Furano, Japan Ski & Ride Travel Guide
In this guide, we’ll go through everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to ski and snowboard in Furano.
If you’d rather leave the spreadsheets and logistics to us so you can focus on the powder and ramen, check out our full-service Japan ski and snowboard travel packages.
Intro to Furano
Set back from the crowds and legendary locales of Niseko, Furano offers an adventurous alternative Hokkaido ski destination. Located further inland from Sapporo, this ski resort in Central Hokkaido is a bit of a trek to get to, but the laid back atmosphere and incredible off-piste options make it well-worth the journey. With featherlight snow, great terrain, and not many crowds, Furano offers some of the best expert skiing and snowboarding on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido.Situated right in town, the Furano Hokkaido Ski Resort is the main draw to the region. But it also makes for a great jumping-off point to explore the rest of the Central Hokkaido region. Just a short drive away is the unique Asahidake Ropeway, offering pay by the lap access to a ton of backcountry terrain.
Also nearby are dozens of under-the-radar ski resorts like Tomamu, Sahoro, and Kamui Links, as well as trailheads of the massive Daisetsuzan National Park. Skiing and snowboarding in Furano offers a more authentic Japanese experience than some more international resorts (such as Niseko) while still providing all of the amenities foreigners need to be comfortable navigating the area.
Where to Ski in Furano
The main resort of Furano is built around two base areas, Kitanomine, and Furano. Each of these forms its own zone, but can be skied interconnectedly on the same lift ticket.Kitanomine
Despite the names, Kitanomine is actually the base area that is closest to the town of Furano, so most riders will start their day with a ride up the Kitanomine Gondola. While there are several chairlifts that service the low-angle groomers near the two base areas, the main draw for people to make the trek across the island to Furano is for the off-piste skiing. As a result, you’ll mainly be spending your time trying to stay up high, where the pitch is a bit steeper.
The upper section of the Kitanomine side is incredible, but for lapability, we like taking the Link Lift over to the Furano side and riding the two “Downhill Romance” lifts.
Furano
If you like to ski off-piste, ride featured terrain, and venture into the backcountry, Furano is pretty dang hard to beat. As with most Japanese skiing, the off piste in Furano isn't the steepest, or most technical when compared to some European or North American resorts. But off the top of the mountain, you can find some incredible pitches of gladed trees and playful mini-golf terrain features that offer up just about as much fun as we could dare to ask for on a good snow day.
Plus, in addition to the inbounds options, Furano offers a backcountry gate system that opens up a whole world of lift-accessed powderscapes and ski touring adventures for folks equipped with avalanche training, backcountry safety gear including a beacon, a shovel, a probe, and a partner with the same.
If you are looking for a family friendly resort with a plethora of progression-oriented options, you can definitely have a good time at Furano. Each base offers a chair or two of mellow, well-groomed terrain and serviceable English-language ski schools. But for our money, there are better lesson options and more engaging intermediate runs at nearly any other major Japanese resort.
If skill progression is more of your goal, we’d say opt out of Furano and look into Niseko or Hakuba instead. The beginner slopes of Niseko are fun and varied, which gives you the option to gradually step out into more and more exciting areas as you gain confidence. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, check out our Learn to Ride and Progression Tour experiences, both based out of the Niseko area.
Furano Beyond the Gates
Right off the bat, you’ll notice a big green triangle taking up the middle of the trail map. This area can be accessed via Furano’s backcountry gate system, enabling long, fun tree runs that can be skied right back down into the base of the resort. The obvious concern here is venturing too far from the resort boundary, which can lead to getting stranded down low where the terrain flattens out. But that is far from the only danger.The Japanese backcountry tends to be riddled with terrain traps and complexities unfamiliar to North American skiers. In below-treeline zones like this, the woods can provide some protection against avalanches, but they also are home to a dense understory of woody vines that lurk beneath the powdery snow, providing hard-to-notice hazards. Above the treeline, the same warm, geothermal water that fills the onsens can create sinkholes in the snowpack.
All that to say, even experienced backcountry skiers and snowboarders would be wise to hire a local guide to help them find their way through the unfamiliar terrain. Not to mention the fact that local guides tend to know just the right place to harvest all the secret pow stashes.
