What other travelers are saying about Furano Ski Area
Quite a decent number of runs but green runs seems a bit steep and narrow at some sections. The terminal building 1F boasts the most impressive lunch options I've ever seen next to a ski slope and tasty to boot. Kitanomine gondola had quite a bit of a queue for the first half of the day so tempted to take a point off for that. Fast moving queues at the rest of the lifts
Yes, Furano is considered a great destination for skiing. The resort offers ski and snowboard terrain for all ability levels, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced skiers. There are positive reviews about the off-piste riding and the quality of the Central Hokkaido powder. However, some visitors have noted that lines to buy tickets can be lengthy.
The "better" option between Furano and Niseko depends largely on personal preferences. Furano is known for its mix of Western influences and Japanese culture, and it caters to all ability levels and skiing preferences. Niseko, on the other hand, is famous for its heavy snowfall and extensive terrain. Both offer excellent skiing opportunities, but Furano might be a better choice if you're looking for a more culturally immersive experience.
The amount of time to spend in Furano depends on your personal preferences and the activities you wish to do. If you're there primarily for the skiing, a few days to a week should allow you enough time to explore the different runs. However, if you want to experience more of what Furano has to offer, such as its local culture and cuisine, you might want to stay longer.
Quiet, peaceful, fantastic snow, spectacular views, no touristic noise, diverse terrain, and it has more off-piste tree-run zones than Kitanomine zone. Somehow the slopes are much steeper than Kitanomine zone for the same level category. The top area is weather resistent with decent snow quality even when it gets too warm on the foot of the mountain. Both the lifts and the ropeway are fast and efficient. Satisfaction is an understatement. I love everything about this place.
We had an incredible experience here! Absolutely recommend! I am a beginner skier and there were so many slopes to choose from. My husband is an advanced snowboarder and there was plenty for him as well. Parking is easy and free! Try to get there early, pack a lunch to enjoy in your warm car and have fun!
This may be a mountain with good terrain but it seems to be poorly managed. There is little information about what is open online early enough to plan and the lifts often close because of the weather. You will spend most of your time in line. (Also, the vaunted wax bar is as poorly maintained as the lifts: 3 empties and no equipment to DIY.) You have many better options. Skip this place until they get it together.)
overall a pretty good place to ski at with some important considerations. generally better for strong beginner skiers and onwards from my experience, although complete beginners can have a good time too, though with relative more effort definitely. came with my girlfriend who is new to skiing, there are 2 bunny slopes here, 1 seems to only be accessible if you have lessons (not sure how strict this is) and the other is free for all, although the latter isn't as good as the entrance to this bunny isn't as well maintained, making it a bit too steep and narrow as well for beginners to access comfortably.
i started skiing in europe and was surprised by the difference in difficulty standards of the slopes here, the greens in japan are more similar to the blues in europe from my experience and so on and forth. for example one of the greens in furano side had an average slope angle of 20 degrees with the max being 25 degrees, contrasting to Europe's average of 10-15 degrees from my experience.
slopes are also well maintained and not too crowded, the price of a full day ski pass here is more affordable and very worth it. food options are however limited and very crowded, so i suggest bringing your own food for lunch instead
the views here are simply immaculate too.. and the night skiing was well maintained and very fun as well, with way less people on the slopes 😉