As winter settles into Hokkaido, anticipation builds among skiers and snowboarders seeking perfect snow conditions and scenic long runs. Here in Furano, the season officially kicks off when the Furano Zone opens on November 29, followed by the Kitanomine Zone in mid-December. Furano Ski Resort is known for some of the driest, lightest powder in Japan, drawing winter enthusiasts not only from across Japan but from around the globe. Below, we’ll walk through the terrain, lifts, course highlights, and nearby experiences to help you plan your ideal winter escape.
Two Zones, One Connected Mountain
The resort is made up of two main areas: the Furano Zone and the Kitanomine Zone, which meet near the upper mountain. Together, they offer diverse terrain, incredible snow quality, and expansive panoramic views.
Kitanomine Zone
Kitanomine features some of Hokkaido’s most challenging advanced runs, making it a favorite among expert skiers. The Premium Zone is a deep-powder area that only opens when conditions are optimal, offering untouched snow for those who want a raw, natural riding experience. Locals sometimes call it the “Bear Drop” course, stemming from the humorous expression that even a bear would tumble all the way down this steep slope. For a more beginner-friendly option, the Kitanomine Family Slope offers a wide, gentle gradient where new and casual skiers can ride confidently.
Furano Zone
The Furano Zone provides long, smooth cruising and broad scenic views. Access the high-alpine area via the high-speed Furano Ropeway and enjoy tree-lined trails with beautiful vistas stretching out to the Daisetsuzan mountain range. This side of the mountain offers a calm, immersive skiing experience with excellent variety in terrain.
Course Highlights
Furano Ski Resort has a vertical drop (the difference in elevation between the highest point and the lowest point of the mointain) of 839 meters and features 28 distinct runs, distributed evenly across skill levels: 40 percent beginner, 40 percent intermediate, and 20 percent advanced. Here are some notable runs worth experiencing.
In the Furano Zone
- B1 (Beginner): A 1,410-meter slope with a comfortable width and smooth incline, perfect for relaxed carving and confidence building.
- E2 (Intermediate): A 620-meter northern-exposed run near the top of the mountain, offering a steeper pitch and stunning views.
- A2 (Intermediate): A scenic 1,750-meter trail weaving through birch forests with alternating gentle and steeper sections, creating a fun, dynamic ride.
- E1 (Advanced): A short but steep 430-meter run near the summit, combining powder skiing with mogul navigation and rewarding skiers with striking sightlines.
In the Kitanomine Zone
- F6 (Beginner): A 1,170-meter slope with consistent, beginner-friendly gradient and a wide, open surface ideal for learning and practicing fundamentals.
- K1 (Intermediate): A 1,320-meter run that gives way to breathtaking open views of Mt. Tokachi and the Daisetsuzan mountains.
- G3 (Intermediate): A 660-meter cruising course suited for intermediate and advanced riders looking to refine technique at moderate speed.
- K2 (Advanced): A 280-meter mogul run through ungroomed terrain, providing a challenging compact descent.
- Premium Zone (Advanced): An 830-meter deep-powder course that opens only in optimal snow conditions. This is a favorite for experts seeking fresh snow and ungroomed terrain.
Lift System
To support the flow of skiers across the diverse terrain, Furano Ski Resort operates a total of nine lifts, including five pair lifts, two quad lifts, one gondola, and one ropeway. These allow easy movement between zones and ensure the experience stays smooth, even during peak periods.
| Lift Name | Length | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Furano Ropeway | 2,330m | 101 people |
| Furano Downhill No.1 High-Speed Lift | 1,944m | 4 people |
| Furano Downhill No.2 Romance Lift | 786m | 2 people |
| Furano Downhill No.3 Romance Lift | 567m | 2 people |
| Prince Romance Lift | 601m | 2 people |
| Kitanomine Gondola | 2,958m | 6 people |
| Kitanomine No.1 High-Speed Lift | 1,058m | 4 people |
| Kitanomine No.2 Romance Lift | 720m | 2 people |
| Connecting Romance Lift | 931m | 2 people |
Ski School for Beginners
If you’re hitting the slopes for the first time or looking to sharpen your skills, Furano’s ski school offers dependable instruction tailored to individual levels and goals. Even complete beginners receive careful, encouraging guidance to help them enjoy the snow confidently. For younger guests ages three to six, the kids’ program offers a safe, playful introduction to skiing in a friendly environment.
Things to Do Beyond Skiing
If you still have energy after a day on the mountain, or simply want to experience more winter fun, you’ll find even more activities right next to the resort. Furano Snowland offers snow rafting, snowmobiling, banana boat sledding, and other snow-based experiences suitable for all ages. In the evening, Furano’s Kan-Kan Village transforms into an illuminated winter dreamscape with over sixty thousand lights. Guests can enjoy snow tubing, dog sledding, snow rafting, and stunning ice structures, creating a magical nighttime atmosphere.
Stay at Nozo Hotel
Nozo Hotel is perfectly positioned just a ten-minute drive from Furano Ski Resort, making it an ideal home base for winter travelers. Ease into your morning with a relaxing soak to warm your muscles, then enjoy a nourishing breakfast featuring local ingredients from the Furano region. With comfortable rooms, easy access, and a welcoming atmosphere, Nozo Hotel helps make every day on the mountain smooth and enjoyable. Prepare for a great day on the slopes and head into the snow feeling refreshed and ready.
