↘ Furano-dake — Giant Ridge

Furano-dake (1912 m) anchors the southwest end of the Tokachi Range, but the winter ski objective is not the summit — it is the broad Giant Ridge running northwest from it. From the winter trailhead (~1000 m) to about 1500 m on the ridge is roughly 520 m of vertical over a ~4.5 km, ~4.5 hour half-day, graded 6.5/10 by Hokkaido Wilds. The 1912 m summit itself is a serious winter-mountaineering objective and is not part of this route. Treat the day as including ATES Complex (Level 3) terrain.

[The climb] From the trailhead beside the Okinakouen bus stop the line gains the forested ridge. The lower ridge is sheltered and pleasant; above treeline the surface turns wind-hammered, powder generally runs out around 1400 m, and the top of the skin line sits in crust (the ~1515 m 'climb till crusty' waypoint).

[The skiing] The character of this route is skiing the broad ridge crest itself back down — the comparatively conservative option on days when avalanche conditions are elevated. Comparatively: the baked 80° maximum is a local off-ridge valley-wall value (median ~30°), and the valley immediately north of the Giant Ridge is unambiguous avalanche terrain. The moment you drop off the crest to the north, the terrain changes category. An 'avalanche risk' waypoint is marked at ~1256 m.

[Cautions] The Tokachi massif has been at JMA Volcanic Alert Level 2 since June 2026 (~1.5 km restriction around the 62-2 crater). Furano-dake and this route are outside the zone, but it is the same active volcanic group — check the live JMA volcano bulletin and the JAN Central Hokkaido avalanche bulletin before touring.

Trailhead & parking: The same winter trailhead as the Nishi-shamen route (~1000 m, Hakuginso turnoff / Okinakouen bus stop). The lot fits 6–7 cars and fills fast — arrive early or use the Fukiage Onsen carpark 1.5 km down-road. Roadside parking is illegal.

Getting there: By car from Kami-Furano, or the town bus from JR Kami-Furano Station (~30 min, ~¥500, 3/day).

The day: A ~4.5 hour half-day. The trailhead area itself is wind-exposed on stormy days.

Onsen: the free Fukiage wild rotenburo, Ryounkaku, Hakuginso — confirm hours locally.

Info: Check the live JMA volcano bulletin and the JAN Central Hokkaido bulletin before every tour.