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What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass
Niseko Village is replacing a lift from the early 1980s with an eight-person gondola, Tsugaike gets a six-person chairlift, Madarao joins the Ikon Pass and Togari opens Asia’s first private ski resort. Here’s what is actually new in Japan skiing for 2026/27, plus what is still a year or two away.
Michael Fulton
Fairmont Niseko: New Luxury Resort Revives Stalled La Plume Site for Early 2028 Opening
Fairmont is bringing its second Japanese property to Niseko, and this one's got history. The 165-room resort will rise on the site of the stalled La Plume project, which collapsed into bankruptcy in 2025 before J-Will Partners bought the site for redevelopment. Set between Mount Yotei and Mount Annupuri, it's slated for an early 2028 opening - putting it in play for the 2027/28 season. Expect two restaurants, a spa, onsen bathing, and a kids' club, a short drive from Niseko Village and Hirafu.
Michael Fulton
Why a Lift Ticket Costs $356 at Vail and €76 in Austria - And Almost Nobody Pays the American Price
A lift ticket at Vail hit $356 US this season. In Austria, a day at Kitzbühel still costs around €76. At Perisher, which Vail bought in 2015, the window rate has roughly doubled against inflation in a decade - while just across the Tasman, where Vail owns nothing, prices stayed put. Same sport, same snow, wildly different outcomes depending on who owns the lift. We went through the SEC filings, the court records and the pass math to work out why. Full breakdown below, video included.
Michael Fulton
Niseko Village Unveils 86-Cabin Gondola With Glass Floors and VIP Dining Cabins
Niseko Village has announced plans for the Morino Gondola - an 86-cabin lift set to open in December 2026, replacing the resort's ageing two-seat Mori-no chairlift that's been running since the 1980s. The new gondola includes four VIP cabins with dining tables and two glass-floor cabins for a full view of the terrain below. Capacity will double, and a second phase extending to the 970m summit is planned for December 2027. Niseko Village is on the Ikon Pass.
Michael Fulton
Asia's First Private Ski Resort is Opening in Japan - THE CLUB TOGARI
Japan is about to get its first private ski resort. THE CLUB TOGARI opens at Togari Onsen near Nozawa Onsen in December 2026, offering members-only access to a dedicated ski zone, a private clubhouse, and ski-in ski-out real estate. Initial memberships are priced at JPY 20,400,000 (around $128,000 USD), capped at 400 members. It's a significant departure from the affordable, accessible skiing Japan has long been known for.
Michael Fulton
Global Skier Visits Hit Record 399 Million in 2024-25 - Here's Who's Leading
The 2024-25 ski season set a new global record with 399 million skier visits worldwide - more people on snow than ever before. Nine countries account for nearly 80% of that total, with the US, France, and Austria holding the top three spots. Japan posted the biggest jump of any major market, driven largely by Australian and North American visitors chasing powder.
Michael Fulton
Canadian Freeskier Kai Smart Dies Following Avalanche in Japan
Kai Smart, a 23-year-old freeskier and filmmaker from Whistler, has died from injuries sustained in an avalanche burial in Japan. The son of two-time Canadian Olympian John Smart was repatriated to Vancouver before his death on March 23.
Michael Fulton
Four Injured in Rare Full-Depth Avalanche on Patrolled Terrain at Madarao Kogen
A full-depth avalanche on a marked powder run at Madarao Kogen injured four skiers and riders on February 28, raising questions about inbounds avalanche risk during warm weather conditions. The slide occurred despite morning inspections showing no warning signs.
Michael Fulton
Melbourne Skier Dies in Niseko Backcountry Incident
A 27-year-old Melbourne man has died while skiing unpatrolled backcountry terrain in Niseko, Japan. Michael "Micky" Hurst fell behind his group of seven skiers and was found unconscious on Monday afternoon. He died from a suspected heart attack after being transported to hospital. The incident marks the second fatal accident involving an Australian skier in Japan within days, following the death of Queensland's Brooke Day in a chairlift accident at Hakuba Valley.
Michael Fulton
Ikon Pass Expands Asia Offering: Analysing the Implications
Ikon Pass adds 9 new Asian destinations for 2025-26, significantly increasing its presence in Japan, China and South Korea. But what does this expansion really mean for pass holders and the wider ski industry?
Michael Fulton
Furano Ski Resort Review: Japan's Best Value Powder Experience in Hokkaido
An Australian skier's honest assessment of Furano Ski Resort in Hokkaido, Japan. Discover why this resort offers exceptional powder skiing at half the price of Australian mountains, with 28 runs across two zones, impressive terrain variety, and authentic Japanese mountain culture that delivers on Japan's legendary skiing reputation.
Michael Fulton
Global Ski Industry Rankings: Nine Countries Control 366 Million Annual Visits
The latest international ski tourism data reveals stark industry concentration, with just nine countries dominating global skiing. The USA leads with 60.5 million visits, whilst China shows explosive growth and traditional Alpine destinations face different challenges from climate change to currency strength.
Michael Fulton
Global Ski Tourism: Top 9 Countries by Annual Skier Visits
Explore the world's most popular ski destinations as we analyse the top nine countries by annual skier visits. From the United States to Sweden, discover how these nations shape the global ski industry and attract millions of visitors each year.
Michael Fulton
Gassan Ski Resort Opens 2025 Season with Record 950cm Snow Depth
Japan's summer-only Gassan ski resort has opened for the 2025 season with a record-breaking 950cm snow depth, offering skiers and riders a unique opportunity to hit the slopes well into July.
