Furano Ski Resort

Basic Facts:

Location: In the central area of Hokkaido
Area: 194 hectares (478 acres)
Number of ski slopes: 28
Longest ski run: 4,000 meters (4,370 yards)
Maximum slope: 34°
Top elevation: 1,074 meters (3,524 feet)
Bottom elevation: 235 meters (771 feet)
Height difference: 839 meters (2,753 feet)

Furano Ski Resort is one of the most famous ski resorts in Japan, blessed with the best powder snow in Hokkaido accumulating to 9 meters (29.5 feet) in every snow season. It is divided into two snow areas, Furano Zone and Kitanomine Zone, which are connected by a shared ski run on the top of the mountain. Furano Ski Resort has a wide variety of ski slopes suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced skiers. Of course, if you want to challenge yourself, try skiing on untreated powder snow or the long and steep run that has hosted the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. In addition, transportation from Sapporo and Furano to the ski resort is very convenient, and visitors have a lot of entertainment options besides skiing.

Furano Ski Resort

Which Zone Should I Choose, Kitanomine Zone or Furano Zone?

1. Kitanomine Zone

There are 12 ski slopes in the Kitanomine Zone, including 6 beginner ski slopes, 4 intermediate ski slopes, and 2 advanced ski slopes. The average altitude of the Kitanomine Zone is 940 meters (3,084 feet). The majority of ski slopes are very spacious and slightly flat, suitable for beginners, intermediate skiers and family tourists.

Ski season: Late December to late March

2. Furano Zone

There are 13 ski slopes in Furano Zone, including 5 beginner slopes, 5 intermediate slopes, and 3 advanced slopes. The average altitude of Furano Zone is 1,209 meters (3,967 feet). The ski slopes are rich and varied, with many ups and downs, forks, and steep slopes, suitable for intermediate and advanced skiers with a certain level of skiing skills.

Ski season: Late November to early May

Best Things to Do at Furano Ski Resort Besides Skiing

1. Experience Dog Sledding

Playing dog sledding in a cold and icy place with various terrains is a unique enjoyment. Not only can you get close to the cute sled dogs, but you can also experience the thrill of riding. The maximum speed of dog sledding can reach 14-20 km/h (8.5 - 12 mph), and every moment of acceleration and sprinting makes people feel very exciting.

2. Enjoy Snow Rafting

Tourists sit in kayaks pulled by a snowmobile and move quickly on the snow. The maximum speed of snow rafting can reach 100 km/h (60 mph). The boat will sway left and right according to the different snow terrain, giving people the illusion of descending from a height. Sometimes when encountering hills or slopes, the body will bounce off the kayak, which is thrilling and exciting. It is definitely one of the activities not to be missed in the ski resort!

Where Can I Rent Ski Equipment?

There is a ski suit and equipment rental area in the ski resort. The cost of renting a full package is 9,800 yen/day. If you bring your own ski suit, you only need skis, boots, and helmets; you can rent a standard package for 5,800 yen/day.

Ski Cost for Reference

Ticket	Adult	Senior, 60+	Children aged 12 or below
1-day	JPY5,500 - 7,000	JPY5,000 - 6,400	Free of charge
3-hour	JPY5,400	JPY4,800
5-hour	JPY6,200	JPY5,600
Night skiing	JPY2,500 - 3,000	JPY2,300 - 2,800

Notes: 
1. An additional IC card security deposit of 500 yen is required when purchasing tickets.
2. After skiing, put the IC card into the return machine, and the machine will return the security deposit.

Lifts:

Operating time: 8:30 - sunset
Reference price: JPY900 - JPY2,800

How Can I Get to Furano Ski Resort

Firstly, you should get to Furano Station.

Departure City	Way	Time Required
Sapporo	From Sapporo Station, take the Chuo Bus bound for Furano Station.	2 hours and 40 minutes
Asahikawa	From Asahikawa Station, take the JR train Furano Line to Furano Station.	1 hour and 14 minutes
Obihiro	From Obihiro Station, take the train North Liner (via Karikachitoge pass) to Furano Station.	2 hours and 42 minutes
Chitose	First, from New Chitose Airport, take the Rapid Airport train to Sapporo Station, then transfer to the bus to Furano Station.	3 hours and 20 minutes

From Furano Station, take the Asahikawa line for 17 minutes to the New Furano Prince Hotel, then walk north for 3 minutes to reach Furano Ski Resort. Alternatively, take a taxi for about 10 minutes to get there.

Scenery around Furano Ski Resort

Where Can I Stay Overnight Near Furano Ski Resort?

Most tourists who come to Furano Ski Resort will choose to stay at the Furano Prince Hotel or the New Furano Prince Hotel, both of which provide transportation to the ski resort. Furano Prince Hotel is located at the foot of the mountain in the Kitanomine area. It was built earlier, and the rooms are simple in design, making it a good choice for those looking for high cost performance. The New Furano Prince Hotel was built later and has larger rooms and more modern facilities.