If you haven’t heard of Furano before, maybe it’s time you did! A popular destination for local tourists in the summer and a worthy winter rival to its sister, Niseko ski resorts, Japan Ski Experience shines an overdue spotlight on Furano in Hokkaido and reveals how exciting developments in its ski resorts make it one to look out for.
Furano ski resort, located on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido, consists of 2 interconnected zones, the Furano zone and Kitanomine zone. Together it offers a total of 28 ski runs characterised by mellow gradients, an abundance of snow and excellent grooming, yet many UK skiers and snowboarders may not even have heard of Furano. For decades, Niseko has dominated when it comes to outside knowledge of Japanese ski resorts, but with an incredible 113 ski areas in Hokkaido alone, you may wonder why.
Fenix Furano Accommodation at base of Furano Kitanomine Ski Zone © Nisade
The reasons Niseko became a ski and snowboard mecca are not hard to understand: its location on the Western side of Hokkaido not far from the sea of Japan and neighbouring Siberia mean huge dumps of world class light, dry, powder snow. Niseko was also quick to adapt to international demand for deep powder, opening off-piste ski areas far more quickly than other Japanese ski resorts which are notoriously strict in only allowing skiing and snowboarding on the runs. As you head further inland from Western Hokkaido towards the centre of the island, cold temperatures persist, but the extremity of weather systems blowing in from the Sea of Japan lessen. So what does this mean for ski resorts? It means a bit less snowfall for sure, but reliably cold weather means the quality of powder is maintained, there are a lot more bluebird days, and there is less likelihood that storms close lifts, which, unless you are dedicated to snorkel deep powder, might actually sound rather appealing. If you are in agreement, then it’s time you look more closely at Furano.
Furano has long been extremely popular among Japanese tourists as a summer destination, visited for its lavender fields, farming and beautiful nature. While the ski resort has remained relatively unknown to international tourists, this may be about to change. There have been some big changes at Furano ski resort over recent years, which in part due to the long drawn out Japanese border closures, are yet to come to be realised by ski holiday-makers from outside Japan.
For one thing, more flexible resort rules means skiers and snowboarders are now able to access the fantastic sidecountry powder the resort has to offer. This opens up a variety of terrain and, given the relatively small number of advanced groomers, provides a playground for experienced riders which didn’t exist before. Furano has also very appropriately aimed itself at the family market by providing free lift passes for under 12s - a huge draw for families. And really, what could be better for a family than soft, reliable snow cover, immaculate runs, bluebird skies, and plenty of off-piste powder for those who want it, all with a fraction of the traffic of Niseko?
Children playing at Furano © Ben Thorpe at Japan Ski Experience
Another exciting development is the new Furano accommodation on offer. Management of international award winning The Vale Niseko have now introduced Fenix Furano and Fenix West. These stunning properties are a response to the huge growth in demand for luxury condominium style hotels, where a variety of group sizes can stay in apartments and enjoy the benefits of a hotel stay with premium access to the ski lifts. Fenix Furano offers ski in ski out access to the Kitanomine zone, while Fenix West enjoys an almost identical location just across the street. These luxury complexes provide exactly the kind of accommodation that discerning travellers are looking for, but could not have previously enjoyed in Furano. Fenix Furano and Fenix West have now opened bookings for the 2023-24 ski season with 20% early bird discounts if you book before the end of May (blackout dates and conditions apply).
Furano is also an exciting place to visit if you fancy exploring a typical Japanese city on your ski holiday. Combining all the benefits of a ski resort including the best ski and snowboard hire at Rhythm Japan, Furano also offers easy access to Japanese city life - restaurants, supermarkets, retail outlets, and cultural points of interest such as temples, shrines are a stone’s throw away.
So if you are wondering if Furano is right for your group and family, ask yourself whether you are willing or even happy to trade immense snow depth for bluebird powder, whether you enjoy cruising groomers as much as exploring off-piste and if you are looking to experience some of the most impressive new ski accommodation Japan has to offer. If you are interested in Furano, get in touch with Japan Ski Experience to learn more about whether it is the right resort for you.
