Why Furano Ski Field is Perfect for Beginners and Families

Are you wondering if Furano Ski Field is the right choice for your next ski trip? Whether you’re a beginner looking for easy slopes, or a family seeking a fun winter getaway, planning your ski vacation can feel overwhelming. This guide is for anyone curious about Furano Ski Field, especially those wondering if it’s beginner-friendly, affordable, and accessible. By reading this article, you’ll discover why Furano Ski Field is perfect for skiers of all levels, how to save on lift passes, and the best ways to get there. Let us help you make your ski trip to Furano unforgettable!

Why Furano Ski Field is Perfect for Beginners and Intermediate Skiers

Is Furano good for beginners? Key features for first-time skiers

Furano Ski Field is a dream for beginners! It offers a variety of easy slopes, making it ideal if you’re just starting out. Plus, there’s a kids’ school, private lessons, and even an English-speaking ski school. And don’t worry about waiting forever to get up the hill—the lifts run super smoothly, so you can focus on having fun!

What is Furano famous for? The unique aspects that attract skiers

Furano is famous for its fantastic powder snow—seriously, it’s like skiing on fluffy clouds. The resort has a wide range of courses, so whether you’re a beginner or a pro, there’s something for you. And it’s easy to get to from the city, making it super convenient. The longest run? A whopping 4 kilometers!

What is the difference between Furano Zone and Kitanomine Zone?

Furano has two main zones. The Furano Zone is great for intermediate and advanced skiers, with some steeper slopes but also long, scenic runs for beginners. The Kitanomine Zone is where families and beginners will feel most at home, thanks to its gentler slopes and more lessons on offer. You can easily switch between the two by lift or skiing, or if you’re tired, hop on the shuttle down to the base.

How steep is Furano? A breakdown of slope difficulties

Furano strikes a perfect balance for everyone! Advanced skiers can tackle the steepest slope at 34 degrees, while the rest of us can cruise down gentler slopes. In fact, 80% of the slopes are great for beginners and intermediate skiers. 20% of the slopes is for the experts—perfect if you’re up for a challenge!

Can beginners try Alpine Backcountry skiing at Furano safely?

Yes, beginners can try backcountry skiing at Furano, but only if they’re with a professional guide. It’s a great way to enjoy the untouched snow, but safety first. If you’re a more experienced skier, make sure you’re well-prepared with all the right gear and know-how. And don’t forget to submit a mountaineering report issued by Prince Hotel before heading out into the wild.

Furano lift pass: Prices and tips to save money

Furano offers several types of lift passes:

1-day pass: This is the most recommended lift pass, with adult prices ranging from 5,500 to 7,000 yen. Prices vary depending on the season, but are 7,000 yen from December to mid-March during the ski season. This is the lift ticket I recommend the most.
Half-day pass: A little less of a bargain, ranging from 5,400 yen (3 hours) to 6,200 yen (5 hours). It’s almost the same price as a full-day pass, so if you’re planning a long day, you might as well go for the full-day option.
Night skiing ticket: Want to ski under the stars? This is 2,500 yen for adults. Night skiing is a popular activity for many people as it provides a special atmosphere different from that of daytime skiing. If you enjoy skiing in Furano, we recommend you to experience it.
Season pass: Ideal for those staying a bit longer. If you plan to ski for 12 days or more, this is the most economical option.This ticket allows you to use the lifts as many times as you wish during the winter ski season. 12 days or more of use is calculated to be more economical than a day pass, but it is only recommended for those who plan to stay in Furano for a longer period of time.

There’s a 500 yen deposit when you buy a lift pass, but no worries, you get it back when you return the ticket. Children up to 12 years old are free of charge! This is one of the reasons why Furano ski resorts are so popular with families, and it is great that the whole family can enjoy a visit at a reasonable price.

We also recommend that you purchase your lift tickets online in advance to receive a discount.
There are several ways to purchase online, including Prince Hotel, Wamazing snow, and Asoview. Of these,

Asoview is most recommended as it is the cheapest and can be purchased for 5,500 yen. Unfortunately, the official site is only available in Japanese, but the lift ticket purchase procedure is common, so you should have no problem using the Google Translate function. Asoview is a highly reliable site that is affiliated with 7,500 amusement parks, aquariums, hot springs, and other facilities throughout Japan, and many Japanese people use the site. I attached a link to Furano Ski Resort lift tickets on Asoview, but if the link has expired, please access it from the official top page of Asoview here.

How many lifts are at Furano?

There are nine lifts, including high-speed ones and gondolas. No matter which part of the mountain you’re on, you can easily hop on a lift and get where you need to go, from beginner zones to more advanced areas.

Is Furano kid friendly?

Absolutely! Furano is a great spot for families. With gentle slopes, ski schools, a kids-only area, and fun snow activities, your little ones will have a blast.

How much to ski in Furano? Costs and expenses?

The cost of skiing in Furano will vary depending on the length of your stay and how you choose to spend your time, so here is the cost per day for one adult, assuming lift passes, rentals, and lessons. An adult lift pass costs approximately 5,000 to 7,000 yen, ski rental is approximately 3,500 to 8,000 yen, and a 2-hour lesson costs approximately 15,000 to 3,000 yen, so the cost per day is approximately 23,500 to 45,000 yen. By using discount coupons for lift tickets and renting for a longer period of time, the daily fee can be reduced, further lowering the cost.

