Skiing at Furano

The Furano Basin is the geographic centre of Hokkaido, and is one of the most blessed natural areas in Hokkaido being nestled between two mountain ranges.

A wild fluctuating micro climate (very cold in winter contrast with hot and dry summers) helps to produce Hokkaido's most consistent, reliable snow conditions. Furano is renowned for having more sunny blue bird ski days than most other resorts on Hokkaido.

Furano's skiing & snowboarding can be accessed from two lift systems: a 100-person tram based at the New Furano Prince Hotel and the Kitanomine Gondola in the resort accommodation village. Local transport connects the two with relative ease. Hokkaido Travel guests will find Furano one of the most user friendly places with English speaking mobile-mountain hosts both on and at the base of the mountain.

Furano is also close to nearby Asahikawa which is a small city with its own international airport. In addition to a myriad of shopping, dining & restaurant options, Asahikawa is the base camp for a number of regional ski resorts that Furano guests may wish to take advantage of while visiting central Hokkaido.

Furano Non Ski Activities

Hokkaido Travel offers tours throughout the winter months whereby you can experience some of the day to day pleasantries the local Japanese take part in.

• Hot Air Ballooning - Rise to 1000m for views of the Taisetusan range while watching 'diamond dust'.
• Ice Fishing - Pond Smelt is the prize catch & yours will be deep fried & served up with local mushrooms.
• Snow Mobile Tour - Tours range from 10-30km in length with access to remote & beautiful natural areas.
• Dog Sled Tours - How the remote Aboriginal Japanese people got around in winter.
• Pottery Classes - make your own souvenir guided by local Japanese trades person. Lunch is included.
• Ice Cream & Jam Classes - Use Hokkaido's native berries to make & eat delicious ice cream & jam.