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.
【南富良野】氷上Smelt fishing・半日コース ＜富良野市内から送迎付き＞ ワカサギ天ぷらの試食あり！日本人ガイドがサポート！日本語対応のみ！
- 5.0
- (4 reviews and experiences)
バスやＪＲで移動されている方向けの無料送迎付きプラン！全面凍結したかなやま湖でwinterならではのSmelt fishingに挑戦.テントや釣り道具はこちらで全てご用意.意外と大変な穴あけやエサ付けはガイドが事前に準備しておくので到着後すぐ釣りが楽しめます！送迎エリアは"富良野駅周辺・富良野スキー場周辺のホテル・商業施設
【Hokkaido・Sapporo近郊】1組1テント催行確約・密を避けて楽しむSmelt fishing+more 1日体験2025~26
- 5.0
- (17 reviews and experiences)
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
【Hokkaido・Sapporo近郊】茨戸川で氷上わかさぎ釣り体験！わかさぎの天ぷら付き♪～Sapporo駅からの送迎付き～
- 4.5
- (57 reviews and experiences)
Sapporo中心部から車で約30分～40分,大人気スポット【茨戸川】で今注目の,氷上わかさぎ釣り体験！Sapporo駅からの送迎付き,道具は全部貸出付きなので気軽にご参加いただけます.屋外での活動なので暖かい服装でお越しください.えさを付けられない,魚を触れない,釣るコツがわからない,など困ったことはすべてガイドが全
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・Sapporoスノーシュートレッキング】送迎あり・snowの妖精シマエナガやエゾリスが潜む粉snowの森 or 日本三大夜景"煌めく宝石箱」を臨むsnowの丘
- 4.9
- (50 reviews and experiences)
====================================■ You can choose your favorite plan, day or night! ■ We offer free rental of "snowshoe sets" for walking comfortably on the fluffy snow! ■ (Day) Held in a forest where small animals such as Japanese long-tailed tits and Hokkaido squirrels live! ■ (Night) Held on a snowy hill with a panoramic view of one of Japan's three great night views! ■
[Departing from Asahikawa] Snowshoe hiking around Mt. Asahi with a professional guide<初心者OK・レクチャー付>
- 4.9
- (5 reviews and experiences)
Departing and arriving at Asahikawa Station! This is a snowshoe hiking tour that starts at Sugatami Station on the Daisetsuzan Ropeway and explores the Asahidake area. A professional guide will give a lecture on the key points of winter mountain hiking. This tour is recommended for those who want to try snowshoes for the first time. After arriving at Sugatami Station by ropeway, you will put on snowshoes and walk through the vast, pure white snow fields.
【Hokkaido・Sapporoスノーシュー】エゾフクロウハント！まるでsnowだるま！深snowの森でエゾフクロウに会いに行こう☆8歳からOK
- 4.5
- (3 reviews/stories)
〜snow化粧の大自然にあなたの足跡を〜野幌（のっぽろ）森林公園の大自然の中を,スノーシューを装着して大冒険できるプランis.野幌森林公園内の大自然で,小動物や野鳥達と触れ合いましょう！★フカフカのsnowに残されたの足跡や静かな森の中で鳥の声などを頼りに小動物や野鳥を観察しながら,まるでハンターの気分になれる
*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 welcome! Full-scale experience tour (60 minutes)
This plan allows even beginners to enjoy a full-fledged snowmobiling experience. It involves speeding through the silvery white world, weaving between the trees on forest roads and snowy fields that can only be reached by snowmobile.
[Hokkaido Furano] Snowmobile experience! ! ★10km course★
- 4.9
- (6 reviews and testimonials)
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・Sapporo】Snowmobileツアー60分 優雅にworld of silverを楽しもう！＜無料送迎可＞
- 4.9
- (6 reviews and testimonials)
Snowmobileに乗り,大自然に足を踏み入れた瞬間から始まる幻想的な世界."大人の贅沢なsnow遊び」をコンセプトに,Nationwideでも有数のSnowmobile専用コースを展開しております.総距離90km！！ 野生動物との遭遇,木々の息使い… 日本海が一望できる山岳コースをお楽しみください.都会の喧騒を離れ,Hokkaido in winterの
*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
- (24 reviews and experiences)
Would you like to go for a ride with your cute "Dosanko" in the nature of the four seasons? We are located between Hokkaido's gateway, New Chitose Airport, and Sapporo, right next to the Eniwa Interchange on the expressway, so access is very convenient! If you think, "I have a little time before my flight," please contact us right away.
【Hokkaido・登別】ホーストレッキングwinter季外乗コース（70～90分）
- 4.1
- (16 reviews and testimonials)
最初の20分ほど角馬場で馬合わせを行いますが,その後なんと32,000坪もの外乗コースへ.初めての方でも"たっぷり乗りたい」"外乗したい！」という方にお勧めです！※10歳以上又は130㎝以上の方がご参加I can do it.
【Hokkaido・恵庭】乗馬でHokkaidoの自然を満喫しよう！ホーストレッキング体験【2時間】
- 4.8
- (41 reviews and experiences)
ホーストレッキングプランでは初心者から上級者まで対応いたします.初心者の方にもレッスンから始め,技量にあったコースを選定します.Hokkaidoの四季の美しさと馬の優しさに,思いっきり癒されてみてはいかがですか？受け入れ可能人数は3名様までis.新千歳空港から約30分の場所にございますので,お気軽にお越しいた
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.
- 4.8
- (2 reviews/experiences)
The Furano-Biei area, where the majestic Tokachi Mountain Range is located, has many 2,000m-class mountains. Among them, we will guide you to the best area of Sandanyama, which is relatively easy to access, taking into consideration the weather and snow quality of the day. ~Schedule for the day~ 8:00 Depart from Hakuginso or Ryounkaku After a briefing and equipment check, you will depart. 10:30 Arrive at the summit
[Hokkaido, Asahikawa] Backcountry guide around Mt. Asahi with a professional guide<初心者OK>
- 5.0
- (1 review and testimonial)
Departing and arriving at Asahikawa Station! This is a backcountry guided tour using the Daisetsuzan Ropeway to ski around Asahidake. In winter, the harsh environment of temperatures below minus 20 degrees brings with it the best dry powder snow. You can take the ropeway from Asahidake Onsen at the foot of the mountain to an altitude of 1,600m, so you can enjoy the finest powder snow as many times as you like. If the weather is good,
【Hokkaido・ニセコ】初心者の方も大歓迎！backcountryツアー！１DAYツアー
ニセコの最高のパウダーを,満喫しましょう！ガイド歴20年以上の,経験豊富なガイドが,ニセコの美しいsnow山を,安全に,楽しくガイド致します！手ごろな山から,羊蹄山まで,お客様に合わせたツアーを実施しています.ガイドはスプリットボードで,シールハイクも出来ますので,スキーヤーの方もご参加頂いています.※
*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!
※本記事の内容は2025年10月現在の情報is.
