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From Chitose Airport a 2.5 transfer will bring you to the powdery slopes of Furano.  For those who overnight in Tokyo there are flights directly to Asahikawa Airport, which is only an hour from the resort.

Similar to its fellow ski resort Niseko, the light dry powder of Furano makes for a memorable ski holiday.   The lack of wind makes this a family and beginners delight and the lifts are open from 8.30am until 9pm.  There are stunning views of steaming volcanoes and the rural countryside making this one of the few resorts where you will see a blue sky day.

Furano boasts Japan’s only Ski Host Programme which is staffed by English speaking locals.  Playing host to 12 FIS ski and snowboard world cup events has honed the credentials of Furano Resort.

There are two base areas with the Prince Hotel located on one side in a ski-in-ski-out location and the Kitanomine base that has pensions, some apartments and hotel style accommodation.

Families will enjoy kid zone activities and there are plenty of day trips.  They include dog sledding, ice fishing, kimono wearing, cheese making classes and ice village tours.

In the evening there is a secluded adult hideaway, Soh’s Bar where you can wine and dine hidden the forest and a short walk from the new Furano Prince Hotel, otherwise it is just ten minutes by taxi or bus to the local town.

Talk to Sarah she was in Furano last season.
sarahh@skitraveller.co.nz
www.skitraveller.co.nz

Would you like to ski Japan this coming season? 
Not sure if Japan is for you? 

Talk to Sarah, she has skied on the mainland at Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen and Shiga Kogen.  Sarah has also skied in Hokkaido at Niseko, Furano, Tomamu and Rusutsu.

Email Sarah at: sarahh@skitraveller.co.nz
NZ Toll Free: 0800 11 22 99
AU Toll Free: 1800 15 95 25
Visit: http://www.skitraveller.co.nz/japan
Sarah is still working on the website to add more resorts in Japan, so call her for a chat about your ski holiday plans to Japan.

Niseko Ski Holiday for NZ$ 3405 pp + airline taxes approx NZ$ 250 pp
 

• Return economy class flights ex Auckland with Japan Airlines
• Return airport transfers Sapporo to Niseko
• 7 nights in a 4 star studio unit at Niseko Apartments
• 6 days skiing
• Free comprehensive ski holiday travel insurance
• Valid for travel: 23 Jan – 12 Feb 2010

Upgrade to  10 nights with 9 days skiing for just NZ$ 855 pp
Depart Wellington or Christchurch add NZ$ 110 pp

Please call for other departure dates 0800 11 22 99 
Email: info@skitraveller.co.nzMore info on Niseko:
http://skitraveller.co.nz/japan/Niseko

Notes:

Ski holiday is based on two adults sharing accommodation.
Must book before 15 November 2009.
Currency fluctuations may result in an increase or decrease of this price until paid in full.

Wanting to experince somewhere new - have you thought about Niseko,Japan?. Highlights of my recent visit here were amazing light powder, fabulous modern accommodation, unbelievable food,warm sake that puts you in the mood for karoke, efficient lifts and welcoming hospitality.  Even at the top of the mountain the toliets had warm seats a plesant surprise for us boarders whom may spend some time sitting down.  Niseko resort is Western enough to make your first visit to a Japanese Ski resort an easy transitition but still retains enough Japanese culture to not be completely spoilt.

I had no problem with the language, I did’nt speak a word of Japanese before I went to Japan.  Even in the middle of Tokyo station there was always someone who could speak English or wanted to pratice their English.  If that failed the use of hand signals never fails and is always a source of entertainment. I have spent many seasons at ski resorts around the world.  If you are thinking about skiing Japan talk to me, there is a not to be missed 25% discount being offered for accommodation in Niseko, this makes Japan a great value ski holiday!

There is something for everyone in Niseko from ski in ski out, 5 bedroom town homes, studios in the heart of the villlage to penthouses with stunning views.  The properties are modern yet with a good blend of Japanese and Western architecture.

Learn more about Niseko: http://www.skitraveller.co.nz/japan/Niseko

Sarah - Ski Traveller