With waist-deep powder, aprés-ski onsen soaks, and slope-side ramen, Japan has quickly risen to become one of the most popular winter ski destinations in the world.
Ikon Pass, Alterra Mountain Company’s global multi-resort access pass, is expanding to six new destinations in Japan for the upcoming 2025-26 season, as well as two new mountains in China and South Korea.
In addition to Niseko United and Arai Mountain Resort, the pass now includes the Japanese mountains Shiga Kogen, Myoko Suginohara, Mount T, Furano, APPI Resort, NEKOMA Mountain, and Zao Onsen, plus Yunding Snow Park in China and Mona Yongpyong in South Korea.
With up to 77 days of skiing and riding across Asia and no blackout dates for most tiers, travelers can combine marquee resorts with lesser-known, culturally immersive escapes. For instance, holders of the Ikon’s flagship pass will have seven days of combined access at Shiga Kogen, Japan, and seven days each at all other new Asian destinations. The most affordable Ikon Base Pass includes five days combined access at Shiga Kogen, plus five days each at all other new Asian destinations with no blackout dates. Following a recent price increase, the Ikon Pass costs around $1,519, while the Ikon Base Pass costs $1,009.
The new resorts cater to all levels and terrain—whether you’re chasing deep powder, long groomers, or Olympic-caliber runs—giving pass holders access to some of Asia's most iconic, and underrated, snow regions. Here's what to know about Ikon Pass's newly added mountains across Japan, China, and South Korea, including where to stay in each.
Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort
Country: Japan
Japan’s largest ski destination, Shiga Kogen, sits high in the Japanese Rockies just 3.5 hours from Tokyo. The resort links 18 ski areas across 4,097 acres of terrain, meaning families and experts alike will have no problem finding runs to match their style. One lift ticket gives you access to nearly 50 lifts, gondolas, and ropeways in the ski area. With a season running from late November to late May there's great spring skiing options, too.
Where to stay near Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort:
- For open-air hot spring baths and mountain views: Senjukaku
- For an elevated yet authentic ryokan: Wafu-no Yado Masuya
- For an easily accessible and unique stay: Hotel Tsubakino
NEKOMA Mountain
Country: Japan
Rising above Lake Inawashiro in Fukushima, NEKOMA Mountain offers both long, scenic cruisers on the south side—with views of Mount Bandai and Lake Inawashiro—and deep, whispery, powder to the north. It’s one of Japan’s largest ski areas, blending varied terrain with a sense of history and regional culture, and is open from November 29, 2025, to May 6, 2026. Families traveling with young children can take advantage of the area’s intermediate-level long trails, snow escalators for beginners, and theme parks.
Where to stay near NEKOMA Mountain:
- For easy on-site mountain access: Hoshino Resorts Bandaisan Onsen Hotel
- For endless amenities, from spa to ski: Inawashiro Kankou Hotel
- For high-quality hospitality: Lake Village Donaludo Pension
Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort
Country: Japan
Just two hours from Tokyo and at the foot of Mount Myoko, Suginohara boasts 44 feet of annual snowfall and Japan’s second-longest groomed run at just over 5 miles. Its wide-open terrain, lakeside views, and powder-filled steeps make it easy to plan long days on the slopes with easy access from city hubs. On clearer days you can see a distant view of Mount Fuji from the slopes.
Where to stay near Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort:
- For picture-perfect mountain views: Pension Folklore
- For ski-to-door (and shuttle) access: Kofukan
- For a cozy base in the heart of the village: The Address Akakura
APPI Resort
Country: Japan
In Iwate Prefecture, APPI pairs silky, wide-open terrain with practical amenities, including onsen, diverse dining options, and mountain-side lodges. Nestled on the foot of Maemori Mountain in Japan’s Tohoku region, the year-round destination boasts 20 slopes over 27 miles of skiable terrain. Its layout makes it easy to ski all day, recharge, and return to comfort without leaving the resort.
