If you are anything like me, the dream of taking the family to ski the legendary powder of Japan has always been high on the bucket list—but usually followed by a quick reality check at the budget spreadsheet. Well, grab your calendars, because the Ikon Pass just dropped some massive news for the Winter 25/26 season that might just make that dream a reality.
Ikon has officially added nine new destinations in Asia, bringing their total to 11. We are talking about access to some of the deepest snow on the planet and former Olympic venues, all included on the pass you might already have in your pocket.
The New Japan Lineup
Japan is famous for its hospitality and, of course, the snow. We have always loved Niseko United and Arai Mountain Resort, but now seven new spots have joined the party:
- Shiga Kogen Mountain Resort: This is Japan's largest ski area. It’s absolutely massive, which is great for spreading out the crowds.
- Furano Ski Resort: Known for its light, dry "bonchi powder." It is a fantastic spot that balances deep snow with groomed runs for the littles. It currently holds a solid score of 69/100 on ShredIndex, making Furano a reliable bet for a family trip.
- Myoko Suginohara & Mt. T: If you have older teenagers who chase powder, take note: these spots average between 44 and 50 feet of snow annually. That is a lot of snow!
- APPI Resort, NEKOMA Mountain, and Zao Onsen: All incredible additions that offer a mix of culture and terrain.
If you are planning to head over, navigating trains and resorts can be tricky without internet. I highly recommend you grab an eSIM for your trip so you can check maps and translate menus on the go without the roaming fees.
Olympic Pedigree in China and South Korea
The expansion isn't just in Japan. They have also added Yunding Snow Park in China (a 2022 Beijing Olympic venue) and Mona Yongpyong in South Korea (home to the 2018 PyeongChang Games).
From a mom's perspective, skiing at former Olympic venues is usually a win because the infrastructure is top-notch. Mona Yongpyong, for example, is accessible from Seoul via the KTX high-speed train. No car seats, no icy mountain driving—just a fast train and a shuttle. That is a game-changer for family travel logistics.
The Nitty-Gritty: Access Details
Here is how the access breaks down for the 25/26 season:
- Ikon Pass: You get 7 days at each new destination with no blackout dates. (Note: Shiga Kogen is 7 days of combined access across its 18 areas).
- Ikon Base Pass: You get 5 days at each destination, also with no blackout dates.
- Ikon Session Pass: Unfortunately, this pass does not include these new international partners.
If you are eyeing a trip to Hokkaido to check out Furano, you can book your stay early to secure family-sized rooms, which can fill up fast during peak season.
Gear Tip for Deep Snow
With snowfall averages hitting 50 feet in some of these Japanese resorts, your standard carving skis might struggle. If you are heading there, you might want to look at wider skis for better floatation. The Atomic Bent 100 Skis are a versatile choice that can handle the deep stuff but still turn on the groomers.
Also, it gets cold—really cold. Make sure the kids have quality mittens. We swear by Hestra Gloves to keep the tears (and frostnip) away.
This expansion is huge for families looking to introduce their kids to international skiing without buying separate lift tickets. Start looking at flights now—Winter 25/26 is going to be one for the books!
Source: Ski Mag
