Furano Ski Resort opened in 1962 and, according to prefectural records, attracts over 200,000 visitors each year. When the Alpine World Cup Furano Tournament was held in 1977, it became known worldwide.

The name was changed from Kitanomine Ski Area to Furano Ski Resort to showcase the Furano region as a ski destination. By 1995, the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup was held here 10 times, and various events and events such as the FIS Snowboard World Cup and the All Japan Championships were hosted.

Furano Ski Resort is located inland near the center of Hokkaido. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the Daisetsuzan mountain range. The snow conditions are stable, and it has been highly appraised overseas for having quality powder snow.

The best season is from mid-December to late February. During this time, Furano is particularly cold, and it is not uncommon to see temperatures at and below freezing during the day and -10°C during the morning and evening. You will need to prepare for these temperatures.

Furano Ski Resort is ideal for beginners and intermediate skiers who want to progress at a comfortable pace. It offers many wide, gentle long runs that allow you to practice safely while building skills. The resort’s high-quality ski school provides reliable instruction, making it easy even for first-timers to learn confidently. It is also a convenient and comfortable choice for families with children.

Furano is also well-suited for advanced skiers who enjoy powder and more challenging terrain. The resort boasts light, dry Hokkaido snow and several ungroomed areas that deliver a satisfying and dynamic ride. Alongside its well-maintained groomed runs, Furano’s natural terrain offers variety and excitement. The consistently excellent snow quality throughout the season is another major advantage.

With the Furano Prince Hotel at its center, the resort provides a complete environment that integrates lodging, hot springs, dining, and winter activities. This makes it perfect for visitors who want to enjoy not only skiing but the entire resort experience. Surrounded by stunning nature and offering rich sightseeing options, Furano is also well-suited for longer, more relaxing winter vacations.

The total area of the slopes is 194 hectares! It consists of two areas: Furano Zone and Kitanomine Zone. There are 28 courses in total, with the longest run at 4,000 meters.

The Furano Zone has the Furano Ropeway, which can hold up to 101 people, and you can climb to the summit all at once. Enjoy the spectacular panoramic view along the way.

The Furano Zone offers courses with many bumps and branches, providing a wide variety of terrain to enjoy. For beginners, the Speece Course is recommended. This long, intermediate-slope course is also used in competitions, and its wide layout allows for comfortable skiing. For intermediate skiers, the Zyler Course is ideal. It is the longest course in Furano Ski Resort and features a mix of gentle and steeper sections for an enjoyable ride. Advanced skiers can try the Panorama Course, located near the summit, which offers stunning views and the opportunity to enjoy powder snow and moguls.

If you feel confident in skiing, then you want to try the Kitanomine Zone. There are slopes for beginners that are great for families. It is a wide course, suitable for practice. There is a giant course for intermediate users that is ideal for gaining additional skill and confidence.

The premium zone for advanced skiers is an uncompacted snow powder course that is open for a limited time. Because the snow conditions vary from day to day, it will only be open when the ski area decides it is safe.

The Kitanomine Zone has the Kitanomine Gondola that climbs to the top of the mountain, but please note that there is no beginner course available here.

The best part of the lift tickets at Furano Ski Resort is the wide variety available! If you want to ski just for a short time, you can choose a lift ticket that suits your needs, such as a 3-hour or a 5-hour ticket.

At Furano Ski Resort, you can purchase lift tickets either at the ticket counters on the day of your visit or online in advance.

Purchasing at the Ticket Counter
Lift tickets can be bought at the resort’s ticket counters on the day. There are three locations: the Furano Ropeway Base Station Ticket Counter, the Kitanomine First Express Lift Ticket Counter, and the Kitanomine Ticket Center. Translation devices called “Pocketalk” are available at the counters for assistance.

Children in elementary school can ride for free! Please receive the free ticket at the counter on the day of your visit. Note that preschool children are not allowed to ride alone and must be accompanied by a guardian.

Purchasing Online
Tickets can be purchased through the Webket online ticket store, either via the app or website, up until 11 PM the day before. Payment is by credit card only. On the first purchase, you must present the purchase confirmation (QR code) at a ticket counter to receive an IC card that serves as your lift ticket.

