Furano Powder Week
ENQUIRE NOWFurano Powder Week
Dry powder, amazing terrain, and active volcanoes! P/P
Discounts available when joining multiple weeks.
15th - 22nd Feb, 2025
Skiing in Furano, located on the northern island of Hokkaido in Japan, is a fantastic experience for keen skiers and snowboarders. Known for its really dry powder snow, stunning scenery towards the national park, and less crowded slopes compared to more famous resorts like Niseko, Furano offers the perfect location for the last powder tour of the season!
Furano Ski Resort features a mix of terrains suitable for all levels, from intermediates to advanced skiers. The resort is divided into two main zones: the Furano Zone and the Kitanomine Zone. Together, they offer a wide variety of trails accessible via multiple lifts, including gondolas and chairlifts. While Furano has somewhat stricter off-piste skiing policies than some other resorts like Niseko, they make up for it with the abundance of designated areas where experienced skiers can enjoy powder skiing. From short and steep gates underneath some lifts, to some of the islands best side country bowls. Furano is a resort where you can easily keep finding fresh pow, throughout the day! Our guides will be on hand to show you around to their best stashes. Additionally, there are a few resorts, or even backcountry areas very close by Furano, that are always worth checking out. From the powder gates at Kamui Links, to the backcountry skiing down an active volcano at Asahidake, or even a full day backcountry touring across the valley from Furano. This truly is a powder-seeker’s dream and we can’t wait to show you around!
Day 01, 15th Feb
Welcome to Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan and home to some of the worlds best powder! Make your way to Furano via coach transfer and check into the North Country Inn Hotel. This gives you all afternoon to settle in, relax and if you booked any rentals, now is the perfect time to collect them and get prepped for the week ahead. Once everyone’s checked in, and the rest of the group has arrived from Niseko, meet your guide and the rest of the group for some drinks, maybe some dinner and to go over the week’s plan of attack.
- Let your consultant know if you’d like to add an airport transfer from Sapporo to Furano.
- Private Transfers for guests joining from Niseko
- Comfortable accommodation North Country Inn, Western Ensuite Room – Twin Share
Day 02, 16th Feb
A good breakfast at the Hotel is the perfect place to fuel up, and go over the plan for the day. There’s a few different option, but seeing as it’s our first day in Furano, we’ll probably use the day to get our bearings and explore this awesome resort. This is also a great opportunity to get familiar with the groups abilities and riding level. The goal is always to show you to the best runs, best powder stashes and funnest terrain. Depending on group numbers, we have the option to split the group according to everyones ability, fitness and terrain preference.
We’ll aim to meet up for drinks after each day riding to go over the day, share photos and go over tomorrow’s plan. Those who want to join us for dinner are welcome to or feel free to explore the town at your own leisure.
- Daily Breakfast
- Full Day Guiding Furano
- Furano Lift Pass
- Private Transfers to/from Ski Resorts
- Optional Onsen Visit
- Comfortable accommodation North Country Inn, Western Ensuite Room – Twin Share
Day 03, 17th Feb
Let’s go! With the legs well and truly warmed up we’ll dive deeper into the incredible Furano Pow! Furano has a bunch of awesome inbound gates, stacked with dry Hokkaido powder! Your guides know exactly where to find the best snow, and they can’t wait to show you around. There’s endless tree runs, open bowls and even short hikes accessible all through some of the many gates. Your guide(s) will be on hand all day to show you to these best areas, all ending up back at the lifts for either lunch, drinks or to go straight back up.
- Daily Breakfast
- Full Day Guiding Furano
- Furano Lift Pass
- Private Transfers to/from Ski Resorts
- Optional Onsen Visit
- Comfortable accommodation North Country Inn, Western Ensuite Room – Twin Share
Day 04, 18th Feb
A little expedition today, as we’ll explore one of the lesser know ski resorts about 40min drive from Furano – Kamui Links. This resort is known for its friendly atmosphere, and quality dry powder snow, which is typical of Hokkaido ski areas. Kamui also has a lot of gates, where the powder usually stays untouched all day!
After riding we can visit a nice onsen, and possibly get some dinner on the way home. Tonight might be an early night, as tomorrow we’re heading to an active volcano!
