Furano Ski Resort: Hours, Address, Furano Ski Resort Reviews: 4.5/5
Furano Ski Resort
Furano Ski Resort
4.5
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Furano is the northernmost Prince Snow Resorts. The ski resort consists of 2 zones, Furano and Kitanomine, which have 23 trails in total. You can reach the summit directly by a 101 passenger Furano Ropeway and see a great view of the Daisetsu Mountain Range. There are 2 ski-in ski-out Prince Hotels at the bottom of each area, in which you can enjoy après. Hot springs near the ski area and sightseeing in Furano town are also fun experiences.
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Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
48 within 3 miles

Restaurant Karamatsu
13
1.5 mi$$$$ • Japanese • Japanese - Traditional Cuisine

Morinotokei
148
1.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe

Main Dining Room
9
1.5 miFrench • European

12F Restaurant
3
1.5 miJapanese

Dinner Buffet Restaurant
10
1.5 mi$

Lounge Top of Furano
2
1.5 miBar • Cafe • Pub

Prince Pain Kobo
6
1.6 mi

Furano Delice Honten
248
2 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe

Le Gaulois Furano
15
1.7 mi$$ - $$$ • French

Coffee House Tutu No Ie
6
1.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe
Attractions
23 within 6 miles

Ningle Terrace
686
1.6 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks

Garden of Wind
245
1.6 miGardens

Furano Ropeway
54
1.5 miTrams

Alpine Visitor Center
20
2.2 miVisitor Centers

Leisure Guide Asobiya
40
2.4 mi

Furano Biei Norokko-go
48
Public Transportation Systems • Scenic Railroads

Furano Wine Factory
149
Wineries & Vineyards

Hokkai Heso Matsuri
20
Cultural Events

Furano and Biei District Tourism Centre
37
Visitor Centers

Furano Budogaoka Park
11
Wineries & Vineyards • Parks
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
365 reviews
Excellent
190
Very good
133
Average
33
Poor
7
Terrible
2
Wai
7 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
First experience skiing in Japan and it was really great. Had an average of 10cm of fresh snow each morning. Some runs had powder snow until just below my knees. Unfortunate that the Kitanomine gondola was only working 3 out of the 4 days I was there.
The beginner runs near the base were so wide and with great snow
Only issue was the queue at the lifts and some of the runs were a little crowded. Guess it’s popularity is leading to more and more crowds
The beginner runs near the base were so wide and with great snow
Only issue was the queue at the lifts and some of the runs were a little crowded. Guess it’s popularity is leading to more and more crowds
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
wllmwong1
George Town, Malaysia15 contributions
Feb 2020
For starters, beginners or intermediate skiers will find Kitanomine slopes good for practice to fine tune their turns, rythmn and eventually speed.
At the Furano slopes, there is variety for the advanced intermediate and advance levels This group of skiers will enjoy whole day long without any hesitation.
For F&B, there are numerous small eateries around the ski areas, catering different cuisines for small and cozy groups. Sapporo beers and sake are in abundance and reasonably priced. No reason to travel to Furano town for F&B, unless you want to gallivant the nights in town. Need to take a taxi there, which can be quite costly for a group.
At the Furano slopes, there is variety for the advanced intermediate and advance levels This group of skiers will enjoy whole day long without any hesitation.
For F&B, there are numerous small eateries around the ski areas, catering different cuisines for small and cozy groups. Sapporo beers and sake are in abundance and reasonably priced. No reason to travel to Furano town for F&B, unless you want to gallivant the nights in town. Need to take a taxi there, which can be quite costly for a group.
Written March 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jayden S
Rockingham, Western Australia, Australia9 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Killer resort thats not yet known very well, very good groomers and plenty of places to shread pow in the trees.
Small cafe at the bottom and not really developed for big crowds yet. Non English speaking but they do have a translator app
Small cafe at the bottom and not really developed for big crowds yet. Non English speaking but they do have a translator app
Written February 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bec
5 contributions
Jan 2020
The gondola seems to close many times according to others too. It was open on ly 2 days in my week there. As this is a regular problem year after year, surely they should action this repair permanently! The snow coverage was very good on many of the runs yet were never opened. All of these problems drive skiers to overcrowd the Furano zone where lift lines were like Mt Buller on a weekend sunny day. Given lifts close at 3pm, it is just madness and extremely disappointing. Run closures in good snow, lack of an operating gondola all make me seriously reconsider if I ever come back due to these problems.
The ski resort side is very underdeveloped. Only one 7/11 right at the boot end of the resort and no other convenience store. No shops for tourism but I happened to find a small souvenir shop in Naturwald Hotel.
In saying all these negatives, there are positive - cheap for families with kids under 12 as they ski free. As the place is no commercialised as much as other places, it is quieter generally (when lifts and runs are open that is!!)
