What Travellers Need to Know About Hokkaido Winter Storm 2025

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is no stranger to winter drama, but late December 2025 has taken it to a whole new level. From blizzards that swept across the Sea of Japan coast to record-low snowfall in Niseko earlier in the month, this winter has been nothing short of intense, both challenging and exciting for ski enthusiasts.
Also read: 11 Magical Winter Spots in Kyoto, A Cultural and Historical Guide for Muslim Travellers

Blizzard disruptions across Hokkaido

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On 26 Dec 2025, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a blizzard warning for communities along Hokkaido’s Sea of Japan coast. By that evening, heavy snow and strong winds were battering the region, and the storm was forecast to continue through 27 Dec 2025. Sapporo saw about 20 centimetres of snow, while coastal areas experienced up to 50 centimetres. Gusts reached an astonishing 28.7 metres per second in Shinshinotsu, making travel hazardous.

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Transport was hit hard. Several major expressways, including the Shiribeshi and Sasson Expressways, were closed entirely, while part of the Dōō Expressway between Sapporo Minami and Bibai interchanges also shut down. Rail services were not spared as 12 local trains on the Gakuen Toshi Line were suspended or curtailed, and three services on the Hakodate Line between Niseko and Kutchan were disrupted following a snow-clearing machine breakdown. Meanwhile, New Chitose Airport cancelled 25 flights, including key routes to Tokyo Haneda and Osaka Itami, affecting both Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways schedules.

Niseko’s historically poor winter start

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Earlier in December, Niseko and the surrounding areas had already seen a frustratingly slow start to the season. From 15–25 Dec 2025, Niseko only received about 25 cm of snow, while Hakuba saw just 13 cm. In Kutchan town, snow depth on 25 December measured a mere 21 cm, the lowest since records began in 2012. To put this in perspective, the only lower Christmas Day snowfall was back in 1958, when just 15 cm was recorded.

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Despite the slow start, the situation began improving in late December. Fresh snowfall started covering the slopes, with forecasts predicting more snow in the coming days. Skiers and snowboarders were reminded that, as history shows, like the dramatic turnaround in the 1958/59 season, which saw 419 cm of snow in January. Hokkaido’s winter can change almost overnight.

Skiing through the blizzard

Image credit: JWA Ski School | Official Website

Amid these swirling and rapidly changing winter conditions, JWA Ski School shared a dramatic video capturing the intensity of the blizzard. Riders navigated near-whiteout conditions, with powder blowing sideways in strong winds and visibility almost nonexistent. The footage, shared across social media, highlighted both the challenge and the thrill of skiing in Hokkaido’s deep winter snow.

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JWA Ski School, which offers lessons in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English across resorts such as Niseko, Teine, Furano, Tomamu, Rusutsu, and Sapporo Kokusai, emphasises the importance of safety and proper technique when skiing in severe conditions. The video quickly gained attention online, with viewers praising the riders' skill and the sheer dramatic beauty of the stormy landscape.

Also read: 10 Best Winter Destinations in Nagano: A Muslim Traveller’s Guide to the "Roof of Japan"

Tips for winter travellers

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For Muslim travellers and other visitors planning a Hokkaido winter adventure, it’s crucial to stay updated on weather conditions. Resorts and ski schools continue to operate, but extreme weather may cause disruptions. Always follow instructor guidance, respect local advisories, and plan travel with extra time in mind. Despite the occasional chaos, Hokkaido’s winter magic, powdery snow, scenic vistas, and exhilarating slopes remain an unforgettable experience.