Niseko Ski Resorts 25/26: What You Need to Know
Get ready for Niseko ski season 25/26 with resort opening dates, lift pass details, and key updates to plan your dream ski holiday in Japan’s powder haven.
With winter just around the corner, we’re taking a closer look at what to expect and how to prepare. Discover how Niseko’s ski resorts operate, how lift passes work, and what’s new for the upcoming season.
When to Ski Niseko This Season
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 2025–26 winter season. While dates depend on snow conditions, lifts typically begin spinning by early December. Just two weeks later, on 13 December 2025, Niseko’s famous night skiing begins - offering the unforgettable thrill of skiing under the stars. Night operations will run through to 22 March 2026, perfectly rounding off the regular season.
Spring skiing continues until 5 April 2026, but the good news is the season doesn’t end there. With the exception of Niseko Village, resorts will remain open through 6 May 2026, finishing with the Final Season during Japan’s Golden Week.
| 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 |
*Please note: Resort closing dates are subject to snow conditions and may change accordingly.
Niseko Lift Pass Guide: Access the Best of Japow
The Niseko ski resorts divide winter into pricing seasons based on key dates and mountain demand. Below are examples of this season’s lift pass rates for Grand Hirafu & Hanazono, as well as the Niseko United All Mountain Pass - your ticket to exploring all four resorts.
Guests staying at Skye Niseko can book lift passes directly through our concierge team for a seamless arrival.
| 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 (Per adult, per day) | ¥8,400 | ¥12,000 | ¥8,400 | ¥6,000 |
| Grand Hirafu & Hanazono (Per adult, per day) | ¥7,700 | ¥11,000 | ¥7,700 | ¥5,800 |
*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 Big Changes Coming to Hirafu This Winter
Following the launch of the new Ace Gondola in November 2024, access to the mid-mountain has already improved dramatically. Now, to further ease congestion and elevate the guest experience, King Quad Lift #3 is being upgraded. From the start of the 2025–26 season, it will return as a high-speed six-seater, boosting capacity by 600 passengers per hour. For the first time in the Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu collection, the lift will feature heated seats and a loading carpet for smoother, safer boarding.
And there’s more - this December, the Ace Gondola Summit Station will unveil a brand-new restaurant on its second floor. With panoramic mountain views, a terrace, open kitchen, and modern island-style bar, the new venue offers a stylish and restorative dining experience. Designed with sustainability in mind, it's set to be one of the mountain’s most memorable new spots to unwind.
Make the most of your time on the mountain - secure your passes in advance and leave the rest to us.