Furano Ski Resort

Furano ski resort is a hidden gem of a resort that is slowly getting more and more international attention as travellers are seeking a more authentic Japanese skiing experience. The ski resort is tucked deep in the centre of Hokkaido which is a large island found at the very top of Japan. Furano ski field first opened to the public in 1962 and has been operating consistently for the last 62 years with the Kitanomine area getting the first ski lifts and then in the early 80s the resort expanded to include the now known Furano zone, which together make up the Furano ski area. Thanks to its location in the centre of Hokkaido Furano ski resort will typically open earlier than most other resorts in Japan and remain open will until mid-April, with the peak of the skiing and snowboarding happening during the months of January and February.

During a typical winter season at Furano Japan the ski resort will see a total snowfall of 11m or 440” of incredibly light powder snow that the who region or country is known for, there are some storm cycles which can last for weeks with continual snowfall every single night. During the peak of the seasons when the snow starts to really fall the resort can open up the 479 acres of terrain. Whilst this number might appear small when comparing to resorts in other countries, you don’t come to Japan for huge mega resorts, you come to Furano Japan for the snow, the tree skiing, and the overall experience.

At Furano ski field you will find 28 marked trails which range all the way from beginner through to advanced plus there are plenty of specific zones at Furano which are left ungroomed and it’s an absolute powder paradise after any good storm. Along with good snow and an awesome collection of ski trails Furano ski area has one of the longest vertical drops in Hokkaido with 839 or 2,753ft between the base area and the summit of the resort, a few laps from top to bottom and you can clock well over 10k of vertical before lunch. At Furano Japan you will find 9 different lifts taking riders high up onto the mountain peaks, one of these is an aerial tram which carries 101 passengers, something we always think is an incredible part of any resort that offers these types of lifts. Rounding out the remaining lifts there is a 6-person Gondola, two quad lifts and 5 double lifts.

There are two base areas at Furano ski resort, on the Furano side of the resort you will find the New Furano Prince Hotel right beside the chairlifts, along with a main parking base, some restaurants and other small accommodation options. Over in the Kitanomine zone the base area is more developed with access to local restaurants, more Furano accommodation options, and bars and onsen’s for après time once you come off the mountain. Both base areas have ticket stations where you can get a Furano lift ticket which will run you around 7,700 yen per day, or $75 AUD / $47 USD.

Like any good ski resort in Japan, Furano rises high above an incredible quaint town or village. In the past this was not seen as a ski town however with all the international fame Furano ski field is getting it feels like it’s fast becoming one of the coolest ski towns in Hokkaido, maybe except for Niseko. When it comes to Furano accommodation, those looking to just stay a few nights with a focus on riding each day should opt for the New Furano Prince Hotel, the additional amenities are limited due to the remote location, however if you have a car then it’s a short 10-minute drive into town. If you are someone who likes to ride all day then dot about town once the sun goes down, we recommend staying in Kitanomine or the actual town of Furano, the Furano accommodation options in Kitanomine are going to be more expensive as they are closer to the resort and lifts but the extra amenities and savings of staying in the actual town of Furano Japan are worth the short drive.

Furano Ski Resort Opening Hours

Lift operating hours: 8:30am - 19:30pm

Night skiing operating hours: 16:00pm - 19:30pm

Furano Web Cam & Live Snow Cams

Stay up to date with the snow conditions from every corner of Furano Mountain Resort. We have collected all the best shots from the Furano web cam so you can see every aspect of the ski resort and surrounding mountains.

If you want to check out the snow depth from the latest storm, see if the sun is going to be shining or check out the weather at Furano before your next visit - check out the Furano web cam below.

Furano Ski Resort Lift System

Furano Ski Resort Stats

Where is Furano Ski Resort?

Furano ski area is tucked deep into Hokkaido and its relatively easy to access. Once you fly into Sapporo international airport (New Chitose Airport) you can either rent a car, get on a bus, take a train into Sapporo, and then get a bus transfer, or take a lengthy train all the way to Furano ski field. For those who choose to drive we recommend you get a car with AWD just for the extra safety and if you are finding yourself driving on a stormy day make sure you take your time, have extra supplies in the car as the travel time can easily double.  

The other option is to fly into Asahikawa airport which is smaller than Sapporo airport however a lot closer to the town and ski resort of Furano Japan. Both JAL and ANA have daily flights from Tokyo Haneda airport through to Asahikawa airport.

Distance and time to Furano ski resort:

• From Asahikawa: 50km / 60 minute’s drive

• From Sapporo: 116km / 2 hour’s drive

• From New Chitose Airport: 126km / 2 hour’s drive

• From Niseko: 214km / 3.5 hour’s drive

Furano Accommodation Options

Japan Snow News