The ski resort side is very underdeveloped. Only one 7/11 right at the boot end of the resort and no other convenience store. No shops for tourism but I happened to find a small souvenir shop in Naturwald Hotel.
In saying all these negatives, there are positive - cheap for families with kids under 12 as they ski free. As the place is no commercialised as much as other places, it is quieter generally (when lifts and runs are open that is!!)
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
NathanButterwick
Garrett Speirs16 contributions
Jan 2020
Furano has decent potential as a ski mountain. But before I get to the good let me describe the bad. As many have stated, the lines to buy tickets are insane. Waiting for half an hour in a line with only one ticket counter open in high season is just unforgivable for a "resort" mountain. Strike one. Strike two was the fact that when we arrived in the late afternoon we wanted to get some turns in so we bought an evening pass. Great right...no, after one run they closed the lifts down. Surprised we inquired at the ticket counter. We were told the only lift that was open was at the other side of the mountain and we would have to take a bus to get there. Well, we would have to wait for over an hour for that bus or take a taxi. 25 bucks later and another half hour later we were skiing. Why they would not have a bus scheduled when they close the lifts down is just bad organization from management. Very poor. Strike three? The main gondola was never open during the three days of skiing at Furano. There was no weather or storms so it was either because they dont want to spend any more money or the lift was broken. Not sure but either way Furano didnt endear itself to our group. On the plus side we loved the town of Furano. The food was great and it was a very nice provincial town. I would go back for the town and food. Prince Resorts (Furano ski area)??? An emphatic no.
Written February 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
EmperorTikki
3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Prince Hotel owns and manages the mountain. Nature has gifted them a beautiful mountain with amazing powder. But for too many years now they have a complete inability to manage capacity, ensure equipment/lifts/gondolas/magic carpets are properly working; restaurants are beyond capacity, transport between kitanomine and prince hotel side is sketchy and plagued with capacity problems.
Seibu group - please partner with someone who knows how to run a proper ski resort; please send your managers to other resorts to see how a proper and modern ski resort can be run profitably; please understand you need to start with solid beginner lessons/terrain; provide the teenagers some fun and safe terrain, allow everyone more lifts, and make sure we all can easily eat a good meal without waiting in line for an hour.
It’s a disappointment to see such a beautiful place wasted upon a group that doesn’t seem to want or be willing to keep it special and unique.
Seibu group - please partner with someone who knows how to run a proper ski resort; please send your managers to other resorts to see how a proper and modern ski resort can be run profitably; please understand you need to start with solid beginner lessons/terrain; provide the teenagers some fun and safe terrain, allow everyone more lifts, and make sure we all can easily eat a good meal without waiting in line for an hour.
It’s a disappointment to see such a beautiful place wasted upon a group that doesn’t seem to want or be willing to keep it special and unique.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Themillersfarm
Lake Oswego, OR79 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
I really enjoyed the mountain. Really good off piste skiing here. Fresh tracks can be had after even after a few days without snow. Tree skiing is really good! I am not a fan of trams and you have to ride one to get to the top. It’s also hard to get from one side of the mountain to the other.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bill S
Big Bear Lake, CA2,150 contributions
Mar 2021 • Solo
One of the better ski resorts I’ve been to. A gondola, a ropeway and nine other lifts. Many runs to chose from, most of them are wide and well groomed. Staff at the resort are very friendly and helpful. A hand full of places to eat and many shops for rentals and apparel. Best of all it the view.
Written March 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Felix L
London, UK98 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
This is not Niseko. Furano is much more chilled and relaxed without the shenanigans that may be annoying to some who are not into drunken foreigners. Get a guide to show you the backcountry / side-country once you are done with the piste. The new gate system is a good guide for the side-country if you are not keen to spend on a guide.
Good food in the village and a decent town at the bottom of the ski hill for night activities. A ski resort for connoisseurs, not the masses.
Good food in the village and a decent town at the bottom of the ski hill for night activities. A ski resort for connoisseurs, not the masses.
Written April 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jones888
Hong Kong, China144 contributions
Jan 2020
We have stayed a collective 30 days over the 2013, 2018 and 2019 Christmas holidays.
Pros:
1) Less expensive and crowded as compared to Niseko
2) Due to central Hokkaido location less cold and windy as compared to Niseko.
3) Great snow and off piste skiing
4) Easy to get to from Chitose airport
Cons
