Great ski resort! If you’re skiing here, this hotel is basically mandatory. Rental shop right out front—just step outside, strap in, and pray for good balance. No long walks, no heavy lifting—just you, the snow, and the occasional wipeout!
It’s one of Hokkaido’s hidden gems for skiers and snowboarders looking for top-quality powder, fewer crowds, and a stunning mountain backdrop. Split into two main zones—Furano Zone and Kitanomine Zone—the resort offers a variety of runs for all skill levels, from smooth beginner slopes to exciting off-piste terrain.
What makes Furano stand out is its consistent snow quality, well-groomed trails, and excellent lift infrastructure (including fast gondolas and modern chairlifts). It’s especially appealing to those who want a more relaxed and less touristy alternative to Niseko, but still crave that famous Hokkaido powder.
The town of Furano adds charm to the experience with its cozy atmosphere, great local food (try the curry or cheese dishes!), and hot spring options. The resort also has ski-in/ski-out accommodations and English-friendly services, making it very foreigner-friendly without feeling over-commercialized.
Pros:
• Amazing powder snow
• Variety of runs for all levels
• Fewer crowds compared to Niseko
• Great value and authentic Japanese vibe
Cons:
• Limited nightlife
• Smaller size compared to major resorts
• Less off-piste than backcountry-focused spots
I chose this ski resort initially because it had wide slopes for beginners. However, during my recent visit, their lift broke down, and I saw people hanging on the lift for more than 30 minutes waiting for rescue. I think they have poor maintenance at the ski resort, and I do not recommend it.
Snow is powder type and friendly for beginner. Off seasons kind of less crowded and have more rooms to learnt to ski. Only downside that it only open till 1600hrs.
Very nice skiing area. But, one lift Furano Downhill Swift Lift no. 1 is out of service. Therefore, the whole lift service of the area is out of sync. Therefore you must wait 30-60 minutes for the gondola service on a regular weekday. We are having a nice experience skiing, but this lift at fault really give you less value for money and time. Check out if the lift service is running before going?
Also, contrary to all other gondola operators, they do not fill up the platform while waiting for a gondola arrival. So, first, at arrival the line start to move - loosing another 10 minutes.
The egg lifts here take 6 person but they fill with 2-4 persons. This way, the line build up and creates more waiting time than needed. Both the gondola and egg lift lines steel valuable time from skiing - sad since it is not necessary.