Michael Fulton
Myoko's $1.4 Billion Ski Resort Investment: Economic Growth and Community Impact
Singapore's Patience Capital Group plans a $1.4 billion investment in Myoko, Niigata Prefecture, aiming to transform it into a major international ski destination. The project promises economic benefits but raises questions about community integration.
Michael Fulton
Niseko's Record-Breaking 2024-25 Snow Season
Niseko United experienced an exceptional 2024-25 season with 1283cm of total snowfall. December saw the highest accumulation in 20 years, while February brought the season's heaviest 24-hour snowfall.
Michael Fulton
Record-Breaking Snowfall Buries Japan's Kagura Ski Resort Under 3 Metres in 3 Days
Kagura Ski Resort in Japan's Niigata prefecture experienced unprecedented snowfall, receiving three metres of snow in just three days. The extreme weather forced the resort and neighbouring areas to suspend operations, marking historical closures across the Yuzawa region.
Michael Fulton
Hakuba's Record-Breaking 2025 Season Hits 13-Year Snowfall High
Hakuba's Happo One ski resort has recorded its highest snowfall total in 13 years, surpassing the previous record of 619cm set in 2014-15. With more than six weeks of potential snowfall remaining, the 2024-25 season is shaping up to be historically significant for the Japanese resort.
Michael Fulton
Skiing in Japan vs USA: Which Country Offers Better Value in 2024?
From $50 lift tickets and consistent powder in Japan to vast terrain and high-speed lifts in America, we compare what matters: snow quality, terrain size, costs, and resort culture. After skiing both countries multiple times, we break down the key differences to help you decide between Japan's legendary powder or America's premium resorts.
Michael Fulton
Early Snowfall in Sapporo Signals Start of Japan's Ski Season
Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, experienced its first snowfall of the season on October 20, eight days earlier than average. This early snow has increased anticipation among skiers and riders, with Japanese ski resorts preparing for a promising winter. From Fujiyama Snow Resort Yeti's artificial snow preparations to the scheduled openings of major Hokkaido resorts, Japan's ski season is off to an encouraging start.
Michael Fulton
These Are The Best Japan Ski Deals In 2024
January is nearing its end, but the ski season in Japan is still in full swing, with ample powder days remaining due to recent storm systems. This season stands out as Japan has finally lifted all previous restrictions, including those on visitation and venue capacities, making the country fully accessible once again. We are gearing up for their seventh trip to Japan, but their first for skiing and snowboarding.
Michael Fulton
Latest News
More from the SnowStash desk
Mt Rose Aims to Open First in Tahoe on November 6
Mt Rose is going for the first-in-Tahoe title, with the Lakeview Express due to spin at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 6. One main lift, three runs and plenty of snowmaking, sitting on the highest base elevation in the region at 8,260 ft. Here is what is open, what is not (sorry, tubing fans), and how the early North American openings are stacking up.
4 Nov 2026
Europe Snow Forecast: Serre Chevalier Leads With 82 cm Over the Next 10 Days
Europe has had a quiet start to November, but our 10-day forecast has Serre Chevalier on 82 cm and Les 2 Alpes on 71 cm. Two pushes are lined up: a western Alps top-up from Friday, then a bigger, wider system on Thursday, November 12 and Friday, November 13 that reaches Italy and Switzerland. Full leaderboard inside.
4 Nov 2026
Mammoth Mountain Opens Early on November 5 With Up to 33 Inches of Snow in the Forecast
Mammoth just moved opening day forward to Thursday, November 5, eight days ahead of schedule. A snowy weekend and cold snowmaking nights did the work, and our forecast shows up to 33 inches more landing on November 13 and 14. Here is what opens, what the weather looks like and where Mammoth sits among the early Ikon Pass openers.
3 Nov 2026
Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings
Rain down low, snow up high, and a snow report full of zeros that mostly means ‘not updated yet’. Utah’s first proper storm of 2026-27 is rolling through the Wasatch, Snowbird’s snow stake is closing in on 10 inches, and Brian Head is five days from opening day. Early November snow rarely looks like much, but it is the layer every November opening date is built on. Here is where it stands.
1 Nov 2026
Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches
Halloween weekend brings a wet, windy storm to the Sierra Nevada. Our five-day forecast has Dodge Ridge on top with 19 in, followed by Bear Valley at 15 in and Mammoth Mountain at 12 in, with most of it landing on Saturday. A winter weather advisory covers the Tahoe Basin and Mono County until 7 AM Sunday, gusts could reach 47 mph and the freezing level swings between 4,900 and 8,700 ft, so some bases will see rain. A dry spell follows from Monday.
31 Oct 2026
Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street
The Rockies get their first lift-served turns of the season early. Lake Louise opens Sunday 1 November, five days ahead of schedule, after a cold October and round-the-clock work from the snowmaking and mountain crews. Terrain is limited to Juniper Express Chair and Easy Street, with two small terrain parks and the beginner area for lessons. Opening-day tickets are over 60% off, with prices rising as more lifts open. First chair is at 9:30 am under the resort’s new lift hours.
31 Oct 2026
Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years
A Tyrolean summit lift that has been carrying guests up the Kitzbüheler Horn since 1955 is on borrowed time. Its licence runs to 2045, but a new inspection rule has made refurbishment uneconomic, so Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel will spend around €15 million on a replacement on the same line. It should hold roughly 100 people and keep running in winds that would stop today’s lift. Building starts in autumn 2027, which makes this winter and next summer the last chances to ride the old one.
30 Oct 2026
What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass
Niseko Village is replacing a lift from the early 1980s with an eight-person gondola, Tsugaike gets a six-person chairlift, Madarao joins the Ikon Pass and Togari opens Asia’s first private ski resort. Here’s what is actually new in Japan skiing for 2026/27, plus what is still a year or two away.
30 Oct 2026