1) the operator of the mountain (Prince hotel and Seibu) uses various tactics (lift closures, ski school availability and snow making) to divert ski traffic to their large hotel and event side of the mountain. This is to the detriment of skiers and local businesses.
There are two side of the mountain: the New Prince hotel side and the Kitonamine side. Almost all accommodation and dining is on the Kitonamine side of the mountain (excluding the new prince hotel).
Most of the double blacks and best off piste is on the Kitonamine side.
The operator of the mountain actively diverts traffic to the new Prince hotel side of the mountain. They underinvested in the Kitonamine side. For example the Kitonamine side does not have snow making equipment although much of it is sun facing. This means the season on the Kitonamine side is much shorter than the New Prince hotel side. There are are no high speed covered chairs on the Kitonamine side. The gondola on the Kitonamine side is also subject to frequent closures for “maintenance”. The magic carpet for kids skiing also opens much later as compared to the new prince hotel side.
In short the ski-in-ski-out place you booked in Kitonamine may not be open early season. Even if it is open due to the magic carpet issue there may be no kids ski school.
This blatant shenanigans by the operator kills rental shops and other business in the the village. It causes overcrowding on the New Prince side. It also is also causing underinvestment in the village as all businessesare held hostage to the whims of the ski resort management.
This has resulted in a major problem for dining options. This is the second biggest drawback of Furano. There are very few dining options in the village. Those that exist keep irregulars hours and do not take
Bookings.
It is a necessity to taxi or drive to dining options across the river. And even there, the selection is limited.
The resort management’s short-term profit first thinking is a big problem.
Pros:
1) Less expensive and crowded as compared to Niseko
2) Due to central Hokkaido location less cold and windy as compared to Niseko.
3) Great snow and off piste skiing
4) Easy to get to from Chitose airport
Cons
1) the operator of the mountain (Prince hotel and Seibu) uses various tactics (lift closures, ski school availability and snow making) to divert ski traffic to their large hotel and event side of the mountain. This is to the detriment of skiers and local businesses.
There are two side of the mountain: the New Prince hotel side and the Kitonamine side. Almost all accommodation and dining is on the Kitonamine side of the mountain (excluding the new prince hotel).
Most of the double blacks and best off piste is on the Kitonamine side.
The operator of the mountain actively diverts traffic to the new Prince hotel side of the mountain. They underinvested in the Kitonamine side. For example the Kitonamine side does not have snow making equipment although much of it is sun facing. This means the season on the Kitonamine side is much shorter than the New Prince hotel side. There are are no high speed covered chairs on the Kitonamine side. The gondola on the Kitonamine side is also subject to frequent closures for “maintenance”. The magic carpet for kids skiing also opens much later as compared to the new prince hotel side.
In short the ski-in-ski-out place you booked in Kitonamine may not be open early season. Even if it is open due to the magic carpet issue there may be no kids ski school.
This blatant shenanigans by the operator kills rental shops and other business in the the village. It causes overcrowding on the New Prince side. It also is also causing underinvestment in the village as all businessesare held hostage to the whims of the ski resort management.
This has resulted in a major problem for dining options. This is the second biggest drawback of Furano. There are very few dining options in the village. Those that exist keep irregulars hours and do not take
Bookings.
It is a necessity to taxi or drive to dining options across the river. And even there, the selection is limited.
The resort management’s short-term profit first thinking is a big problem.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
lifesucketh
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia753 contributions
Hi.
- when is a better season for skiing (beginner) at the resort : end Jan or mid Feb or end Feb ?
- which is a better hotel for easy access to beginner ski slopes etc. : New Prince Hotel or Prince Hotel ?
- are there any alternative accommodation nearby (eg apartments with kitchen/laundry facilities) ?
Thanks.
Bec
5 contributions
If you are a complete beginner going early in the season, then more reliable snow is New Prince Hotel region right opposite Furano beginner slopes. If Jan to Feb then Prince Hotel and Naturwald is next to the Kitanomine area. However this side opens later if the early season snow is not so great, as happened when I visited for the first week of Jan 2020. Also the Gondola was broken down for 3 out of the 5 skiing days I was there!! But for a beginner the gondola is not helpful as it take you to advanced slopes.
If you stay at New Prince hotel then you are far more removed from the township and more like a bus ride to the nearest 7-11. If you stay on the Kitanomine side then you are close to all restaurants and the one and only 7-11. However the township is not that much to write about, so if you are a hotel home body and eat where you stay all the time the New Prince hotel is a good place.