Dangers aside, the Furano backcountry offers up some of the most incredible lift-accessed off-piste skiing in the area. In addition to the frontside tree zones, riders with touring gear can also head out the gates to the mountains backside for a more alpine experience, skiing open powder bowls that require a bit of hiking to get back out of.
Important: You should always carry an avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe when travelling in avalanche terrain and know how to use them. Backcountry travel requires an acceptance of the risks involved (avalanches are not the only danger) and implies a willingness to take responsibility for educating oneself about these dangers and ways to mitigate them. We recommend that backcountry travelers hire a qualified guide and take a certified Avalanche Level One class or the equivalent, and practice the skills they learn there regularly with their partners.
Backcountry Safety Gear
Furano's Legendary Snow
This is the reason you’re here. The thing that put Japanese skiing and snowboarding on the map. The secret’s out folks. Japan has the deepest powder on Earth. Due to a unique conflux of moisture-laden ocean air and the sudden uplift of a mountainous island, the higher reaches of the archipelago nation get absolutely bombarded with snow to the tune of 300-600 inches annually across the mountainous regions.On the northernmost island of Hokkaido, arctic winds blow in from Siberia to bring colder temps and slightly drier conditions than resorts on Honshu, Japan’s central island. That means that while the snow might be slightly less consistently bottomless than places like Myoko (but it’s still Japan, so who are we kidding), it tends to be a bit higher quality. Those familiar with a coastal snowpack found in places like Tahoe, Whistler, and the Pacific Northwest will be pleasantly surprised to find that Hokkaido’s Siberian breezes keep the air temps a bit colder and the snow light and fluffy.
While being further from the coast means a bit less moisture - and snow - than Niseko, the snow in Furano tends to be even drier than Niseko, giving the Furano area perhaps the best snow quality in Japan. When you come to Furano to ski or snowboard, you can reasonably expect a few inches to a foot of blower powder topping you off nearly every day of the winter. Not too shabby huh? For up to date conditions, check out the Furano Snow Report.
Best Time to Ski & Snowboard in Furano
This is an easy one for North American skiers and snowboarders. The ski season in Japan is more or less the same as it is over on this side of the puddle. Snow starts falling in December, piles up in January and February, and starts to taper off in March. The term “Japanuary” has started to pick up almost as much steam as the infamous “Japow,” and for good reason. By the time January rolls around, the base has built up, the powder faucet is wide open, and you can usually count on a consistent resupply of powdery goodness.However, even though it doesn’t have as catchy of a nickname, February in Furano is just as good. It has similar temps and precipitation totals, but there is an even deeper base and often slightly less crowds. Either of these months tend to give you the peak powder experience most people are looking for.
But if avoiding crowds is more of your goal, the months on either side of the peak powder season are still pretty spectacular. Early December is a bit riskier snow-wise, as the season may not have fully kicked off yet, but if it’s good, it’s great. By late March, you can count on there being far fewer other tourists, and, while you may not get quite as many powder days as in the thick of winter, you might even get a few sunny days in exchange.
Getting to Furano
Depending on the type of traveler you are, Furano's remoteness is either one of its main drawbacks or its main selling point. Unlike Honshu resorts like Hakuba that are easily accessed by train, or international destinations like Niskeo that have long-established shuttle and bus systems to get people from the airport to the lifts, getting to Furano can be a bit of adventure.First, you need to get to Hokkaido. The main gateway to the island is through Sapporo’s New Chitose airport. Depending on your starting origin, you may be able to fly direct to New Chitose, but most folks require a brief stopover in Tokyo. Once you’re in Sapporo, you’re definitely going to want a car. And here your adventure begins.
While you could just beeline to Furano, we’d definitely recommend embracing the road trip experience. If you have to fly across the world and rent a right-hand-drive car to drive across a rural island steeped with a culture that goes back thousands of years, you might as well take your time with it. Especially if the island gets some of the deepest, fluffiest snow on Earth. Hokkaido is littered with tiny little ski resorts, roadside villages, and hole-in-the-wall eateries. Additionally, in these rural stops along the way to Furano, you’re more likely to encounter a language barrier than in the major cities or more Westernized resorts. Which again, could be a reason not to go, or another part of the adventure, depending on your perspective.
