We just had our very first family ski holiday in Japan, at Club Med Tomamu – and it wasn’t just our first family ski holiday in Japan, it was our first family ski holiday EVER. Without exaggerating, this Club Med ski holiday was AMAZING. I always thought we were strictly sunshine people but now I know we are both, and that a snow holiday isn’t as scary and overwhelming as I thought it was. We reckon it’s the best family ski holiday in Japan we could have had, especially since we are total beginners, because everything was so easy and the snow and resort were excellent. And we were just so HAPPY! It was the best trip and we loved it so much!

 

The holiday being so easy wasn’t because of me or my good planning or anything like that. It was because we were on a Club Med holiday and they did almost everything for us, leaving us to enjoy a stress-free trip.

BEFORE YOU GO:
– Get a VPN to protect your data and enable you to access shows and sites from home. Read all about the VPN we use here. 
– Get your travel insurance – we use Cover-More
– Decide if you will visit other parts of Japan on your trip.Here are our guides to things to do in Tokyo with kids and Okinawa with kids and our review of Club Med Kabira which we loved as much as Tomamu.

I had always been reluctant about going to the snow with Emmie, simply because I’d never been and I had no idea about what I needed to do – ski lessons, lift passes, clothing, skis and boots, where to stay, how to get there? It was too much, but she was desperate for a snow holiday. But with Club Med being all-inclusive, it was mostly done for us.

 

It’s an excellent choice for a family ski holiday, especially if you’re beginners but also if you want to have the kids looked after while they ski, and have time to yourselves while you spend hours on the mountains knowing the children are learning new skills and having fun.

What is included?

Club Med is all inclusive and I love it. You pay for everything up front so when the holiday starts there’s nothing to add. You can leave your wallet in the room and just enjoy it all!

• Accommodation.
• Three meals per day at Itara restaurant plus morning and afternoon tea and supper. The yakiniku speciality restarant, Haku, is also included for dinner.
• All drinks – alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
• Lift passes.
• Two ski and snowboarding group lessons per day (private are extra) with English speaking instructors.
• Entertainment – the performances are incredible.
• Kids Club – which included getting the kids ready to ski and into their classes, taking them to lunch and then back onto the snow.
• Kids activities like circus, the kids performance and medal ceremonies.
• The incredible Mina Mina beach wave pool complex including an awesome onsen.

Club Med Tomamu – where is it and arriving…

Club Med Tomamu is on the island of Hokkaido in northern Japan. It was a 90 minute flight from Tokyo (if you stop there for a few days check out the best fun things to do in Tokyo with kids) to Chintose Sapporo followed by a 90 minute Club Med transfer in a luxury bus to the resort. It was pretty seamless and while we had to wait in the airport for about an hour for the shuttle,  it has a big shopping centre with a food court (Japanese food, ice-cream and burgers) plus wifi and comfy lounges.

Straight away we were embraced in the Japanese and Club Med way. At the advised departure time, an efficient and kind Club Med representative gathered us all up and led us to the bus, making sure we were all on safely and waving goodbye as we pulled out of the airport for our drive through the snow to Club Med Tomamu.

 

Club Med has three resorts in Hokkaido –  Tomamu,  Sahoro and the newly opened Kiroro! Tomamu opened in 2018, while Sahoro has been around for a while and is much loved by its returning guests. Kiroro opened as a Club Med report for the first time in 2022. The other main difference between the resorts is the size,  Sahoro is smaller and more intimate while Tomamu and Kiroro hold around 1000 guests – not that you would know it as it never seems crowded. Sahoro and Kiroro also has its pool onsite while Tomamu’s is literally across the road in the huge Mina Mina Beach.

Club Med staff stood in front of the resort waving to us as the bus arrived. It’s such a nice welcome and we were quickly bustled inside to the warmth of the beautiful lobby, given a quick briefing and a wrist band that was a ribbon attached to a small chip. The chip was our room key, our locker, our identification and our charge card, just in case we wanted to make any additional purchases. So freeing! We could literally walk out of our room with nothing!

