Right, it's the 15th of May. The lifts are stopped, the powder chasers have gone home, and most of Japan's ski areas are in full off-season mode. But that doesn't mean there's nothing to talk about. There's still snow up high, a few resorts worth watching, and one piece of news out of Tohoku that's worth flagging.
Let's run through the regions.
Hokkaido: Asahidake Still Delivering, Barely
Asahidake is the one place in Japan where you can still legitimately call it a ski season. The ropeway is running for sightseeing and the snowpack up top is holding on. It's spring skiing at best, crust in the morning, slop by noon, but if you're in Daisetsuzan and you've got skins or you're happy to hike, there's still some terrain worth exploring.
Kurodake is in a similar boat. Both spots sit above 1,600 metres and they tend to hold snow into June in a decent year. Worth watching if you're planning a late spring trip to Hokkaido for other reasons.
Everything else, Niseko, Rusutsu, Furano, Kiroro, Tomamu, all closed. Has been for weeks. Furano typically wraps up early May, and this year was no different.
The news worth noting for next season: Iwanai Resort has been quietly generating buzz about expanded terrain for 26/27. Nothing confirmed yet, but it's one to keep an eye on if you like the idea of a smaller, less crowded Hokkaido alternative.
Tohoku: Gassan is the Last One Standing, Plus an Earthquake Worth Knowing About
Gassan in Yamagata is the standout right now. It runs later than almost anywhere else in Japan, sometimes into late June, because it sits in a natural bowl that collects insane amounts of snow through the winter. Mid-May is peak Gassan season, honestly. The snowpack is still deep, the weather is warming up, and you get that surreal experience of skiing in a t-shirt above a valley that's already green.
If you haven't done a Gassan spring ski trip, add it to the list. Pair it with a night in Nishikawa or head up to Zao Onsen for the rotemburo and you've got a ripper little side trip.
One thing to flag: there was a strong earthquake off the coast of Miyagi Prefecture last night, 8:22pm local time. The quake hit the Tohoku region and triggered emergency warnings. No confirmed damage to ski infrastructure at this stage, but resorts like Zao Sumikawa and Appi Kogen are in that general region. Worth checking official channels if you've got a trip coming up. She'll be right most likely, Japanese construction standards are no joke, but it's worth knowing.
Nagano: All Closed, But the Planning Season is Open
Hakuba, Nozawa, Shiga Kogen, Madarao, all done. The last Hakuba resorts to close were Cortina and Tsugaike, both of which hung on into early May thanks to their north-facing terrain and elevation.
For next season, the big question in Hakuba is whether the Hakuba Valley lift pass keeps its pricing structure or pushes into Niseko territory. The valley pass has been genuinely good value compared to what Niseko charges, and a lot of Aussies are making Hakuba their first choice because of it. If you haven't locked in accommodation for Jan-Feb 2027 in Hakuba yet, honestly start looking. The good places in Echoland and Wadano go fast.
Nozawa Onsen is worth a mention for anyone who hasn't been. The town is incredible, the onsen are free and actually hot, and the skiing on Yamabiko and Uenotaira is underrated. It's not as steep or as deep as Hakuba, but the whole experience is more Japanese, if that makes sense.
Niigata: Kagura Closed, Gala Long Gone
Kagura and Mitsumata were the last Niigata resorts standing, and they've since wrapped up. Kagura's upper mountain holds snow well into spring but the lower runs were done. Gala Yuzawa, which is basically a bullet train ski day trip from Tokyo, closed back in late March as usual.
For next season, Naeba and Kagura are worth booking early if you want the Naeba Schuss run or the Kagura backcountry access. Both get busy with domestic skiers on weekends and the accommodation books out.
Lotte Arai Resort is still flying under a lot of Aussie radars. It's expensive, it's small, but the snow quality is genuinely excellent and the hotel is a step above most options in the region. If you want a splurge weekend in Niigata, that's your pick.
Central Honshu and Kanto: Nothing to See Here
Dynaland, Takasu, Ski Jam Katsuyama, all closed weeks ago. Same story for the Gunma and Tochigi resorts. These lower-altitude areas are the first to go and they won't be back until December at the earliest.
Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma is worth a mention purely for the town itself. Even in May, the onsen are running hot and the yubatake is doing its thing. Not a ski trip, but a solid weekend away if you're based in Tokyo.
The Bottom Line for Right Now
If you're in Japan and you want snow under your feet, Gassan is your only real option and it's actually a good one. Asahidake is there if you're already in Hokkaido.
For everyone else, now is the time to sort your 26/27 season. Book Hakuba accommodation before August. Look at the Hakuba Valley pass pricing when it drops. And if you haven't considered Nozawa or Madarao as an alternative to the Hakuba circus, have a proper look.
More updates as resort announcements come through. Season can't come fast enough.
