Exciting Updates Around Japanese Ski Resorts

Every winter season, there's a lot of new things around town.

New ski and board models lining the shelves, new lines of jackets and pants making their ways from the mannequins to around the streets, and hopefully, a few new moves added into your bag of tricks. 

Although, what you don't always expect, is that the main lift you were riding all winter last year, may not be there anymore. 

Updated infrastructure, new lift lines, restaurants and venues, new accom options – over the green season in Japan, the town gets to work renovating – and this year, there's be a lot happening. 

If you haven't visited Japan since winter 2025/26, here's what you've been missing:

Huge Updates For Niseko

Odin Hills Revamp

Niseko’s biggest game of Jenga is currently underway at Odin Hills – what was on the bottom is now on top, with a whole lot more space on either side of it!

The Lowdown: Musu is moving to the top level. Moncler, which was previously in a small shop on the second floor has now taken over the Burton space on ground level, and Burton has taken over the whole second floor that previously housed both Moncler and Musu. 

It sounds like a confusing process but really, it’s an epic changeup, with Musu now having even better Yotei views for their dining setting, and both Burton and Moncler’s shop footprint almost doubling in size. Meaning that for all you luxe lovers out there, there’s now over twice the amount of product to browse through.

At this stage, Moncler is open and operating, while both Burton and Moncler renovations are still underway in preparation for winter 26/27.

Niseko Village’s New Era

When it comes to Niseko’s ski resorts, Niseko Village has always stood up as one of the more high-end options, and it’s not slowing down in 2026, announcing a new eight-passenger Mori-no Gondola, a project that will replace the existing Mori-no Chair double lift. 

Spanning around 2km, the new gondola will connect the resort base with upper mountain terrain in two phases. The first section, reaching an elevation of 670 metres, is scheduled to open for the 2026/27 winter season, while the second section extending to approximately 930 metres is expected to follow in 2027.

Annupuri’s First Changeup In A Long Time

A sad but needed changeup – Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area has revealed plans for a complete replacement of its iconic gondola ahead of the 2028/29 season. 

Sure, the existing gondola, which has been operating since 1985, was old and definitely needed an upgrade (to say the least), but as one of Niseko’s still untouched resorts, it did hold a certain charm – feeling like a flashback into 1980’s Japow. 

That being said, are we upset about the gondi’s capacity increasing from approximately 1,440 passengers per hour to around 2,800 passengers per hour. Absolutely not. More pow per hour is NEVER a bad thing.

Ace Pair Lift #3 to Be Replaced 

This one isn’t as big of a surprise. Over the past few off-seasons, Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu has been putting in work upgrading their infrastructure. First, it was the Ace Quad (now Gondola) expansion. Then, their summer services now offering everything from pickleball to fine dining. Now, a new hooded 4-seater lift to replace Ace Triple Lift #3 – doubling its current capacity. 

And as part of Niseko’s commitment to sustainability, components from the soon to be decommissioned King Hooded Quad #3 will be repurposed for this project, minimising environmental impact while enhancing the resort’s infrastructure.

Upgraded Infrastructure in Hakuba

Big Announcements for Happo

There’s something brewing at Hakuba’s Happo-One, and no, it’s not a new Rhythm store (we wish). 

Instead, Happo-One has announced a long-awaited update to their lift lines, with plans confirming a high-capacity gondola and a redesigned base area scheduled to open in December 2027. 

So, what’s in store?

Faster uplift from Nakiyama to Usagidaira

A new gondola is planned to run from the Nakiyama (Namiki-yama) base area to Usagidaira, replacing the iconic “Adam” gondola, which has been operating since 1983. The new line is expected to span roughly 2.18km with a 652m vertical rise, and will increase operating speed from 4m/s to 6m/s.

And the best part? The upgrade is planned for 10-person gondolas, not only upping the efficiency of riders getting up the mountain, but also upping the opportunity to have some epic chairlift chats with the whole squad. 

A New Base

If you’ve navigated the existing Happo-One base, you’ll know that this one was needed. As the mecca of all ski resorts in the Hakuba region, there isn’t a whole heap once you get to the bottom - outside of busy bus departures and limited car parking spots. 

With the new base, Happo plans to bring together a consolidated base facility, bringing together functions, food and retail, as well as an expanded parking lot for around 230 vehicles. 

And a big FYI.

This one isn’t as exciting, but is one that is 100% important for all travellers to know – especially those hitting up Hakuba for huge events like Snow Machine.

As of July 1st, 2026, Hakuba Village has implemented a new ordinance, enforcing fines or up to ¥50,000 for public manner violations such as street drinking, late-night noise and littering. 

And Epic Developments For Furano

New Whisky Distillery

Everyone knows that Japanese Whisky is some of the best in the world, and there’s about to be a new edition lining the shelves, with a major whisky distillery approved for construction in Furano. 

And it won’t just be a high-level factory operation, with the plans highlighting a distillery, restaurant, and visitor experiences, all slated to open in fall 2029.

More Beds, Many More Beds

The Westin Furano, JAL Auberge, Lyra by Nozo, the list goes on… 

If you’ve previously looked into booking a trip to Furano but struggled to find accommodation options that weren’t already booked out, we have great news for you. A STACK of huge apartment and hotel complexes are currently being constructed around the city of Furano, with the majority of them projected to open ahead of this upcoming winter.