Tokyo/Furano, 2005

This is one of the best ski hills in Japan. I agree with the comments that you have to come to this place to expereince it and make sure you come willing to learn a little of the culture and language. You can have the most amazing experience as I did but you can't come and hooter and holler down the hill as you cut ropes. Respect the locals as though they are your grandparents and you will probably end up at some locals house drinking tea and eating rice cakes.
The powder was ridiculous, deep and so much steeper than the other hills around Hokkaido. The locals restaurants and bars are nice and cool. Very relaxed atmosphere as it isn't a real ski resort but more of a small town and hence was so affordable to stay there. Restaurants and bars had a good atmosphere like Bar Wonder downtown or Yama ga Dokson near the hill.
Get there to believe it.

http://www.goski.com/resorts/jpfurano/resort_welcome.html?cntry_or_state=find&rorc=japan&from=state&bc=RIR