private transfers can be arranged in advance. During peak season, services run multiple times daily. Alternatively, JR Hokkaido trains run from Sapporo to Kutchan (the nearest town to Niseko) with a journey time of about 2 hours including a change at Otaru. From Kutchan, local buses connect to the resort area in 20 minutes.
Full Niseko Forecast on WFY24
For the full 16-day Niseko weather forecast with hourly detail, snowfall probability, and wind data, visit the Niseko weather page on WFY24.com.
Last updated: February 8, 2026. Niseko snow data sourced from resort reports and forecast models. For the most current conditions, visit WFY24.com.
