Downtown Furano Accommodation
The other option is to stay in the town of Furano. The advantages of staying in a downtown Furano hotel is easy access to lots of Furano restaurants and more affordable lodging. To get to and from the ski area each day, you’ll need to catch a shuttle bus (these are limited) or taxi, or have your own wheels.
Furano Zone Accommodation
The Furano ski zone is dominated by the New Furano Prince Hotel at the base. Most of the shops, restaurants and facilities are housed within the New (Shin) Furano Prince Hotel, so it feels somewhat “resorty” but it provides the ultimate in convenience for access to the slopes. It is also the easier place to stay during the fringes of the season when the Kitanomine side is closed (late Nov to mid Dec, late March to early May).
Kitanomine Accommodation
Most of the Furano hotels and apartments are located near the base of the Kitanomine ski zone. None of the Kitanomine accommodation is ski-in ski-out, although there are several options across the road from the slopes, and a lot of lodging within 5 minutes walk of the slopes. A child care facility is located near the base of the Kitanomine gondola, so this area might be best for those with small children. Note that the Kitanomine side of the ski resort is open from approximately mid-December to late March. At other times, those staying in Kitanomine lodging can access the slopes via shuttle bus.
Furano Accommodation
There are many options for Furano accommodation including western style hotels and pensions/inns and there are only a few lodgings that offer traditional Japanese tatami rooms. There are also some Furano apartments/condos and houses with kitchens and living areas, which is somewhat unique for a Japanese ski resort. There are properties to suit most budgets, although there is only a very small amount of luxury accommodation in Furano.
Shimogoryo Furano
Shimogoryo is a quiet exclusive neighbourhood south of Kitanomine that has self-contained apartments and houses. It’s about a 10 minute walk from Shimogoryo to the Kitanomine gondola & it’s closer to get from the slopes to your lodging at the end of your skiing day. The area features a café, otherwise you’ll want to head into Kitanomine or downtown for dining options.