Japan’s Meteorological Agency issued an elevated avalanche warning on June 16 for all Hokkaido mountain resorts effective December 1, 2026. The advisory follows climate models predicting 20 percent more snowfall than average. Niseko United and Rusutsu will operate extra snow patrols and restrict off-piste access after 15:00 daily.
Authorities require all visitors to carry avalanche beacons and complete free safety briefings at resort bases. Insurance providers have updated policies to cover rescue costs only when equipment is used. The warning also applies to backcountry areas near Furano and Tomamu.
Previous winters saw three fatalities in the region, prompting the stricter rules. The Japan Ski Association will deploy drone monitoring across 12 key slopes. Local governments allocated 480 million yen for new protective fencing.
Helicopter rescue teams will remain on standby at two additional bases this season. Real-time alerts will push to the official Visit Hokkaido app in English and Japanese.
What this means for you
Rent avalanche kits at resort shops before heading to marked trails and attend the mandatory 30-minute briefing. Download offline maps and share your itinerary with hotel staff each morning.
Stick to groomed runs if you lack beacon training and avoid slopes after heavy overnight snow. Check daily bulletins posted at lift stations before purchasing multi-day passes.
These measures should reduce incidents while preserving access to world-class powder for prepared visitors throughout the 2026–2027 season.