When will snow pile up in Hokkaido? Explanation of the first snow and peak season and how to play
Hokkaido Then, with the arrival of autumn, First snow from around November can be seen. This time, when will the snow season start in Hokkaido? Three key points: first snow, accumulated snow, and long-term snow Commentary from! In addition, in Hokkaido Popular snow activity ranking or, Clothes suitable for Hokkaido in the snow season・Things that are convenient to have Thoroughly explain. snow piled up Hokkaido If you want to enjoy traveling and sightseeing in Japan, please use this article as a reference!
table of contents
- 1 Average annual value of the first snow in Hokkaido
- 2 Average snow cover in Hokkaido
- 3 Average long-term snow cover in Hokkaido
- 4 Best time to enjoy snow activities in Hokkaido
- 5 What to wear when going to Hokkaido in the snow season
- 6 Let's check when you can enjoy Hokkaido's snow!
- 7 Editorial department recommended feature articles
Average annual value of the first snow in Hokkaido
| area | first snow | last snow |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo (Central Hokkaido) | November 1st | April 19th |
| Hakodate (Southern Hokkaido) | November 1st | April 16th |
| Nemuro (Eastern Hokkaido) | November 6th | May 6th |
| Wakkanai (north of Hokkaido) | October 19th | May 10th |
Hokkaido Then First snow around the 4th week of October in the earliest areas and around the 2nd week of November in the latest areas (*1) is observed.
in this way, The timing of the first snow varies depending on the region. . Also Shusetsu*2 is also usually from the 3rd week of April to the 2nd week of May. can be seen in
This data is based on the average values from August 1990 to July 2020 published by the Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory.
*1 What is Hatsuyuki? According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, it is defined as "the first snowfall (including sleet) in a cold year (from August of the previous year to July of the current year)." *2 What is Shuusetsu? According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, it is defined as "the last snowfall of this winter. It can be sleet." Reference: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Meteorological Agency "About rain and snow"
Average snow cover in Hokkaido
| area | First day of snow | snow all day |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo (Central Hokkaido) | November 12th | April 7 |
| Hakodate (Southern Hokkaido) | November 18th | March 28th |
| Nemuro (Eastern Hokkaido) | December 6th | April 12 |
| Wakkanai (north of Hokkaido) | November 12th | April 12 |
In the above table, based on the data of "average values such as the first snowfall" of the Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory, The period when the maximum daily snow depth (maximum snow depth in a day) was measured to be 1 cm or more is introduced.
In Hokkaido, Around the first week of November in the earliest region, around the first week of December in the latest region In addition, the daily maximum snow depth of 1 cm or more (*3) is measured.
Like the first snow, depending on the region Snow season varies, usually from the 4th week of March to the 4th week of April It is a feature that can be seen.
*3 What is snow cover? According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, it is defined as "snow and hail accumulated on the ground surface." Reference: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Meteorological Agency "Precipitation"
Average long-term snow cover in Hokkaido
| area | First day of long-term snow cover | Long-term snow all day long |
|---|---|---|
| Sapporo (Central Hokkaido) | December 6th | April 2 |
| Hakodate (Southern Hokkaido) | December 19th | March 10 |
| Nemuro (Eastern Hokkaido) | January 1 | March 21st |
| Wakkanai (north of Hokkaido) | December 3rd | March 29th |
in Hokkaido Long-term snow cover from around the 4th week of November in the earliest areas to around the 1st week of January in the latest areas (*4) can be seen.
The time of snowfall varies from region to region. The period of long-term snow cover is from the 4th week of February to the 4th week of April on average. reported to be.
*4 What is long-term snow cover? According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, it is defined as "snow cover that continues for 30 days or more." Reference: Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, Japan Meteorological Agency "We will change the statistical method of weather data"
Best time to enjoy snow activities in Hokkaido
Hokkaido The ski resort of Open from mid-November every year start to
after January Smooth powder snow is pouring down, and after April Crunchy corn snow in the form of ice grains (coarse snow) changes to If you are particular about snow, it would be a good idea to consider the quality of the snow when planning your trip.
In Hokkaido, where the period of long-term snow cover is long, After December is the peak season for snow activities is. If you want to enjoy activities that require snow cover, After December Please use this as a guide when planning your trip to Hokkaido.
Here, we will introduce popular plans and experience tours in Hokkaido that are in season from December onwards!