The IC card can be recharged and used for future visits. A 500 yen deposit is required for the IC card on the first purchase, which is refundable when the lift ticket is returned. For details, see Furano Ski Resort Lift Tickets on the official website.

In addition, lift tickets and select packages can be purchased through Live Japan at the link below.

Purchasing lift tickets via the Furano Ski Resort website offers a 500 yen discount.

In addition, Furano Ski Resort offers package plans that combine accommodation, airfare, and lift tickets. These packages are available through various travel agencies, hotels, and the official websites of airlines.

The rental lineup includes a wide range of equipment such as skis, snowboards, boots, poles, and clothing (jackets and pants), allowing both beginners and advanced skiers or snowboarders to choose according to their needs.

At Furano Ski Resort, ski and snowboard rentals are available at several locations, including the Shin Furano Prince Hotel, Kitanomine Terminal, and the Ropeway Station. Many staff members can assist in English, making it easy for international visitors to get guidance and confirm sizes with confidence. For details about rentals, please visit the official website.

If you are a beginner skier or want to improve your skills, you may consider using the ski schools at Furano Ski Resort. Various lessons are offered, including the Furano Kimura Kiminobu Ski School (2 hours from 19,000 yen), led by alpine skier Kiminobu Kimura, a four-time Olympic participant, and the Furano Pandaruman Kids School (2-hour group lessons from 19,000 yen).

English-friendly schools are also available. At the Furano Snow School, foreign staff can provide lessons in English. For more information about lessons, please visit the official website.

Group Lessons vs. Private Lessons
Group lessons for skiing and snowboarding typically cost between 14,000 yen and 19,000 yen for 2 hours.
Private lessons are approximately 24,000 yen for 2 hours and may vary depending on the number of participants and the schedule. For details, please visit the official website.

If you want to enjoy the snow with your children, FURANO Snow Land is highly recommended! This area offers activities beyond skiing. Snow activities suitable for young children include snow rafting (2,000 yen per person per ride), snowmobiling (3,000 yen for one lap, 5,000 yen for two laps), and snow banana boat rides (2,000 yen per person per ride).

In addition, walking skis, traditional Japanese snowshoes (wakkanjiki), and sled rentals are available, so you can have plenty of fun even when the weather is not suitable for skiing.

Furano Ski Resort does not offer childcare services.

At Furano Ski Resort, you can enjoy après-ski activities such as hot springs, gourmet dining, and izakayas to warm up and relax after a day on the slopes.

The Shikisai no Yu hot spring at Shin Furano Prince Hotel, located very close to Furano Ski Resort, offers a perfect place to unwind. This onsen facility is available for both hotel guests and day visitors, making it easily accessible. The spring water is drawn from a depth of 1,010 meters underground. In the open-air baths, you can enjoy views of snowy landscapes or starry skies, ensuring a thoroughly satisfying experience.

Bath Types
The facility features a variety of baths, including indoor baths, open-air baths, attraction baths, jet baths, a Finnish-style sauna, and a cold bath.

There are restaurants in both the Furano Zone and Kitanomine Zone. At the Furano Zone, there is a Ramen Corner where you can eat ramen made by Chinese cuisine chefs, and Restaurant Downhill.

Downhill has a menu of mainly Western food. The “Sanroku White Curry” is excellent. On sunny days, you can dine while enjoying spectacular views of the Furano Basin.

In the Kitanomine Zone, there is a building called Kitanomine Terminal. On the first floor, you can find Restaurant KITA YATAI, and on the second floor, there is Restaurant UMI YAMA KITA. Each shop offers a variety of fare such as curry and spaghetti, as well as standard items such as alcohol and snacks.

Recommended Local Dishes
When it comes to local cuisine in Furano, Furano Omelette Curry, which is made with local vegetables and Furano Wagyu beef, cheese and dairy products, Furano wine, lavender-flavored foods, and Furano melons are well known.

