Right, let's be honest with each other – it's mid-April, the cherry blossoms are going off across Japan, and most of your mates have already packed their ski bags away. But if you're the type who squeezes every last run out of the season (and if you're reading Piquno, you absolutely are), there are still some legit options on the table. Here's the Sunday rundown.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido is doing what Hokkaido does in April – hanging on better than anywhere else. Asahidake, sitting at 1,600m on the flanks of Daisetsuzan volcano, is the standout. As Japan's highest base area, it's still reporting a solid 180cm upper snowpack and the ropeway is running daily. Spring skiing up here has a magic all of its own – think bluebird skies, slushy morning groomers that firm up nicely after a cold night, and basically nobody else around. A ripper option if you want a quiet final hurrah. Kurodake over in Sounkyo is in a similar boat – the gondola is running and the upper mountain is holding decent snow. Worth the drive if you're already in central Hokkaido.
Down in the Niseko area, the big guns have largely wrapped up. Grand Hirafu called it a couple of weeks back and Hanazono followed shortly after. Annupuri was the last of the Niseko United quartet standing but has since closed for the season. If you missed it, start planning for next December – early bookings for Niseko accommodation are already filling up faster than a fresh pow day.
One to watch for the die-hards: Furano is still open on a limited basis with a couple of lifts running on the upper mountain. Snow depth is around 90cm at the top. It's not peak-season Furano, but if you're in the area it beats sitting in a cafe staring out the window.
Tohoku
Tohoku is punching above its weight right now. Zao Onsen up in Yamagata is the headline act – the resort typically runs well into late April and this year is no different. Upper mountain depths are sitting around 230cm (yes, you read that right), and the famous juhyo snow monsters have long since melted out but the skiing is genuinely excellent for the time of year. The hot spring town at the base makes après a no-brainer. Highly recommend.
Hakkoda near Aomori is another strong performer. The backcountry around Hakkoda is legendary in spring, and with a guide it's some of the best ski touring in all of Japan. The ropeway is still running and the sidecountry access is excellent. If you've never done a spring trip to Hakkoda, put it on the list immediately.
Further south, Gassan – always a late-season hero – is just getting warmed up. Technically Gassan doesn't even open until mid-April in most years, making it one of the few resorts in Japan where the season is just beginning right now. Expect it to run through to late May or even early June. Snowpack is deep, the terrain is wide-open and the whole vibe is pure spring skiing bliss.
Nagano
Nagano's season is pretty much done for the major players. The Hakuba Valley resorts have largely shut their doors, with Hakuba Cortina and Tsugaike Kogen among the last to call it. A few lifts were still turning at Happo-One on the upper Usagidaira section earlier in the week but expect that to wind up any day now.
Shiga Kogen is in a similar position – most of the 21 linked areas have closed but Yokoteyama-Shibutoge and Yakebitai were still running limited operations as of Friday. Check the official Shiga Kogen site before you drive up. Nozawa Onsen has closed for the season.
Now's actually a great time to start thinking about next season for Nagano. The Hakuba Valley Tourism Board has been teasing some lift infrastructure upgrades at Goryu and Hakuba 47 ahead of the 2026-27 season. Nothing officially confirmed yet but we're keeping an eye on it.
Niigata
The Niigata resorts are mostly done but there's one big exception: Kagura up at Mitsumata. Kagura sits high enough to hold snow well into May most years, and right now it's still going strong with the main Kagura gondola running. Snowpack on the upper mountain is reportedly around 260cm – one of the deepest bases in all of Japan right now. The spring slush on the lower runs softens things up in the afternoon but the top section stays in reasonable shape. Well worth a day trip from Tokyo if you haven't had your fill.
Gala Yuzawa, which has the famous direct shinkansen access, is winding down but may run through another week or two depending on conditions. Keep an eye on their socials.
Looking Ahead
For everyone else who's already in full off-season mode – now is prime time to lock in your passes and accommodation for next winter. The yen is still relatively favourable for Aussie travellers and the early bird deals from the Niseko operators tend to drop in April-May. We'll be covering all of that over the coming weeks, so stick around. The 2026-27 season is going to be a big one.
Stay frosty out there. ⛷️