Hakuba Happo One, Japan: 5th February 2025.
Japan continues to top the world's snow depth tables after more huge snowfalls over the past week, with reports of up to 1 metre (40") of snowfall in 24 hours. Niigata continues to post the country's deepest snowpacks—which are about double the most that's lying anywhere else in the world. At Arai Ski Area, near the ski town of Myoko, there is a base depth of 610cm (over 20 feet), with Charmant Hiuchi Ski Area near Itoigawa City coming in second with a 560cm base. Ski areas in Nagano, host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, are also experiencing substantial snow depths, with the renowned resort of Happo-One in the Hakuba Valley boasting 5.5 meters.
The 6m/20 feet Polkus base is believed to be the deepest recorded base worldwide in several years. Japan's ski areas have been experiencing remarkable snowfalls over the past few months.
While much coverage has been given to the northern island of Hokkaido, known for ski areas like Niseko (145/250cm / 58/140"), which currently has every run open, the deepest snow depths are actually being observed in Niigata Prefecture, north of Tokyo on the Japanese mainland.
This region is benefiting from a weather phenomenon known as the Siberian Express, where dry air blowing east across central and eastern Asia hits the Sea of Japan, then rises and releases abundant snowfall upon encountering Japan's mountainous coastline.
Comment: Earlier report from February 4: Record-breaking snowfall hits Hokkaido as cold front sweeps Japan - 120 cms (nearly 4 FEET) of snow in just 12 hours with more heavy falls forecast