Qantas boosts path to slippery slopes

 

Qantas is making big moves to cater for the ski set heading for Japan. 

The Australian flag carrier has increased capacity on its popular Sydney-Sapporo route for the 2026-27 season, with flights expanding from three per week to up to five per week in response to increased  demand during the current ski season.

The enhanced schedule represents a 50% capacity increase for next season, adding more than 10,000 additional seats to cater for Australians heading to Hokkaido's snow resorts, and a total of nearly 35,000 seats between the two cities.

This comes after new data from the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) revealed that over one million Australians visited Japan in 2025, an increase of 15% on an already record-breaking 2024, with 121,300 visitors visiting the country during the December school holiday rush alone and start of the popular winter season.

Qantas is the only airline to establish a non-stop link between Sydney and Sapporo, with the seasonal service launching in December 2025. 

Sapporo also became the 100th destination to join the airline’s international network, boosting tourism in both directions and catering to the increasing demand from Australians looking to experience Japan’s ski slopes.

“Since launching flights from Sydney to Sapporo last month the response from customers has been incredibly strong," says Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace.

"We’re only halfway through the current season and already we’ve carried almost 10,000 customers on the route and demand is high for the rest of the season.

“Japan remains a key focus for Qantas in the Asia region. By adding more flights next season, it cements our dedication to strengthening ties between our two countries and gives Australian travellers more choice and seamless direct access to Hokkaido’s snow.”

Return economy fares from Sydney to Sapporo are available from $1,473 at qantas.com.

Qantas flights to link directly with Japanese ski resorts

Good news for snow lovers from Qantas with the unveiling of a new seasonal air route between Sydney and Sapporo - which becomes the 100th destination in the Qantas network.

Qantas today announced direct seasonal flights from Sydney to Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport, providing Australians with the only non-stop connection between the two cities and catering to the growing demand for travel to Japan’s snowfields.

Flights will commence just in time for the peak ski season with services to operate three times per week from December 15, 2025, to March 28, 2026 served by Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

Flights will depart Sydney in the morning and arrive at Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport early in the evening.

The flights will save Australians several hours compared to existing one-stop options and enable same-day travel to popular ski resorts Niseko, Furano, Rusutsu and Kiroro.

Skiers will also be able to enjoy a morning on the slopes before departing for Sydney in the evening.

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is renowned for its dry powder snow, vibrant village centres and famous hot spring towns like Noboribetsu and Jozankei. The new Qantas flights will also coincide with the Sapporo Snow Festival.

Return economy fares from Sydney to Sapporo will be available at www.qantas.com.

The new Sapporo service marks the airline’s fourth route to Japan, complementing double daily flights from Sydney to Tokyo Haneda and daily services from Melbourne and Brisbane to Tokyo Narita.

“We know Sapporo is an extremely popular winter destination for Aussies who love the snow and we’re excited to make it even easier for them to reach Hokkaido’s world-class ski resorts with a direct fight from Sydney," says Qantas CEO for International Cam Wallace.

“These new flights will save passengers hours of travel time compared to connecting in Tokyo or other cities and give them more time to enjoy on the slopes.

“We last flew to Sapporo in early-2020 and had extremely positive feedback from customers, so we’re looking forward to operating this route again.”

Forget Europe and Canada: Aussies love skiing in Japan

Australia’s love affair with holidaying in Japan’s Nagano has soared to new heights.

Figures released by the Japan Tourism Agency have Australia at number one markets among the long-haul visitors to the popular ski region also famous for its hot springs and snow monkeys.

Australia was ranked number two overall behind Japan neighbour Taiwan while nearby Hong Kong claimed third spot.

The figures were based on the number of days and nights travellers spent in Nagano.

In the first five months of 2024, this rise resulted in a staggering growth of more than 90% compared with the same period last year. 

“In all, Australians made up to 100,630 bed nights during that period,” said Helen Wong, Australian representative of the Nagano Tourism Organization.

“That’s quite an impressive jump from last year’s 52,700 and shows how treasured this region of Japan is to Australians seeking a northern winter break.”

Nagano, about 250km north-west of Tokyo, is home to some of Japan’s best ski resorts, offering a variety of experiences for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

The best time for skiers and snowboarders to visit is typically from late December to early March with January and February the peak months for its deepest powdery snow.

Adding to Nagano’s winter appeal are several special events, including The Nozawa Onsen Fire Festival.

The Shiga Kogen ski resort hosts Snow Monkey Beer Live which combines the tasting of craft beer with live music.

In mid-February, the Iiyama City features snow sculptures along with fireworks and throughout the ski season, Hakuba Happo-One hosts several fireworks displays, lighting up the snowcapped mountains.

Beyond its ski resorts, Nagano offers a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.

It is renowned for its traditional hot springs. Other highlights include Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle, Jigokudani Monkey Park, famous for its snow monkeys that bathe in the springs.

Details: Nagano Tourism Organization: Go Nagano (go-nagano.net)