The countdown to Japan’s 2026-27 season has officially begun, with several resorts across the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido announcing their prospective opening dates for the season. With temperatures expected to drop in the coming weeks across Hokkaido and snow expected to follow, resorts are putting on their last-minute preparations ahead of opening their slopes. And now, skiers who spent months waiting to break out their skis again can mark their calendars for the beginning of the season in Hokkaido.
These are the scheduled opening dates for resorts across the region:
- Sapporo Kokusai: November 20, 2026
- Sapporo Teine: November 21, 2026
- Niseko United: November 28, 2026
- Kiroro: November 28, 2026
- Rusutsu: November 28, 2026
- Furano: November 28, 2026
- Tomamu: December 1, 2026
- Kamui: December 12, 2026
Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island, located about two hours away from Tokyo by flight into New Chitose Airport, the island’s main gateway, located about 30 miles from Sapporo — Hokkaido’s capital and largest city, and the namesake of two of the resorts on this list, Sapporo Kokusai and Sapporo Teine.
According to Niseko Tourism, Niseko attracted 2.14 million domestic and international visitors in the fiscal year 2025. American travelers topped the list of overseas overnight visitors with 40,504, making up 17.4%. Travelers from Australia were not too far behind, with 37,134 overnight visitors contributing to 15.9%. To make the increase all the more impressive, these statistics are from only one resort network — Niseko United — which is made up of four interconnected ski resorts (Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Annupuri). Hokkaido is home to many other resorts that also draw attention from foreign travelers, and each resort offers a unique experience.
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Nevertheless, Niseko United is the most famous and popular resort in not just Hokkaido but also all of Japan. It is a high-end resort with European-style infrastructure filled with international skiers chasing powder. It receives nearly 600 inches of snow each year, and it is known for its side-country and deep powder fields.
Resorts just outside of Sapporo — Hokkaido’s capital city — like Sapporo Teine and Sapporo Kokusai, are more catered to day-use. There are no ski villages at the bottom, and many stay in downtown Sapporo and take trains or buses to get to the resort. Sapporo resorts are also known for deep powder, as well as their steep terrain and backcountry.
Resorts like Furano feel unique Japanense, whereas networks like Niseko United feel more touristy. Furano is located right in the geographic center of Hokkaido, surrounded by an authentic Japanese agricultural town. Because it sits further inland, it typically receives less snowfall. However, its groomers are known for being long and winding, giving deep carvers something to get excited about.
With dozens of other ski resorts scattered throughout Hokkaido, every skier is sure to find a place that feels like home.
It is important to note that the current opening dates for resorts in Hokkaido are weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, resorts will not have proper coverage and will be forced to push opening dates back. Adding to the uncertainty is this year’s strong El Niño patterns. While the weather phenomenon primarily affects North American winters, Hokkaido can still feel its effects. It can bring slightly warmer winter temperatures to the region, resulting in marginally reduced snowfall, tainting a Japanese ski experience that is typically renowned for its powder.
Despite the possibility of an unusually dry or warm season, resorts across Hokkaido are still preparing their slopes and are announcing opening dates. Whether this season will actually receive less snowfall is yet to be seen, and skiers won’t truly know how the season plays out until it arrives. But with prospective opening dates set, Japanese skiers and skiers from across the world planning on visiting Japan can break out their skis and get them ready for the upcoming winter season.