Some self contained may be found but not much in this region and may be more a good walk away from the slopes. The town is downslope from the ski slopes so consider this as a walk in the morning. You may find the place you stay at may provide a shuttle trip in the mornings. I stayed at a Pension and more often than not they will provide laundry facilities, you just have to pay for the use of them.
Furano is not a tourist town so if you are looking at a holiday as a beginner, this place is not for tourism in winter, just for those who wish to visit for skiing only.
Shelly C
Pekanbaru, Indonesia
Can i playing at furano ski resort if i not stay at there hotel?
Yes, you can play without staying at Furano Prince Hotel. However, staying at a hotel is more enjoyable because the hotel and ski area are directly connected.
E L C
20 contributions
Hi
I will be staying kitanomine area from 14 to 22 Dec 2019.
I was about to book ski lessons and rent gear but someone from Sportpia said that the Kitanomine zone doesn't open till 23 Dec 2019 and that we would have to go to Furano zone if we wanted to ski during 14 to 22 Dec 2019.
Can anyone tell me if this is true? Where can I find this info? Thanks in advance!
t. c.
Hong Kong, China343 contributions
Hi,
Kitanomine zone usually opened later than Furano zone.
If u click the official site, it said the date of opening of ski resort to be announces in November.
If you want some reference, search from SNOW JAPAN website, which have daily report on various resort incl Furano. Click the archieved reports, you will foun that in 2019, F zone opened on 24 Nov 2019 (partly opened) , and K zone was partly opened (only 2 courses at the onset) from 14 Dec 2019.
Everything depends on the weather and snow condition.
You may ask whether your hotel could send you to either zone for tge sacj of convenience.
Puvanesh P
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia64 contributions
Will there be snow on 25th May? Will the resort still be open?
randomunused
London, UK167 contributions
Currently it’s fluctuating between 20-30C so almost certainly not!
BMarley69
Manila, Philippines274 contributions
Is this ski resort ideal for beginners?
go1ng_place5
Sydney, Australia44 contributions
Yes, it is. There are a few beginner (green) runs on the lower side end with 1 leading back to Furano Prince Hotel.
stankovic1984
Adelaide, Australia16 contributions
Hi all
I am thinking of visiting the ski resort soon,i dont have any gear with me...is it possible to rent it out at the resort and get a day pas,does anybody know roughly what it might cost!
cheers!
lilicai
Singapore63 contributions
Yes, there is a skip equipments rental shop at the resort.
leowching
Singapore, Singapore153 contributions
Hello, for those who do not ski, can we just take the gondola and see the snow views... Intend to visit in middle March.
randomunused
London, UK167 contributions
Yes, you can buy a 3 or 5 hour pass (as well as a day pass) depending on how long you’d like to enjoy the view! Bring appropriate shoes
Lee838838
9 contributions
Hi r where would you recommend for accomodation ? Both my husband and me have not ski before. How difficult it is to learn? Do u recommend taking a package or just book the accomodation with onsen ? We love onsen. Are other other snow activities besides skiing?
Geoff H
Varsity Lakes, Australia34 contributions
Ok - I have a couple of suggestions. They have a ski school on the slopes at the Furano resorts, and there are plenty of wide runs, with gentle slopes to practice on. We stayed over Xmas New Year, consequently staying at the New Prince Hotel was out of our budget. It you can afford the rate at the New Prince Hotel, it would be a great place to stay.
We actually stayed at Ituka-furano-e, which is a beautiful family operated Inn, set amongst a snow covered timber forest. It is only a couple of minutes drive from the snow fields, and the owners will drive you anywhere, and pick you up for a couple of dollars!
The meals are incredible as well.
However- there is no onsen at the Inn There is an onsen in the New Prince hotel, which you can actually pay to use, even if you are not staying at the hotel.
We traveled up into the mountains to visit an outdoor onsen, which was amazing.
There are also dogsledding, horseback rides, snowmobiles and other activities around Furano.
We hope that you have a great trip.
Geoff & Mette
What's the cost of skiing per day? (Ski pass, lift, rental)
Thank you for your inquiry.
it depends on a rental and the quality of the rental,
whole day pass with rental includes everything would cost 15,000 yen approximately.
come see our web page for the detail!
Sincerely,
Prince snow Resort
globetrotterCKY
Singapore, Singapore371 contributions
Hi, I will be staying on the side of Kitanomine Gondola. Is there any public use storage facilities for the ski equipment at the end of each day?
TrippySkier
Seattle, WA22 contributions
Yes, the hotel that you stay at should have lockers, separate from your room, to store your gear. Have a great time!
Frequently Asked Questions about Furano Ski Resort
- Furano Ski Resort is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Hotels near Furano Ski Resort:
- (2.02 mi) Furano Lofts
- (2.08 mi) Hotel Naturwald Furano
- (2.09 mi) Furano Fresh Powder Apartments
- (1.52 mi) New Furano Prince Hotel
- (3.57 mi) Furano Natulux Hotel
- Restaurants near Furano Ski Resort:
- (1.96 mi) Furano Delice Honten
- (3.43 mi) Teppan Okonomiyaki Masaya
- (1.71 mi) Morinotokei
- (3.46 mi) Yuiga Doxon
- (3.54 mi) Oshokuji to Goenkai no Mise Kumagera
- Attractions near Furano Ski Resort:
- (1.61 mi) Ningle Terrace
- (1.64 mi) Garden of Wind
- (3.66 mi) Campana Rokkatei
- (1.47 mi) Furano Ropeway
- (8.12 mi) Farm Tomita