- Daily Breakfast
- Full Day Guiding Kamui Links
- Kaui Lift Pass
- Private Transfers to/from Ski Resorts
- Optional Onsen Visit
- Comfortable accommodation North Country Inn, Western Ensuite Room – Twin Share
Day 05, 19th Feb
Today could be one of the highlights of the trip, and one of the most memorable skiing destinations ever! We jump in the van nice and early, and drive just over an hour towards Asahidake. An active volcano, the highest mountain in the region and part of the Daisetsuzan National Park. It is famed for its deep powder and is a popular destination for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. There’s something really special about walking up to where the fumes escape the narrow crate and the smell of sulphur takes over the air. Strap in, and drop in right from there into some of the most amazing side- and backcountry lines ever!
After an epic day riding, we can relax in a stunning onsen, have a drink in the ice bar before heading back to Furano for a few cheeky Sapporo’s. It’s all good, you can let your hair down as tomorrow is a rest day.
- Daily Breakfast
- Full Day Guiding Asahidake
- Asahidake Ropeway Pass
- Private Transfers to/from Ski Resorts
- Optional Onsen Visit
- Comfortable accommodation North Country Inn, Western Ensuite Room – Twin Share
Day 06, 20th Feb
It’s a rest day… or, if you want to chase more powder, a day to book in one of the many available activities in Furano. Maybe you’d like to go touring up another active volcano, or get some incredible fresh tracks cat skiing. Maybe you just want to relax, jump in an onsen, get a massage or visit a spa. There’s something to do for everyone and either your guide, or travel consultant can help you book these in.
- Daily Breakfast
- Private Transfers to/from Ski Resorts
- Comfortable accommodation North Country Inn, Western Ensuite Room – Twin Share
Day 07, 21st Feb
It’s the last day riding and what we do today depends on the group. There’s the option to ride around Furano, revisit everyone’s favourite runs of the week and send it just that little bit harder than before. Or… If everyone is up for one more adventure.. We can jump in the car early, and drive to Tomamu, or back to Kamui Links. Either way, we’ll make the most of the day by finding you the best possible, deepest untouched powder!
Back in Furano we’ll all head out for a final dinner, on us. Celebrate the week had, to incredible powder, amazing new friends, and lifelong memories made!
- Daily Breakfast
- Full Day Guiding
- Lift Pass
- Private Transfers to/from Ski Resorts
- Optional Onsen Visit
- Comfortable accommodation North Country Inn, Western Ensuite Room – Twin Share
Day 08, 22nd Feb
After an epic week freeriding in the world-class Hokkaido powder, it’s time to say goodbye to your fellow travellers and guide. If you’re heading back to the airport, please let your consultant know if you’d like an airport transfer.
Please Note: the above itinerary is only an example of what each day can look like. Together with your guide you’ll decide each day where to ride depending on snow and weather forecast. You’re free to join for as long or short as you want and can explore the resorts on your own as you choose.
To find out exactly what’s included please check the inclusions tab above.
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North Country Inn
This property has the perfect mix of Japanese tradition and Western comfor. Most rooms have single beds, and daily full room cleaning services are available on request basis (free of charge).
Within the Inn, there are two restaurants; Nord Restaurant and Bar serves a delicious seasonal menu including fondue and the Inn’s own micro wines. Daily Breakfast is provided in the ’80 Days’ restaurant. Other facilities includes winery, common laundry, dry room, public onsen style bathing (men, women and private), bar with pool table, darts and table tennis. North Country Inn makes for the perfect base to explore the Furano area!Features- 7 Nights Western Room with Japanese tatami floor and Ensuite - Twin Share
- Daily Breakfast
- 1x Dinner included
North Country Inn
This property has the perfect mix of Japanese tradition and Western comfor. Most rooms have single beds, and daily full room cleaning services are available on request basis (free of charge).
