Disclaimer

Terms of Use

The activity guides provided on Visit Furano, including those for ski touring, cycle touring, hiking, and other outdoor adventures, are intended for informational purposes only. By using this information, you acknowledge that participation in these activities involves inherent risks, and you assume full responsibility for your safety and well-being.

Tragically, lives are lost in Hokkaido every year. Please take care and ensure you’re not one of them.

Pre-Trip Preparation

Before undertaking any activity, you must:

  • Check current local weather conditions, trail and road statuses, and any land access restrictions or closures.
  • Understand that weather and environmental conditions in remote or mountainous areas can change rapidly, potentially leading to serious risks, including injury or death.
  • Ensure you have the necessary skills, fitness level, and equipment for the specific activity.

Skill Levels, Fitness, Training, and Experience

Many of the activities described on Visit Furano require specific skills, experience, and preparation. Below are key requirements for the most common activities:

Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding

This advanced activity requires:

  • Expert Skills: Confidence navigating steep, uneven, and unpredictable backcountry terrain.
  • Avalanche Safety Training: Understanding avalanche terrain, hazard assessment, and avoidance techniques. Completion of a certified avalanche safety course is strongly recommended and may be required by tour operators.
  • Rescue Skills: Competence with avalanche rescue tools (beacon, probe, shovel) and regular practice using them.
  • Physical Fitness: High stamina and strength for long ascents, challenging descents, and varying snow conditions.
  • Proper Gear: Reliable equipment, weather-appropriate clothing, and a well-stocked backpack containing essentials like a first-aid kit, emergency shelter, food, and water.

Cycle Touring

For safe and enjoyable cycling tours, you should have:

  • Bike Maintenance Skills: The ability to perform basic repairs, such as fixing flat tires, adjusting brakes, and maintaining the drivetrain, especially in remote locations.
  • Endurance and Strength: Physical preparation to handle long distances, steep climbs, and extended rides, often while carrying gear. (Remember to stay hydrated!)
  • Navigation Skills: Competence in route planning and navigating varied terrain, from paved roads to off-road trails. Always carry reliable maps, a GPS device, or a compass.
  • Safety Awareness: Knowledge of traffic rules, road-sharing practices, and strategies for dealing with adverse weather.

Hiking and Mountaineering

For backcountry hiking and mountaineering, you must have:

  • Navigation Skills: Ability to use maps, compasses, and GPS devices, and to interpret trail markers and topographic maps.
  • Appropriate Gear: Durable footwear, layered clothing suited to the weather, and a backpack stocked with essentials like a first-aid kit, emergency shelter, food, and water.
  • Physical Fitness: Adequate fitness for the trail’s difficulty, including the ability to traverse uneven terrain and steep inclines.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Training to handle unexpected situations, such as injuries, losing the trail, or sudden weather changes.

Other Outdoor Activities

Additional activities require specialized preparation:

  • Camping: Knowledge of tent setup, fire management, and food storage to minimize wildlife encounters. Be prepared for extended stays with waterproofing and insulation techniques.
  • Water-Based Adventures: For activities like rafting or canyoning, you’ll need swimming skills, familiarity with water safety protocols, and the use of gear such as personal flotation devices.

Evaluate your skills and fitness levels honestly. Seek professional training or guidance and consult with a medical professional if you are uncertain about your readiness.

Environmental Hazards

Engaging in outdoor activities in the Furano region may expose you to the following hazards:

  • Severe Weather: Sudden storms, heavy snowfall, and sub-freezing temperatures are common, especially in mountainous areas. Prepare with appropriate clothing, equipment, and contingency plans.
  • Avalanche Risk: Many areas are prone to avalanches. Always check forecasts, carry rescue equipment, and know how to use it effectively.
  • Navigation and Communication Limitations: Mobile phone coverage is unreliable in remote locations, and GPS devices may fail due to terrain or dead batteries. Always carry backup navigation tools, such as a map and compass.
  • Wildlife Encounters: The Hokkaido brown bear poses a significant risk, with the potential for fatal attacks. Practice bear safety, carry bear spray, make noise while traveling, and store food securely. Be aware of other wildlife hazards in the area. (Also, don’t feed the foxes!)

While on Your Journey

To minimize risks and protect the environment:

  • Respect all public and private land use regulations.
  • Carry appropriate safety and navigation equipment.
  • Follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize environmental impact.

Disclaimer

The guides and resources provided on Visit Furano, including GPS tracks (GPX, KML, maps), are intended as planning tools to inspire your trip. However:

  • The accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed.
  • All details should be independently verified before use.
  • Visit Furano, its partners, associates, and contributors disclaim liability for any injuries, property damage, or other incidents arising from the use of this information.

By engaging in any activity, you acknowledge and accept full responsibility for your actions, decisions, and any associated risks.

With that said, have a wonderful time in Furano – it truly is a magical place!