For the adventurous traveler, we’d definitely recommend exploring your own “Hokkaido Powder Belt” type itinerary, stopping to ride off-the-beaten-track lifts around Central Hokkaido and eat at roadside ramen shops where you have to bungle your way through a bit of Google Translate-aided communication.
Of course, the adventure of getting there is far from the only draw to Furano. If you’re interested in the uncrowded slopes, variety of off piste terrain, and accessible backcountry but not so much in the logistical difficulties of an international roadtrip, our Furano evoTrip offers a shuttle straight to Furano, and a guided experience around some of the smaller nearby resorts as well.
Furano Hotels - Where to Stay
The town vibe in Furano is a bit less extroverted and vibrant than some of the more famous spots like Niseko and Hakuba. Much like the remoteness and more involved international access, this is both one of its biggest drawbacks and biggest selling points.For folks who are a bit intimidated or put-off by the “Little Australia” reputation of Niseko, you’re going to love Furano. But if you’re excited about the nightlife and apres scene just as much as the skiing, the town might be a bit underwhelming for you.
Despite that, however, it is still a well-developed ski resort, so finding accommodation in any price range is not too difficult. For our evoTrips, we useHotel Chalet Burlap Furanui, which we love for its mellow vibes, proximity to the resort, and in-house onsen. You’ll find plenty of reasonable hotels situated in downtown Furano, just a short shuttle ride of the Kitamonine base area, but not much in the way of luxury resorts other than the Furano New Prince Hotel right in the base area.
One cool thing about the town of Furano is that it caters just as much to Japanese tourism as it does to international skiers and snowboarders. As a result, the town has a much more Japanese feel, as well as a handful of ryokan-style inns. Ryokans offer traditional tatami rooms that tend to be simple and affordable while also adding a cultural element to your accommodation.
Furano Restaurants - Where to Eat & Drink
While it’s not a big nightlife spot, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy incredible food and a few fun drinks after a day of powder skiing in Furano. Seekers of an authentic travel experience will appreciate the fact that many of the restaurants in downtown Furano have no English menu, and the servers may or may not speak English either. But we’ve found that between picture menus, Google Translate, and a can-do attitude, we’ve been able to get by just fine.
Once you crack the language barrier, you’ll find a world of excellent Japanese food on offer. Some local favorites are Kaiten Sushi Topicarufor conveyor belt sushi and Furanoyafor curry soup, a local specialty.
We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention the famous Japanese 7-Elevens. In the words of Biggie Smalls, “if you don’t know, now you know.” The secret is out about Japanese convenience stores, and ski bums will be pleased to know that downtown Furano is home to not one but two 7-Elevens. They’re the perfect spot to load up on pocket onigiris for on-the-go snacking, and delicious fried chicken for a hearty apres snack.
Finally, if you're in need of a midday warmup, don’t sleep on the ramen served up at the Furano base area. It’s hot, delicious, and exactly what your body wants to power up for another few hours of powder skiing.
Once you crack the language barrier, you’ll find a world of excellent Japanese food on offer. Some local favorites are Kaiten Sushi Topicarufor conveyor belt sushi and Furanoyafor curry soup, a local specialty.
We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention the famous Japanese 7-Elevens. In the words of Biggie Smalls, “if you don’t know, now you know.” The secret is out about Japanese convenience stores, and ski bums will be pleased to know that downtown Furano is home to not one but two 7-Elevens. They’re the perfect spot to load up on pocket onigiris for on-the-go snacking, and delicious fried chicken for a hearty apres snack.
Finally, if you're in need of a midday warmup, don’t sleep on the ramen served up at the Furano base area. It’s hot, delicious, and exactly what your body wants to power up for another few hours of powder skiing.
Things to Do in Furano Beyond Skiing & Snowboarding
As we mentioned above, part of the main draw to Furano is the access to the surrounding area. And this goes beyond just the incredible backcountry skiing and snowboarding. The drive through the valley into town is a highlight in its own right, with rural homesteads dotting wide pastures set against the backdrop of the towering peaks of Daisetsuzan National Park.The valley is famous for its production of lavender and dairy products, and, while the flower fields are covered in snow all winter, you can still sample some of Furano’s agricultural goodness at the Furano Cheese Factory. Their black squid ink cheese is available in shops around town, and a visit to the factory itself makes for a fun and tasty rest day experience.
