At La Colina, we can’t wait for the season to start, so we’ve compiled a list of ski resorts that regularly open early. Of course, opening dates always depend on the season’s weather forecast, which can shift schedules by a few days or weeks. Resorts that tend to open first are usually those at higher elevations, with excellent snowmaking systems or geography that encourages early snowfall. And, as everyone knows, Japan’s snow season technically begins in Tateyama, but you’ll need touring gear to chase that first powder.
Below are some of the resorts to watch for the 2025–26 season, with their expected opening dates and what you can expect early in the season:
Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort (Nagano)
Expected Opening Date: ~ November 22, 2025
Shiga Kogen’s high elevation makes it one of the first major areas to open, usually with good natural snow coverage. Typically, Yokoteyama, Kumanoyu, and Takamagahara each run one chairlift first, taking advantage of their snow-rich canyons. About a week later, Ichinose and Yakebitaiyama usually bring a chair online by early December. Each slope is only about 600–800 m, but being able to ski across different areas adds variety. Full-area access generally doesn’t happen until mid-December, depending on snow. Don’t miss the early-season weekend festival, complete with opening ceremonies and raffles.
Nozawa Onsen (Nagano)
Expected Opening Date: ~ November 29, 2025
Snowmaking at Yamabiko’s upper slopes ensures an early opening of the Nagasaka Gondola and one Yamabiko lift, offering about 1,250 m of skiable terrain. As soon as natural snow arrives, Nozawa expands operations on weekends, often adding the second Yamabiko lift and the long Uenotaira beginner slope.
Hakuba Valley Resorts (Nagano)
Expected Opening Date: ~ November 29, 2025
Early openings here include Happo-One, Tsugaike Mountain Resort, Hakuba 47, and Goryu, which take advantage of their gondolas to access upper lifts. Usually, only one slope (around 800 m) is open at first, but the tranquil atmosphere and the stunning snow-covered Alps make it worthwhile. Challenging terrain and base-area beginner runs generally don’t open until mid to late December.
Niseko United (Hokkaido)
Expected Opening Date: ~ November 29, 2025
Among Hokkaido’s big names, Niseko is often first to spin lifts. Early terrain usually includes lower snowmaking slopes or well-shaded areas. Accommodation and ski instructors can be in high demand before all businesses are fully operational, so expect some crowding or limited lift options. By mid-December, the resort typically runs at full capacity.
Sapporo Kokusai (Hokkaido)
Expected Opening Date: ~ November 21, 2025
Sapporo Kokusai frequently beats other Hokkaido resorts to opening day—and despite lacking snowmaking, it often offers several runs for a surprisingly good early-season experience.
Kagura Snow Resort (Niigata)
Expected Opening Date: ~ November 29, 2025
Known for one of Japan’s longest seasons, Kagura reliably opens its gondola and upper lift, providing over 1,500 m of challenging terrain. Snowmaking equipment helps ensure solid conditions. Beginners can check nearby Naeba, which uses snowmaking to prep its base slope.
Other not so much recommended early-opening options
- Snow Park Yeti (Shizuoka): Japan’s earliest opener for 26 consecutive years, using its 650 tons/day Ice Crusher System (ICS). It usually opens in late October with a single slope and a lively, televised and youtube streamed cosplay descent. Great for Tokyo skiers seeking an early fix, but the slope is short.
- Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort (Nagano): A close rival to Yeti, generally opening in early November with two lifts serving 400 m slopes. It feels more authentic but still relies heavily on snowmaking.
- GranSnow Okuibuki (Shiga Prefecture): This Kansai-area favorite now uses ICS snowmaking and plans to open around November 14, drawing local kansai skiers eager to sample fresh snow and its upgraded base area.
What Makes These Resorts Good Early-Season Bets
- Elevation & Geography: Higher altitudes and north-facing slopes preserve early snow.
- Snowmaking: Facilities at places like Kagura, Nozawa, Kumanoyu and Niseko ensure coverage even in lean years.
- Consistency: These resorts reliably open by late November most seasons, offering dependable early turns.
Planning Tips
- Only partial terrain and lifts may be open, both due to snow depth and limited staffing in the early season.
- Base snow can be thin—watch for rocks or exposed ground.
- Avoid off-piste or backcountry until snowpack is stable.
- Accommodation, lift tickets, and transport are easier (and cheaper) to book early, but English ski lessons can be scarce due the lack of english-speaking staff and its recommended to reserve ahead.