Within the Inn, there are two restaurants; Nord Restaurant and Bar serves a delicious seasonal menu including fondue and the Inn’s own micro wines. Daily Breakfast is provided in the ’80 Days’ restaurant. Other facilities includes winery, common laundry, dry room, public onsen style bathing (men, women and private), bar with pool table, darts and table tennis. North Country Inn makes for the perfect base to explore the Furano area!Features- 7 Nights Western Room with Japanese tatami floor and Ensuite - Twin Share
- Daily Breakfast
- 1x Dinner included
INCLUDED
- Comfortable Accommodation at North Country Inn. Western Room with Ensuite (Twin Share)
- Daily Breakfast
- 5 Days All Mountain Guiding
- 3 Day Furano Lift Pass
- 1 Day Kamui Links Lift Pass
- 1 Day Asahidake Lift Pass
- Private Mountainwatch Transfers
- Rest day for Activities
- 1 Group Dinner
EXLUDED
- Flights
- Airport Transfers
- Lunch + Dinner
- Travel Insurance
- Rentals or Add-ons
EXPERIENCE + GEAR
This tour is for the higher intermediate to experienced skier/boarder. Furano is a great all-round resort, but our goal is to find as much powder snow as possible. We can cater this tour to anyone, but to make the most of your holiday we recommend having some powder riding experience or at least the desire to learn. Also, Asahidake is an awesome mountain, and such an unique experience, but… It’s not really a ski resort and the terrain we ski is mainly backcountry terrain. There are 2 green runs back down, but this could be a bit boring for a full day if you don’t want to ski powder.
Having multiple guides on hand means we can split the group up if need be and you can join them for as long or short as you want.
Groups Terms and Conditions
DEPOSIT: A NON-REFUNDABLE deposit for all bookings is required within 5 days of your confirmation to secure your booking, otherwise your reservation may be automatically cancelled. Some properties may a require deposit payment inside the standard 5 days and an increased deposit to secure the booking. Payment of a deposit indicates acceptance of these conditions. Tour leaders are responsible for checking all travel dates and arrangements are correct at time of confirmation. If there is a discrepancy Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch must be notified immediately. Subsequent changes may incur amendment and/or cancellation fees.
PAYMENTS: Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will accept payments by the following methods. Credit card, or direct deposit into our bank account. Agent payments can be made via direct deposit. Please note: there is a 1.5% charge when paying with Visa or Mastercard.
PRICES
All quotes are in Australian dollars unless stipulated otherwise and are subject to change prior to us accepting your booking request. Prices are based on the quoted itinerary including where applicable, coach transportation, economy class airfares, rail travel, multi-share accommodation, resort lift passes, rental equipment, instructors, etc. Prices are also subject to change in accordance with the following provisions.
Note: coach, airline, and rail fares are subject to change without notice at any time prior to full payment. All government taxes and charges imposed by suppliers beyond the control of Liquid Snow Tours/Mountainwatch (including ticketing fees and airline fuel surcharges) are payable by you and are subject to change. If there are any increases in such taxes or charges, or if you request any itinerary changes or the number or mix of passengers changes prior to you making payment in full, which increases the price of your booking, we reserve the right to change the price at any time by giving you notice. You must pay the additional charges prior to the date of your departure.
Unless otherwise stated, the cost of travelling to or from departure points, flights, visas, airport taxes, port taxes, city taxes, items of a personal nature, laundry, additional beverages and consumables are not included in the tour price.
Exchange rates are subject to change without notice (based on currency fluctuations) until final payment has been processed. Once a booking has been made on your behalf, your booking is subject to deposit and final payment being made by due dates as outlined on your statement or your booking may be cancelled.
Cancellation within 30 days prior to departure will incur a 100% cancellation fee. No allowance or refund can be made for unused meals, accommodation, transport, vehicle rental, equipment hire, lift tickets, or any other unused package components once travel has commenced. If a person or persons cancel from Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch booking, they and the remaining people in the booking will be liable for the additional accommodation costs that result from the cancelling persons.
ACCOMMODATION: Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch reserves the right to substitute and confirm alternative accommodation of a comparable or superior standard if necessary should that described in the proposal not be available. Your consultant will communicate any possible changes prior to deposit payments being received.
NOT INCLUDED: All other costs, apart from those detailed in a quote/invoice, are at the clients’ own expense eg: passport and visa fees, inter-airport transfers, meals or any other items including those of a personal nature unless otherwise stated. If flight or other travel delays lead to missed connections, Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch cannot be responsible for train fares, taxis or other extra expenses.
