Right, let's be straight with you. It's the last day of April 2026 and Japan's ski season is basically cooked. The bulk of resorts closed weeks ago. But if you're already thinking about next winter (and if you're reading this, you are), now's actually a smart time to pay attention. Passes go on sale, resorts announce upgrades, and the early intel shapes your whole trip.
Here's where things stand across the country.
Hokkaido: A Few Diehards Hanging On
Asahidake and Kurodake are the last ones standing on Hokkaido, and honestly, good on them. Asahidake sits at 1,600m-plus and routinely skis into May. If you're still in Japan right now and want one last powder fix, it's your only real shot. The snowpack up there has been decent this season, nothing record-breaking, but solid. Kurodake near Sounkyo is similar, patchy coverage on the lower runs but the top is still holding.
Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Furano and the rest? Done. Locked up. The Niseko United season wrapped in mid-April. Tomamu closed even earlier. Worth noting that Niseko has been hinting at further infrastructure investment for the 2026/27 season, particularly around the Hanazono side. Nothing confirmed yet but keep an eye on their announcements over the next few months.
One thing to watch: the yen is sitting at its weakest since July 2024 right now. That's actually good news for Aussies planning a Hokkaido trip next season. Your dollar goes further. Just don't book flights too far out because things can shift fast.
Tohoku: Gassan Is Your Best Bet Right Now
Gassan in Yamagata is the one Tohoku resort that laughs at the calendar. It runs a spring season from late April through to late May or even June some years, and it's genuinely worth the detour if you're in the country. The snowpack there is ridiculous, it sits in a natural bowl that collects and holds snow like nothing else in Japan. Corn snow, sunny laps, cold beers at the base. Not glamorous, but fun.
Zao Onsen closed out its season in mid-April. The juhyo (snow monsters) are long gone for 2026. Appi Kogen wrapped up a few weeks back too. If you missed Tohoku this season, pencil in Zao for January or February next year. The juhyo season is roughly late January to mid-March and it's one of the most unique things you'll see on skis anywhere in the world.
Nagano: Hakuba Packing Up, Cortina Already Dreaming of November
Hakuba's big resorts have closed for the season. Happo-One, Goryu, Hakuba 47, all done. Cortina held on a bit longer than most as it usually does, but it's finished now too. Tsugaike and Iwatake wrapped in early April.
Nozawa Onsen had a reasonable finish to the season. Nothing to write home about in terms of late-season snow, but the village was busy through March. Shiga Kogen's linked network ran into April on the upper sections.
For 2026/27, the big question around Hakuba is always lift pricing. It's crept up steadily and the gap between Hakuba and, say, Myoko is now noticeable. If budget matters to you, Cortina and Tsugaike still offer better value than Happo-One for a week-long stay. I'd rather base myself in Hakuba village and pick my resorts day by day than lock into a single-resort pass.
Niigata: Kagura Doing Its Thing
Kagura and Mitsumata are the last resorts in Niigata still running, which is totally normal. Kagura's upper mountain holds snow well into May most years thanks to its elevation and north-facing aspects. If you're in Tokyo and want a day trip to close out the season, the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa and then a bus up to Kagura is still a legit option this week.
Gala Yuzawa, Naeba, Ishiuchi Maruyama, all closed. The Yuzawa area goes quiet fast once Golden Week ends. Speaking of which, Golden Week is in full swing right now and JAL and ANA are reporting strong bookings. If you're travelling domestically in Japan this week, expect crowds and higher prices everywhere. Kagura on a Golden Week weekend is going to be busy.
For next season, Lotte Arai Resort is worth serious attention. It's been flying under the radar for a few years but the snowfall totals up there near Myoko rival anywhere in Japan. Less crowded than Niseko. Proper terrain. Worth a look if you want to step off the beaten track.
Central Honshu and Kanto: Wrap It Up
Dynaland and Takasu Snow Park in Gifu are done. Ski Jam Katsuyama in Fukui, closed. The Kanto resorts like Kawaba and Tambara in Gunma wrapped up weeks ago. Nothing to see here until November at the earliest.
Western Honshu: Daisen Signs Off
Daisen in Tottori had a decent enough season for a western Honshu resort. It's closed now. If you've never skied Daisen, it's a fun one-off for a road trip but don't build a whole Japan ski trip around it.
What to Actually Do Right Now
If you're planning a 2026/27 Japan ski trip, here's the practical bit. The Ikon Pass and various Japan-specific passes tend to announce early-bird pricing around May to July. Set a reminder. The yen being weak right now means your accommodation and food costs will be lower when you're actually in Japan, but it doesn't help with pass prices set in USD. Book your Niseko or Hakuba accommodation early if you're going peak season, January and February fill up fast and prices have been climbing every year.
Stay tuned here through the off-season. We'll cover resort upgrades, pass deals, and early season forecasts as they come through. The countdown to November already started.
