Skis and snowboards at the ready! The ski resorts in Hokkaido are opening soon for the Winter 2025/26 season.
Imagine waking up to fresh Japow, with a cup of coffee at hand and your ski gear prepped by the door. That could be you this winter, as Hokkaido gears up for the Winter 2025/26 season.
The first snow has already fallen on Mount Yotei, a sign that the coming season is shaping up to be spectacular. Unlike other resorts that rely on snow machines, Japan’s top ski destinations — Niseko, Furano and Rusutsu — only open when Mother Nature delivers her first big dump of snow.
To help you plan, we’ve rounded up the key opening dates of the ski resorts in Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano. Note that these dates are the earliest projected openings, subject to snow conditions.
The Official 2025 Opening Dates
Niseko United — Opening 29 November 2025
Rusutsu Resort — Opening 29 November 2025
Furano Ski Resort — Opening 6 December 2025
Hirafu Village – Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU
Open Season: November 29, 2025 – May 6, 2026
The crown jewel of Japanese skiing, Niseko United combines four interconnected resorts: Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Annupuri, and Niseko Village.
With the largest area of the four resorts, Grand Hirafu offers an unforgettable powder snow experience. A wide range of facilities, including hotels, condos, shops, and restaurants which can be found at the base of the mountain, ensuring everyone enjoys their snow holiday to the fullest. Expect world-class facilities, endless powder, and one of the most international après-ski scenes in Asia. Whether you’re seeking champagne powder stashes, buzzing nightlife, or luxury ski-in, ski-out chalets, Niseko delivers.
WanderLuxe Tip: Want to stay close to the action? Check out our handpicked Upper Hirafu and Middle Hirafu stays, like The Maples Niseko, Niseko Kyo, and The Vale Niseko for the ultimate Niseko base.
Read More: MASONRY. Japan Opening Soon: Chef Ben Cross Brings His Acclaimed Bali Dining Concept to Niseko
Open season: 29 November 2025 – 6 April 2025
With its diverse terrain, luxurious gondolas and renowned powder snow, Hanazono is popular with advanced powder seekers and luxury travellers alike. The village features a stylish central check-in and eating area, The Edge, which boasts a great atmosphere.
WanderLuxe Tip: If you’re in YOLO mode, splash out at Tsubasa at Hanaridge, one of our ultra-luxe chalets.
Read More: Say Japow: 5 Reasons Why Now Is The Time To Visit Niseko
Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area
Open season: 30 November 2025 – 6 May 2026
Located on the west side of the Niseko United ski area, this resort is less trodden than Hirafu or Hanazono. Annupuri is known for its long runs, cafe up the slopes and great night skiing. Plus, it’s the only resort in Niseko United that stays open until May this season.
WanderLuxe Tip: We recommend laps on the Jumbo Quad for beginners and those who love night skiing and wide runs. Where to stay? We suggest the stylish Song Saa chalet, a 6-bedroom property that’s just a 3-minute drive to the Annupuri ski area.
Niseko Village Ski Resort
Open Season: November 29, 2025 – April 12, 2026
Nestled in the middle of the Niseko United area, Niseko Village features the longest lift in the area — the Niseko Gondola. A quieter option suitable for more advanced skiers and boarders, the village also hosts a range of events.
WanderLuxe Tip: All four ski areas can be accessed by the Niseko Bus that operates between the resort, which means you can stay in a central area like Hirafu and see them all. Opt for ski-in ski-out convenience at Niseko Kyo, The Maples Niseko and The Vale Niseko in Upper Hirafu to be mere steps away from the slopes.
Read More: A Luxe Lift: Everything You Need To Know About Niseko’s New Ace Gondola
Rusutsu Resort
Open Season: 29 November 2025 – early April 2026
Just 40 minutes from Niseko, Rusutsu is a family-friendly paradise with wide, tree-lined runs, uncrowded slopes, and a playful winter wonderland feel. Its three mountains are connected by gondolas, offering something for every level, from mellow beginner trails to adrenaline-pumping backcountry lines.
WanderLuxe Tip: Travelling with kids (or kids at heart)? Rusutsu is also famous for its quirky amusement park rides, even in winter! Stay in a chic Rusutsu condotel, The Vale Rusutsu for ski-to-door convenience.
Furano Ski Resort
Opening on 6 December 2025
If Niseko is Hokkaido’s headline act, Furano is its understated indie darling. Tucked right in the island’s Powder Triangle, Furano is famed for its feather-light snow, tree-lined runs, and postcard views of Mount Tokachi. What sets it apart? Fewer crowds, more authenticity, and that serene small-town charm that feels worlds away from the buzzier resorts up north.
A favourite among locals and seasoned skiers, Furano’s two main zones, the Furano Zone and Kitanomine Zone, offer a mix of wide, beginner-friendly slopes and ungroomed backcountry trails for the adventurous. Off the slopes, warm up and cosy up at Fenix West or Fenix Furano or explore the town’s cosy izakayas and cafés serving up Hokkaido’s best comfort fare.
Find out more about Fenix Furano: How Fenix Furano brings luxury style to Furano Ski Resort.
WanderLuxe Tip: Visit later in the season when the snow is still fresh, but the crowds have thinned, it’s also the perfect time to experience Furano’s winter festivals and snow art installations.
Now that you’ll be chasing the first tracks in Niseko, Japan’s 2025/26 ski season is shaping up to be nothing short of spectacular. From the thrill of Niseko’s night runs to the peaceful slopes of Furano, it is part of the ultimate winter experience.
Don’t look back and book your trip to Niseko!