Tomamu

With around 14 metres of snow each winter, Tomamu is firmly in the big leagues for snowfall, even by Hokkaido standards. The snow quality here is everything you’ve heard about Japow—cold, dry, and weightless underfoot. It tends to arrive in regular top-ups, keeping the surface fresh day after day rather than relying solely on monster dumps. On a storm morning, you can step out of the gondola into knee-deep lines that ride like silk, your turns sending up curtains of snow that hang in the air behind you. Even if the sun pops out, the shaded aspects and well-spaced glades preserve that softness well into the afternoon.

The lift system is built to get you to the good stuff without bottlenecks. The gondola runs from the base to the top in minutes, putting both groomers and off-piste lines within easy reach. High-speed quads on each mountain make it simple to repeat your favourite runs or retreat to the trees when the weather closes in. Linking lifts mean you can move between Tower’s cruisers and Tomamu Mountain’s steeper, more varied lines without losing momentum.

Tower Mountain is home to the forgiving groomers and park features, but Tomamu Mountain is where powder hunters spend most of their time. Designated tree zones let you dive into well-spaced birch and pine without breaking the rules, while natural gullies and side hits keep things playful. The pitches aren’t the longest in Japan, but with this much snow, you can string together fluid turns from top to bottom without scraping a thing. For an extra hit, the resort runs guided cat-ski trips and even heli drops in the surrounding terrain—short but sweet, with snow that feels just that bit wilder.

Because the resort spreads skiers so well across its two mountains, the snow lasts. Even on a weekend, you can score multiple untracked runs before lunch, and midweek it’s common to find fresh pockets late in the day. The trick is to start with the gondola, hit the best-loaded aspects first, then work across to the quieter tree zones while the rest of the mountain chases the obvious lines. On a deep day, it’s easy to make “no friends on a powder day” last right up until the lifts close.

Tomamu is a bit of a unicorn — it manages to appeal to powder-focused riders and families alike. For upper intermediates, it’s a confidence-building wonderland. Wide, mellow glades, soft snow, and reliable grooming mean you can push yourself without punishment. For advanced riders, Tomamu isn’t the gnarliest mountain, but between the trees, sidecountry gates, and deep days, you’ll find more than enough to keep the stoke high for a few sessions.

If you’re a big-mountain freerider looking for massive terrain or endless spines, you’ll probably want to hit Asahidake or go deeper into Hokkaido’s wilds. But if you’re the type who wants to ride fast, score powder, and not overthink logistics, Tomamu’s going to feel just right.

Beginner terrain is also solid, and ski schools are dialled for international visitors. Families will love the gentle base area, night sledding, and Ice Village. And honestly? Even hardcore powder hunters might secretly enjoy a quiet onsen or whiskey bar after a 40cm reset.

Tomamu is dominated by Hoshino Resorts, which means the core accommodations are plush, efficient, and built with skiers in mind. The two main towers — RISONARE Tomamu and The Tower — are right on the slopes and offer ski-in ski-out access, spacious rooms, and all the bells and whistles (we’re talking onsen with mountain views, proper buffets, and RISONARE rooms come with saunas).

Yes, it’s a bit more upscale — and prices reflect that. But you’re also paying for convenience, and in Japan, it’s rare to have such seamless integration between lodging and lifts. Everything’s walkable, heated, and well-signed. For those who want a true resort experience without the crowds, this is it.

* Hot tip * If you've got youngsters under 6, check the fine print for bed sharing when booking through the snowtomamu site. Check both towers, you may find better options in the RISONARE and land yourself a hot tub and sauna in your room for the effort.

For a luxurious, hassle-free ski holiday where everything is taken care of — but with a premium price tag Club Med Tomamu is the way forward. If you’re on more of a backpacker budget, the options thin out a bit. Some pensions and minshuku can be found in nearby Shimukappu village, but you’ll need wheels and a tolerance for local-only vibes. Most budget-conscious travellers will tack Tomamu onto a Hokkaido road trip or stay for just a couple of nights.

Fancy something a bit more adventurous, cheaper and Instagram‑worthy? Try Glamping TOMAMU, a cluster of dome‑style luxury tents nestled just minutes drive down the road. Think ultra‑cozy pods with plush bedding, private bathrooms, heating, mini‑kitchens, and BBQ setups perfect for evening grill-outs under the stars. Guests rave about the igloo-like vibe: warm and snug even when it’s −13 °C outside, with a bonfire crackling nightly from 6–9 pm, buffet‑style American breakfasts delivered, and shuttle service to the Unkai Terrace or main resort. It’s a splash of uniqueness in the wild — perfect for solo explorers or couples seeking a ski trip to write home about.

The dining scene is resort-focused but solid. Nininupuri Buffet is a family hit — noodle stations, sushi, grilled meats, Hokkaido-crafted beers. Forest Mall delivers ramen, curry, donburi mid-run snacks. Ice Village Bar? A surreal après set in ice-domes (kids get ice slides; grown-ups sip sake in ice glasses). For drinks with panoramic views, Cloud Bar delivers alpine serenity.

No dance parties under neon lights — but for cozy vibes, snow-lit paths, and a relaxing après pace — it hits home.

• Fly in: New Chitose Airport (CTS) — follow the JR Limited Express to Tomamu Station (~90–120 min), then resort shuttle.
• Car: handy if you plan scouting day trips to Furano or Sahoro. Winter tires mandatory; roads generally well-plowed.
• Local tip: if staying in Tower area, take the early shuttle to hit Powder Express first, avoiding gondola wait and maximizing first light laps.

• Lift hours: ~08:45–16:30; night skiing (Tomamu Mountain side) 16:00–18:00 from late December to end-March.
• Powder zones: require free registration, helmet & armband—safety is taken seriously.
• Snow patterns: sunny days can crust south slopes fast — north-facing trees are your friend.
• Language: resort and Club Med offer good English support; local pensions more limited.
• Nearby resorts: Furano (~1 hr), Sahoro (~45 min), Kamui Ski Links (~1.5 hr) — great for side trips with rental.