Biggest Snowfall Since Records Began
The 2024-25 winter season saw Hakuba receive its biggest snowfall since… well, ever! With nearly eight meters of snow, this iconic alpine valley in Japan’s Alps delivered what has been described as its snowiest winter on record.
At Hakuba Happo-One, 678 cm of snow was recorded at the base by mid-February – already enough to beat the previous record from 2014–15. According to reports, the final seasonal total reached 782 cm, making it the snowiest season since records began around 60 years ago.
The snowfall was consistent with 73 days of snow logged at base level and prolonged cold temperatures preserving quality with conditions staying good well into spring. Resorts across the valley all reported excellent coverage and some of the best off-piste skiing in memory.
Big Snowfall at Karamatsu High Speed Chairlift at Tsugaike Kogen in Hakuba
The Biggest Numbers in Years – On and Off the Slopes
The snow wasn’t the only thing that was big this winter. According to tourism officials, Hakuba welcomed a record 1.3 million visitors during the 2024–25 winter season – a 14% increase over the previous year. The record snowfall will likely increase demand for next winter from both domestic and international travelers, meaning visitors will need to make reservations early to secure preferred accommodations and rentals.
How 2024–25 Compares to Past Winters
Here’s a look at how Hakuba’s snowfall has stacked up over the last decade:
- 2024–25: 782 cm – 73 snowfall days (Record Snow in Hakuba)
- 2023–24: 561 cm – 61 snowfall days
- 2022–23: 444 cm – 60 snowfall days
- 2021–22: 617 cm – 60 snowfall days
- 2020–21: 420 cm – 46 snowfall days
- 2019–20: 223 cm – 41 snowfall days
- 2018–19: 420 cm – 56 snowfall days
- 2017–18: 547 cm – 60 snowfall days
- 2016–17: 527 cm – 59 snowfall days
- 2015–16: 321 cm – 43 snowfall days
- 2014–15: 619 cm – 60 snowfall days
- 2013–14: 423 cm – 60 snowfall days
- 2012–13: 565 cm – 60 snowfall days
Source: SnowJapan.com
Deep Snow Even at Village Level
Why So Much Snow?
Meteorologists point to specific weather patterns, which drove cold, moist air from Siberia across the Sea of Japan, fueling snowfall through the Japanese Alps. These conditions combined with ocean temperatures created ideal conditions for snow, bringing steady storm cycles and below-average temperatures that led to a deep snowpack.
January and February had many impressive powder days with plenty of deep and dry snow, especially up high. March brought some surprise snowfalls, and in April there were still powder pockets to be had at higher elevations as well as in the backcountry.
Snow piles up on the balconies of Hakuba accommodation
Will It Happen Again?
In short, it’s impossible to say. Long range forecasts are not always reliable – this season was not predicted to be a big one and turned out to be a record breaker. That said, the Hakuba Valley is one of those places where no matter how much it snows the resorts offer great riding all season. The mountains are big and the resorts have so much variety in terrain that it’s a great day no matter the conditions. Our advice is to plan ahead no matter what the forecasts are saying so that you don’t miss out. If you’re thinking about a trip, get a quote from our local team on the ground in Hakuba to get started.