Family skiing in Japan
Blessed with pristine powder, Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido is the hotspot for skiers and boarders. The slopes are located on the western side of the island, with winds blowing directly in from Siberia, making the snowfall dry and deep.
While Niseko is a popular playground for powder chasers and one of Asia’s most popular ski destinations, Central Hokkaido has some equally sublime options for snow lovers. Among these are a pair of Club Med resorts that offer a one-stop-shop ski experience ideal for those interested in a hasslefree holiday.
Japan has been “flavour of the month” for skiing and snowboarding holidays in recent times, and it’s no surprise when you consider how good the conditions are. If you’re not sure where to start with booking a trip to the snow, we have a couple of easy options here.
Opened in 2017 December, this ontrend, modern family-friendly snow resort has been voted the number one hotel in Japan for international travellers in 2019 on TripAdvisor, an award it also won last year. It also ranks first on TripAdvisor for accommodation in the region.
An all-inclusive snow holiday at Club Med Tomamu includes not only ski passes and lift passes, but also ski and snowboard group lessons (up to 12 people) with certified Englishspeaking instructors.
Kids are fully catered for through the Petit Club Med (ages two to three), Mini Club Med (four to 10) and Junior Club Med (11 to 17) programmes. Mini and Junior Club members can enjoy group ski classes (from age four) and snowboard classes (from age eight). Other snowrelated activities for families include snow trekking and snow sledding.
What else?
Tomamu is also a great option for families looking to enjoy a holiday in the snow together, without necessarily joining skiing and snowboarding activities. Here’s just a handful of the other must-try experiences that are included in the rate:
• Hokkaido sushi-making lessons
(from age six)
• Mina Mina Pool experience (the
biggest indoor wave pool in Japan!) • Authentic Yakiniku barbecue
CLUB MED SAHORO
This family-friendly ski resort is under renovation, with the reception area, lounge, bar and rooms currently being refreshed, ready for reopening at the start of the ski season in December this year. It’s a great pick for families keen to take their skiing and snowboarding to the next level, but also for parents travelling with babies or toddlers, and those looking for some private time. Like its sister resort, Sahoro can boast recent TripAdvisor success, voted the number two hotel in Japan for international travellers in 2019. The snow quality here is among the best not just in Japan but all of Asia. And, as with Club Med Tomamu, ski passes, lift passes and group lessons are part of the deal.
What else?
The resort offers a Club Med Baby Welcome service for ages zero to 23 months. It can be booked in advance at no extra cost, and provides baby and toddler equipment (baby bathtubs, strollers and so on) already laid out in your room on arrival. So, if you’ve had a tricky trip, you and your little one can relax into your holiday. There’s also a “baby corner” at the resort’s restaurants, with microwave, blender, baby-friendly dishes and juices, and more. In addition, the Kids Club programme, which, like Tomamu, offers a Petit Club Med, Mini Club Med and Junior Club Med, is extended to include a Pyjamas Club, designed for ages four months to two years.
Here are some resort activities the older kids and adults might want to try: • Hokkaido soba noodle-making lessons
(from age six)
• Relaxing ofuro bath
• Sampling authentic Hokkaido hotpot • Snow trekking (from age 11)