How long to spend in Furano? Ideal duration for a skiing trip?

For beginners and intermediate skiers, 3 to 5 days is the sweet spot. It’s just enough time to explore the slopes and enjoy the sights. But if you want to really soak in the experience, staying for a week would be even better!

Essential gear and clothing for your trip?

Pack warm! Temperatures can drop to -10°C, so bring layers like fleece, a down jacket, and water-resistant ski wear. Don’t forget goggles, a helmet, and warm gloves. You can rent gear, but bringing your own will make things more comfortable.

Which is better Furano or Niseko? Comparing popular ski resorts

Niseko is famous as an international resort, attracting more foreign tourists than any other ski resort in Hokkaido, and with four ski resorts, it is larger than Furano ski resort. However, due to its popularity, it is crowded and lift ticket prices are high. Also, while lift tickets for children up to 3 years old are free in Niseko, those for children up to 12 years old are free in Furano, so families can enjoy skiing in Furano at a relatively lower price. Furano is smaller in size than Niseko, but it is less crowded and has a reputation for being easy to ski. However, in recent years, the number of tourists seeking the powder snow of Furano has been increasing, so it is best to visit during periods and times when it is a little less crowded.

How to Get to Furano Ski Field

What island is Furano on? Location of the ski resort

Furano Ski Field is located in Hokkaido, Japan. Furano is located in the center of the island and is a popular tourist destination. Furano is famous for its lavender fields, which are at their best in July every year, and are covered with purple carpets. In winter, Furano is located in the powder belt and offers some of the best powder snow in the world.

How do I get to Furano, Japan? Transport options for international visitors

The most common way to get to Furano is from New Chitose Airport. From the airport, you can reach Furano by train, bus, or rental car. Since you will probably be tired after your flight, I personally recommend taking a express bus. The cost is higher than the train, but the train requires a transfer and a cab after arriving at Furano Station, which is quite difficult while carrying luggage. The express bus service allows you to save your energy because once you get on the bus, all you have to do is sit on the bus until you get to Furano ski resort. The express buses can be reserved in advance through the official website of the Hokkaido Access Network. The express buses are also available in English. One-way fare is 5500 yen for adults and 4500 yen for children (3-11 years old).

The express buses are also recommended for getting from Asahikawa Airport to Furano. The bus departs from Asahikawa Airport and arrives at several major hotels in Furano. The trip takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, and the fare is 3,000 yen for adults and 2,000 yen for children (3-11 years old).

How do I go from Sapporo to Furano?

Furano can be reached from Sapporo by car, train, or bus. It takes about 2.5 hours by express train and costs about 4,500 yen. However, the limited express trains are infrequent, and if you miss the train, you will have to wait for the next one. By car, it takes about 2 hours to get there, but be careful driving long distances because of icy road surfaces in winter. I recommend taking a bus, which takes 2.5 hours and costs 2,700 yen. It is less than the cost of taking the limited express train, and you can go directly to Furano ski resort once you get on the bus since there is no need to change trains.

What you need to know if you rent a car in Furano in winter

If you rent a car in Furano in winter, studless tires are required. In addition, the roads in winter in Hokkaido can be slippery, so if you are not confident in your driving skills, it is safer to take a bus or train. It is also important to check the weather forecast in advance.

How much is the toll from Sapporo to Furano? Driving tips and road costs

Driving from Sapporo to Furano will cost around 1,300 yen in tolls, and the trip takes about 2 hours. Just remember to allow for extra time—it’s winter, and roads can be slippery!

How to get around Furano without a car?

In Furano, if you do not have a car, you can take a cab to go sightseeing around the hotel, but if you want to go to Biei, we recommend a car. If you want to go to Biei, we recommend you to use a car. We do not recommend you to go sightseeing by public transportation such as trains or buses.

Is Furano line covered by JR Pass? Understanding train travel in Hokkaido

Yes! The Furano line is covered by JR Pass. JR Pass holders can take the train from New Chitose Airport to Furano via Sapporo at no extra cost. If you plan to visit only Furano, highway bus is recommended, but if you plan to visit other areas such as Biei and Asahikawa, you can save money by using this JR pass.

Is Furano worth visiting? Reasons to choose Furano

Furano is perfect for beginners, families, and anyone looking for great snow and a relaxed atmosphere. With awesome powder, fun activities, and scenic beauty, it’s definitely worth the trip!

Summary of Why Furano Ski Field is a Must-Visit Destination

Here are a few highlights:

Beginner-friendly design: Many gentle slopes, and the Kitanomine Zone has an extensive beginner practice area.
Backcountry Experience: Guided tours are recommended. Even beginners can enjoy great views in the backcountry as long as they are properly prepared with mountaineering knowledge and equipment.
Various lift pass options: Furano has nine operating lifts, and pass prices are flexible and economical with advance purchase discounts.
Family-friendly facilities: With an extensive kids’ area and ski school, there is something for the whole family to enjoy.
Accessibility: Easy access from New Chitose Airport and Sapporo, and can be easily reached by train, bus, or car.

Furano Ski Field is a fantastic choice for beginners, intermediate skiers, and families. Nestled in Hokkaido’s stunning landscape, it stands out for its quality snow and peaceful environment, making it a great spot even for first-time skiers.

For a relaxed, enjoyable ski vacation in Japan, Furano is a top choice!