Big White spun its first chairs of the season at 8:45 a.m. on December 4 with 19 runs available, served by the Ridge Rocket Express, Bullet Express Quad, Plaza Chair, and the village gondola. Five centimetres of overnight snow pushed the alpine base to 73 centimetres, or 29 inches, giving opening day skiers and riders a softer surface on groomed runs. A group of guests camped out and lined up by 8 a.m. on December 3 to secure first chair ahead of the official launch.
Niseko United-a collective of four interconnected resorts in Hokkaido-announced on Thursday, November 27, that its opening, which was originally slated for Saturday, November 29, has been postponed due to insufficient snowfall. The decision affects all four component resorts: Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu, Niseko Hanazono Resort, Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area and Niseko Village Ski Resort. A new opening date will be announced as soon as it is determined. Niseko is the biggest resort in Hokkaido with a total of 32 miles of groomed runs.