Japan Ski Resorts 2026/27: Hakuba, Niseko, Appi Guide & Deals

The 25/26 Japan snow season is in full swing, and we've been hearing phenomenal feedback from our clients who've already been lucky enough to experience it firsthand.

We knew it was going to be a big year for the Japanese ski resorts, and it hasn't disappointed. While snowfall slowed down a little around Christmas after a very strong start, it's now all systems go.

We're heading to Japan ourselves for a few weeks to check out some old favourites and some new destinations (well, new for us anyway). This year we'll spend a bit of time at one of our favourites and recent Ikon Pass inclusion, Appi, followed by visits to Zao Onsen, Niseko and, very excitingly, a few days at Club Med Tomamu.

Speaking of which, we know clients love Club Med, and their snow offering is second to none in Japan. If you're after a no-stress, just-turn-up-and-ski option, you can't go past Club Med. We're very familiar with Club Med, but this will be our first visit to one of their Japan snow properties, and we're super pumped about it.

Club Med are also great at releasing early bird specials for their snow properties, and next season will be no different. This season saw huge demand, with inventory sold out well before the end of the promotion. So, if you're thinking about heading to Club Med next season, this is your chance to take advantage of their Early Bird sale.

Pricing opens on 3rd February and ends on 12th February 2026. After that, you may still be able to book, but you won't be able to take advantage of any special deals.

We've already had clients asking us about Club Med for next season, and we expect demand for peak periods to be super high again this time around.

We also have one of our team members heading to Gunma to learn more about the delights of Minakami and the nearby resorts, including the legendary Mt Tanigawa, or Mount T as it's known. We'll be sharing what we discover when he gets back.

Something else we've been working on for next season with one of our partners is a super exclusive private snow cat tour in the same region, which includes 3 days of pure powder indulgence.

We're very excited about this experience. It involves two and a half days of cat skiing in some of the most untracked snow in Japan. But what really makes this tour extra special is that when conditions align, they secure an entire mountain resort exclusively for your group, turning a public ski area into your own private powder playground.

Between dawn-to-dusk sessions carving untouched glades and bowls, you'll retreat to a traditional ryokan for natural hot springs and exquisite Kaiseki dinners.

Now, we know this isn't for everyone, but we're very excited to be able to offer it to those of you who want to go deeper into the Japan ski experience. Be sure to reach out if this is something you think you might be interested in hearing more about. Availability is extremely limited, and we're very sure this tour will be incredibly popular.

Another resort that saw huge demand this season was Hakuba. It's no surprise that Hakuba is increasingly seeing the sort of interest you'd associate with Niseko and Nozawa Onsen. It's got pretty much everything: incredible snow, a high standard of accommodation, loads of mountains, and great restaurants and bars. Add in excellent infrastructure, easy access, and of course, 5 days free skiing or snowboarding if you're on the Epic Pass.

With all this on offer, we expect Hakuba to be in high demand again next season, especially snow-adjacent properties which are in limited supply. So, if you're thinking about visiting Hakuba next season and would prefer something close to the chairs, we suggest you get in touch.

Several of our Hakuba partners have already released pricing for next season, and with the area's growing popularity, we don't expect the prime options to be available for too long.

Appi is now included in the Ikon Pass, and we believe this hidden gem is about to be discovered by the Ikon Pass brigade who might want to experience something a lot less busy than Niseko, but with the five-star luxury accommodation that the ANA InterContinental offers.

We LOVE Appi for the incredible dry snow, the amazing hotel infrastructure and some of the best hotel food you'll find in Japan. It's been one of Japan's best-kept secrets and our preferred snow destination when we get the chance to clip in. We can't recommend Appi highly enough if you want great snow, an immersive luxury ski experience without crowds and are happy to forego the village scene.

Appi has some excellent early bird specials, and while they haven't released their pricing just yet, we'll be able to provide you with a quote if Appi is of interest.

As usual, Nozawa Onsen will be at the top of people's Japanese snow destination wish lists for 2026/27. While many of the properties get booked out well in advance of any pricing being released, we do have access to some exclusive properties that we're happy to suggest if you're interested.

Southern Hemisphere snow enthusiasts have been travelling to Japan for decades, but now everyone wants to enjoy what is arguably the best snow in the world. This means more demand for high-end properties and places booking out well in advance. This of course includes guides and other services too.

Our strong advice is that you should start planning now if you're thinking about booking a trip to the powder mecca of Japan for next season. That way you'll avoid disappointment and take advantage of any deals at the same time.

If you're counting down the days until next season,  we'd love to help you experience the magic of Japanese powder. 

Wishing you Peace, Love and Powder Days!

Marnie 

The Snow Concierge