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.

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.

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.

Currently it’s fluctuating between 20-30C so almost certainly not!

Yes, it is. There are a few beginner (green) runs on the lower side end with 1 leading back to Furano Prince Hotel.

Yes, there is a skip equipments rental shop at the resort.

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

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

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

Yes, the hotel that you stay at should have lockers, separate from your room, to store your gear. Have a great time!