Right, it's 25 April 2026. The sakura are out, the onsen towns are full of hikers, and most ski areas packed it in weeks ago. But if you're still chasing turns, there are options. Fewer than you'd like, but they're there.
Hokkaido: Asahidake and Kurodake Are the Last Ones Standing
This is where you want to be right now if you're serious about late-season Japow. Asahidake, sitting up at around 1,600m on the flanks of Daisetsuzan, typically runs into May and conditions up top can still be genuinely good in late April. Think consolidated spring snow in the mornings, soft and slushy by early afternoon. Classic volcano skiing, no lifts above the ropeway, but the terrain is wild and the views are ridiculous.
Kurodake in Sounkyo is in a similar boat. Ropeway access, some decent ridgeline options for those who know what they're doing. Neither of these are groomed cruiser resorts. They're for people who are comfortable in ungroomed, sometimes icy spring conditions.
Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Furano, Tomamu? All closed. The big guns are done for 2025-26. Start dreaming about December.
Tohoku: Gassan Is the One to Watch
Gassan in Yamagata is the standout late-season pick for Tohoku. It doesn't even open until April most years, then runs through July. Yes, July. The snowpack up there is genuinely obscene. It's not a big resort by any stretch, basically a couple of surface lifts and a lot of open terrain, but the snow depth at this time of year can still be measured in metres.
Hakkoda near Aomori is worth a call if you're in the area. The tree skiing there in spring can be surprisingly good, though the resort side is limited. Zao Onsen in Yamagata is almost certainly done by now, but the town itself is worth a visit for the onsens if you're passing through.
Nagano: Cortina and Tsugaike Were the Last to Close in Hakuba
Hakuba is done. Every resort in the valley has called it. Cortina and Tsugaike usually hang on the longest up there, and they've both shut up shop for the 2025-26 season. If you missed it, you missed it. Start planning for next year.
Shiga Kogen and Nozawa Onsen are also closed. Madarao too.
What you should be doing right now for Nagano is sorting your accommodation for next season. The better places in Hakuba and Nozawa book out fast, especially for the Jan-Feb peak window. Don't be the person scrambling in October.
Niigata: Kagura Is Probably Your Best Bet in the Region
Kagura on the Mitsumata side tends to run the longest of the Niigata resorts thanks to its elevation and north-facing aspects. It's worth checking their official site because they sometimes extend into early May if the snowpack cooperates. The rest of the Yuzawa area, Gala, Naeba, Joetsu Kokusai, all done.
If Kagura is still running, the Mitsumata gondola side is your friend. The top section holds snow well and there's usually some decent spring skiing to be had on the groomed runs before the sun hits them.
Central Honshu and the Rest: Don't Bother
Dynaland, Takasu, Ski Jam Katsuyama, all closed. Same for the Kanto resorts like Kawaba and Tambara. The lower elevation stuff in Gunma and Tochigi was done by mid-April at the latest. Western Honshu and Shikoku? Forget it, those areas shut down in March.
Tateyama in Toyama is the one exception worth mentioning. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens in mid-April each year and the snow walls along the road are absolutely mental, sometimes 10 to 15 metres high. You're not skiing it (well, not officially), but if you're in Japan and you haven't done the snow corridor walk, add it to the list. It's one of those things that makes you remember why Japan is just different.
What to Do Right Now If You're Planning Next Season
Honestly, late April is the perfect time to lock in your plans for 2026-27. Here's what I'd be doing:
- Book accommodation in Hakuba, Nozawa, or Niseko for January or February. The good places go early.
- Look at the Ikon Pass and Epic Pass announcements. Both usually drop their Japan partner details around May-June.
- If you're considering a powder guide or cat skiing at somewhere like Shimamaki, reach out now. Those spots fill up fast.
- Check if Niseko United or Rusutsu have any early bird season pass deals live yet.
Also worth noting: Goldwin just opened a flagship store in New York, which is a good reminder that Japanese ski gear is getting serious global attention. If you've been sleeping on Goldwin or Phenix gear, next season is a good time to look at picking some up in Japan where it's cheaper than buying overseas.
That's the wrap for 25 April. The season's basically cooked, but Asahidake, Kurodake, and Gassan are still the go if you're desperate for one last run. Otherwise, start the countdown to December. She'll be here before you know it.