RESPONSIBILITY: Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch acts only as an agent for the companies or persons (principals) providing or offering the means of travel, accommodation and other services (the principals’ services) and bookings are made subject to the terms and conditions under which the principal’s services are provided. Accommodation, flights, transportation and any other services are subject to availability at the time of booking. The principals reserve the right to change the prices of their services without notice. Confirmations and invoices are subject to re-issue if incorrect through error or omission and the passenger accepts liability to pay the correct costs for services. Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch reserves the right to cancel or withdraw any tour or passenger booking or to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of a Tour or passenger booking. This agreement is governed by the laws of the State of NSW, Australia.
LIABILITY: To the extent permitted by law, neither Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch nor anyone on its behalf can be held liable for any alterations, act or omission on the part of the service providers/principals for any consequential, loss, death, injury, accident, delay or damage occasioned to any person or their belongings (including baggage) in connection with the tour or holiday offers supplied by Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch whether or not such loss, injury or damage is due directly or indirectly to any default, negligent act, misrepresentation, breach of duty, or omission of the travel operator, their respective representatives, servants, contractors or agents. Matters outside the control of Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch may affect the services offered and Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will not be responsible for any such matters. Programs, offers, tour prices, services and conditions are current at the time of publication of promotional material are subject to change without notice due to unforeseen circumstances, including increases in operating costs. Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch will not accept responsibility or liability for any traveller who contravenes the law or regulation of any country visited. Liquid Tours/Mountainwatch strongly advise against the use or possession of prohibited drugs in foreign countries and warns travelers that if found to be involved in the use or possession of illegal drugs on a Liquid Tours tour or travel package, we reserve the right to discharge the traveler from a tour. This is a zero tolerance policy.
FORCE MAJEURE: Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, neither we nor any Third Party Supplier can accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our or the Third Party Supplier’s contractual obligations is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss as a result of force majeure. In these booking conditions, ‘force majeure’ means any event which we / the supplier of the service(s) in question / the Third Party Supplier could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include, whether actual or threatened, war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, epidemics, fire and all similar events outside the control of the party concerned.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: We require all travellers to have travel insurance. Please ask your travel consultant about our comprehensive policies or click HERE for an online quote
Another Japan year passes and yes Mountainwatch once again showed why they are the best travel Ski Company to travel with in Japan,great staff,excellent service,and a great bunch of girls and guys who give you the upmost attention while on your stay through the Japanese Alps. Thanks everyone again for a great holiday
Steve Japan
Rob was extremely helpful with our recent trip to Hakuba, Japan. All aspects of our organised trip were fantastic. Would highly recommend :)
Emma Japan
The Mountainwatch crew provided a hassle free experience from start to finish. Nothing was too difficult and they made the trip easy from start to finish.
Nigel Japan
Going on a trip with the Mountainwatch Travel crew was an epic experience. Having experienced riders guiding you through some amazing fun terrain, off the beaten track, with fun as a priority. As it should be. Off the hill was excellent to have someone with some local knowledge to show you around and keep you clued up. Basically, its a rad fun crew to tour with and it was well worth it. Hell yeah.
Chris Myoko, Japan
FAQ
You will be in very capable hands throughout this tour with our professional guides. Our local guide(s) have spent a lot of time riding around Japan so know the mountains very well and will be able to show you around all the best spots. Our guides will also be around to greet you on your arrival and be around to help you with anything you need when back at the hotel. We’ll make bookings at the best restaurants for those that want to join us for a great night out!
All the rooming is two queen bedrooms, twin share, shared with other members on the tour.
We aim to allocate rooms to guests of similar ages and genders.
Breakfast is included. Wifi is also freely available.
Approximately 2-4 weeks prior to your departure you will receive detailed information on your trip which includes your travel vouchers, airline and airport transfer information (if applicable), information on the respective resort, etc. Since this year we also have our head office in Queenstown so there will always be someone around to help in case of an emergency.
We can also add in airport transfers. If you don’t have your own skis/snowboards or just prefer to travel without, we can arrange rentals in Myoko.
Why not extend your stay at the resort or better yet, join us in Nozawa for week 2 of the freeride weeks.
We require all group members to have travel insurance when joining our tour. We strongly recommend arranging travel insurance at the time of booking, so you are covered against cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or accidents. We can arrange a quote for travel insurance so please contact your agent for further information or click here for an online quote. If you are using your own insurance please ensure it covers you for ski/snowboarding. Keep in mind Mountainwatch is in no way or form responsible or liable for anything that happens during your trip.
