Tomamu

Tomamu in Hokkaido is a family friendly ski resort that boasts amazingly light dry powder snow, great beginners’ areas, exceptional advanced terrain and a mass of activities to keep you entertained when you’re not on the mountain. Tomamu is not your usual resort. With no village, there’s barely an après atmosphere to speak of – so be prepared to enjoy just a few local restaurants and the grand dining halls and bars in the resort’s two hotels. That said, there’s plenty to love about this purpose built resort – two mountains to ski, sensational powder and the ability to get amongst the trees and under the chairlifts, which is restricted in many Japanese resorts. Accommodation is limited to just two interconnected high rise buildings juxtaposed against the natural beauty of the snow covered mountains, and Club Med Tomamu, which is perfect for families, couples and first timers.

Difficulty

Beginner	30%
Intermediate	40%
Advanced/Expert	30%

At a Glance

Terrain Area

145ha

Summit

1,239m

Mt. Vertical

699m

Season

Dec-Apr

Lifts

Accommodation Tomamu

Accommodation in Tomamu is limited and there are no self-contained apartments. Choose from The Tower Hotel at the base of the Tower Mountain itself, or Risonare Tomamu, which is a little further out. Both comprise two high rise buildings. If you’re keen to stay at the base of the mountain, The Tower Hotel is for you. Here you’ll find easy access to the resort’s restaurants, as well as the ski school, nursery and chair lifts. Risonare has more luxurious accommodation, including some large suites and is ten minutes from Tower Mountain base via the covered walkway. Club Med Tomamu is another option which is perfect for families, couples and those who are first time skiers in Japan. Here you’ll find several restaurants, cafes and night time entertainment as well as loads of organised activities for your children. You can even book them into lessons and the nursery from here.

Skiing & Boarding

Spanning two mountains – Tomamu Mountain and Tower Mountain – at Tomamu you’ll find some of Japan’s best light and fluffy powder. This purpose built resort is sensational for beginners and advanced skiers and boarders, and while there are some great groomers for intermediates, the options are fewer. Tower Mountain, with is magic carpet, beginners’ runs and ski school is your best option if you’re starting fresh. There are also a few perfectly groomed green and intermediate runs here to help you build your confidence. If you’re advanced and searching for powder, head straight to Tomamu Mountain or ‘Powder Heaven’ at the top of Tower Mountain. Tomamu has a ‘Commitment to Winter Mountains’ program, which means you’ll need to register at the resort centre, wear a bib (provided) and a helmet. It’s worth doing though because once you’re signed up, you can head off-piste for some of the best skiing or boarding you’ll ever experience in Japan. At Tomamu you can also ski the trees and under the chairs.

Activities

Tomamu is purpose built for fun, with loads of activities for kids and adults alike on and off the mountain. While you’re here, don’t miss ice skating and the ice slides in the Ice Village where you can also check out the illuminated igloos… then there’s an ice chapel to explore as well! The Polar Village has an outdoor snow playground which is great for kids, with snowshoeing, snow rafting, kids’ snowmobiles, tree climbing, banana boats and more. If you’re looking for more adult adventure, try cat skiing or book a tour with a backcountry guide… but if that all sounds too active, take a soak in a spa, or an outdoor hot bath while the kids check out Mina-Mina Beach – with its shallow pool and Japan’s largest indoor wave pool. Tomamu has a terrain park complete with half-pipe. There’s night skiing from 4pm–7pm under the Tower Express and ski school is available with English speaking instructors.

Getting There & Around

One of the great things about this purpose built resort is that, being in central Hokkaido, it’s easy to get to. Simply fly into New Chitose Airport and jump aboard a direct bus for a journey that will take around 1.5 hours. Alternatively, there’s a train from New Chitose that will get you to Tomamu station in one hour, and from here you can take a free courtesy bus to the resort.

How Far

Airport:
Chitose Airport 109km

Transfer:
1.5 hour Bus or Drive

Staff Love

You can’t beat the family friendly atmosphere that Tomamu offers, not to mention the light fluffy powder. And when your muscles can’t take any more, relax in the Kirin-no Yu at Mina Mina Beach.
Leah

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Tomamu Accommodation