Resorts in regions like Nagano (Hakuba Valley) and Niigata (Yuzawa) typically follow shortly after. High-altitude spots like Hakuba Happo-One often target a December 1 start, while lower-elevation or southern resorts may wait until mid-December. When Should You Actually Visit?
The start of the season varies by geography and altitude, with northern regions generally opening their lifts first. : Due to its northern latitude, when does ski season start in japan