Skiing in Japan Has Never Been Easier, Thanks to Club Med

Skiing in Japan sits high on the bucket list for many UK travellers. From gliding through fresh powder in Hokkaido to soaking in a mountain onsen and finishing your trip with a few nights in Tokyo or Kyoto, it’s so much more than your average ski holiday.

Thanks to Club Med Japan, turning that once-in-a-lifetime trip into a reality is more simple than you might imagine.

With four fully all-inclusive resorts in Hokkaido (Japan’s snowiest region) Club Med takes care of every detail: accommodation, lift passes, lessons, transfers, dining, entertainment, and even childcare. And because Japan’s cities and ski resorts are so well connected, it’s easy to build a multi-stop itinerary that pairs unforgettable skiing with iconic sights, street food, and temples.

Why Japan? One Word: Japow

The nickname Japow refers to Japan’s incredibly dry, light, and deep powder snow, widely considered the best in the world. This legendary snow is the result of cold Siberian air passing over the Sea of Japan, which dumps an average of 14 to 20+ metres of powder on Hokkaido’s mountains each season.

One skier who visited Niseko for the first time said: “It was deep, light and brought a huge smile to my face. I have never skied anything like it” (Ski Safari)

And it’s not just deep, it’s consistent. Some resorts report snowfall nearly every day during peak season. Powder hounds often say that after skiing in Japan, they don’t want to go anywhere else!

Even better? Japan’s resorts, especially in Hokkaido, are far less crowded than their European or North American counterparts. You’ll rarely wait in a lift line, and even in peak weeks, it’s possible to feel like you have the mountain to yourself.

Why Club Med’s Hokkaido Resorts Are the Best in Japan

While Japan has excellent ski resorts across both its main islands, including the famous Hakuba Valley and Nozawa Onsen in Honshu, it’s Hokkaido that consistently delivers the best conditions, especially for international travellers. And it’s no coincidence that Club Med chose to build all four of its Japanese ski resorts in this northern, snow-sure region.

Here’s why Hokkaido is the top choice:

• Unrivalled Snowfall
  Resorts in Hokkaido receive up to 20+ metres of powder snow annually, far more than most areas in Honshu. Kiroro, for example, gets nearly triple the snowfall of many central Japan resorts, and the powder is lighter and drier thanks to the island’s colder coastal climate.
• Longer, More Reliable Season
  Hokkaido enjoys a longer ski season (often November to April), and thanks to the cold Siberian weather systems, snow conditions are far more consistent.
• Fewer Crowds
  Unlike Honshu’s resorts, which draw large weekend crowds from Tokyo and other urban centres, Hokkaido’s ski areas are peacefully uncrowded, even in peak season. Club Med Sahoro, for instance, rarely has more than a few hundred skiers on the hill at once (FBI Travel).
• Less Hustle, More Authenticity
  Hokkaido offers a more relaxed, culturally immersive skiing experience. While Honshu resorts like Hakuba are often filled with western infrastructure and busy nightlife, Hokkaido’s resorts, especially Sahoro and Kiroro Peak, feel quieter, more authentic, and more distinctly Japanese.
• Easy Domestic Access
  Though Hokkaido is further north, it’s easy to reach via a 1.5-hour domestic flight from Tokyo to Sapporo (New Chitose Airport), followed by short transfers to all four Club Med properties.

Club Med Japan: Which Resort Is Right for You?

With four exceptional properties across Hokkaido, Club Med Japan offers a range of experiences to suit every type of skier, from powder-chasing couples to young families hitting the slopes for the first time. Each resort is fully all-inclusive, with ski passes, lessons, dining, childcare, and activities all taken care of. Here’s how they compare:

1. Club Med Tomamu

Best For: Families, first-time skiers, and larger groups

• 38% beginner terrain
• Shortest airport transfer (~1.5 hrs from Sapporo)
• Indoor wave pool, Ice Village, whisky tastings
• Family rooms and Kids’ Clubs (ages 2-17)

Tomamu offers a vibrant atmosphere with plenty to do off the slopes. The terrain is perfect for beginners and intermediates, with 14 metres of annual snowfall. Families particularly love the wave pool and evening entertainment, while the nearby Ice Village offers a magical après-ski outing.

2. Club Med Sahoro

Best For: Couples, small families, confident skiers

• Largest skiable area of the four resorts (~210 ha)
• Uncrowded slopes, more intermediate/advanced terrain
• Decor inspired by Ainu culture
• “Canadian Bath” under the stars

Sahoro is the quietest and most cultural of the Club Med Japan properties. The intimate size and crowd-free slopes give it a serene charm. One reviewer described it as feeling like a private resort, with virtually no lift lines all day.

3. Club Med Kiroro Grand

Best For: Powder chasers, active families, foodies

• ~21m of annual snowfall and highest among Club Med resorts
• On-site onsen, 4 restaurants, and cultural excursions
• Tree skiing and backcountry access with guides
• Kids’ clubs and activities for all ages

Kiroro Grand is a newer property and ideal for those seeking both adventure and comfort. The snowfall is world-class, and the off-piste terrain is legendary. After skiing, enjoy a hot soak in the onsen followed by multi-course Japanese dining. Day trips to the canal town of Otaru are also available.

