Furano

About Furano

Located in the geographic center of Japan’s most northern islands, Hokkaido, Furano ski resort provides the perfect basecamp to experience a variety of skiing experiences, including uber deep powder that Japan is known for. The Furano ski resort features two base villages, nine lifts, 23 runs and 3,100 vertical feet of terrain. Furano isn’t overly developed, but offers the right amount of amenities and services, including two full-service hotels and English-speaking snowsports instructors. The nearby town of Furano is rather authentic, and offers more than 100 affordable restaurants. You can enjoy a feast of the senses to the tune of $7 to $20 USD.

Staying in Furano makes it easy to experience the controlled inbounds terrain of the Furano Ski Resort or nearby Tomamu or Kamui, where guests can ski for a day with the purchase of a five to seven-day lift ticket at Furano. Additionally, adventurous powderhounds can enjoy incredible access to lift-served backcountry skiing at Ashahikawa (an active volcano) or Kurodake. Guests can opt for a guided or unguided experience, but we highly recommend going with a guide off-piste. Furano receives about 30 feet of snow per season on average, which is less than some of the coastal Hokkaido ski resorts, such as Niseko and Rusutsu. Still, snow storms regularly drop anywhere from knee to chest-deep powder. The quality of snow is what sets Furano apart, as the resort’s central location ensures the powder is light and fluffy. The Furano weather is generally more pleasant than the coastal resorts, and there are more bluebird days.

A Furano ski vacation isn’t just about the resort. Guests can enjoy a host of activities, including backcountry ski tours, volcanic hot springs trips, snowmobiling, ice hole fishing, hot air balloon rides, snowshoeing, tubing and unique Japanese experiences, like a traditional tea ceremony or cultural performances. At the new Furano Prince Hotel, the Snow Night Fantasy is not to be missed. Featuring an illuminated winter forest, snow carvings and statues, and a snow dome ice bar, the Snow Night Fantasy will tickle the imagination and wonder of the young and young at heart.

How to get to Furano

For Furano Ski Resort, the most convenient option is flying into New Chitose Airport (CTS), which is about 88 miles away. Car rentals and bus transfers are available, with a commute time of about two-and-a-half to three hours. The "Hokkaido Resort Liner" shuttle service is available at around ¥4,500 JPY ($32 USD) per person.

Alternatively, you can fly into Asahikawa Airport (AKJ), just 28 miles from Furano, with a shuttle bus commute of about an hour to reach the resort. You may also consider stopping in Sapporo, where you can take a bus or train to Furano. For more privacy, jumbo taxis or private transfers can also be arranged for added convenience.

Getting around

Getting around is easy with convenient shuttle buses connecting the town and ski areas. Most hotels offer direct access to the slopes or provide complimentary shuttles to the lifts. The resort has two main zones, Kitanomine and Furano, both connected by a gondola and chairlifts. For off-slope activities, local buses and taxis are available to explore the surrounding area, including Furano town’s restaurants, shops and hot springs.

Skiing in Furano

Furano Ski Resort offers a great collection of long, groomed runs for beginners through advanced skiers or riders. From the top of the resort, guests are treated to panoramic views of Mt. Tokachi and downtown Furano. Lift lines are essentially non-existent at Furano, and the resort boasts the second fastest tram in Japan, so you can ski until your legs give out.

There are also plenty of non-groomed runs, with pitches more than 30 degrees. Off-piste or sidecountry skiing is also plentiful, however, the ski resort does not encourage people leaving the boundary. If you do you must do so via specific points and provide ski patrol with an intention note. For those who just can’t get enough time on the slopes, night skiing is available until 7:30 p.m., and is included in the price of a multi-day lift ticket.

Beginner Skiing at Furano Ski Resort

The resort’s gentle terrain, wide groomed runs, and superb snow conditions create the perfect learning environment. Beginners can start in the Kitanomine Zone, where they’ll find mellow slopes like the Family Course, which is perfect for practicing turns and stops. The Furano Zone also features the beginner-friendly Prince Course, providing a smooth ride and incredible mountain views.

Family vacations in Furano

Family skiing is at the heart of Furano's options, with gentle beginner slopes in both the Furano and Kitanomine zones, making it easy for parents and kids to learn and enjoy skiing together. The resort’s ski school offers group and private lessons for children, ensuring that even the youngest members of the family can confidently navigate the slopes with professional guidance.

Furano’s terrain provides plenty of options for families of mixed abilities, with wide, well-groomed slopes perfect for relaxed skiing and snowboarding. The resort also features kid-friendly facilities, including a snow play area where children can enjoy tubing and sledding when they're not on the slopes. Off the mountain, Furano offers a range of activities that make it a perfect winter wonderland for families. Take a ride on a snowmobile, explore the scenic surroundings with snowshoeing tours, or visit nearby attractions like the Furano Cheese Factory.