Furano is the kind of place where, just by spending time here, you’ll feel yourself healing. Embraced by the beautiful nature all around; soaking up the morning sun during sunrise skiing; a cup of freshly ground coffee that makes time stand still; a walk around Ningle Terrace, where you’ll sense the forest spirits around you: every moment is wrapped in a gentle, warm feeling.
There are many large mountains in Hokkaido; beautiful scenery can be found most everywhere. But there is no other place where time passes gently by, as it does in Furano. The Prince Grand Resort Furano has prepared a full course of ways for you to spend some special time and soothe your soul.
18:00
Dinner before your day of spectacular views, at Le Gaulois Furano
One of the attractions at the Shin Furano Prince Hotel is Ningle Terrace, a shop in the middle of the woods, providing a magical view at night when it is lit up. At the end of the path, in a place where they say you can meet the forest spirits, is the Italian restaurant Le Gaulois Furano. Enjoy a sumptuous dinner created using fresh ingredients straight from Hokkaido producers.
20:30
Thinking about tomorrow, in a grownup’s hideaway
After the luxurious dinner, let’s take a little walk outside. About eight minutes on foot from Le Gaulois Furano, down a snowy road, is Soh’s Bar, set into the woods. It’s a great hideaway just for the grownups, a perfect place to share some time with loved ones. But tomorrow is going to start with an early morning, so maybe another night would be a better choice for just forgetting about time and sharing some stories.
6:30
First Tracks at sunrise
Rise before dawn and get dressed; head out into the deliciously biting cold. The chill on your cheeks will turn into excitement as you get on the Furano Ropeway at 6:30 am. The first ride today is reserved for just one group. From the Ropeway, transfer to the No. 3 lift, taking you to the top of the mountain in the Furano zone. The lift usually begins operations at 9 am; today it’s running especially for you.
The sight of the sunrise from the top of the mountain is so beautiful, there literally aren’t words to describe it. But even these amazing views also are part of Furano’s gentle charm. Then take your First Track, enjoy the scenery as you gently swoop down the mountain. If the conditions are just right, you may see diamond dust, sparkling ice crystals that seem to hang in the air, and maybe encounter the fantastic sight of a sun pillar, a mysterious natural phenomenon unique to midwinter. Enjoy the dry powder snow that accumulates in the unique basin topography of Furano; your body will feel weightless as you carve some of the best turns of your life.
9:00
A breakfast with the best of ocean and mountain
The Sunrise First Track was like a dream, but now you’re ready for a good breakfast. The Shin Furano Prince Hotel is ready to satisfy that, with a Japanese touch if you like. Try a breakfast including all-you-can-eat salmon roe, fresh, locally-produced vegetables and milk. After a relaxing breakfast, get ready to go again, perhaps up to the summit of the Kitanomine zone. A spectacular scene, where the white land below merges with the sky.
14:00
Magically stop time with the Forest Clock
Stop cruising the ski slopes early in the afternoon, and treat yourself to a relaxing teatime deep in the Shin Furano Prince Hotel forest at the famous Mori no Tokei (Forest Clock) coffee shop. This is a special place that was the setting for a popular Japanese TV drama. Like a scene from that drama, sit and the counter and enjoy the popular action of grinding your own coffee beans with a special mill. The warm wood interior will soon fill with the aroma of freshly ground coffee; magically, time seems to stop. Spend a relaxing time with Mori no Tokei’s original coffee blend and snow-inspired chocolate cake.
16:00
Relax mind and body at the Shin Furano Prince Hotel
Time flows gently along, from the mountains down through the forest and back to the Shin Furano Prince Hotel. For guests who want to experience a spectacular view, the hotel provides rooms with excellent views of the ski slopes beautifully illuminated at night. After relaxing in your room, head to the hotel’s Shisai no Yu hot spring. Heal with the soothing hot water and magnificent views from the open-air bath. Enjoy the full relaxations services, including sauna, massage and beauty treatments. A comfortable space to relax both mind and body.
A special scenic experience that lasts a lifetime
Photographer Kei Sato, a Furano local, will photograph this precious experience to create a gift for you. The high-speed turns, the spray of powder—your best moments recorded. Think of the fun of seeing your skiing, captured by a professional photographer.
Kei Sato, photographer
Started his career as a snowboard and ski photographer for ski magazines. Today there is no boundary between skiers and snowboarders, and he works with many professional riders. Since 2012, he has been traveling the world with skier Takeshi Kodama, thus far producing nine books with his photos and writings from their journeys together.
| Plan name | FURANO Bonchi Powder First Track with Photo Session |
|---|---|
| Fee | ¥18,000 per person |
| Dates | January 2024: Thursdays, 4, 11, 18, 25 *Four times per season |
| Participation | Limited to five persons or less |
| Times | 6:30 A.M. to 8:30 A.M.; reservation required |
| Included in the plan |
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| Special lunch (artist’s rendering) |  |
First Track regular plan
| Plan name | Kiminobu Kimura Atomic/Salomon First Track |
|---|---|
| Fee | ¥2,300 per person |
| Dates | December 23, 24, 29, 2023; January 1, 3, 2024 |
| Plan name | FURANO_Furano Zone First Track |
|---|---|
| Fee | ¥1,800 per person |
| Dates | December 16, 17, 2023; January 7, 8, 14, 28, 2024; February 11, 18, 25, 2024 |
| Plan name | FURANO_Kitanomine Zone First Track |
|---|---|
| Fee | ¥1,800 per person |
| Dates | January 21, 2024; February 4, 2024 |