Japan 2026-27 Early-Bird Lift Tickets: Deals End Oct 12

In this site's observations on the morning of October 10, 24-hour snowfall was zero across Japan. No resort met the powder threshold (5 cm or more in 24 hours), and no snow depth was reported. Numbers at our featured resorts, including those around Niseko, have not moved this morning. With no snow yet, now is a good time to compare early-bird lift tickets and season passes.

Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain: new 3-day and 5-day tickets

Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain began selling 2026-27 season passes and early-bird lift tickets on October 1. New 3-day and 5-day tickets can be split across the season. With the super early-bird price, available until November 3, they start from ¥3,800 per ticket.

Yachiho Kogen: early-bird tickets valid for two seasons

Yachiho Kogen Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture has sold early-bird tickets since October 1. They are valid for both 2026-27 and 2027-28, so any unused days carry over to the following season. The early-bird 1-day ticket is ¥3,300 for a full-day pass (regular price ¥4,800) and ¥2,800 for a weekday pass (regular price ¥4,300). Tickets can be bought 24 hours a day at Loppi terminals in Lawson and Ministop convenience stores nationwide.

Alpen's extra 10% off ends October 12

Alpen has sold early-bird lift tickets for 91 ski resorts nationwide since October 1. At Alpen TOKYO and Alpen NAGOYA, Alpen Group Members get a further 10% off the early-bird price. The offer runs until October 12 (Monday, a national holiday), and you can sign up for membership on the day. Some resorts are excluded, so check the official announcement before you buy.

New facilities: Karuizawa Prince and Kawaba

Karuizawa Prince: Reports say the resort is expanding its Snowman Park this season and making the beginner-oriented Debut Park free for lift ticket holders. Opening dates are on our opening date list (Japanese page).
Kawaba: A new snow park about 1,500 m long, produced by Reira Iwabuchi, is being added. The powder and tree-run area, OFF THE PISTE, grows to seven areas in total. Early-bird tickets have been on sale at the official online store since 9:00 on October 1.

Niseko: a new gondola to watch

At Niseko Village, the "Mori no Chairlift" (Forest Chairlift), in use since the early 1980s, is being replaced by the "New Mori no Gondola," which roughly doubles capacity. The first section is scheduled to open in December. Some Niseko United resorts are still waiting on official opening announcements. See the opening date list (Japanese page) for dates.

Where is the snow right now?

The first snowcap of the season in Japan was recorded on Asahidake on October 2. Note that from this season, the first snowcap is determined using analyzed snow depth. This morning's observations on the slopes show no snowfall and no snow depth. Japow Now! updates snow depth and 24-hour snowfall for 189 ski resorts across Japan every day, so you can check here for the first powder day.

Many early-bird sales run for a short period, and prices and conditions differ by resort. Check each official page for the latest details before you buy.

Sources

Prepared with AI assistance from public sources. Always check each resort's official website for the latest information.