Furano
Furano Ski Resort Japan Furano Ski Resort in Hokkaido Japan, has seen an increase in popularity as powder hunters seek an alternative to the busy
Niseko. So how do Furano and
Niseko ski resort compare?
Furano has many advantages over Niseko. It’s not as busy in Furano, and there aren’t many rowdy Australians! Furano is cheaper than Niseko, and you’ll also experience a little more of the “real Japan” in Furano. Furano is continuing to evolve, but hopefully it won’t become as popular as Niseko with the real estate developers.
The Furano weather is generally more pleasant with more blue-ski days to enable you to admire the magnificent views. The downside of this for powderhounds is that the snowfalls are not as consistent in Furano, although they are still pretty good with an average of 9 metres of snow per season (vs 15m at Niseko). Nevertheless the Furano powder is still often knee deep, commonly waist deep, and sometimes even neck deep (see photo above with the pink helmet just poking out of the powder).
For powderhounds, a major downside for the resort is the prohibition of tree-skiing and out-of-bounds skiing, which is policed very strictly. It’s a shame that Furano hasn’t followed the suit of its neighbouring resorts in allowing off-piste riding, and as such this mountain is predominantly suited those who want to remain on the piste. That being said, if you are naughty, are good at ducking ropes, and can appear invisible, there is some amazing
Furano skiing.
Furano Ski and Snowboard Terrain Furano is a large resort with a lot of vertical which has enabled the resort to be put on the map through hosting world cup ski races. This vertical enables great cruising down long groomers, some with pitch at just over 30 degrees, and there’s plenty of variety for beginners through to advanced riders. In-bounds there are no steeps, chutes or drop-offs for experts.
The lift infrastructure is great on both the Kitanomine and Furano sides of the resort. The main lift at Kitanomine is a gondola. At Furano the main lift infrastructure is a cablecar (ropeway), which is the fastest lift in Japan taking only 5 minutes. If your legs aren’t super fit, you’ll be wishing the lifts were a bit slower.
Where is Furano Ski Resort? Furano is located in Central Hokkaido, Japan.
Asahikawa city is an hour away and
Sapporo is about 2-3 hours away. Furano makes a good base for a ski holiday from which nearby resorts can be accessed. Deep powder is only an hour away at
Kamui Links,
Asahidake or
Tomamu.
There are many forms of “Furano” so we’ll try and minimise any bewilderment. There is a ski resort call Furano, and one half of the ski area is called the Furano Zone. There is also a town of Furano which is 5 minutes by bus or taxi from the ski resort. And don’t confuse Furano with its neighbouring towns – Nakafurano, Kamifurano, and Minamifurano!
Furano Accommodation Furano accommodation suits all budgets with a range of hotels, pensions, bed and breakfasts and backpackers. The large ski in ski out New Furano Prince Hotel is at the base of the Furano ski zone. Most of the other lodgings are near the base of the Kitanomine zone where there are various cute restaurants and bars.
The other option is to stay in the town of Furano. The town is largely untouched from outside influences, with a delightfully quaint feel to it.
Why Go on a Ski Holiday to Furano Japan? Furano Japan offers quality powder snow and is well suited to on-piste skiing for beginners through to advanced riders. It’s also popular with families. Powderhounds will either need to be mischievous, or use Furano as a base to do day trips to other resorts where off-piste skiing is permitted.
A Furano ski holiday can also be well supplemented by a range of activities including snowmobiling, onsen tours, ice hole fishing, or dressing up in a kimono if that’s what takes your fancy!?
Furano finds a great balance for a Japan ski holiday. The town and resort provide adequate creature comforts without losing the essence of Japan.
Travel Agents & Tour Operators
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Blue Powder Tours - Snow Travel Specialists
Blue Powder Tours specialise in individual & group tours to your favourite ski destinations in Japan. We have personal experience of skiing at Furano & can tailor a tour to your every budget.
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