Furano Is Now Covered By The Ikon Pass
Been eyeing off Furano for your winter pow escape this year?
Well, good news, Furano just got even cheaper. So cheap, in fact, that for a bunch of you, it’s now free to ski there!
Wait, did you just say free?
Ok, it’s not actually free. BUT, Furano is now covered by the Ikon Pass, so for all of you that already own an Ikon Pass from the southern hemisphere’s snow season, you’re now covered for 7-days of unrestricted riding at Furano’s ski resorts.
No blackouts, no hassle, no extra cost – just seven days of smashing pow!
Hold on, what’s an Ikon pass?
Similar to an ‘Epic’ Pass, an Ikon Pass is one lift-pass that provides access to a stack of epic resorts around the world. 
Seriously, with over 50-resorts on offer, you can shred everywhere, from unlimited access to North-American favourites like Palisades, Mammoth and Big Bear to 7-days of unlimited access to Australasian staples Thredbo, Mt Buller and Coronet Peak, the Ikon Pass is an epic option for those that want to shred anywhere, anytime.
Does it come with access to any other Japanese resorts?
You betcha! As with previous seasons all four interconnected Niseko United resorts and Arai Mountain Resort offer 7-days of unrestricted access, with emerging resorts like Furano, Myoko and Shiga Kogen now being added to the list.
Is the Ikon Pass Cost Effective?
In short, yes – but it really depends on what style of traveller (and rider) you are.
If you’re into exploring, it’s VERY good value. But we don’t expect you to just take our word for it (although we’d like you to), so let’s quickly compare:
Resort | 7-Day Lift Pass | Ikon Pass |
Niseko United | ¥81,000 ($529) | $1,519 (¥232,248) |
Furano | ¥56,000 ($366.19) |
Ok, we know what you’re about to say… it’s not cheaper. WE KNOW, that’s why we said that this one is for the explorers out there. If you’re an everyday traveller who is happy with one snow trip a year, we recommend sticking with the Mountain-operated passes. But if you’ve just done a season in Aus or NZ, or you want to venture over from the US, shred some pow before heading home and cutting spring laps at your hometown fave, it’s an epic offer.
What are the other main benefits?
Multi resort baby! Meaning that if you’ve already got an Ikon Pass sorted, you can come over and shred 7-days in Niseko, jump in a car (or kei-van), head up north and bang, you’ve got another 7-days in Furano with the only costs being ski rentals, accom and food. 
Two weeks of shredding pow with a lift pass you already own… Do you even need another benefit? That’s huge.
Still unsure, check out these epic guides to find out more!
What other passes are on offer?
Unsure which pass will work best for you? We GOT you – check out our comprehensive lift pass guide here!
I can’t choose between Furano and Niseko, which is better?
Which is better? That’s like asking if pizza or tacos are better? They’re both EPIC! But each resort does offer up its own unique charm and very big differences in terrain, so let’s check which one seems more your steez.
Furano
Hokkaido's fastest up-and-coming resort, offering quiet Japanese charm, traditional character and all the pow you can dream of!
Niseko
Japan’s most famous resort and Rhythm's biggest store, with 500+ staff each winter, Niseko is vibrant, international, and full of energy, offering Japanese charm with modern amenities.
Not long until lifts start spinning, are you sorted yet? It's now or never!