Ski & Snowboard
Furano Ski Resort: Hokkaido’s Hidden Gem
If you ever find yourself in search of a world-class ski destination that remains blissfully under the radar of most international travelers, look no further than Furano Ski Resort, in the heart of Hokkaido. Despite its well-earned fame among Japanese ski enthusiasts, Furano remains an almost criminally undiscovered gem on the global ski scene. Here, in one of the coldest corners of Japan, you’ll find some of the lightest, driest powder snow you could ever hope to ski on, thanks to Siberian storm systems that sweep over the Sea of Japan and drop an annual bounty of 8-9 meters of snow.
The real beauty of Furano isn’t just the quality of the snow—although it’s legendary—but the variety of the terrain and the efficiency of its infrastructure. Whether you’re an adrenaline-seeking expert in search of steep powder runs or a complete novice just learning to stand upright on skis, Furano offers something for everyone. And it’s all delivered with that signature Japanese attention to detail, efficiency, and hospitality.
Furano Ski Area Overview
Furano Ski Resort is divided into two main sections: the Kitanomine Zone and the Furano Zone. Both areas are accessible with the same lift pass, so there’s no need to limit yourself to just one side of the mountain. Each zone offers its own unique combination of terrain, accommodation, and services, making Furano ideal for all types of skiers.
Key Ski Area Statistics
- Annual Snowfall: 8-9 meters
- Average Snow Depth: 3 meters
- Vertical Drop: 950 meters
- Number of Lifts: 10 (including cable cars, gondolas, and high-speed quads)
Ski Season
The Kitanomine Zone opens from mid-December to late March, while the Furano Zone kicks off a bit earlier, running from late November all the way to early May. This long season means there’s plenty of time to experience the pristine powder that blankets Furano each year.
With a vertical drop of 950 meters—one of the steepest in Hokkaido—advanced skiers and snowboarders will find plenty to keep their adrenaline levels high. Meanwhile, the more forgiving lower slopes are perfect for beginners looking to find their feet.
Access and Amenities
Getting to Furano is a breeze, whether you’re arriving from Sapporo or straight from New Chitose Airport. Furano is about 2.5 hours by car or train from the airport, and shuttle buses run regularly between Furano town and the two ski zones. If you’re staying in the town itself, the Kitanomine Zone is a mere three-minute shuttle ride away, while the Furano Zone can be reached in about six minutes.
Once you arrive, Furano’s compact town center offers a surprising range of restaurants, bars, and services, allowing you to fill up on hearty meals and après-ski drinks after a long day on the slopes.
Lift System
The lift system at Furano is designed for efficiency, whisking you up the mountain with minimum fuss.
- 101-person cable car: One of the fastest lifts in Japan, covering 2.3 km at a remarkable speed of 10 meters per second.
- 6-person gondola: A comfortable 3 km ride, giving access to beginner and intermediate runs in the Kitanomine Zone.
- High-speed quads: Two high-speed quads serve the main slopes, allowing easy access to terrain for all levels.
- Chairlifts: A combination of 2-person and single-seat chairlifts, including a 571-meter single-seat lift that reaches the highest point of the resort.
Ski Terrain for All Levels
Furano excels at catering to skiers and snowboarders of every skill level, with a balance of slopes that keeps everyone entertained.
Advanced Skiers and Snowboarders
If you live for challenging terrain, Furano won’t disappoint. Around 20% of the mountain is rated as advanced, offering steep slopes and exhilarating powder runs. You’ll also find racecourses that are steeped in skiing history, including the famed downhill course used for the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. The untracked powder here can remain untouched for days after a snowfall, providing ample opportunities to carve through fresh snow. For off-piste adventurers, local guides can take you to backcountry areas that offer some of the best skiing in Hokkaido.
Intermediate Skiers and Snowboarders
Furano is a paradise for intermediates, with 40% of the mountain dedicated to long, rolling runs perfect for building confidence. The combination of groomed and natural snow on these runs, some of which stretch up to 4.8 km, allows for varied and exciting descents. The scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains and valley makes these runs a visual treat, even as you focus on your technique.
Beginner Skiers and Snowboarders
With 40% of the terrain classified as beginner-friendly, Furano is a superb place to learn to ski. The base areas in both zones are perfect for first-timers, offering wide, gentle slopes serviced by detachable quads and 2-person lifts. One of the great things about Furano is that beginners aren’t confined to the lower elevations; thanks to the Furano Ropeway, novice skiers can enjoy stunning views from higher up the mountain without having to tackle overly challenging terrain.
To make learning even more accessible, Furano’s ski schools offer lessons in English, so international visitors can get professional instruction without language barriers.
Night Skiing in Furano
If skiing under the stars sounds like a dream, Furano has you covered. Both the Kitanomine and Furano Zones offer night skiing, with lifts running until 8 PM. The slopes are beautifully illuminated, and there’s something magical about carving through fresh snow while the lights of the Furano valley twinkle below. On the Kitanomine side, you can ski directly to the bars and restaurants at the base, ensuring you can slide off the slopes and straight into après-ski relaxation.
Piste Grooming
Furano is renowned for its impeccable grooming. Every night, the resort’s team carefully grooms the runs, ensuring a smooth, corduroy-like finish by morning. This level of care, combined with Furano’s dry, light snow, creates conditions that rival the best in the world. The groomed runs stretch up to 4.8 km, giving skiers of all levels plenty of room to perfect their turns.
Mountain Dining
No ski day is complete without a good meal, and Furano doesn’t disappoint on that front either. Restaurants at the base of the Kitanomine Gondola and the Furano Ropeway offer hearty, satisfying meals to refuel your energy after a day on the slopes. There’s even a charming European-style café at the top of the ropeway, where you can sit by a fireplace, sip coffee, and take in the breathtaking mountain views.
Off-Piste and Backcountry Skiing
For those who crave adventure beyond the groomed runs, Furano’s backcountry skiing is legendary. The surrounding mountains—Asahidake, Tokachidake, and Kurodake—are playgrounds for powder hounds, and guided backcountry tours are available to help you safely explore the untouched terrain.
- Lift-Assisted Backcountry: Use Furano’s lift system to access incredible off-piste terrain, with local guides to show you secret powder stashes.
- Backcountry Touring: For a full backcountry experience, guided tours take you deep into the wilderness, exploring pristine powder far from the resort boundaries.
- Intro to Backcountry Touring: Learn the basics of touring techniques and safety before venturing out on a beginner-friendly adventure with expert guides.
Ski Schools and Private Lessons
Furano is home to highly regarded ski schools, including Furano Snow School and Furano International Snowsports School (FISS). Whether you’re looking for private lessons, group classes, or kids’ programs, you’ll find expert instruction tailored to your needs.
Nearby Ski Resorts
Furano’s central location makes it a great base for exploring other nearby ski resorts, such as Kamui Ski Links, Hoshino Resorts Tomamu and Sahoro Resort Ski Area. Day trips to these resorts give you even more opportunities to experience Hokkaido’s legendary powder.
Conclusion: A World-Class Ski Destination
Furano Ski Resort is (at least for now) a bit of a hidden gem, offering everything you could want in a ski holiday: world-class snow, varied terrain for all skill levels, and a lift system that’s both efficient and extensive. From racing down steep slopes to floating through powder-filled backcountry runs, Furano delivers an unforgettable experience. Add in the charm of the town, the exceptional grooming, and the chance to ski under the stars, and you’ll wonder why more people haven’t discovered this remarkable place.
In short, Furano deserves its place among the best ski resorts in the world—and once you’ve been, you’ll find it hard to disagree.