Ski enthusiasts in California will soon have a new travel option as direct flights from the Bay Area to Sapporo, a renowned ski destination in Japan, are set to begin.
United Airlines has announced that starting December 2026, it will offer non-stop services from San Francisco International Airport to Sapporo, Hokkaido, three times a week. This will be the first non-stop flight from the continental United States to a Japanese city.
This seasonal service will operate until March 27 and will cater to winter travelers heading to Sapporo, a city known as a “snow metropolis,” which is home to several well-known ski resorts.
Interestingly, Sapporo is unique in that it’s the only city worldwide, with a population close to 2 million, that receives about 200 inches (nearly 5 meters) of snowfall each year.
“You can fully indulge in winter here, with skiing, snow activities, stunning winter views, and lively events,” the city’s tourism site notes.
The Upcoming Flights
Numerous ski resorts are accessible within Sapporo, including Sapporo Kokusai, Sapporo Teine, Sapporo Moiwayama, and Sapporo Bankei. For travelers, an 11-hour flight will cost around $1,500 in December, rising to $1,700 by March.
In addition to these flights, United will initiate daily year-round service between Chicago and Tokyo-Narita starting in October, a significant service as it’s the only U.S. airline providing non-stop connections on this route.
Patrick Quayle, United’s senior vice president of network planning and global alliances, emphasized, “United offers travelers expanded options whether they are planning a ski trip to Sapporo, a business venture in Tokyo with some sightseeing, or broader travels across Asia.”
Californians have encountered challenges closer to home, particularly at ski resorts around Lake Tahoe and in the Sierra Nevada, which have faced issues with a lack of snowfall. The warmer winter temperatures earlier this year led to early closures at many local resorts.
Scott Yin, a San Ramon skier, shared, “Tahoe is typically my first choice, but I skipped it this year due to high costs and poor timing. Sapporo offers more variety.” He seems excited about the new opportunities this flight will bring.
