๐ Ski Season Calendar
When each region's resorts are open and when the snow is usually best. Southern Hemisphere seasons run in our summer.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North China (Chongli) | ||||||||||||
| Northeast China | ||||||||||||
| Xinjiang (Altay) | ||||||||||||
| Japan ยท Hokkaido | ||||||||||||
| Japan ยท Nagano | ||||||||||||
| European Alps | ||||||||||||
| North America | ||||||||||||
| New Zealand | ||||||||||||
| Australia | ||||||||||||
| Indoor slopes (China) |
* Typical seasons based on previous years. Opening and closing dates depend on snowfall โ check each resort's official announcements.
Month-by-month guide
January
Peak season across the Northern Hemisphere. Northeast China and Hokkaido have their best powder; book early for New Year.
February
Still prime time: deep snow in Japan and Northeast China. Chinese New Year brings crowds and high prices โ plan around it.
March
Longer, sunnier days and softer spring snow. Great value in Chongli and the Alps; Xinjiang still has good snow.
April
Spring skiing: most Chinese and Japanese resorts close during the month. High-altitude Alps and North American resorts stay open.
May
Off-season in most places. Indoor slopes and Zermatt's glacier area are your main options.
June
Southern Hemisphere opens: New Zealand and Australian resorts start their season, often with man-made snow first.
July
Peak Southern Hemisphere season โ the best time for a summer ski trip to New Zealand or Australia. Avoid local school holidays.
August
Usually the best natural snow in New Zealand and Australia. Indoor slopes are a cool escape in China's summer heat.
September
Spring conditions in the south: sunny days and softer snow. Australian resorts begin to close late in the month.
October
New Zealand's season wraps up early in the month. Northern resorts start snowmaking and selling early-bird season passes.
November
Northern Hemisphere opens: Chongli, the Northeast, Xinjiang and Whistler usually open mid-to-late month on early snow and snowmaking.
December
The season gets going in Japan and the Alps. Early December is quiet; the ChristmasโNew Year holidays are busy.