As winter sets in, Japan is gearing up for an exhilarating ski season, promising deep powder, great food, and unique cultural experiences for international travelers. With the first snow already gracing Hokkaido’s majestic Asahidake on October 4, and Hirafu Village witnessing its initial snowfall on October 22, the stage is set for another ripping winter.
Snowfall Updates and Expectations
Japan’s renowned ski destinations are brimming with anticipation. The late November and early December forecast predicts consistent snowfalls and sub-zero temperatures, signaling the official start of the Niseko 2023/24 ski season. Meanwhile, Hakuba has already welcomed snow to its mid-mountain levels as of November 13, with village-level snow expected imminently.
Resorts Ready for Action
Here’s what’s on the horizon for Japan’s top ski resorts:
Niseko United Resort
- Niseko Annupuri Ski Resort: Open from December 2, 2023, to May 6, 2023.
- Niseko Village Ski Resort: Ready from December 1, 2023, through April 7, 2024.
- Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU: Welcoming skiers from December 2, 2023, to May 6, 2024. Night skiing available from December 16, 2023, to March 20, 2024.
- Niseko HANAZONO Resort: Open from December 2, 2023, to April 7, 2024, with night skiing during the same period as Grand Hirafu.
View this year’s trail map for Niseko United Resort here.
Furano Ski Resort
- Furano Zone: Scheduled from November 25, 2023, to May 6, 2024.
- Kitanomine Zone: Expected late December 2023 to March 24, 2024.
- Note: Stay tuned for updates on the opening date from November 24th, as the snow base is still developing.
View trail map for Furano Resort here.
Hakuba Resort
UPDATE: This section has been updated to reflect the newly announced opening dates in Hakuba.
- Happo-One, Goryu, and Tsugaike resorts all opened on November 30. We can expect the remaining resorts to open early December.
View trail map for Happo Resort here.
Gear Up at Our Stores
We’ve been busy getting our stores in Niseko, Hakuba, and Furano ready to roll for the winter season. The warehouse is stacked to the rafters with brand-new-season gear for rental and for purchase so be sure to stop by for a visit.
Niseko Stores
- Rhythm Hirafu and Rhythm Summit, Hirafu: Opening November 25, operating daily from 8am.
Head to Rhythm Hirafu near the Hirafu Gondola for all your rental, retail, and lesson needs.
For shopping needs you can also stop by the Rhythm Summit store next to the Hirafu Intersection where we stock all the best winter brands.
Hakuba Stores
- Rhythm Wadano: Launching December 2, open daily from 8am.
Our Wadano store offers rental, retail, workshop and on-site cafe. - Rhythm Summit, Happo and the new Rhythm Happo rental store: Starting December 16, doors open from 8am.
New for winter 2023-24, Rhythm Happo will open its doors opposite the Summit shop offering dedicated rental services. Now you can enjoy rental and retail both in the convenient Happo Precinct location!
Furano Store
- Rhythm Furano: Opens its doors on December 2 from 8am.
Rental and retail services directly accross from the Kitanomine Gondola.
Start Planning Your Winter Trip
Need gear? Check out our online store and use Click and Collect at checkout to enjoy travelling light by picking up your new gear when you arrive!
We also have a brand new range of rental gear ready to go for the season. Enjoy outerwear from OYUKI, Burton Step-in bindings, and 3d Volumental boot fitting to get you fitted and ready to ride faster than ever.
Visitors to Niseko resort can also enjoy lesson and guiding programs with Rhythm Rides. If you’re looking to hit some goals with your riding this season consider our Premium Private Lessons.
Need the whole package? Check out our Niseko Trips – packages which include rentals, lessons, accommodation, lift passes, and more!