Winter Hokkaido popular activity ranking
|
Popular No. 1
|
Smelt fishing |
|---|---|
|
Second most popular
|
Snow shoes/Snow trekking |
|
3rd most popular
|
Snowmobile |
|
4th most popular
|
Horse riding/Horse trekking |
|
5th most popular
|
backcountry |
Smelt fishing / late December to late March
" Smelt fishing (Ice fishing for smelt) "teeth, An activity in which a hole is drilled into a frozen lake or marsh and a fishing line is dropped into the hole to catch smelt is.
Because it is held only in areas where the temperature is below freezing, In Hokkaido from late December to late March can enjoy to
You can set up a tent on the ice and enjoy fishing, and taste the smelt you caught. Popular tours where you can enjoy seasonal flavors while beating the cold is.
[Hokkaido/ Minamifurano] Frozen smelt fishing at Lake Kanayama! 1 day enjoyment plan
You can experience freezing smelt fishing in the middle of winter at Lake Kanayama, Minamifurano Town, in the middle of Hokkaido. We will guide you to a warm tent on the lake by riding a sled from in front of the Kanayama Lake Campsite. Experienced guides will teach you how to fish, so even beginners can fish with confidence.
- 5.0
- (8 reviews and testimonials)
About 50 minutes from the center of Sapporo city, you can experience smelt fishing in the ponds and lakes of the Ishikari River system. In the era of with corona, it is necessary to avoid fishing methods that are crowded in tents of about 1 tsubo with shared seating, and to follow the new Hokkaido guidelines and Go To Travel, while at the same time providing the pleasures of winter without worry. increase. So, on the ice with the customer
Snowshoes/Snow trekking/December to late March
" Snow shoes/Snow trekking "teeth, An activity to enjoy snow mountain trekking by attaching snow shoes called snow boots to snow boots is.
Wearing snowshoes makes it easier to walk on the soft, fluffy fresh snow, and allows you to walk smoothly even in deep snowy mountains.
Even people who are not good at skiing or snowboarding can easily try it, and you can observe the snowy white world and wild creatures. .
The time you can enjoy it changes depending on the snow conditions Therefore, it is a good idea to check before traveling.
[Hokkaido Shiretoko] Superb view! Kemonomichi snowshoeing
Deep in the Shiretoko forest, you'll get lost without a guided tour. Wear snowshoes and stroll through the primeval forest of Shiretoko. In the snow-covered and silent forest, there are traces of various wild animals and the rustling sounds of animals moving. Let's go explore the forest where wild animals live together! ☆ Flow of the day (Example → 13:
[Hokkaido/East Hokkaido] Exciting snowshoe experience tour in Okhotsk/Ozora town in winter
The snowfields of the Okhotsk area are a vast world of pure white that resembles Northern Europe. Lake Abashiri freezes over in the winter season, so you can walk on the snow that has fallen on top of the ice. In this area rich in nature, you can also see white-tailed eagles, Steller's sea eagles, red foxes, and Hokkaido squirrels with a high probability. Now, put on your snowshoes and enter the silvery world
*Subject to change depending on snow conditions
Snowmobile/December to late March
" Snowmobile "teeth, An activity to ride a small snow vehicle in a snowy area is. No license required on private land or roads with permission . You can drive by operating the steering wheel, accelerator, and brake.
If you are worried about driving, we recommend a plan for a car that can be enjoyed by two people! You can experience riding behind the driver, such as an instructor, partner, or friend.
Since the activity requires snow, check the snow conditions before scheduling your reservation.
[Snowmobile] Beginners OK! Forest course (150 minutes)
The snowmobile Rinkan course is a plan that even beginners can enjoy a full-fledged course. It is a plan to run through a world of silvery white, passing between trees on forest roads and snowfields that can only be reached by snowmobile.
[Hokkaido Furano] Snowmobile experience! ! ★10km course★
- 5.0
- (1 review and testimonial)
Is snowmobiling difficult? looks scary? That's not true! The guide will give a thorough lecture and then lead the way, so even those who are worried about driving or women can participate with peace of mind. Would you like to take on the challenge of traveling to a snowy world that no one knows about, such as forest roads, mountains, and snowfields that can only be reached by snowmobile?
