With winter just around the corner, it’s time to take a closer look at what’s ahead. Learn how Niseko’s ski resorts operate, how lift passes work, and what’s new for the upcoming season.
On 29 November 2025, all four Niseko United resorts are scheduled to open together, marking the official start of the 2025–26 winter season. While opening depends on snow conditions, lifts usually begin spinning by early December. Just two weeks later, on 13 December, Niseko’s famous night skiing returns - offering the unforgettable thrill of skiing under the stars until 22 March 2026. Spring skiing continues until 5 April, but the season doesn’t end there. With the exception of Niseko Village, resorts will stay open through 6 May 2026, wrapping up 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’s ski resorts divide winter into pricing seasons based on key dates and mountain demand. Below, you’ll find this season’s lift pass rates for Grand Hirafu & Hanazono, along with the Niseko United All Mountain Pass - your ticket to explore all four resorts.
Guests staying at Ki Niseko can book lift passes directly through our concierge team, ensuring a seamless start to your holiday.
| 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.
Following the launch of the new Ace Gondola in November 2024, access to the mid-mountain has already improved dramatically. To further ease congestion and enhance 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, increasing capacity by 600 passengers per hour. For the first time in the Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu collection, the lift will also feature heated seats and a loading carpet for smoother, safer boarding.
That’s not all - this December, the Ace Gondola Summit Station will open a brand-new restaurant on its second floor. With panoramic mountain views, a terrace, open kitchen, and modern island-style bar, the venue promises a stylish and restorative dining experience. Designed with sustainability in mind, it’s set to become one of the mountain’s most memorable new spots to unwind.
Make the most of your time on the mountain by securing your passes in advance - and leave the rest to us.
