As the leaves turn and the first crisp air of autumn settles over Hokkaido, a single question dominates the minds of powder hounds everywhere: when can we ski? After a fantastic winter, the anticipation for the 2025/26 season is already building.
While official opening dates are always subject to Mother Nature's unpredictable schedule, most major Hokkaido resorts operate on a similar timeline, with a mix of "Early Season" trial openings and official, full-scale launches. Here's a breakdown of the typical schedule for the main resorts.
Mt Yotei
Opening date November 29 2025 Closing date May 6 2026
Operating hours 8:30 am - 7 pm
King Hooded Quad Lift #3 is undergoing renovation and will be replaced by a brand-new, six-seater hooded lift for the upcoming season. Grand Hirafu is also investing in new facilities, including a brand-new space and restaurant located above the Ace Gondola's top station. This new space will offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and a unique dining experience. We could also observe a renovated space in the Mountain Centre, located adjacent to the bottom station of the Hirafu Gondola. In line with the ski resort initiative, we can expect more exciting new developments in the future.
Opening date November 29 2025 Closing date April 12, 2026
Operating hours 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
Hanazono will be running their show as you might be used to, so nothing new, nothing special, and nothing exciting. Oh, just that the prices have gone up - that's it. Sorry they are introducing a new Early Bird pass which gives you access to Hana 1 chair lift ride before it’s open to general public, it costs 20,000yen and provide you with access at 8 am to 8:29 am, so maybe you can have a lap or two, but only if the lift operations is not suspended or on hold as you may know that lift has been having technical issues ever since it was introduced back in 2021.
Opening date November 29 2025 Closing date May 6, 2026
Operating hours 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
Another sleepy resort of the 4 (or 5) Niseko United resorts will be open for business; however, do not expect anything new. Except their new website!
Opening date 3 December 2025 Closing date 3 April 2026
Operating hours 8:30 am - 7:00 pm
Niseko Village has not announced any new additions to this winter season, except for the new box/restaurant in the Niseko Yo area, where many shops and restaurants are providing the vibe that tourists have been asking for. Next year, a new 200+ room Moxy hotel will be coming to the village, offering convenient accommodation options for ski enthusiasts. You will be able to spot it from the gondola, and it will enhance the overall ski experience at Niseko Village.
Open date December 4 2035, Closing April 3 2026
Operating hours 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
As their slogan says: "Nothing But Powder Snow”, Moiwa delivers just that. There is no night skiing available in this small ski jo. Serviced by a four-seater hooded chair lift and a few two-seaters. Please note that this ski hill is not part of the Niseko United ski pass. Popular for powder skiers, as the skiing out of the gates offers some nice, fun terrain. Local ski clubs also train her extensively; however, the resort is generally tranquil. And maybe Aman might change the vibe, coming to Moiwa 2027.
Tree skiing in late April, somewhere in Hokkaido
Open date November 27 2025 Closing date 3 April 2026
Operating hours 9 am - 8:00 pm
Just a 45-minute drive from Niseko is Rusutsu, the largest ski area and resort in Hokkaido. It has always been our favourite ski resort for many reasons. One thing is for sure: long ski runs and hooded chair lifts. And from this season forward, you will be able to book Private Lessons with Hokkaido Ski Club, as it has become a new base for the club.
Opening date November 22, 2025 Closing date 8 May 2026
Operating hours 9 am - 5:00 pm
This ski resort is the first in Hokkaido to open, and its proximity to Sapporo City makes it very popular among locals. Its convenient location near Jozankei onsen town, as well as Otaru and Asari onsen towns, ensures that you can easily explore the surrounding areas during your visit. Since last winter, they have renovated an old six-seater station house into an upscale facility featuring a ski rental, shops, bar, and a restaurant (find more information here).