[Hokkaido/Ishikari-gun] There is a free rental of cold weather equipment! Snowmobile experience
Held for a limited time! Instructors who are conducting snowmobile courses in various places will directly teach you! For beginners who are worried about the first time, please don't worry! A reliable instructor will guide you firmly, so you can enjoy it with peace of mind! Of course, advanced students are also welcome! ! ! We use full-fledged and latest vehicles. Also, infection
*Subject to change depending on snow conditions
Horseback riding/horse trekking/year-round
" Horse riding/Horse trekking ”, Baba, of course, Activities where you can enjoy horseback riding on mountain trails and forests is.
It is an activity that can be enjoyed all year round. In Hokkaido in winter, you can ride a horse on the snow. .
Riding on the horse's back raises your field of vision and changes the scenery you see. . Also, even if you are not used to walking on snow, you can enjoy horseback riding and the scenery at the same time as the horse moves lightly.
[Hokkaido Eniwa City] Dosanko horse trekking
- 4.7
- (16 reviews and testimonials)
Would you like to ride outside with the cute "Dosanko" in the nature of the four seasons? It is located right next to the Eniwa Interchange on the highway, between New Chitose Airport, the gateway to Hokkaido, and Sapporo, making access very convenient! If you feel like you have a little time before your flight, please contact us immediately. We will pick you up from JR Eniwa Station for free. Please feel free to make a reservation.
[Hokkaido Noboribetsu] Horse trekking outside course (90 minutes ~)
- 3.6
- (6 reviews and testimonials)
After the first 20 minutes of horse matching at Kakunobaba, you will be taken to an outside course of 32,000 tsubo. Even if you are a beginner, it is recommended for those who want to ride a lot and want to ride outside!
Backcountry / late December to early March
" backcountry "teeth, Activities to explore undeveloped snowy mountains and snowfields is.
There are ski tours and snowboard tours, Adventure in an undeveloped land with an instructor and guide I can do it.
In order to tour the untouched snowy mountains and snowfields, During the fresh snow season from January onwards, you can ski on soft powder snow. .
You can't taste it at a well-maintained ski resort or slope, world of silver should be enjoyed.
This is a fulfilling plan where you can experience powder skiing for a day at Kamui Ski Links, a ski resort in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido. Set in 5 FIS-certified courses and a vast tree run area, [enjoy nature! Make skiing more fun] is our motto! Beginners are welcome ☆ Experienced people can also feel free to participate in the backcountry tour. Please feel free to join us.
[Hokkaido Tokachi / Hidaka / Furano] For beginners! Backcountry workshop
This is a backcountry course for beginners. Start by studying terrain, how to slide, and avalanches! ! This is a workshop to acquire knowledge to reduce the risk of injuries and accidents that haunt winter mountains.
*Subject to change depending on snow conditions
What to wear when going to Hokkaido in the snow season
Clothing suitable for going to Hokkaido in the snow season , Good to have Here is a list of examples.
suitable clothing
- long sleeve shirt
- Full-length haori (cardigan, hoodie)
- Sufficiently long bottoms (pants, long skirts)
- leggings tights
- thick socks
- down jacket coat
- sneakers
- Snow boots/cold weather shoes
Hokkaido Because it starts to snow around November, Cold weather gear for cold temperatures is required.
However, in Hokkaido in winter, the room is heated is famous for
In order to regulate body temperature, inside the outer Coordinates that are easy to put on and take off Please be conscious of. For example, wearing a cardigan or hoodie over a long-sleeved shirt, Layering It is recommended that you protect yourself from the cold.
Also, if you are not used to walking on snow, Watch your step is.
It is safe to choose footwear with non-slip soles and be conscious of winter specifications such as thick socks to protect against the cold. Wear bottoms over leggings or tights And you can prevent your feet from getting cold.
Good to have
- disposable body warmer
- Scarf
- gloves
- knit hat
- earmuff
Together with the fashion that is conscious of cold protection, cold weather accessories It is safe to prepare The ears that are easy to get cold when exposed, If you wear a knit hat that covers your ears or your ears, you will feel much warmer. .
Also Disposable body warmers are available in both sticky and non-sticky types. We recommend that you keep it.
If you want to pinpoint warm your hands, ears, and neck that are numb during activities, A non-stick type warmer should come in handy.
Let's check when you can enjoy Hokkaido's snow!
As can be seen from the ranking, Snow activities in Hokkaido in winter is essential!
Fluffy powder snow or, A silvery white world covered in snow for, The charm of Hokkaido in winter there is.
Knowing the best time to see the snow and when you can enjoy snow activities, Hokkaido in winter Enjoy to your heart's content!
*Information such as plans, fees, and introduced facilities is current as of September 2022.
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