There’s a bit to organise on the first day, so we went to our room, had a shower and got changed and set off to sort everything out.

Our suite

Wow. The rooms here are divine and the toiletries are Shiseido! I used to use Shiseido all the time when I was a young corporate living in the city and spending all of my disposable income every month! Ha, those days are long gone.  Our room was a family superior room with a mountain view and it had a huge window that looked out over the tall snow-covered trees.

 

It had a lounge, a table and chairs and a big queen sized bed. The bathroom was generous, with a big bath, shower and vanity (and those toiletries).Our room was a short walk from the bar and restaurant, although at the other end of the resort from the departures area – the exit to the show – so if that’s important for you I’d request a room on that side of the resort.

But for us, we would wander down to the restaurant and bar past the piano which often had people playing or children practicing, past the little nooks with chairs and tables to sit and watch the mountains and slopes up to the social areas and the heart of the resort.

Day one preparation

There are a few things you need to do when you arrive to get you set for your first day on the mountain. And it’s all so simple – honestly if I can figure it out you’ll be able to do it with your eyes closed.

Sign up for Club Med Mini Club

The first thing we did was to sign Emmie up for Club Med Mini Club. This is where all the ski organisation happens and its pretty amazing.

There are three different clubs for kids based on age. Petit Club is for kids aged two and three and they are entertained with activities all throughout the day. In Mini Club skiing is taught from age four and up and snowboarding from age eight. There’s also a teens club, Passworld, for 11-17 year olds. Mini Club and Passworld are included, however Petit Club is an additional cost.

The children are put into their ski classes based on their ability – Emmie had never skied before so she started off in Star 1.

She was given a locker where she could keep her ski gear and we were shown the prep room where the kids store their ski boots and put them on each morning – with the help of the mini club staff and the instructors.

Hire your gear

Our next stop was hiring Emmie’s ski boots and skis. It’s the only thing not included in the all-inclusive price. This year we will save and buy some boots – I think it will also work out cheaper than hiring each day as well as being a better fit – but Emmie was comfortable in the gear she had. You can of course bring your own boots and skis too.

 

Departure area

Every room has its own heated locker in the departure area and that’s where you keep your boots skis and gear. I had work to do so I wasn’t skiing in the first few days but when I finished and signed up for a few lessons and hired my gear I stored my gear here. It’s super easy and your wrist band opens your locker for you.

You then go straight out onto the snow from the departures area and the lifts and gondola are only about 50 metres away.

Evening sign up for class

Each evening at 6pm and on the way into dinner guests need to sign up for the next days classes. This is very casual and it’s so the team knows how many instructors to allocate to each age level. And then you’re done. It’s the only thing you need to remember to do each evening. The rest is just FUN FUN FUN.

How does the ski day work

In the evening when we signed up for class the instructors would tell us what time we needed to be ready.

Each morning Emmie and I would get up and go to breakfast – she would usually just be in her thermals and ugg boots – and then we would walk down to Mini Club and sign in. Each kid is given a bright vest in their class colour and they put that and their ski gear on in Mini Club and then wait for everyone to arrive – they sit in comfy chairs and watch a movie. Then when their class is called they walk down to get their boots on. From here their class is called again and they set outside with their instructor and off for their lesson.

 

Most kids do this all without help from their parents – sometimes I stayed with Emmie sometimes not.

Then I would either go to the bar and work, or I’d get ready for my own lesson. I could see Emmie from the bar – it literally looks out over the beginner slopes and mountains. I’d have a coffee and work, and then at around midday I might grab something a little stronger….before meeting Emmie for lunch and then continuing to work in the afternoon. It never felt too tough because I was in a gorgeous setting and could see Emmie out there learning.

Ski all day

If you wanted to ski all day you could leave your kids with the Club – or you can meet them in the dining room at lunch time. It’s so simple and they have the best time. For parents who want to ski and be confident their kids are being looked after and learning its perfect!

