Right, let's be straight with you. It's late April. The lifts are stopped, the onsen towns are quiet, and the powder chasers have gone home. Japan's ski season is cooked for 2025-26. But that doesn't mean there's nothing worth talking about, because if you're already thinking about next season (and if you're reading this, you are), now is exactly the right time to be paying attention.
Hokkaido: The Last Holdout Is Asahidake
Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Furano - all closed. Done weeks ago, honestly. Tomamu wrapped up in early April. The one exception, as always, is Asahidake. Being a volcanic mountain with a high base elevation, Asahidake sometimes runs lifts into May depending on the snowpack. Check their official site before you get excited, but if you're in Hokkaido and desperate for one last run, it's your only shot right now.
For next season planning, Hokkaido is still the gold standard for light dry powder. Niseko United's snowfall average sits around 15 metres per season. Furano is quieter and the snow quality up on the Kitanomine side is bloody excellent. If you haven't done Kiroro yet, put it on the list. Less crowded than Niseko, serious tree skiing, and the village is small enough that you actually feel like you're in Japan rather than a ski resort that happens to be in Japan.
Tohoku: Gassan Is Still Going
This is the one to know. Gassan in Yamagata is Japan's longest-running ski area and it doesn't even open until April. Yep, it runs April through July on a massive snowpack that builds up through winter. It's a spring skiing setup, so don't expect powder, but for late-season laps on a glacier-style snowfield with views over the Dewa Sanzan mountains, it's genuinely worth the trip. Zao Onsen and Hakkoda are long closed by now, but Gassan is doing its thing.
Zao Onsen deserves a mention for next season planning too. The juhyo (snow monsters) season there is something else. If you haven't seen the tree ice formations up on the ropeway, add it to the list. Go in February for the best formations.
Nagano: All Quiet, But Big Upgrades Coming
Hakuba is shut. Nozawa Onsen is shut. Shiga Kogen is shut. The Hakuba Valley had a solid season overall, with Happo-One and Cortina both getting good snowfall through January and February. Cortina in particular had a ripper of a February this year.
The interesting news out of Nagano for next season is continued investment in Hakuba's lift infrastructure. Happo-One has been progressively upgrading gondola capacity and the Hakuba Valley Tourism Bureau has been pushing hard on international visitor numbers. Accommodation prices in Hakuba have crept up again, so if you're planning a trip, booking early and locking in your place in Echoland or Wadano before September is genuinely good advice. Don't wait until November and then complain the good chalets are gone.
Madarao Kogen is worth flagging for next season too. Smaller, friendlier, and the tree skiing off the back is some of the best in Nagano when the snow is deep. It's an easy drive from Nozawa Onsen if you want to combine both.
Niigata: Kagura Might Still Have a Lift Running
Kagura and the Mitsumata area are known for running late into spring, sometimes into May, because of their elevation and north-facing terrain. Worth checking their website if you're in the Yuzawa area. Naeba and Gala Yuzawa are done.
For next season, Niigata is the go-to if you're flying into Tokyo and want a Shinkansen ski trip. Gala Yuzawa is literally connected to the Shinkansen station. It's not the deepest or most challenging terrain, but for a weekend hit from Tokyo it's hard to beat. Naeba is bigger and gets solid snowfall. Joetsu Kokusai is a local favourite that doesn't get enough attention from international visitors.
Central Honshu and Kanto: Pack It Up
Dynaland, Takasu Snow Park, Ski Jam Katsuyama - all done. The Kanto resorts like Kawaba and Tambara in Gunma also wrapped up weeks ago. Nothing to see here until December at the earliest.
Western Honshu: Already a Distant Memory
Daisen in Tottori had a reasonable season but it's a short one by nature. It was closed by late March. If you've never done Daisen, it's worth a look as a side trip if you're doing the San'in coast. Not a destination resort, but a fun day out.
What to Actually Do Right Now
Here's the practical bit. A few things worth doing in the off-season if you're planning a Japan ski trip for 2026-27.
- The Hakuba Goryu and Hakuba 47 shared lift pass is good value. Watch for early bird deals in June and July.
- Niseko United's season pass typically goes on sale mid-year. If you're doing more than 10 days in Niseko, the maths starts to work in your favour.
- Sort your accommodation early. Seriously. Hakuba and Nozawa book out fast for peak January weeks.
- If you haven't looked at Furano as a base, do it. Less crowded than Niseko, great snow, and the town is actually Japanese rather than a tourist bubble.
The season is gone, but the planning starts now. That's half the fun anyway, right? See you on the cams come November.
