Japan is located in the Northern hemisphere and as such the ski season runs from late November through April.
Niseko offers something for everyone and depending on what kind of ski experience you are looking for, Niseko provides it at different times of the winter season. So the best time to go depends on you and your group.
Opening Season – Late November to Early December
Temperatures are dropping but are still relatively warm – between plus 2 and minus 4 degrees C at village level. If the first snow comes early, this can be a good time to visit with some years seeing surface powder snow on the piste runs with very few people on the mountain. However, there is a risk if the snow comes late that there may not be enough snow to open the ski hill. Depending on when the snow comes, Hirafu ski area opens first, then Niseko Village and then Hanazono and Annupuri ski areas.
Accommodation and lift pass prices are significantly lower than peak season and offer great value.
The shuttle bus may not start running until 2nd week of Dec, so it’s important to stay somewhere within easy walking distance of the ski lifts.
The villages are quiet with just a few restaurants and bars open for the season.
Early Season – Early December to Christmas
Temperatures are starting to drop and average -4 degrees C at village level. The upper and mid mountain areas of the four ski areas should now be open and sometimes the lower mountain as well, although Night Skiing is not yet in operation. Powder days are certainly possible although not to be relied upon at this stage of the season. This can be an excellent time of year to visit. If an early dump of snow comes, which it has done approximately 60% of the time in recent years, there can be some really good powdery conditions.
Accommodation prices are lower than peak season and still offer great value. The villages are still quiet but getting busier with more and restaurants and bars opening as Christmas approaches but reservations are not required for most restaurants.
The shuttle bus services are now running, servicing accommodation further away from the ski lifts.
Christmas & New Year – mid December to early January
Winter temperatures have set in, at an average of -8 degrees at village level. This is the most popular time of the year to visit Niseko, especially with families. There are more people than usual on the beginner slopes and piste runs generally.
Accommodation and Ski Lessons book out early, so if you are planning to come at this time, please ensure that you book as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Accommodation for these dates tends to be booked out by May of the previous the year.
Night Skiing starts from mid or late December and is something that everyone should experience. Wrap up with an extra layer or two as it gets colder on the mountain at night. All of Niseko’s fantastic restaurants and bars are open and reservations are highly recommended.
For powder skiers and snowboarders, it is unlikely that the gates into the sidecountry off piste terrain will be open unless there is a really strong early snowfall. There will most likely still be some bamboo poking through the snow surface in the off piste areas.
Peak – early January to late February
This period is winter in full swing - cold & snowy with temperatures of minus 10 to minus 15 on mountain. Sunny days are rare but are spectacular when they arrive. There is lots of snow in the villages and it is not uncommon to get many consecutive powder days of 20cm to 30cm plus of fresh snow each morning and the winter temperatures keep the snow in great condition.
This is when CAT, Snowmobile and Heli skiing operation starts for those wanting a really special experience.
The gate system is in operation, opening up Niseko’s glorious side country off piste terrain.
This period of the season is very popular, which can mean longer lift lines than in the early and late season. Occasionally, the winter storms may bring high winds, which can cause partial lift closure or slow running of lifts due to high winds. However, when the storm passes, the conditions that follow are excellent.
Accommodation books out pretty early especially over January and the Chinese New Year holiday.January stay dates tend to be booked out by August or Sept the year before and February stay dates tend to be booked out by Nov the year before.
Similarly to Christmas and New Year, Ski lessons book out early for the Chinese New Year holiday as this is the second most popular time of year, so we recommend booking lessons as early as possible.
Nightlife is at is peak with all restaurants and bars open. Reservations for restaurants are required and there are lots of parties and special nights at Niseko’s bars.
Peak season is ideal for those seeking Niseko’s famous powder snow.
Shoulder – late Feb to end of March
Temperatures are just starting to rise a little, especially in the second half of March and there are more sunny days. Whist there are fewer powder days than in peak period, chances are still good, especially in first half of the month. More often than not the sun will be out, making them some of the best days of the season.
Night skiing is in operation until late March.
For expert skiers and snowboarders, this is an excellent month for backcountry tours, as there more days where the avalanche risk is low and the weather and visibility are great.
This is also a great period to visit for families and those learning to ski and snowboard. The sunny days combined with good snow conditions make for ideal learning conditions, especially in the mornings.
There are some great discounts on accommodation available, as well as family discounts for those pre-booking lift passes and equipment hire.
The village gets quieter in the second half of March with some restaurants and bars starting to close for the season.
April
Spring temperatures ranging between 5 degrees and 0 degrees at village level, feeling nice and warm. There is a risk of rain if a really warm weather system comes in. Powder days are few and far between but do happen on occasion and the mountain is deserted when they do happen.
The Annupuri and Hirafu Ski areas are scheduled to remain open until early May. Niseko Village and Hanazono ski areas are scheduled to close from early April.
There is plenty of coverage on the mountain as the 4m to 5m snowpack gradually melts over the month. Snow conditions are generally pretty decent in the morning, giving way to heavier slushy snow by the end of the day. Night skiing is no longer in operation.
There are great discounts on accommodation, where prices are a fraction of what they would be over Christmas & New Year.
All Lift Passes are cheaper and the spring family discounts on equipment hire and lift passes are still on offer.
The shuttle bus service stops running at the end of March, so it is important to stay in accommodation close to the ski lifts, unless you have your own transport. Whilst airport buses stop running, taxis and the train are still in operation.
It is quiet around the village and there are fewer choices of restaurants and bars, but reservations are not necessary.
This is another good month for families and learners wanting to ski in sunny relaxed conditions. For experts, backcountry skiing is the order of the day.