Why the “Night Snow Mountain Experience” Is Completely Different from Daytime—and Highly Recommended for Foreign Visitors
Major ski resorts such as Niseko and Hakuba offer skiing and snowboarding not only during the day, but also at night. At night, compared to daytime, there are fewer people, making it the perfect time to ski freely and comfortably. Unlike daytime, you can also enjoy a fantastical landscape illuminated by lights. In this article, we will explain night skiing at Japanese ski resorts.
What Is Night Skiing? A Ski Culture Unique to Japan
Night skiing generally refers to evening and nighttime operations, usually from around 4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Depending on the ski resort, some operate until 10:00 p.m. or even 11:00 p.m.
In Japan, night skiing developed in response to needs such as:
- Office workers who want to ski after work
- Students who visit after school
- Travelers who want to sightsee during the day and ski at night
Especially at ski resorts with easy access from urban areas (Niigata, Nagano, Gifu, and Hokkaido), night skiing is not considered special, but rather a routine and familiar way to enjoy skiing. Local Japanese skiers, who can reach ski resorts quickly, often plan their visits specifically around night skiing hours.
Why Night Skiing in Japan Is Recommended for Foreign Visitors
① Significantly Less Crowded
Many foreign visitors have the image that “skiing is something you do during the day.” As a result, during night skiing hours, most skiers are Japanese, and foreign visitors are very few. Even popular ski resorts that are crowded during the day often have almost no lift lines at night. For those who want to avoid crowds, night skiing is an excellent option.
② A Fantastical Snowy Landscape Illuminated by Lights
The greatest attraction of night skiing is the scenery unique to nighttime:
- Snow-covered slopes glowing under orange lights
- The quiet, still atmosphere of the mountains
- City lights shimmering in the distance
You can experience a magical and romantic atmosphere completely different from daytime. It is also perfect for photos and videos, making it ideal for social media.
③ Stable Snow Conditions
Most night skiing is conducted on:
- Groomed main courses
- Gentle to intermediate slopes
At night, temperatures drop and the snow firms up, creating stable conditions where edges grip well. This makes night skiing especially suitable for:
- Beginners
- Those returning to skiing after a long break
- People who want to practice while controlling their speed
④ Easy to Fit into a Travel Schedule
Night skiing is also attractive because it pairs well with daytime sightseeing. For example:
- Daytime: hot springs, sightseeing, shopping
- Evening: night skiing
- After skiing: relax in an onsen
This luxurious style of travel is unique to Japan. For foreign visitors staying for a short time, the ability to “make the most of one day” is a major advantage.
Representative Ski Resorts with Night Skiing
| Ski Resort | Night Skiing Hours | Operating Period |
|---|---|---|
| Niseko Grand Hirafu | 16:00–19:00 | Dec 13, 2025 – Mar 22, 2026 |
| Hoshino Resorts Tomamu | 15:00–18:00 | Dec 26, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026 |
| Rusutsu Resort | 16:00–20:00 | Mid-Dec 2025 – Mar 30, 2026 |
| Appi Kogen Ski Resort | 16:00–20:00 | Weekends & holidays: Dec 20, 2025 – Mar 22, 2026 |
| Zao Onsen Ski Resort | 17:00–21:00 | Dec 20, 2025 – Mar 1, 2026; Mar 7–8, 2026 |
| Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort | 16:30–20:00 | Specific dates from Dec 27, 2025 – Mar 21, 2026 |
| GALA Yuzawa | No night skiing | |
| Akakura Onsen Ski Resort | 17:00–21:00 | Dec 2025 (TBD) – Mar 15, 2026 |
| Hakuba Happo-One | No night skiing | |
Important Things Foreign Visitors Should Know
Cold Weather Protection Is Even More Important
Temperatures drop significantly at night. Especially on windy days, the perceived temperature can be much lower. The following items are essential:
- Neck warmer
- Thick gloves
- Face mask
Courses Are Limited
During night skiing, the entire ski resort is not open. Ungroomed areas and advanced courses are often excluded from night operations.
Check Rental Shop Hours
Rental shops may close before night skiing ends. Be sure to check operating hours in advance, and if possible, rent your equipment during the daytime.
Night Skiing Is a “Japanese-Style Ski Experience”
Night skiing in Japan is not just “skiing at night.” It reflects:
- An urban lifestyle
- A culture that values efficiency
- The wisdom of Japanese people who have lived alongside snow
For foreign visitors, night skiing offers many advantages:
- Avoiding crowds
- Enjoying magical scenery
- Using travel time efficiently
Conclusion: Leaving After Daytime Skiing Is a Missed Opportunity
If you visit a ski resort in Japan, be sure to experience night skiing at least once. The quiet atmosphere, illuminated snow, and relaxing hot springs after skiing will surely make your trip to Japan deeper and more memorable. Japan’s snow mountains do not end when night falls.
