TL;DR
Hakuba's Happo One ski resort has recorded its highest snowfall total in 13 years, surpassing the previous record of 619cm set in 2014-15. With more than six weeks of potential snowfall remaining, the 2024-25 season is shaping up to be historically significant for the Japanese resort.
Hakuba's Happo One Breaks Snowfall Records with More Storms on the Horizon
The 2024-25 ski season is proving historic for Japan's Hakuba region, with Happo One ski resort recording its highest snowfall total in 13 years. By mid-February, the base area measurement had reached 678 centimetres, already surpassing the previous record of 619 centimetres set in 2014-15.
This remarkable season shows no signs of slowing, with February alone contributing 123 centimetres and only one snowless day recorded since January 29. The Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) confirms that "La Niña-like conditions" will persist through February before gradually weakening, suggesting continued favourable conditions for snowfall.
Mountain Watch Japan Forecast
What makes this season particularly intriguing is the localised nature of these exceptional conditions. While Hakuba enjoys record-breaking snowfall, neighbouring resorts are experiencing more typical seasons. Myoko's Akakura Kanko resort, merely 50 kilometres from , would need an additional 4 metres of snow to match its 2018-19 season record of 1,705 centimetres, despite receiving an impressive 198 centimetres in recent days.
