Japan Weekly Snow Roundup #290 – Early‑Season Honshu Snow
Weekly Snow News for Japan, updated 26 November 2025: late‑November storms improve conditions and hint at early openings.
- Japan sees first significant accumulations of the season
- Early openings possible after late‑November snow
- Honshu resorts report promising start to winter
Japan Snow Report and Ski Conditions – Week Ending 26 November 2025
JAPAN REPORT | It seems Japan's ski season is set to officially start this weekend, with several resorts announcing that some lifts will be operational after a significant snowfall earlier this week. The Hakuba Valley reported snowfall of up to 40cm (16 inches) in 24 hours last week as winter weather arrived suddenly. Among those confirming the season begins on the 29th, Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort has announced it will open from Saturday, 29th November, bringing forward its 2025–26 season for the third consecutive year. The Nagasaka Gondola and Yamabiko D Course are confirmed, with additional terrain—Yamabiko A–E and Uenotaira—likely to open after forecasted snow on Friday.
The resort previously posted a video of early ski tourers enjoying powder conditions on their slopes late last week following similar accumulations.
JAPAN FORECAST
Japan’s mountains are expected to see regular snowfall and cold air, potentially increasing the open terrain this weekend. In Hokkaido, scattered snow showers midweek are followed by more widespread snowfall later in the week. A strong front for the opening weekend should bring heavier snowfall, driven by gusty winds, especially in northern Honshu around Hakuba and Nozawa Onsen.
