Furano and Biei in Winter 2026–27: Skiing, Snow, Weather

In winter, Furano and Biei trade lavender and patchwork fields for powder snow and some of Hokkaido's coldest nights. Furano Ski Area plans to run from November 28, 2026 to May 5, 2027, Hoshino Resorts Tomamu's Ice Village opens from December 20, and in an average January the temperature in Furano falls to -14.4°C at night.

Winter 2026–27 at a glance

When	What
November 28, 2026 – May 5, 2027	Furano Ski Area planned season
December 20, 2026 – March 10, 2027	Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Ice Village (planned)
Winter	Shirogane Blue Pond light-up in Biei (2026–27 dates not yet published; see below)

From Furano Ski Area and Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, checked 12–16 October 2026. Ski dates depend on snow.

How cold is Furano?

Month	Furano high / low	Furano snowfall	Furano deepest snow	Asahikawa low
December	-1.2 / -10.2°C	159 cm	46 cm	-8.0°C
January	-3.7 / -14.4°C	145 cm	64 cm	-11.7°C
February	-2.3 / -14.0°C	121 cm	73 cm	-11.8°C

These are the Japan Meteorological Agency's 1991–2020 normals for its Furano observation point and for Asahikawa. In the Furano basin, nights in January and February are on average more than 2°C colder than in Asahikawa, and the daytime high stays below freezing from December to February. See our winter weather guide and winter packing list for clothing.

Skiing and the Ice Village

Furano Ski Area plans to open on November 28, 2026, the same day as the Niseko United areas, and to stay open until May 5, 2027. Our Hokkaido ski season guide lists every opening date announced so far. South of Furano, Hoshino Resorts Tomamu plans to open its Ice Village from December 20, 2026 to March 10, 2027.

The Blue Pond in winter

The Biei Tourism Association explains that in winter the Shirogane Blue Pond's blue water is hidden under snow, which is why the pond is lit up in the winter season. When we checked on 20 October 2026, the official page still showed the 2025–26 light-up period, so check it for the 2026–27 dates before you go; it also notes that lighting may be cancelled in bad weather. Parking for standard cars is ¥1,000 from July 1, 2026.

Getting there

JR Hokkaido's own rail pass example puts a Sapporo–Furano round trip via Asahikawa at ¥13,520 on regular tickets, against ¥11,000 for the 4-day Sapporo–Furano Area Pass bought in advance; our rail pass guide explains the passes. In winter, check the timetable and allow for delays on snowy days; see our winter transport guide.

Planning a winter visit

These are our suggestions, not official advice.

Dress for the coldest part of your trip. Furano's nights are colder than Sapporo's or Asahikawa's; add a warm layer and protect your hands and face.
Stay on roads and paths. The famous trees and fields of Biei are farmland under the snow; view them from the roadside.
Base yourself in Furano for skiing, and give Biei's scenery a daylight morning or afternoon.
Combine with Asahikawa. Asahiyama Zoo and the Asahikawa Winter Festival (February 6–11, 2027) are nearby; see Asahikawa in winter.

For the green season, see our Furano and Biei guide.

Frequently asked questions

When does Furano Ski Area open for 2026–27? It plans to open on November 28, 2026 and run until May 5, 2027.

How cold is Furano in winter? January averages -3.7°C by day and -14.4°C at night (JMA normals, 1991–2020).

Can I see the Blue Pond in winter? The water is hidden under snow in winter, and the pond is lit up in the winter season; check the official page for the 2026–27 dates.

When is the Tomamu Ice Village open? December 20, 2026 to March 10, 2027 (planned).

Sources: Furano Ski Area and Hoshino Resorts Tomamu (checked 12–16 October 2026); Biei Tourism Association, Shirogane Blue Pond (checked 20 October 2026); Japan Meteorological Agency climate normals 1991–2020 for Furano and Asahikawa; JR Hokkaido rail pass page as cited in our rail pass guide. Planning suggestions are our editorial judgement.