Recommended Restaurant: Kun-en Kobo Yamadori
The local specialty Furano Omelette Curry is known for its fluffy eggs and flavorful spices. At this restaurant, a locally sourced omelette is wrapped around the eggs, topped with curry sauce, and finished with Furano-grown vegetables and other toppings. It’s highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a truly Furano-style taste.

Popular Bars & Izakayas
For those who want to enjoy a drink, the following spots are recommended.

FURANO BAR
A dining bar near Furano Station offering creative dishes made with local ingredients, paired with Furano wine and cocktails. Its casual atmosphere makes it easy to drop by after skiing. The bar has both table and counter seating, suitable for solo visitors or groups. Signature dishes feature locally produced ham, bacon, and seasonal vegetables, making it a popular spot among tourists.

Soh’s BAR
Located near Furano Ski Resort, this bar offers an extensive drink menu, including cocktails, whiskey, and local wines. Light meals are also available. Open late into the night, it’s perfect for a relaxed stop after skiing. With soft lighting and a calm atmosphere, it’s ideal for catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet drink alone.

Robata
A cozy izakaya near the ski resort where you can enjoy robatayaki (charcoal- or hearth-grilled dishes). The menu features local vegetables, meat, and seafood, offering a warm, comforting experience during the cold winter. Popular with both tourists and locals, it offers a homey and inviting atmosphere.

From New Chitose Airport
・Route: New Chitose Airport Station → Furano Station (3 hr 30 min) → Taxi (10 min) or Furano Bus “Lavender-go” (15 min) → Furano Ski Resort
・Bus details: https://www.furanobus.jp/

From Asahikawa Airport
・Route: Asahikawa Airport → Furano Bus “Lavender-go” (1 hr 30 min) → Furano Ski Resort
・Bus details: https://www.furanobus.jp/

By Ski Bus
・Route: New Chitose Airport Station → “Hokkaido Resort Liner” ski bus (2 hr) → Furano Ski Resort
・Bus details: https://www.access-n.jp/

When traveling for skiing or snowboarding, heavy luggage can be a hassle. It’s convenient to send large or heavy items in advance via courier so you can head to the ski resort with ease.

At Furano Ski Resort, you can have your luggage sent directly to your accommodation. Be sure to arrange delivery so that your items arrive and are stored at the hotel between two days before and the day before your departure.

Here are some sightseeing spots around Furano Ski Resort that you can enjoy aside from skiing, useful for planning your trip.

Furano Kankan Village will be held on the grounds of Shin Furano Prince Hotel from December 21, 2025, to February 28, 2026. The venue is illuminated with over 60,000 lights, creating a magical atmosphere. During the day, you can enjoy skiing, and at night, a variety of activities await, including ice snow domes, snow tubing, dog sledding, and snow rafting, which are unique experiences in Hokkaido.

Glass Forest in Furano is a popular spot where visitors can experience the beauty of glass craftsmanship. The facility displays delicate glass works, including the local specialty “Shibare Glass.” In winter, the combination of sparkling glass and snowy scenery creates a truly enchanting atmosphere. Visitors can watch glassmaking demonstrations, try hands-on experiences, and purchase original Furano-style glass items.

The Blue Pond and Shirahige Falls are iconic winter landscapes in the Biei area. The Blue Pond contrasts its vivid blue water with the surrounding snow, creating a dreamy scene. At nearby Shirahige Falls, groundwater flowing over icy rocks turns white, producing a dramatic winter view. Both spots are sometimes illuminated at night, making evening visits highly recommended.

The Furano Ski Resort has two hotels: Shin Furano Prince Hotel and Furano Prince Hotel.

We recommend the Shisai no Yu onsen at the Shin Furano Prince Hotel if you enjoy soaking in hot springs. Shisai no Yu is characterized by its smooth-textured water, which bubbles up from a source located 1,010 meters underground.

In addition, there is the shopping area Ningle Terrace which consists of 15 log houses nearby where you can enjoy shopping for craftworks inspired by nature.

(This article was originally published in December 2021 and updated in November 2025. See official websites for latest information.)