Opening date November 29 2025, Closing date May 5 2026
Operating hours 9 am - 7 pm
One of the snowiest resorts in the area is scheduled to open as early as Niseko. It is getting jam-packed, thanks to Club Med resorts, which are just the best ski experience for young families. Imagine spending carefree ski vacations with your kids, all-inclusive: lessons, dining, entertainment and more. If you need information about Club Med resorts or assistance with booking a Club Med ski vacation, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Opening date December 14 2025 Closing date March 31 2026
Operating hours 9 am - 4 pm
Kamui, a local favourite just a 30-minute drive from Asahikawa, is set for a significant makeover. Known for its perfect powder and clear blue skies, the resort is a great day-trip option from Sapporo and Furano. The surrounding city of Asahikawa offers a wide range of affordable accommodations, making it a perfect base.
A new development plan has been unveiled, with an ambitious vision to create a ski village at the base of the mountain. This project will include new hotels, apartments, an onsen, and a community centre. This new, pedestrian-centric village, featuring programming from Japanese winter sports legend Gota Miura, aims to attract international visitors while maintaining its unique local charm.
Overlooking the Sapporo city
Hush! This is our favourite ski resort in all of Hokkaido/Japan. If you want to explore Sapporo city and all the nightlife Susukino has to offer, do not hesitate to get in touch. This place needs no introduction!
Opening date early December 2025, Closing date 6 May 2026
Operating hours 9 am - 6:00 pm
This Olympic ski resort is overlooking the city of Sapporo. The resort has two major zones: one is more suited for beginners, while the other is for more advanced levels, allowing exploration of some sweet and steep sidecountry terrain. The proximity to downtown Sapporo makes this a perfect resort for those who wish to stay in the city while still skiing some impressive lines.
Furano zone: Opening date November 30 2026, Closing date 6 May 2026
Kitanomine Zone: Mid-December March 23, 2026
Operating hours 8:30 am - 7:30 pm
This family-friendly ski resort features two zones and, pending snow conditions, is expected to open on November 21 in the Furano zone, where the New Prince hotel is situated, as well as the Furano ropeway. Night skiing is available on both sides of the mountain, but the two areas are not connected during nighttime operations. New Rhythm ski shop is scheduled to open in the Kitanomine zone opposite the Fenix Furano. Additionally, some new ski shops from Australia are coming to town.
Opening date 1 December Closing date 1 April 2026
Operating hours 9 am - 4:00 pm
Tomamu is a popular small ski resort with Hoshino hotels on one side and a Club Med resort on the other. Night skiing is available. Also popular with families, as the kids can enjoy the largest indoor pool in Hokkaido, the MinaMina Beach. The runs are fun, and you also get a lot of powder during the Jan and Feb months. There are no new developments, except for the addition of some new restaurants on the Hoshino side. Please inquire about private ski lessons with our team, as we also have instructors based at the Tomamu ski resort.
Mina Mina Beach
Opening date: Mid-December 2025, Closing date TBD
Operating hours 9 am - 3:40 pm
This high-alpine Hokkaido ropeway transports skiers up Asahidake Mountain, offering numerous opportunities for backcountry tours. The small groomed ski runs service the bottom area, where you can enjoy some nice tree skiing as well. The weather can be harsh here, and the area presents many hazards, so we recommend hiring a mountain guide when skiing Asahidake.
Daisetsuzan Sounkyo Ropeway
Opening date: Late November 2025, Closing date TBD
Operating hours 8 am - 4 pm
This is a high-alpine ski resort serviced by a ropeway and a double chair ski lift, where skiers can enjoy a short, groomed run. It usually opens as the first ski resort in Hokkaido, but this time it has been postponed due to a lack of snow. There are also great multiple-day backcountry opportunities in the area. For this unique experience, hire one of our UIAMG-qualified mountain guides to guide you through the roof of Hokkaido.
Opening date December 2 2025 Closing date 6 April 2026
Operating hours 8:45 am - 4:00 pm
Sahoro Ski Resort, situated in the Hidaka mountain range in central Hokkaido, provides a distinctive and authentic Japanese ski experience. Known for its perfectly groomed, wide-open slopes and dry powder snow, it is an excellent choice for families and intermediate skiers, particularly due to its Club Med facilities.
Unlike the larger, more international resorts, Sahoro has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. It features a modern, high-speed gondola and several chairlifts that provide access to a variety of terrain. It also has an integrated resort village with hotels, onsen, and dining options, making it a convenient and stress-free destination.
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