Located in Central Hokkaido, Furano has not been as well known as Niseko and Rusutsu in Western Hokkaido, but that is quickly changing. Boasting uncrowded slopes, short lift queues, dry snow, immaculate grooming, and endless tree skiing, Furano can be the perfect ski destination. And when it’s good, Furano is very good. With the introduction of an off-piste Gate system and an average 9m of snowfall, Furano is the newest dream destination for skiers and snowboarders in search of the famous Japow!

Furano has very well-developed amenities and services but, unlike some Japanese ski resorts, doesn’t feel too “resortified” and allows for a more authentic cultural experience. Furano is made up of Furano Resort and Furano Town, separated by the Sorachi River and manages to combine the best of Ski In / Ski Out Resort Hotels with an authentic Japanese Town of 26,000 people.

A large ski resort by Japanese standards (it may seem small compared to European or North American resorts), Furano is renowned for the many long groomed runs. Whether you like to cruise at a more relaxed pace or want to zoom down runs at Mach 2 until your eyes water, if you like groomers then Furano Resort will suit your fancy.

Furano resort has been the venue for world cup races with many of the world’s greatest skiers having tested its steep and fast ski runs. And most of the Furano lifts are fast, so your legs will be in need of a soak in the onsen after a long day on piste!

Furano also has on-piste runs that are left au naturel, with pitch at up to 34 degrees. However, the main attraction for advanced and expert skiers or riders is the very good off-piste terrain and amazing side-country (easily accessed backcountry). There’s side-country on both sides of the resort and in the area between the two zones.

Skiers’ right of the resort offers a variety of reasonably sustained lines which drop into a drainage. Skiers’ left has some sheltered gullies, but many of these drop away from the resort so you need to exit pretty early to return to the lifts.

The real gem of Furano’s sidecountry is between the two zones. The easiest access is from the top of the Link Chair, and you can drop any of the gullies below the lift station and return to the lifts – some funnel back to the Kitanomine Zone, while others come out near the Furano Zone gondola. Better yet, you can get to this terrain using either the Link Chair or the Furano gondola.

Furano acts as a great base for trips to Tomamu, Asahidake, Kamui, and the Tokachidake area. The Furano lift pass covers 2 zones (Furano and Kitanomine) in Furano, and also offers opportunities to experience neighbouring ski areas. A 5-7 day Furano lift pass can be used at Kamui Ski Links (1 hour from Furano), or Tomamu Ski Resort (1.5 hours from Furano) for 1 day. An 8+ day Furano lift pass can be used at these other resorts for a total of 2 days.