Guide · Updated 26 October 2026
Hakuba, Furano or Niseko? Season dates, lift passes and ski access for 2026–27
Only facts we could check on official resort or hotel pages are here, each with its source. Dates are the resorts' own and can change with snow and weather.
Hakuba Valley (Nagano)
Hakuba Valley is at the base of the Northern Japan Alps in northwestern Nagano, with 10 resorts; it hosted the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, and runs range up to 8 km. (Source: Hakuba Valley (official), verified 26 October 2026)
The Hakuba Valley Ticket covers all 10 resorts and includes free rides on the Hakuba Valley bus; a 1-day ticket is ¥11,100 for adults (13+) and ¥6,400 for children (6–12). At Happo-one, peak season runs from 19 December 2026 to 22 March 2027, and preschool children (5 and under) get a free lift ticket. (Source: Happo-one: Tickets & Passes, verified 26 October 2026)
Furano (Hokkaido)
Furano Ski Area opened in 1962, has hosted the FIS World Cup 10 times and has 28 runs over two zones, Furano and Kitanomine. It is scheduled to open on 28 November 2026 (tentative), with hours of 8:30–16:00 and night skiing on some dates. (Source: Prince Hotels: Furano Ski Area, verified 26 October 2026)
The longest run is about 4 km. The ski area is about 10 minutes from downtown Furano, and about 60 minutes by car from Asahikawa Airport or 135 minutes from New Chitose Airport. (Source: Prince Snow Resorts: Furano, verified 26 October 2026)
Niseko (Hokkaido)
Niseko United groups four resorts: Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu and Hanazono. All four are scheduled to open on 28 November 2026; peak season is 24 December to 28 February and night skiing runs 12 December to 22 March. The All Mountain Pass covers all four. (Source: Niseko United: Lift information, verified 26 October 2026)
Hilton Niseko Village describes Niseko Village Ski Resort as 27 courses with a total run length of 5 km, about 2.5 hours from New Chitose Airport. (Source: Hilton Niseko Village: winter information, verified 26 October 2026)
How to read ski hotel listings
- Ski-in ski-out is the hotel's own claim. We tag a hotel only when its Rakuten Travel listing or official website says so; "slopeside" means the listing says it is by the slopes or up to a 5-minute walk away.
- Onsen: Rakuten's bath information separates natural hot springs from artificial onsen (人工温泉, e.g. Tron or Komyo-seki baths). Only natural ones get our onsen tag.
- Shuttles are often seasonal or need booking. We show the hotel's exact wording; some listings say there is no pick-up.
- Prices are the cheapest Rakuten Travel plan for 2 adults in 1 room for 1 night on two sample dates, with the time we fetched them. Plans may include meals or not.
Frequently asked questions
When does the 2026–27 ski season start in Niseko?
Niseko United lists 28 November 2026 as the opening date for Annupuri, Niseko Village, Grand Hirafu and Hanazono. Closing dates differ by resort, from 4 April (Village) to 5 May 2027 (Annupuri and Grand Hirafu). All dates are subject to change.
When does Furano Ski Area open for 2026–27?
Prince Hotels says Furano Ski Area is scheduled to open on Saturday 28 November 2026 (tentative).
Can one lift ticket be used across Hakuba?
Yes. The Hakuba Valley Ticket can be used at 10 resorts in Hakuba Valley, and holders can ride the Hakuba Valley bus free. Happo-one gives preschool children (5 and under) a free lift ticket.
What does "ski-in ski-out" mean on these listings?
It is the hotel's own wording, from its Rakuten Travel listing or official website. We list it as stated; snow cover and lift operation decide whether it works on the day.
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