Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido: Japan’s Winter Wonderland

Skiing in Hokkaido is something I’ve always wanted to do, and on a recent trip to Japan, I caught the very end of the winter ski season at the all-inclusive, ski-in/ski-out resort Club Med Tomamu.

Getting there: My mom and I had been traveling around Japan for a few weeks before I went to Indonesia for 10 days to surf. We reunited back at the Haneda Airport in Tokyo, and hopped on a short domestic flight via ANA to Sapporo New Chitose Airport. From there, the Club Med bus took us to the resort, about an hour and a half drive away. As soon as we pulled up to the driveway, we were welcomed by music and cheerful staff members ready to take our bags to the lobby. From there, we were given a welcome drink, our room keys in the form of a bracelet, and a quick run-through of the resort. I was eager to unpack and freshen up in my beautiful room overlooking a snowy landscape, and then we went to lunch before exploring the rest of the resort…

Sprawled across over 145 hectares of Tomamu Mountain, Club Med introduces a thrilling snow escape where powdery perfect slopes are just waiting for discovery. Fresh seafood, premium Wagyu beef, and award-winning locally brewed spirits make this more than a destination to discover, but a culinary journey to enjoy. From skiing and snow trekking, to riding Japan’s largest indoor wave pool at nearby Hoshino Resort, guests seeking winter excitement to share with friends and family will find it at Club Med Tomamu Hokkaido all-inclusive resort.

Even though my visit was at the very end of the season, we lucked out with snow conditions. It would snow almost every day, bringing fresh powder to the mountains- super fun to play in!

The room:

I thoroughly enjoyed my room and its cozy vibe. It was the perfect home base to come back to after skiing to change out of my snow clothes and relax. The big, scenic windows provided a beautiful, wintry scene that could be enjoyed with a warm cup of tea.

Conveniently enough, my hotel room was located just above the ski locker room. All I had to do was take an elevator down one floor, and I was right where all the action was.

This was a whole other ski experience like never before. Having my own locker and being able to ski in and out of the hotel was convenient and easy, allowing optimum time to enjoy the mountain and to warm up afterwards. Each hotel room is assigned its own locker, which opens using the bracelet given to you on arrival (also the key to your hotel room).

INCLUDED LIFT PASS & SKI AND SNOWBOARD LESSONS

A huge benefit about staying at Club Med Tomamu is their amazing ski and snowboard school. Staffed with talented instructors from around the world, you could really improve your skills within a week’s time.

The mountain next to the resort provides runs for every level of skiier or snowboarder, from gentle panoramic paths  to zero gravity slopes through the trees. I stuck to the intermediate slopes, personally, and enjoyed uncrowded runs with fresh, powdery snow- about as good as it gets!

There was a beautiful scenic point at the top of the gondola called the Unkai terrace (sea of clouds). From this point, you get an amazing view of the surrounding landscape as well as the “hoarfrost” trees that are unique to Japan.

There is also a cafe at the viewing point where you can warm up with a cup of coffee, or if you’re feeling up to it, eat some ice cream!

A beautiful panoramic view of the winter wonderland landscape…

A ski trip is all about the entire experience, not just being out in the snow. What makes a Japan ski trip unique is the combination of skiing followed by a dip in the onsen (hotspring). It is the perfect way to warm up and relax after spending hours out on the slopes. Right across the street from the hotel lobby is Mina Mina beach– the largest indoor wave pool in Japan. I loved soaking my tired and cold body in the outdoor onsen after a ski session (not pictured below because cameras are not allowed), and since it is outdoors, the cool air was the perfect balance with the hot water, and sometimes snow flakes would fall onto my skin.

Dining:

Perhaps the best part of an all-inclusive resort is the dining aspect, and Club Med went above and beyond with its warm ambiance and the quality of food.

Itara – Main restaurant

A majority of the meals were at the main restaurant, Itara, in buffet style. With a variety of international and Japanese options to choose from, each meal was an exciting and delicious affair.

With every kind of cuisine you can think of, there was always the option to eat healthy… or to give in to your cravings. I especially loved the fresh-squeezed orange juice in the morning, which was the perfect way to stock up on vitamins before hitting the slopes.

Aside from Itara, is Haku, a specialty restaurant known for its yakinuku (Japanese bbq). You are brought raw meat and vegetables to cook yourself at the table, along with rice and miso soup.

The dynamic and lively Unkai bar was the place to be in the evenings. After dinner, you could cuddle up by the fireplace with a drink in hand and enjoy a show performed by the Club Med team.

The Nest bar is perhaps the most atmospheric and romantic setting at the resort. Reserved for adults only, you can settle into the cozy seating area surrounded by snow on all sides and enjoy a whisky and sake tasting experience.

What separates a good trip from a great trip that will last with you forever is the way a place made you feel. At Club Med, I felt like I became part of a family during my short stay, and that coming back to my warm hotel room to shower after skiing or mingling with the other guests at meals, felt like home.