Mini Club Med

These kids live their best life here at Club Med. After they’ve been out skiing or snowboarding or sledding or enjoying the Club Med activities there is so much for them, like the medal ceremonies that celebrate all the kids and make special mention of the ones that have gone up a level.

 

There’s the circus, where kids can learn tricks, and so many other fun games.

And there’s still all the evening activities, the afternoon tea and supper, the shows and dancing. It’s a kids dream!

Dining

The meals here at Club Med Tomamu were really amazing. Its definitely restaurant standard food served and breakfast, lunch and dinner plus the crepes at afternoon tea were the best I’ve ever tasted!

There are many different meals to choose from at each sitting from all cuisines like Indian, Jananese, Korean, Western and Italian. Some meals, like pizza or dim sum are self serve but the majority of meals are on display and once you select them they’re plated for you. You will struggle with the amount of choice and wanting to eat more each meal…it was divine.

You may be lucky enough to be at Club Med for the seafood night. This is an incredible evening with fresh snow crab, giant oysters and the most amazing fresh seafood dishes.

Staff will serve you wine or beer with your meal and are super friendly and helpful.

For kids there’s an ice-cream machine with three flavours each night plus sprinkles and many other desert options.

 

Staff at Club Med – called GOs

The GOs at Club Med are always so super friendly and happy, and I found it especially so here because a lot of them LOVE being at the snow and they spend every spare minute on the slopes.

 

One thing to know before you go is that Club Med is super inclusive of its GOs too. They are encouraged to interact with guests in their downtime, which is such a great concept. GOs will join you at mealtimes and in the evening in the bar. I love it especially as I got to know the people who were teaching and caring for Emily during the day, and its just so nice to talk to the people who work where you’re staying. It reduces the barriers between staff and guests and it does feel like one big family.

The slopes

There are 28 runs and 5 chairlifts within the resort area at Club Med Tomamu, including the neighbouring slopes at Hoshino Resort Area. Club Med Sohoro is only 30 minutes away, and guests can also visit and use the facilities there too.

SKI DOMAIN – HOKKAIDO

Club Med Resort Altitude: 540m
Ski Domain: Tomamu Hokkaido
Domain Peak: 1,210m
Domain Runs: 21.5km
Slope Types: 10 green, 14 red, 4 black
Maximum Slope: 35°
Ski Lifts: 5
Ski Level: All Types

We never had to wait for a chairlift and we often wondered where the rest of the 900 guests were, but I guess when you have your own mountain everyone is spread out.

The lessons

Emmie had two lessons a day and she absolutely loved it. She loved her instructors and she learnt so quickly. The kids love going up to the next level so they’re inspired to learn and develop their skills but they have so, so much fun with their friends and instructors. Emmie had the happiest face every day when I would meet her for lunch and see her after her second lesson. It was just the best time.

I had lessons too and on my second I went down a mountain! I think it helped that the snow was so soft and perfect and I really couldn’t believe that I didn’t fall – well I did, I had a huge crash getting off the chairlift and the next chair whacked me in the head but apart from that I was great!

What to do if you don’t ski

There is so much to do if you don’t ski – or if you do ski and want to do something different!

Snow cart! Just like a go cart!

OMG this was the best fun! Emmie wanted me to see her ski and I wasn’t as good as her on the slopes so couldn’t ski with her. But I could snow cart behind her!  I hired one at a shop at the base of the gondola (there are a few little restaurants there too)  for about $20 and we took the snow cart run down from the top of the mountain, stopping at the mountainside restaurant for a hot chocolate on the way. It was so much fun!!!

Snow shoe trekking

I did a snow shoe trek and it was awesome! We set off  amongst the snow covered trees, walked up a huge hill and slid down the other side (there is video evidence on my Instagram). There are two walks a day and you have to hire the snow shoes at an additional cost.

 

The Gondola and lookout

The Gondola takes you up to the top of the mountain and to a small café where you can get more hot chocolate. It’s also a short walk from the top to a gorgeous lookout called the Cloud Walk which curves out from the side of the mountain with beautiful views over the snow capped forest below.

