Right, let's be straight with you. It's May 10. The lifts are down, the onsens are full of hikers, and your ski gear is probably still in a pile somewhere waiting to be dried and stored. Japan's ski season is done and dusted for 2025-26, with just a tiny few exceptions clinging on.
But this is actually the best time to start thinking smart about next season. Passes go on sale, resorts announce upgrades, and if you're planning a trip for January or February 2027, the decisions you make in the next couple of months will save you real money. So let's do a region-by-region sweep of what's worth knowing right now.
Hokkaido: Asahidake Still Has Snow, But It's Hiking Territory Now
Niseko, Rusutsu, Kiroro, Furano - all closed. Have been since mid-April at the latest. Tomamu wrapped up around the same time. That's just the reality of Hokkaido in May.
The one exception worth mentioning is Asahidake, which sits at around 2,290 metres on the flanks of Daisetsuzan. The ropeway runs through to late May for hiking and backcountry access, and there's still decent snow up top. But it's not a resort operation at this point - it's a mountain. If you're a splitboarder or a ski tourer still chasing turns, Asahidake is worth a look. Everyone else, pack it up.
For next season planning: Niseko's early-bird Advantage Pass deals typically drop around now. If you're going in January or February 2027, locking that in early is a no-brainer. Niseko United pricing only goes one direction as the season gets closer.
Tohoku: Gassan Is the Last Resort Standing in Japan
This is the one. Gassan in Yamagata Prefecture is genuinely still operating and will run through to late May, possibly into early June depending on how the snowpack holds. It's a high-altitude spring skiing spot with a legendary base depth that just refuses to quit. Think 3 to 4 metres of consolidated snowpack up top even now.
It's not groomed corduroy. It's spring corn, sun-softened in the afternoon, firm in the morning. If you're in Japan right now and you want to ski, Gassan is your only real option. Get up there early, ski the morning session, and be done before it goes slushy.
Zao Onsen and Appi Kogen are both closed. Hakkoda's backcountry scene wraps up around this time too. But honestly, Gassan carrying the flag for the whole country is pretty fitting - it's one of the most underrated resorts in Japan and deserves the attention.
Nagano: Hakuba and Nozawa Are Quiet, But Not Sleeping
Every resort in Nagano is closed for the season. Happo-One, Goryu, Cortina, Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen - all done. The villages are transitioning to green season tourism now.
What's worth watching though: Hakuba Valley has been making noise about infrastructure upgrades ahead of the 2030 Winter Olympics. Several of the Hakuba resorts are expected to announce lift upgrades and snowmaking improvements over the coming months as they prepare for the global spotlight. Keep an eye on Happo-One and Hakuba 47 in particular.
Nozawa Onsen is also worth a mention for next season planning. It's consistently one of the best value villages in Japan - cheaper than Hakuba, great snow, brilliant onsen culture. If you haven't been, add it to the list for next winter.
Niigata: Kagura Held On Longest, Now It's Done Too
Kagura and Mitsumata were the last Niigata resorts to close, which is pretty typical. The Kagura area sits higher than most of the Yuzawa cluster and usually squeezes out a few extra weeks. But by early May it's done.
Naeba, Gala Yuzawa, Joetsu Kokusai - all closed. Gala Yuzawa is always worth mentioning because of the direct Shinkansen access, which makes it an easy day trip from Tokyo in season. If you've never done it, it's a fun novelty even if the skiing itself is pretty limited.
Lotte Arai Resort is one to watch for next season. It's been positioning itself as a premium option in the Myoko area with some serious investment in recent years. Worth checking what they announce over the northern hemisphere summer.
Central Honshu and Kanto: Wrapped Up, Nothing to Report
Dynaland, Takasu Snow Park, Ski Jam Katsuyama - all closed. Same goes for the Gunma and Tochigi resorts like Tambara and Kawaba. These are mid-altitude spots and they don't have the snowpack to push into May.
Nothing dramatic to report here. They had a reasonable season and they're done. Check back in December.
Western Honshu and Shikoku: Already Feels Like a Different Planet
Daisen in Tottori closed weeks ago. Biwako Valley in Shiga is done. These resorts run on marginal snowpack at the best of times and May is well outside their window.
If you're planning to ski Daisen for the first time next season, January is your safest bet. It's a fun mountain and the Tottori coast is genuinely beautiful, but the snow reliability outside of peak winter is not great.
The Honest Takeaway for Right Now
If you want to ski in Japan today, get yourself to Gassan in Yamagata. That's it. That's the list.
If you're in planning mode for next season, the next six weeks are when smart travellers lock in passes and accommodation. Niseko early-bird passes, Hakuba Valley season passes, Nozawa Onsen packages - they're all worth looking at now before prices shift. The yen situation is worth watching too, since exchange rates can swing the cost of a Japan trip considerably.
I'll be back with pre-season forecasts and resort news as things develop over the northern hemisphere summer. Stay patient. The Japow will come.
