Ski Furano
The Furano ski resort lies at the very centre of Hokkaido and is renowned for its long runs, magnificent views and the ever present Hokkaido powder, with falls of up to 8 metres per season on average. Furano resort has been the venue for world cup races with many of the world's great skiers having tested its steep and fast ski runs.
While not getting as much powder as Niseko, you'll find more sunny days and the colder temperatures give superb quality snow. When the powder is on, it is, quite simply, the best. Add to this the distinct lack of crowds and express lifts that take you to the top of 4.5km runs in a little over ten minutes and you have a recipe for leg burning skiing.
Amenities include banks, cafes, bars and restaurants. The resort and the town of Furano combined have about 100 eateries. You can also explore the winery and cheese factory. There is a modern ski school with group or private lessons as well as snow mobile and ski rides. The Master’s beer house & bakery, known as Yama no Doxon is renowned and is a must visit while skiing in Furano. The main town is a five minute taxi ride from the resort.
Ski hire & ski shops are based at the resort including our very own backcountry and resort hire near the base of the Kitanomine gondola, while in town there are a wider range of ski equipment at various shops. Our staff can assist with arranging any ski hire.
Cross country skiers have tracks cut for both classical and skating about 5 minutes walk from the resort. There are also ample areas for exploring by cross country skis in the vicinity of the resort.
Ski area lifts include the 6 person Kitanomine Gondola which goes 2.95km giving runs up to 4.5 km in length, the 100 person Furano Ropeway which covers 2.5km in 5 minutes! The central valleys have superb powder and the views of the central ranges of Hokkaido are spectacular. Furano is well known for it’s lack of crowds adding to your enjoyment of this former world cup resort. There are ample beginner/intermediate runs at the base of each side of the mountain, with the steeper and deeper runs up high.