One place where folks might be a bit disappointed, however, is in the availability of onsens. These natural hot springs are a staple of Japanese mountain culture, and have become a big draw for international travelers visiting during the winter months. Unfortunately, Furano doesn’t have the abundance of onsens that you’ll find further south on Honshu. There are a few onsen resorts scattered in the foothills of Daisetsuzan National Park, not too far from Furano, but if soaking your evenings away is high on your must-do list for your Japan ski or snowboard trip, we’d recommend checking out Myoko or Nozawa Onsen instead.
Furano Ski & Snowboard Rentals
After all of the terrain questions are answered, the most common thing we get people asking us about Japan ski trips is: what skis or snowboard should I bring? Is it even worth it to bring my own stuff?The short answer: if you are asking this question, just rent some gear there.
If you’re an advanced skier and you already have your own powder board or powder skis, you already know you’re going to bring them with you. You’ll be more comfortable on your own gear, and that comfort is always worth the extra hassle of dragging your ski bag through various forms of transportation.
See our guide to flying with skis and snowboards for helpful info.
If you’re deciding between multiple pairs of skis, we’d definitely recommend bringing the fat ones, preferably if they have a beefy hybrid binding like the Salomon Shift or Marker Kingpin on them. While you’ll mostly be riding lift-accessed terrain, having the option to skin out of the ends of sidecountry zones is always nice.
But if you’re on the fence about making the gear that you have work, even if it’s not quite right, here’s our two cents: you are planning the powder skiing trip of a lifetime. It's possible to ride powder on an old, flexed out park board, but it’s a whole lot more fun to do it on a directional surfer.
While Furano might not be home to the same amenities as a big name resort town like Niseko, they do have their own local branch of the best ski shop in Japan. Head down to our friends at Rhythmright across from the Kitanomine Gondola in the Fenix Furano, and tell ‘em we sent you. Trust us, your day five legs will thank you.
Of course, the other option is to head on over to your favorite local snowsports gear retailer and pick up a brand new pair of powder planks or board, and rip pow you get home too.
evoTrip Furano
✔ Deepest powder of your life
✔ Comfortable, high end accommodations
✔ Incredible food
✔ Fun nightlife
✔ Incredible cultural experiences
All in all, Furano is one of those areas that is the perfect recommendation for some folks, but the complete wrong vibe for others. However, don’t let yourself be scared off for the wrong reasons. If the uncrowded slopes, off-piste skiing, and small-town vibes sound perfect, but the hassle of renting a car and navigating language barriers doesn’t quite sound like your cup of tea, don’t let that dissuade you.
Our Furano evoTrip was specially curated to let you enjoy the best parts of the Furano region without having to tackle the frustrating logistics. We handle lodging, transport to Furano, lift tickets, day trips to other ski areas in the area, and guide service of both the main resort and the backcountry zones (if you want it). We’re pretty proud of the trip we’ve put together, so come on out on an adventure to the quieter side of Hokkaido with us!
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Our Favorite Gear for Furano
Vaun Mcaleer - evoTrip Japan Specialist
Vaun is a modern-day explorer who thrives on creating meaningful, transformative experiences for others in the outdoors. Hailing from the misty landscapes of Redmond, Washington, he has sought adventure in the world’s most exciting locations, from Vail and Jackson Hole to Japan and Australia in both his professional work as a guide and his personal explorations.
When he’s not out carving remote peaks, chasing waves or fly fishing, Vaun leverages his background in Business and Marketing to enrich experiences in action sports. His goal is always to create unforgettable memories with wonderful people, wherever he is on the journey.
Zack Sklar - Travel Writer
Zack Sklar is a nature and travel writer based in Western Washington. He has spent most of his life living in various ski towns across the Mountain West, but his passion for mountains has led him across the globe.
In between backyard explorations of the Cascades, he’s spent extended stints abroad, chasing untracked lines and untold stories from Chamonix to the Japanese Alps. He can be reached at zacksklar.com.