Hokkaido
The big guns are mostly done. Niseko United wrapped up its groomed runs at Hirafu and Hanazono earlier in the month, and Rusutsu followed suit. But Asahidake is still going, because Asahidake is basically always still going. As a ropeway-accessed volcanic snowfield sitting above 1,600m, it runs deep into spring and sometimes beyond. If you've got a flexible schedule and you're already in Japan, it's worth the trip up to Daisetsuzan. Snow up top is still solid, wind and visibility permitting.
Kurodake in Sounkyo is in a similar position, still open for ropeway riders chasing late-season turns above the clouds. Worth noting: a strong quake hit northern Nagano this week but there were no tsunami warnings and Hokkaido was unaffected. Check conditions before you head up to any volcanic terrain as a general rule.
For those already planning next season, Furano has confirmed it's targeting a late November opening for 2026-27, consistent with recent years. No major infrastructure news out of Kiroro or Tomamu yet, but Tomamu's bubble ropeway has been solid and we'd expect both resorts back in full swing by December.
Tohoku
Zao Onsen in Yamagata is the headline act up here at this time of year. The juhyo, the famous snow monsters, are long gone, but the upper mountain still has decent late-season depth and Zao typically keeps some lifts running into late April or even May depending on snowfall. If you haven't been to Zao, put it on the list for next season. It's one of those resorts that's genuinely unlike anywhere else.
Gassan is the real deal for late-season Tohoku though. It doesn't even open until April, so right now it's basically mid-season there. Gassan sits high on the Dewa highlands and usually runs through July. Seriously, July. It's a hike-accessed situation with a rope tow, not exactly groomed corduroy, but the snow volume up there is absurd and the scenery is something else. If you're heading to Japan in May or June and want to ski, Gassan is your answer.
Appi Kogen is closed for the season. Same with Hakkoda and Aomori Spring.
Nagano
It's pretty much a wrap in Nagano. Hakuba's resorts have shut down across the board. Happo-One, Goryu, Cortina, all done. Tsugaike and Norikura were among the last to close out. Cortina had a brilliant season this year with some solid March snowfall keeping the powder going longer than expected.
Nozawa Onsen closed in late March, Shiga Kogen's interconnected network wound down a few weeks back. It's shoulder season in Nagano now, which means the ryokan and onsen towns are actually a lovely time to visit without the crowds, but you're not strapping the planks on.
Worth flagging for next season: there's been ongoing noise about Hakuba's lift infrastructure getting another upgrade at Happo-One. Nothing officially confirmed as of today but the rumours have been persistent. Keep an eye on that heading into October when the pre-season announcements usually drop.
Niigata
Kagura and Mitsumata are the standouts here. Kagura in particular runs late into spring thanks to its elevation and north-facing aspect above Tashiro. It's still spinning lifts as of this weekend and the grooming is solid on the main course. Not powder by any stretch, but good firm spring snow with some slush by afternoon. Classic spring skiing, grab an early first chair and you're done by noon.
Gala Yuzawa, which is famously convenient thanks to the Shinkansen pulling right into the base, has closed for the season. Naeba is done. Joetsu Kokusai is done. Most of the Yuzawa cluster has packed up. Lotte Arai Resort had a strong season and is now closed, though they've been investing heavily in facilities and next season should be even better.
For those on a budget planning next season, the JR Ski package deals for Niigata resorts usually land around October-November. Gala in particular has some handy combo deals bundling the Shinkansen fare.
Central Honshu
Takasu Snow Park and Dynaland in Gifu have closed. So has Ski Jam Katsuyama in Fukui. These resorts are lower altitude and warmer, so late April is well past their use-by date. Tateyama in Toyama is the interesting one to watch, as it's spring-only access and the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opens in mid-April. Snow walls are massive this year, reportedly over 12 metres in places along the corridor. Not lift-served skiing, but the spectacle alone is worth the trip if you're in the region.
Kanto
Everything in the Gunma and Tochigi ski areas is shut for the season. Kusatsu Onsen resort is done, Kawaba is done, Tambara is done. The Kanto ski season always wraps early. These resorts live and die by December to March snowfall and they don't have the altitude to hang on into spring.
Norn Minakami sometimes squeezes into late April but don't count on it this year. The Gunma hills are green now.
Looking Ahead
We're fully in off-season mode across most of Japan. Use this time to lock in your accommodation for next season, especially in Hakuba and Niseko. Both book out fast and earlier every year. The yen has been pretty favourable for Australians recently, and with Japan sealing a major defense deal with Australia this week there's a lot of goodwill flowing both ways, not that it affects your lift pass price, but hey, the timing's good. Start watching for early-bird Ikon and Epic Pass deals, both include Japanese resorts, and those prices are best locked in before June. We'll keep the updates coming all off-season. See you on the hill in December.