--- title: "Japan's Legendary Ski Resorts Opening Dates For 2025/26" date: 2025-11-10T22:00:00+09:00 author: Gwen Magdamit canonical_url: "https://uchijapan.com/news/japan-ski-resort-opening-dates" section: News --- [Resort News](https://uchijapan.com/news/resorts)# Japan's Legendary Ski Resorts Opening Dates For 2025/26 Nov 10, 2025 - [ ](mailto:?subject=Japan%27s%20Legendary%20Ski%20Resorts%20Opening%20Dates%20For%202025%2F26%20on%20Uchi&body=https%3A%2F%2Fuchijapan.com%2Fnews%2Fjapan-ski-resort-opening-dates "Share by Email") - [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fuchijapan.com%2Fnews%2Fjapan-ski-resort-opening-dates&title=Japan%27s%20Legendary%20Ski%20Resorts%20Opening%20Dates%20For%202025%2F26&description=From%20Niseko%20to%20Madarao%2C%20discover%20Japan%E2%80%99s%20premier%20ski%20resorts%27%20opening%20dates%20this%20winter%202025%2F26%20season.&caption=Uchi) ![Niseko Japow Skier](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_480x270_crop_center-center_60_line/NisekoJapowSkier.jpg)The snow is already falling in Niseko which can only mean one thing… that Japan’s legendary powder season is almost upon us. As ever, we can expect oodles of deep snow, a vibrant après-ski scene and we have so much more to look forward to besides. From Hokkaido’s powder gems to Nagano’s best-kept secrets, here are the official opening dates you need to mark on your calendar. ## Niseko United Ski Resort ![Niseko Village](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Niseko-Village.jpg) Image credit: Panoramic view of Niseko Village / supplied Nothing beats Niseko’s reputation as the ultimate powder capital. This year, Niseko United confirms that it will welcome skiers and snowboarders from November 29, 2025 across its four interconnected resorts. The long season stretches into spring with lifts running as late as May 6, 2026, in Grand Hirafu and Annupuri and April 12, 2026, in Hanazono and Niseko Village. - Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu: November 29, 2025 – May 6, 2026 - Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area: November 29, 2025 – May 6, 2026 - Niseko Hanazono Resort: November 29, 2025 – April 12, 2026 - Niseko Village Ski Resort: November 29, 2025 – April 5, 2026 ## Rusutsu Ski Resort ![Rusutsu Not A Hotel3](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/320043/RusutsuNotAHotel3.jpg) Image credit: Rusutsu in deep snow / supplied Another favourite of Hokkaido’s thrilling terrain and family-friendly vibe, Rusutsu is set to open its lifts on November 29, 2025 across its three mountain peaks. The season will wrap up around March 31, 2026. Expect wide-open runs and exciting tree skiing for powder chasers. ## Madarao Ski Resort ![Madarao Header](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/MadaraoHeader_2025-10-01-112244_phvs.jpg) Image credit: Madarao ski resort / supplied Looking for a powder snow resort with fewer crowds? Discover Nagano’s hidden treasure—Madarao. Famous for its ungroomed tree runs, Madarao kicks off this season from December 23, 2025 to March 29, 2026, with cosy lodges and endless activities for adventurous snow enthusiasts. ## Furano Ski Resort ![Furano in the winter](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/129880/furano-in-the-winter.jpg) Image credit: Furano ski slopes / supplied Renowned for its dual-season appeal, abundant snowfall, and long winter season, Furano’s official opening dates have just been confirmed. The resort is projected to open on November 29, 2025 and will close out the season on May 6, 2026. ## Hoshino Resorts Tomamu ![Hoshino Resorts Tomamu](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/hoshino-resorts-tomamu.jpg) Image credit: Snow blankets the landscape / Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Our last resort in Hokkaido, Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Ski Resort straddles two mountains and is known for its expansive snow-covered slopes. It features well-maintained pistes, a variety of ski runs, and fun winter activities such as snowmobiling and ice skating. This year, the resort will be opening from December 1, 2025 until the end of the season on April 5, 2026. ## Hakuba Ski Resort ![Hakuba mountains](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/hakuba-mountains.jpg) Image credit: A dramatic view of Japanese Alps in the Hakuba Valley resort / supplied Tucked away in the Japanese Alps, Hakuba is known for having one of the longest ski seasons in the country with the Hakuba Valley resort usually operating from late November or mid-December to early May. Opening dates are on the way—stay tuned. ## Mount Myoko Ski Resort ![Myoko From The Air](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/MyokoFromTheAir_2025-10-01-112513_urxo.jpg) Image credit: Aerial view of Mount Myoko ski resort / supplied Mount Myoko is a unique gem with heavy powder snow and lesser crowds. The below have tentatively suggested the below dates but the official opening dates will ultimately depend on the snow conditions: Akakura Onsen Ski Resort: December 13 2025 – March 29 2026 Akakura Kanko Ski Resort: December 19 2025 – March 31 2026 Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort: Dec 13 2025 – March 29 2026 Ikenotaira Onsen Ski Resort: Dec 13 2025 – March 29 2026 ## Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort ![Nozawa Onsen](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/320063/NozawaOnsen.jpg) Image credit: Nozawa Onsen in deep snow / supplied More than a ski town, Nozawa Onsen is a cultural hub for traditional hot springs. From powder-filled slopes to rich cultural charm, this resort town is tentatively opening from 29 December 2025 to May 6, 2026. ## Karuizawa Ski Resort ![Karuizawaski](https://d1g90p0r985xbs.cloudfront.net/general/_1280xAUTO_fit_center-center_82_none/Karuizawaski_2025-10-01-113235_apru.jpg) Image credit: Karuizawa ski resort / supplied Just an hour away from Tokyo by the Shinkansen train, Karuizawa stands out as a one-of-a-kind resort town with chic boutiques and European-style restaurants. For those who can’t wait to start the winter season, Karuizawa has confirmed that it will be opening from November 1, 2025 until March 31, 2026. Fancy extending your visit? [**Search your home in Japan today.**](https://uchijapan.com/properties?search%5BsortBy%5D=date_desc)