Mina Mina Beach

We loved Mina Mina Beach. It’s a huge glass indoor swimming centre owned by Hoshino Resorts, and literally just across the road from Club Med. It has a wave pool, lots of small spas that look out into the snow, and an amazing onsen. It also has slacklining over the water and you can hire SUPs and many different kinds of inflatable floaties for the kids. Next time we go we are spending a whole day here! It’s the best. And it’s a great place to spend a few hours if you arrive too early for check in or, if like us, you have a few hours after check out before your departure for the airport. I loved the onsen and Emmie loved the wave pool and the floaties.

Fitness Centre

Club Med Tomamu has a fitness centre and twice daily yoga classes.

Sledding

Glad a sled and take to the beginner slopes for a slide with the kids. Be careful, depending on the snow it can get pretty fast!

Go for walks

You can follow paths around the resort and through the snow…lots of fun, and due to the time of year there were a few tiny trickling streams when we were there.

Ice village

The ice village wasn’t open when were there right at the end of the season but from mid December to mid March you can ice skate and ice slide, plus grab a drink in the ice bar and so much more. You can read all about it here.

Eat Snow!

Hoshino Resort Area

There is so much to do in the resort area – there are more slopes to ski on, 20 restaurants to eat at and more activities like snow mobile, banana boat rides and the Tomamu tower. A shuttle runs between Club Med and the resort area

Have a snowball fight

Entertainment

Each nighty the team at Club Med Tomamu put on a show in the main bar stage area. It is honestly a highlight of the day and ranges from incredible acrobatic acts, to comedy and dance and each nights show was so much fun.

After each show there’s a party and often other acts too – so, so entertaining!

On our last evening we were so lucky to see one of the most incredible acts – when all the instructors ski down the slopes with torches, lighting up the mountains in a trail of lights. The team then danced on the snow under lights beaming snowflake shapes. It was just incredible.

Our verdict

It’s a big call but Club Med Tomamu was the best short family holiday we’ve ever been on! It was so much more than I expected and it was exactly what we needed for our first skiing trip together. If it’s your first time skiing with the family, if you’re not a skier at all or if you’re all experienced Club Med Tomamu has it all.

This was our first time skiing and so our very first ski trip. I had absolutely no idea of what was required to take Emmie skiing and so I decided that since our experiences at Club Med’s beach resorts had been so amazing that they’d be a great option for a ski holiday. I mean, they organise everything, and I really needed a holiday that would not be stressful and have me scurrying around trying to figure out what to do.

Club Med Tomamu was so much more than what I expected (and I was expecting a lot!), and I reckon if at the end of your trip you’re trying to change flights so you can stay longer (as I was) then you’re onto a winner.

We’re going again in 2020, we loved it that much!

When to go

The ski season runs from December to March, but of course, we are talking about Mother Nature so there’s no definite. For me it’s like booking a beach holiday and hoping it will be sunny. The best time is January and February (apparently) but we went in March and the snow was some of the best of the season. We’ve booked for Mrch again this year, but just a little earlier so we get to see the Ice Village.

We travelled at the end of the season and there was a huge dump of beautiful powder over three days (I don’t really know what I’m talking about but a lot of beautiful big flakes were falling) and I was told this was one of the best falls of the season. But even if it hadn’t been the general consensus is that Japanese snow at its worst is always better than Australian snow at its best

The resort is also open for summer with mountain bike trails, hiking and many other activities to enjoy on the mountain.

We’ve also stayed at Club Med Kabira in Japan and LOVED it! You can read our review here. 

Prices:

The best way to check prices is to go online at the Club Med website. They often have earlybird specials with 30% off. Prices vary based on the date, number of people and room type. Make sure to sign up to their newsletter so you get all the discounts

More Japan:

If you have more time to explore Japan check out this Japan bucket list for kids – it has everything you’ll love doing as a family in Japan.

 

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And if you’re feeling nervous about travelling check out our comprehensive family travel safety guide HOLIDAY SAFE: The complete guide to staying safe when traveling with kids It has everything you need to know about traveling safely on our family holiday or extended trip.