Niseko Ski Resorts 25/26: What You Need to Know
Discover Niseko ski resorts 25/26: opening dates, lift ticket info, and updates to plan your perfect ski trip in Japan’s powder paradise.
Niseko United and Tokyu Grand Hirafu have confirmed their operation dates for the 25/26 winter season. As tradition continues, spring skiing promises even more excitement on the slopes.
When to Ski Niseko: Confirmed Operation Periods
On 29 November 2025, all four resorts of the Niseko United All Mountain area are scheduled to open together, marking the official start of the 25/26 winter season. Dates are subject to snow conditions, but you can usually expect lifts to start spinning by early December. Just two weeks later, on 13 December 2025, Niseko’s famous night skiing begins, giving you the chance to explore vast areas of the mountain under floodlights, an unforgettable experience not to miss. Night skiing will run until 22 March 2026, perfectly wrapping up the regular season before the Spring Season. While spring operations officially run until 5 April 2026, the good news is that the season doesn’t end there: with the exception of Niseko Village, resorts will stay open right through to 6 May 2026, during Japan’s Golden Week, marking the Final Season of operation.
| Ski Resort | Resort Opening | Night Ski Opening | Night Ski Closing | Resort Closing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area | 29 November 2025 | 13 December 2025 | 22 March 2026 | 06 May 2026 |
| Niseko Village Ski Resort | 29 November 2025 | 13 December 2025 | 22 March 2026 | 12 April 2026 |
| Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU | 29 November 2025 | 13 December 2025 | 22 March 2026 | 06 May 2026 |
| Niseko Hanazono Resort | 29 November 2025 | 13 December 2025 | 22 March 2026 | 06 May 2026 |
Lift Passes: Your Ticket to Japow
The Niseko ski resorts divide winter into different pricing seasons, based on key dates and peak demand on the mountain. Below are examples of this year’s lift pass prices for Grand Hirafu & Hanazono, as well as the Niseko United All Mountain Pass.
| Lift Ticket | Early Season (29 November - 12 December) | Regular Season (13 December - 22 March) | Spring Season (23 March - 5 April) | Final Season (6 April - 12 April/6 May) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Mountain Pass | ¥8,400 | ¥12,000 | ¥8,400 | ¥6,000 |
| Grand Hirafu & Hanazono | ¥7,700 | ¥11,000 | ¥7,700 | ¥5,800 |
- All prices are shown per adult, per day.
- Regular, Spring, and Final Season passes offer special online discounts when purchased in advance.
Explore the mountain on the official Niseko United Trail Map.
Two Major Updates on the Hirafu Slopes
Following the launch of the new Ace Gondola in November 2024, access to the mid-mountain area has already improved dramatically. To further reduce congestion and enhance the guest experience, King Quad Lift #3 is undergoing an upgrade. From the start of the 25/26 season, the lift will return as a high-speed six-seater, increasing capacity by 600 passengers per hour compared to its predecessor. Even better, it will feature a loading carpet for smoother, safer boarding and, for the first time in the Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu collection, heated seats for ultimate comfort on the ride up.
As if that wasn’t exciting enough, this December the Ace Gondola Summit Station will unveil a brand-new restaurant on its second floor. Boasting some of the best views on the mountain, the venue will feature a stunning terrace, an open kitchen, and a modern island-style bar, creating an atmosphere full of charm and character. Designed with sustainability in mind, the restaurant promises a peaceful, restorative space that blends premium dining with exceptional relaxation.
The countdown to powder days has begun. Start planning your Niseko adventure now!