Hokkaido First Snow: Asahidake Gets Oct 2 Snow Cap, per JMA

This season, first snowfall on the peaks is no longer confirmed by weather station staff looking at the mountains. Instead, it is confirmed through the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) page on snow cover at summits. In the JMA's "first snow records" page, the table as of 7 pm on October 13, 2026 showed that, of the seven Hokkaido mountains listed, only Asahidake has a first-snow date (October 2, 2026).

Seven Hokkaido mountains in the JMA table (as of 7 pm, October 13)

Asahidake: first snow on October 2, 2026. Latest snow cover status: "no snow cover"
Rishiri-san, Shari-dake, Teine-yama, Meakan-dake, Washibetsu-dake and Yokotsu-dake: no first-snow date recorded yet (shown as "--"). Latest snow cover status: "no snow cover"

The first-snow column records the day snow first settled near the summit this season. The latest snow cover status on the right shows the current condition, so even a mountain with a first-snow date, like Asahidake, can show "no snow cover" right now. The page is said to update at about 25 minutes past each hour.

Colder air on the 15th, with possible snow on high peaks

Japan Weather Association's tenki.jp published an article on the evening of October 14 saying snow is likely on high mountains in Hokkaido. Its headline says temperatures will drop sharply on the 15th. For details on where and how much, check the article and the latest information from your nearest local meteorological office. Snow on the mountains is a separate matter from ski areas opening for the season.

Checking the snow with your own eyes

Along with the numbers in the table, looking at the color of the terrain near the summit on a live cam can give a clearer picture.

Asahidake: Daisetsuzan Asahidake live cam
Near Sapporo: Sapporo Teine live cam (the JMA table lists Teine-yama)

The advantage of the JMA table is that it shows whether snow is present regardless of cloud or darkness. Camera images are better for seeing the amount of snow and how it looks. Using both together is recommended.

About ski area openings

Even if snow is visible on the mountains, you need to wait for each operator's official announcement before a ski area opens. Opening information for ski areas including Niseko is compiled in our opening date list, which we update every morning from the official websites.

Sources

Prepared with AI assistance from public sources. Always check each resort's official website for the latest information.