Minamifurano Skiing
Minamifurano
Minamifurano is a small ski resort located in Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. It's known for its relaxed atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and abundant powder snow. While it's not the biggest resort in Hokkaido, it offers a charming experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, offering a total of 3km of skiable terrain. The vertical drop of 400 meters provides decent elevation for intermediate skiers, with the longest run stretching for 2.2km. However, it's important to note that the top lift has been inactive in recent years, limiting the options for advanced skiers seeking challenging black diamond runs.
The resort primarily caters to beginners and intermediates with gentle slopes and wider trails via one single chair and one pair lift. There is no off piste skiing allowed. Night skiing is available on specific courses, allowing you to extend your day on the slopes under the starry sky.
There is a small cafeteria style kitchen, which only seems to be open on the weekends. The food options are selected via a ticket machine and include a couple of noodle dishes, a couple of curry dishes, karaage chicken, rice, and wedges. Everything is price very reasonably, and the quality is quite good.
Beginners
Minamifurano excels in providing a welcoming environment for newcomers to the sport. The dedicated beginner area, aptly named "Sunhill," features a magic carpet conveyor belt and a gentle slope perfect for practicing basic maneuvers. Ski schools offer professional instruction tailored to various skill levels, helping you gain confidence and progress quickly. Equipment rentals are available on-site, eliminating the need to bring your own gear.
Intermediates
With most runs falling under the intermediate category, Minamifurano provides a fun and varied experience for this group. The wider trails allow for comfortable cruising, while the moderate inclines offer enjoyable challenges without being intimidating. The off-piste opportunities, though limited, can be explored with caution and a guide for experienced intermediates seeking additional thrills.
Advanced Skiers
Due to the limited terrain and lack of a top lift, Minamifurano might not be the ideal choice for advanced skiers seeking extensive challenging runs. However, skilled skiers can still enjoy carving turns on the groomed slopes and appreciate the uncrowded atmosphere, allowing them to perfect their technique without pressure. Nearby larger resorts like Furano or Niseko provide more challenging options for advanced skiers seeking powder and extreme terrain.
Here's a quick overview of what you can expect from skiing in Minamifurano:
Minamifurano is known for its dry, powdery snow, which is perfect for carving turns. The average snowfall is 10 meters per year, so you're pretty much guaranteed to have good snow conditions during the ski season.
The resort has a laid-back vibe, with a focus on enjoying the natural beauty of the area. There are no crowds or queues, so you can relax and take your time on the slopes.
The ski season in Minamifurano typically runs from December to March.
The best time to ski is during the week, when there are even fewer crowds.
There are a few hotels and guesthouses located near the resort, but you can also find accommodation in Furano town.
The nearest airport is New Chitose Airport, which is about a two-hour drive from Minamifurano.