Where to stay near APPI Resort:
- For saunas and hot spring baths walking distance from base: Apikogen Mori no Hotel
- For ski-in/ski-out access and amenities: ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort
- For on-site mountain access: ANA Crowne Plaza
Furano Ski Resort
Country: Japan
Furano’s dual zones—Furano and Kitanomine—offer options for every level, including untouched backcountry zones. For an expert challenge, the ski resort offers a variety of ungroomed powder runs and steep cruisers that have been used for FIS World Cup races in the past. Known for its light, dry “bonchi powder,” the resort also features sunlit basins notable for their extra-scenic views.
Where to stay near Furano Ski Resort:
- For a condo rental with easy access: Furano Yayoi-house
- For apartment-style accommodations near base: Chalet Fuyuri
- For a ski-to-door hotel: Fenix Furano
Mount T by Hoshino Resorts
Country: Japan
Deep in Gunma Prefecture), Mount T (previously known as Tanigawadake Tenjidaria ski resort) delivers on the bucket-list promise of deep natural powder and steep, dynamic terrain. The smaller resort is mellow, with many trails catering to beginners and intermediates—but the real draw for experts is the world-class backcountry skiing opportunities here (the mountain gets nearly 50 feet of snowfall annually) below the unique twin peaks.
Where to stay near Mount T by Hoshino Resorts:
- For ski-in/ski-out access: Tanigawa Valley Lodge
- For relaxed, traditional-style rooms : Kinseikan Seserag
- For a private two-bedroom home: Ninja Villa
Zao Onsen Ski Resort
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Country: Japan
Zao Onsen in Yamagata is famous for its Snow Monsters, or fir trees shaped by Siberian winds. Ski 460-plus acres of slopes before unwinding at the natural hot springs right on the mountain, or opt to explore the lively base village. On the mountain, you’ll find long runs with fresh powder and terrain for all levels.
Where to stay near Zao Onsen Ski Resort:
- For après wellness: Zao Kokusai Hotel
- For cozy mountain views: Forest Inn Sangoro
- For a modern-style ryokan: Meitoya So
Yunding Snow Park
Country: China
Set in the snowy mountains of northern China, just an hour from Beijing by high-speed rail, Yunding Snow Park offers ski-in/ski-out access, Olympic-caliber terrain, and modern facilities for families (for one, heated and high-speed chairlifts) and expert riders alike. Its 2022 Winter Olympics pedigree—officially and globally—kicked off its status as a base for world-class slopes and infrastructure. With its halfpipe used by iconic athletes like Eileen Gu and Shaun White, skiing here feels elite, professional, and genuinely cool.
Where to stay near Yunding Snow Park:
- For slope views and amenities: Chongli Yunding Liyuan Shundang Mum's Home
- For a popular and convenient option: Genting Apartment
- For stellar service and an indoor pool: InterContinental Chongli
Mona Yongpyong
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Country: South Korea
Nestled in Pyeongchang, Mona Yongpyong is South Korea’s premier winter resort—and the largest ski and snowboarding resort in Korea. The Rainbow Course and sweeping slopes on Mount Balwangsan combine Olympic history with accessible terrain, while nearby accommodations and cultural sites make it a practical destination for all kinds of skiers and international travelers. The resort also offers a three-hour-long shuttle bus to and from Seoul.
Where to stay near Mona Yongpyong:
- For a fun family-friendly resort: Mona Yongpyong
- For sledding, snowboarding, and a sauna: InterContinental Pyeongchang
- For shuttle access to the slopes: Ramada Hotel and Suite
More multi-resort ski pass options
Epic pass: Epic Pass has unveiled new winter 2025-26 offerings across North America and select global destinations, giving skiers and riders flexible access to hundreds of resorts. From the Colorado Rockies to Japan’s powder fields, Epic Pass holders can plan multi-destination trips with no blackout dates for top-tier passes. To maximize savings this upcoming ski season, check out the Epic Day Pass, which provides up to 65% off lift ticket prices around the country and abroad. From $1,051 to $1,183.
Mountain Collective Pass: Mountain Collective provides a curated, flexible experience with multiple days at 27 iconic resorts across North America and abroad, from Canada to Chile, appealing to travelers seeking variety, adventure, and a taste of world-class powder beyond a single destination. From $669 to $729.
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