Tomamu

 

Tomamu is situated in central Hokkaido and while it may not receive as much snow as coastal destinations like Niseko it’s snow quality is better and there are very few people their to track it out, the end result is you can still find fresh pristine powder a week after a storm.

Tomamu
Tomamu ski resort has a ‘Mountain Host’ program where you can pay for an expert guide to show you the best powder spots, help you navigate through tree runs and get you comfortable on the mountain. This is an awesome way to start your ski holiday.

For a relaxing day to rest the muscles, check out Mina-Mina Beach a multi million dollar indoor aqautic centre with huge wave pool and the onsen hot pools. This incredible complex is complete with palm tree's, hawaiian beats and deck chairs to relax the day away. The onsen is lovely with various pools including the idyllic open-air hot spring experience in the snow.

If you aren't completely statisfied with your shredcation at Tomamu Ski Resort, why not add more snow to the agenda with a stay at Furano Ski Resort!
Where to stay in Tomamu
Tomamu Ski Resort offers two main accommodation options as a part of the Hoshino Resorts Group, in total they make up four sky-scraper style accommodation buildings. The first, aptly named Tomamu The Tower offers comfortable, budget friendly hotel accommodation in two towers, in the centre of Tomamu. Both tower 1 and tower 2 have easy access to resort activities, restaurants and the ski fields.

The second building is Risonare Tomamu, also offering two towers, North and South towers provide a more luxurious and comfort focused suites style rooms. Both towers have excellent restaurants and visitors love the private jacuzzi-style bathtubs in the rooms. Sitting in a private tub overlooking the slopes after a day skiing or snowboarding adds a little bit of lux to your stay.

Skiers and snowboarders chasing a more inclusive ski holiday experience may choose to stay at the Tomamu Club Med. Whichever option you choose for your stay, visitors are able to take advantage of the incredible ski in, ski out location for maximum snow time.
Skiing & Snowboarding Tomamu
Tomamu Ski resort covers two peaks, with 124 hectares off groomed terrain and 29 runs to explore. The resort has a dedicated beginner slope, terrain park and excellent tree skiing. For the more advanced skier or snowboarder, Tomamu has the allurement of excellent off-piste terrain (which is not prohibited like some other Japanese ski resorts), powder filled tree runs and backcountry skiing. The resort also runs a ‘Mountain Host’ program for more advanced riders, essentially you get an expert local instructor to show you the best spots on the mountain. Averagely, Tomamu ski resort sees 14m of snowfall each year, this consistent, dry snowfall is part of the reason the ski resort is so popular.
 
Tomamu is very well set up to accommodate families, with lots of family-friendly activities, the great beginners ski area, kids’ terrain park area and the Snow Academy which provides a selection of group or private ski lessons. Off the slopes, the resort does have a real focus on family fun with sledding, ice picnics, a wave pool, onsen hot springs and the incredible ice village; there is no shortage of ways to keep the whole family entertained. 

Skiers and snowboarders love Tomamu Ski Resort for a few reasons, firstly the consistent, dry snowfall. Each year Tomamu sees an average of 10m of snow, due to the location the snow is light and powdery. Another reason that this is a popular Japan ski holiday destination is that off piste skiing is not prohibited, unlike other resorts you are free to explore without issues. The terrian offers a fairly event split to suit all levels of skier and snowboarder, with 30% for Beginners, 40% Intermediate and 30% suits advanced riders. The resort is well-known for having great tree skiing, as well as sidecountry and backcountry snow to explore.
 

How to get to Tomamu

Direct flights from Australia into Sapporo’s New Chitose International Airport are limited and generally expensive over peak winter travel so many Aussies will fly via Tokyo and then catch a domestic flight to Sapporo. You can also fly via Singapore and other popular hub cities in Asia with full-service carriers or using Scoot, Jetstar and Air Asia for a budget friendly no-frills option.

From the airport, Tomamu is only 150kms away and just over an hour by road. Visitors can arrange transfers or use the train to get to Tomamu train station, which is a convenient 5 minute bus ride from the Tomamu ski resort.

 

Top things to do in Tomamu in Winter

A trip to Tomamu would not be complete without experiencing the Ice Village, this annual installation is the ultimate winter wonderland! The ice hotel is complete with igloo style rooms, fur bedding and ice furniture. For those who are thirsty, try the ice bar and when hungry visit the ice bakery and cafe or sweet shop. The Ice Village also has an ice-skating rink, ice slide an ice crystal park and an ice church. Adding to the winter experience, each evening the skies above Tomamu ski resort are alight with a fireworks display.

 
All the usual winter activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling and sledding as well some more unique activities like ice fishing and snow camping! For those who appreciate taking their rest time relaxing experience the onsen hot springs or try the wave pool known as Mina Mina beach, complete with palm trees and Hawaiian music. There is also the option of a Thai massage to soothe your aches and pains.
 
Dining & Apres in Tomamu

Best Après in Tomamu:

With the exception of Hakuba and Niseko, the après ski scene is not a huge part of the Japan ski holiday experience and therefore bars and nightlife are not a big focus. Aside from the Ice Bar, Tomamu doesn’t really have a bar scene at all. For thirsty gusts, drinks can be purchased at restaurants during dinner or in true Japanese style there are plenty of vending machines in the resort or drinks can be bought at the souvenir shop. Many visitors choose to grab a few cold drinks and take them back to their hotel room or suite to be enjoyed. If you are prepared and know you like to relax with a drink, it works out cheaper to bring your drinks with you.
 
 
Best Restaurants in Tomamu:
In Japan, each region has specific food and produce that the area is it renowned for, in Hokkaido the region is known for its seafood and visitors must try Kaisen-Don or Seafood Donburi during their visit to Hokkiado.
 
Food is a highlight of any Japan holiday experience and Tomamu is no exception. Some of the dining options in Tomamu are a buffet-style banquet, offering an incredible selection of western and traditional Japanese food to choose from and the quality of the food is undeniable. Not to be missed, Soup Curry Garaku is a dining favorite for visitors to Tomamu dishes come in array of combinations and are a delightful way to warm yourself from the inside out.
 
For an up-market dining experience, try the Risonare Hotels European inspired restaurant or called Otto Sette or enjoy Altezza Tomamu for Pasta or Italian BBQ. For those staying at Club Med, all meals are included in your accommodation package, so you can dine at any of the Club Med eateries as part of your stay.