4. Club Med Kiroro Peak

Best For: Couples, solo skiers, groups of adults/teens (12+)

• No young children (minimum age 12)
• Rooftop onsen and minimalist decor
• Smallest Club Med resort (126 rooms)
• Ski-in access to Kiroro’s powder terrain

Kiroro Peak is the most exclusive and refined of the Club Med Japan resorts. It’s designed for adult travellers who want a peaceful escape with world-class snow right outside their door. Guests can also access Kiroro Grand’s facilities, including its onsen and restaurants.

Resort Comparison at a Glance

Resort	Best For	Child Facilities	Terrain	Snowfall(avg/yr)	Onsen	Atmosphere	Airport Transfer
Tomamu	Families, beginners, larger groups	Kids’ Clubs (2-17), snow garden	38% beginner, 49% intermediate	~14m	Nearby but not on-site	Lively, active, sociable	~1.5 hrs from Sapporo
Sahoro	Couples, smaller families, culture-seekers	Kids’ Clubs (4-10), snow playground	25% beginner, 40% intermediate, 35% advanced	~7m	Outdoor hot tub (Canadian bath)	Peaceful, boutique, cultural	~2 hrs from Sapporo or 1.2 hrs from Obihiro
Kiroro Grand	Powder lovers, all-ages families, foodies	Kids’ Clubs (4 months-17 years), family playroom	20% beginner, 40% intermediate, 30% advanced	~21m	On-site traditional onsen	Modern, premium, energetic	~1.25 hrs from Sapporo
Kiroro Peak	Adults, couples, teen families (12+ only)	No child facilities	Same as Kiroro Grand (shared terrain)	~21m	Rooftop + shared onsen access	Quiet, exclusive, adults-only	~1.2 hrs from Sapporo

More than a Ski Holiday – Experience more of Japan

Thanks to Japan’s efficient domestic flights and world-renowned bullet train network, adding a city stop or two before or after your ski week is not just possible. It’s easy, and recommended. For many travellers, this could be a once-only trip to Japan, so extending your stay to explore more of the country makes the perfect sense.

Here’s how you can build a truly multi-stop Japan itinerary around your Club Med ski holiday:

Step 1: Start or End in Tokyo

Tokyo is the obvious place to begin or end your journey. As Japan’s capital and one of the world’s most dynamic cities, it offers a perfect contrast to the quiet snowfields of Hokkaido.

Must-see highlights:

• Shibuya Crossing: The world’s busiest pedestrian intersection
• Meiji Shrine: A peaceful forested sanctuary in Harajuku
• Tsukiji Outer Market: For sushi breakfasts and local snacks
• Golden Gai: Tiny alleyway bars with huge personality
• Akihabara: The district known for manga, anime, and Japan’s kawaii (cute) pop culture
• Sumo tournaments: Held in Tokyo every January, (May and September) (Japan Sumo Association)

Where to stay: Base yourself in Shinjuku or Ginza for easy access to major attractions and train connections.

Getting to Hokkaido from Tokyo:

• Domestic flight: Fly from Haneda to New Chitose (Sapporo); approx. 1.5 hours. Flights are frequent and reasonably priced.
• Train option: The Hokkaido Shinkansen currently runs as far as Hakodate; the full Sapporo extension is due by 2030.

Step 2: Add a Cultural Stop to Kyoto or Osaka

Kyoto:

• Former imperial capital, home to 1,600+ temples
• Walk through Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
• Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Fushimi Inari Shrine
• Take part in a tea ceremony or watch a geisha performance in Gion

Osaka:

• Known for its street food try: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu
• Visit Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Building
• Head to Dotonbori for neon signs and riverside nightlife
• A great base for day trips to Nara or Himeji Castle

Getting there:

• From Tokyo: ~2.5 hours by Shinkansen
• From Sapporo (after skiing): Fly directly to Kansai International Airport (~2 hours), or return to Tokyo first

Step 3: Add a Winter Festival or Natural Wonder

• Sapporo Snow Festival (early February): One of the world’s largest winter festivals, famous for towering snow and ice sculptures (Japan Travel)
• Otaru: A charming Hokkaido port town near Kiroro, known for its canals, sake breweries, and seafood markets
• Hakone: A relaxing hot spring town with views of Mount Fuji and scenic lake cruises
• Mount Fuji itself: Stay in Kawaguchiko or Hakone for iconic views or even a local ski day with Fuji in the backdrop

Example Itinerary

Day	Destination	Activities
1-3	Tokyo	Sumo match, Shibuya Crossing, sushi at Tsukiji
4	Travel to Hokkaido	Fly to Sapporo and transfer to resort
5-10	Club Med Ski Resort (e.g. Kiroro or Tomamu)	Ski, onsen, powder runs, local cuisine
11	Travel to Kyoto	Bullet train or domestic flight
12-14	Kyoto or Osaka	Temples, tea ceremonies, street food
15	Fly home	Depart from Osaka or Tokyo

Skiing in Japan Is Within Reach

From bottomless powder to immersive culture, skiing in Japan is like no other holiday. It offers the exhilaration of untouched snow, the calm of hot spring baths, and the richness of one of the world’s most fascinating countries.

And now, thanks to Club Med Japan, that once-distant dream is entirely within reach. Whether you’re travelling as a family, a couple, or a solo skier in search of Japow, Club Med’s all-inclusive approach removes the stress.

So if you’re ready for a ski trip that blends unforgettable powder, world-class hospitality, and a true cultural adventure, Club Med Japan is your gateway.