Snow in December in Japan

[Myas03]

I'm just wondering if there is any information out there about the reliability of snow in Japan in December. Ideally enough to be able to ski. Would people say December is fine or early January?
Thanks

 

[offshore171]

Normally it's solid any time after xmas. Most years they get 3-5 metres of snow in December alone.

This season was the worst in 40 years, and December had very poor conditions on the main island.

Check out the table at the bottom of this page:

SnowJapan | The independent guide to skiing, snowboarding and ski resorts in Japan

www.snowjapan.com

This December 59cm of snowfall. Last few Decembers almost 5metres.

If you must go in December, try Furano, up north. If you push it out to January, all major resorts are reliable, I'd suggest Myoko. If you're taking kids, note that Myoko has the best ski school in the world.

 

[Matt_01]

I have only been in Jan-Feb period and up north on Hokkaido, always good snow, I have been to Niseko but not been Furano. Is this a social/ recreational visit or instructor/ visitor work? if the later that may influence you plans, i.e being long term accomodation costs v's the number of classes you can take on. These days I am only a recreational skier. Sorry I cannot be of more help.

 

[Ktan89]

Interested in this too. Has anyone been to Rusutsu?
Thinking of staying near Lake Toya and doing trips to Rusutsu and Niseko.