Furano, Japan Ski & Snowboard

Optional

Optional: You may choose to arrive at New Chitose Airport the day before your trip begins and check into the hotel of your choice. We recommend the Air Terminal Hotel, especially if you are arriving late in the evening. You'll have time to relax and explore Chitose before meeting up with the group the next morning.

This night is optional — you can also choose to stay overnight in Haneda or Narita and fly to New Chitose on your trip’s start date, as long as you arrive by 10:30 AM to meet the group at 11:00 AM for an 11:30 AM departure.

Welcome to Japan!

For guests arriving at CTS today, please ensure your flight lands no later than 10:30 AM local time. After you arrive, make your way to the south end of the terminal, where you’ll meet your trip host and fellow travelers at 11:00 AM. Our group is scheduled to depart at 11:30 AM.

We will then board a private coach for a scenic 2.5-hour journey to the resort village of Furano. Once we arrive, we'll check in and get comfortable at our accommodations (Chalet Burlap Furanui, or for Jan. 25-Feb. 1 trip only, the Nozo Hotel) our home base for the next seven nights. After settling in, your trip leader will provide an overview of the area and outline everything you can expect for the exciting week ahead.

This is a great time to grab any rental gear you might need from Rhythm Furano. After that, feel free to spend the afternoon your way—unwind at the lodge, wander through Furano’s charming village, browse the local shops, visit the onsen, or simply soak up the fresh mountain air before the week’s adventures kick off. We’ll bring everyone together in the evening for a group welcome dinner.

Ride Furano & Kitanomine Zones

Meet for breakfast at 7:30am to outline the day’s plan and get stoked! Gear up and meet in the lobby by 8:30. For our first day of riding, we’ll head towards the Kitanomine Zone side of Furano. This and the Furano Zone constitute the Furano Resort, our winter playground. You are welcome to stay in the group(s) or explore on your own – unless you plan to go out of any backcountry gates, in which case staying with your guide is required. As with most ski days, we’ll identify a suggested (optional) meeting spot for lunch and discuss the end of day plan for returning to the lodge. After a magical, first full day of riding, you’ll have time to relax back at the hotel or explore Furano, before heading out for dinner that evening.

Discover Furano's Gate System

Depending on weather and group preferences, today could be an excellent day to explore Furano’s gate system. With the expertise of your guides along with the ease of lift access, these zones are available to you whether you’re experienced or new to the backcountry. Break for lunch or push through for a few more laps, topping off your day with some well-deserved après snacks and drinks. Dinner tonight will be a chance for you to choose your own adventure.

Explorer Day

Now that you’ve spent a few days riding Furano, we will take a day to chase powder and go check out another ski area. Weather and group preferences will help determine where we land. Kamui Ski Links and Sahoro are both renowned for top notch snow, excellent tree skiing, and few crowds, while Asahidaki offers fantastic backcountry terrain, accessible by cable car, along with the feeling that you’re far from any kind of resort. Depending on timing, we’ll grab a casual, hearty dinner either on the way back to town or in Furano.

Choose Your Adventure — Explore, Rest, or Ride

After a few action-packed days on the mountain, today is your chance to slow down and recharge. Spend the day exploring the town, pick up some souvenirs, or unwind with a soak in one of the area's relaxing onsen baths or private saunas. Your guides will be taking a well-earned rest, but if you’re eager to keep the momentum going, you’re welcome to head back to the resort for more laps. (Please note: lift tickets for this day are not included).

Chasing Snow

Today we’ll pick the best resort for the day — whether it's at our home resort for a day of exploring Kitanomine and Furano, or exploring another area resort. Your guides will make suggestions based on weather, conditions, and the desires of the group(s). As always, you’re welcome to sit the day out if you’d rather rest your legs, explore town, souvenir shop, or hit up another onsen.

Final Day of Riding Furano

It’s the grand finale — your last day to send it in Furano! Dive into familiar terrain, hit those favorite lines one more time, and chase every turn like it’s the last of the week. Refuel with your go-to mountain-side lunch, then ride hard into the afternoon, until your legs are burning and your face is covered in snow. After an epic day on the slopes, raise a glass at après to celebrate an unforgettable week, pack up your gear, and meet up for one last legendary group dinner.

Departure Day

Wake up, bid farewell to your guides + fellow riders, and head to New Chitose Airport to head home. As it is a 2 hour transfer to CTS Airport, we ask that your flight from CTS depart no earlier than noon, If you would like to stay longer or add days to explore more of Japan, we are happy to help coordinate this and may have shipping options available for luggage.

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again... central Hokkaido is home to the most amazing snow on the planet. This section of Japan’s northernmost island benefits from Siberian storm systems that pass over the Sea of Japan and dump the lightest powder imaginable, and plenty of it. Featuring a plethora of worthy ski destinations, from Furano to Sahoro, Tomamo to Asahidake, this region of the country is also refreshingly not westernized, so you can experience few crowds, authentic Japanese culture, and untracked powder for days. 

Furano sits in the heart of it all, bordered by Daisetsu-Zan National Park, and offers winter enthusiasts both an extensive, world-class ski area and a great little town to explore. Large by Japanese standards, and the venue for world cup ski races for decades, this resort offers over 3,000 ft. of vertical serviced by 11 lifts. Divided into two interconnected zones, the Kitanomine Zone and the Furano Zone, the resort offers an abundance of on- and off-piste options, some of the steepest runs on the island, and lift-accessible backcountry and sidecountry.

Furano Villa is an exceptional, self-catering, luxury accommodation, uniquely designed for groups, and very conveniently located at the top of Furano's picturesque ski village. Expertly managed by market-leader Flint Furano, and surrounded by nature yet with several restaurants, bars, cafes and also the township of Furano close at hand, Furano Villa offers a holiday experience of unmatched quality in Furano.

The villa has 7 bedrooms, each with ensuite bathroom and individual washer/dryer. The premium trip package also comes with two dinners as well as daily breakfast prepared by local chef, Hayato Nogami.

Your group can relax and unwind at Furano Villa, enjoying its space, comfort, style and privacy and at the same time, easily access all of Furano’s many famous attractions. Walk just 3 minutes to the ski lifts and world-class powder skiing, with restaurants and bars only a short walk away as well. 

For a wonderful, authentic experience in Furano, look no further than Chalet Burlap Furanui. Centrally located in the town of Furano this refreshingly small hotel offers comfortable guest accommodations and excellent access to restaurants, bars, and shops as well as the Kitanomine Zone of Furano Ski Resort. Comfortable guest rooms boast understated charm, each with its own private bathroom, free Wi-Fi, kettle, and fridge. Common areas include a guest lounge for you to relax with your crew, as well as an on-site onsen to soak after your day on the ski hill.