Book winter direct, get ¥10,000 guest experience credit Learn More
Get your skis and snow boots ready: United Airlines, Air Canada, Philippine Airlines and Singapore Airlines are launching winter flights to Sapporo.
Before, getting to Sapporo always meant a layover in Tokyo, a domestic transfer at Haneda, and a short prayer that your ski bag would survive the journey. This coming winter season, four major carriers are launching direct service into New Chitose Airport (CTS); great news for travellers booking flights from Singapore, Manila, Vancouver and San Francisco for JAPOW adventures.
Winter 2026/27 brings four new direct routes into Hokkaido — fewer connections, more time in Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu.
Say yes to condo hotels with the best slopeside locations — these are the ski-in ski-out properties to book now
Read More
Route: San Francisco (SFO) → Sapporo (CTS)
Launch date: 11 December 2026
Season: 11 December 2026 – 26 March 2027
Frequency: 3x weekly
Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
America’s quickest path to JAPOW is soon even shorter. United Airlines launches three-times-weekly nonstop service from San Francisco (SFO) to New Chitose (CTS) on 11 December 2026, through 26 March 2027. The 787-9 seats 257 across Polaris business, Premium Plus, and Economy. With SFO connecting to nearly 80 US cities, most of America just got a swifter route to JAPOW.
Apart from the slopes: Rusutsu Dining Guide 2026: Where to Eat This Winter
Launch date: 17 December 2026
Season: 17 December 2026 – 26 March 2027
Frequency: 3x weekly
Aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner
Air Canada, launches nonstop Vancouver (YVR) to Sapporo on 17 December 2026, running through 26 March 2027 on the 787 Dreamliner. Plus, Vancouver International Airport (YVR) connects to over 45 cities across Canada, the US, and Mexico.
On this route, the Signature Class dining is curated by Michelin-starred Chef Masaki Hashimoto — a proper meal before you’ve even landed.
The Luxe Nomad reports 21% year-on-year growth as travellers discover Furano's uncrowded slopes and year-round appeal
Read More
Route: Manila (MNL) → Sapporo (CTS)
Launch date: 23 November 2026
Season: 23 November 2026 – 26 March 2027
Frequency: 3x weekly
Aircraft: Airbus A321neo
The Philippines is already one of Niseko's fastest-growing source markets; Philippine Airlines is taking the hint. The Manila–Sapporo route returns for winter 2026/27 — 23 November through 26 March, three times weekly on the A321neo. Early-morning departures mean you could be on the slopes sooner than you think. The carrier has committed to the route every winter going forward.
An apres-ski routine: Where the Locals Go: Onsen Worth the Detour from Niseko
Route: Singapore (SIN) → Sapporo (CTS)
Season: Late November 2026 – End of February 2027
Frequency: Daily (plus daily Scoot service via Taipei)
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900
Singapore has always known about Niseko; now the flight calendar agrees. Singapore Airlines has worked the Singapore–Sapporo route since 2014, and this winter is its longest season yet, running from late November 2026 through end of February 2027. That’s the full powder window, Chinese New Year, and the Sapporo Snow Festival in one unbroken run. Sister carrier Scoot adds daily flights via Taipei.
Planning a trip to Hokkaido this winter? Explore our ski-in/ski-out residences, alpine chalets, and resort properties across Niseko, Furano, and Rusutsu.
A December ski guide to Niseko, Furano and Rusutsu: early-season powder, fewer crowds and the best chalets and condotels in Hokkaido to know.
Read More
Content Executive
Born and raised in Cebu City, Philippines, with a love for travel and an eye for beauty in all its forms — interiors, architecture, and fashion united by a well-played palette. Thiza gravitates toward unique experiences and the unforgettable stories they bring.
