2026–27 season
Season dates and the best time to go
When each resort opens and closes, and which weeks have the best snow and the biggest crowds.
Season dates 2026–27
All dates depend on snow and are marked as planned by the resorts.
| Niseko United ニセコ Hokkaido | Grand Hirafu 28 Nov 2026 – 5 May 2027 (planned); night skiing 12 Dec – 22 Mar | Source ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| Furano 富良野 Hokkaido | Opens 28 Nov 2026 (planned); closing date not announced | Source ↗ |
| Rusutsu ルスツ Hokkaido | Resort hotel open 28 Nov 2026 – 30 Mar 2027; lift dates not listed separately | Source ↗ |
| Kiroro キロロ Hokkaido | Not announced yet | Source ↗ |
| Tomamu トマム Hokkaido | 1 Dec 2026 – 5 Apr 2027 | Source ↗ |
| Sapporo Teine サッポロテイネ Hokkaido | Opens 21 Nov 2026; closing date not announced | Source ↗ |
| Hakuba Valley 白馬 Nagano | Happo-One planned to open 1 Dec 2026; other resorts not announced | Source ↗ |
| Nozawa Onsen 野沢温泉 Nagano | Not announced yet | Source ↗ |
| Shiga Kogen 志賀高原 Nagano | Ski areas not announced; Prince Hotel (Yakebitai) opens from 4 Dec 2026 | Source ↗ |
| Karuizawa Prince 軽井沢 Nagano | Ski Center/East 31 Oct 2026 – 31 Mar 2027; West 19 Dec 2026 – 22 Mar 2027 (planned) | Source ↗ |
Best time to go
Early season
December
Quieter and cheaper before Christmas. Snow cover is still building; not every run is open.
Peak powder
January
Niseko calls January the climax for consistent snowfall. Coldest month. 9–11 Jan is a Japanese 3-day weekend.
Still peak powder
February
Deep snow continues. Lunar New Year is Sat 6 Feb 2027, so 6–14 Feb is the busiest week: book gear, lessons and dinners early.
Sunny spring snow
March
More sun, longer days and lower prices. 20–22 Mar is a Japanese 3-day weekend.
Spring skiing
April – May
Fewer powder days; some resorts close early April, a few run into May.
Busiest dates in 2026–27
- Late Dec – 3 Jan · Japanese New Year holidays
- 9–11 Jan · Coming of Age Day weekend
- 6–14 Feb · Lunar New Year (6 Feb) and National Foundation Day (11 Feb)
- 23 Feb · Emperor's Birthday
- 20–22 Mar · Vernal Equinox weekend
Month guide based on Niseko United; holidays from the Cabinet Office and Hong Kong Labour Department. Checked 31 Oct 2026.