Record-Breaking Snowfall Buries Japan's Kagura Ski Resort Under 3 Metres in 3 Days

Historic Snowfall Paralyses Operations at Japan's Renowned Kagura Ski Resort

In an extraordinary display of Japan's legendary snowfall, Kagura Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture has been blanketed by three metres of snow in just 72 hours, leading to unprecedented operational challenges and viral social media coverage of buried chairlifts.

Kagura Ski Resort, known for its extensive terrain spanning 1,181 metres of vertical drop and offering 23 courses across 6 kilometres of slopes, stands as one of Japan's premier snow destinations. The resort typically benefits from excellent powder conditions thanks to its location in the snow-rich Niigata region, with an average annual snowfall of 12 metres. However, this recent weather event has tested even this well-equipped resort's capabilities.

The intense snowfall forced Kagura to completely suspend lift operations on Wednesday and Thursday, while neighbouring GALA Yuzawa ski resort experienced its first-ever complete closure due to heavy snow on Friday. These closures mark a significant moment in the region's skiing history, highlighting the extraordinary nature of this weather event.

Deep snow stops the lifts at Kagura ski resort. Credit: Kagura Resort Facebook

Resort management took to Facebook on February 20 to address the situation, with a heartfelt message acknowledging their staff's exhaustion and requesting patience from visitors. The post, which garnered over 4,000 engagements, struck a chord with the skiing community, drawing widespread support and understanding from followers.

The scale of this snowfall has contributed to staggering seasonal totals. Snow Japan's Yuzawa Now report indicates that February alone has seen 483 centimetres of snow in the central town area of Yuzawa. With six days remaining in the month, the region needs just 13 more centimetres to break a 13-year snowfall record.

While Kagura's terrain, which includes the popular Mitsumata and Tashiro areas, normally handles significant snowfall with ease, this event has pushed the resort's infrastructure to its limits. The resort's usual advantage of maintaining good snow coverage well into spring, sometimes as late as May, seems assured this season, though perhaps not in the way management might have hoped.

Local reports paint a picture of a community grappling with extraordinary conditions. The Yuzawa Now report from February 20 described unprecedented snow depths exceeding 4 metres in some areas, with residents focusing more on survival than skiing. The situation has transformed from a skier's paradise to a significant logistical challenge for both residents and resort operators.

Kagura Resort trail map. Credit: Kagura Ski Resort

The impact extends beyond the slopes, affecting daily life throughout the region. Despite Japan's reputation for excellent powder conditions that attract international skiers and riders each winter, this event demonstrates that even the most snow-prepared regions have their limits.

Public response to the situation has been remarkably supportive, with many acknowledging the need to prioritise safety over recreation. Some optimistic commenters noted that the excessive snowfall might extend the skiing season well into Golden Week, a popular holiday period in late April.

For Kagura Ski Resort, which typically prides itself on its powder conditions and extended season, this extreme weather event has presented unprecedented challenges while simultaneously showcasing the resilience of its operations team and the supportive nature of the skiing community.

The event serves as a reminder that while Japan's famous powder snow drives winter tourism, nature ultimately dictates the terms of engagement, even in a country renowned for its snow management capabilities and winter resort operations.