Our guides make calls on which resorts will be visited based on the best conditions. Calls can be made even the night before if there’s some unexpected weather conditions to be taken advantage of. Our lay day is also decided by the guides based on the weather conditions.
Most days we offer full-day guiding to give you the best experience possible. Of course, you don’t have to stay with the group and you are free to explore some further terrain, hit the powder stashes our guides have shown, or head back to town to enjoy the onsen or beer at your own leisure. Please make sure to tell the guide before heading off.
The Japan Freeride Weeks are open to everyone, whether you’re traveling solo, with mates or with your family. The Freeride Tours are most suitable for intermediate and above skiers and snowboarders. Because of our guide to guest ratio we can always split the group up when needed and meet back at the pub for Après drinks or lunch.
In advance of the tour we collect information relating to guests’ skiing/boarding levels, and the type of terrain they prefer to tackle. This information assists us in allocating guests into subgroups of usually 6-10 people. We aim to have guests of similar abilities teamed together to maximize the experience on the slopes. We’ll always aim to start and finish the day as a group and have the space during the day to split up if need be. It’s all about your experience and we want to make it as enjoyable as possible!
Our guides are on hand to assist with any queries/advice, they will be with you throughout the tour staying at the same accommodation. We also aim to set up a Whatapp or Facebook group chat to each other during our time in NZ. At the end of each day, we have a catch-up with the group to go through the day’s adventures, share photos and outline the next day’s plan of attack.
You will be in very capable hands throughout this tour with our professional guides. Our local guide(s) have spent a lot of time riding around Japan so know the mountains very well and will be able to show you around all the best spots. Our guides will also be around to greet you on your arrival and be around to help you with anything you need when back at the hotel. We’ll make bookings at the best restaurants for those that want to join us for a great night out!
Our guides make calls on which resorts will be visited based on the best conditions. Calls can be made even the night before if there’s some unexpected weather conditions to be taken advantage of. Our lay day is also decided by the guides based on the weather conditions.
All the rooming is two queen bedrooms, twin share, shared with other members on the tour.
We aim to allocate rooms to guests of similar ages and genders.
Breakfast is included. Wifi is also freely available.
Most days we offer full-day guiding to give you the best experience possible. Of course, you don’t have to stay with the group and you are free to explore some further terrain, hit the powder stashes our guides have shown, or head back to town to enjoy the onsen or beer at your own leisure. Please make sure to tell the guide before heading off.
Approximately 2-4 weeks prior to your departure you will receive detailed information on your trip which includes your travel vouchers, airline and airport transfer information (if applicable), information on the respective resort, etc. Since this year we also have our head office in Queenstown so there will always be someone around to help in case of an emergency.
The Japan Freeride Weeks are open to everyone, whether you’re traveling solo, with mates or with your family. The Freeride Tours are most suitable for intermediate and above skiers and snowboarders. Because of our guide to guest ratio we can always split the group up when needed and meet back at the pub for Après drinks or lunch.
We can also add in airport transfers. If you don’t have your own skis/snowboards or just prefer to travel without, we can arrange rentals in Myoko.
Why not extend your stay at the resort or better yet, join us in Nozawa for week 2 of the freeride weeks.
In advance of the tour we collect information relating to guests’ skiing/boarding levels, and the type of terrain they prefer to tackle. This information assists us in allocating guests into subgroups of usually 6-10 people. We aim to have guests of similar abilities teamed together to maximize the experience on the slopes. We’ll always aim to start and finish the day as a group and have the space during the day to split up if need be. It’s all about your experience and we want to make it as enjoyable as possible!
We require all group members to have travel insurance when joining our tour. We strongly recommend arranging travel insurance at the time of booking, so you are covered against cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness or accidents. We can arrange a quote for travel insurance so please contact your agent for further information or click here for an online quote. If you are using your own insurance please ensure it covers you for ski/snowboarding. Keep in mind Mountainwatch is in no way or form responsible or liable for anything that happens during your trip.
Our guides are on hand to assist with any queries/advice, they will be with you throughout the tour staying at the same accommodation. We also aim to set up a Whatapp or Facebook group chat to each other during our time in NZ. At the end of each day, we have a catch-up with the group to go through the day’s adventures, share photos and outline the next day’s plan of attack.