What to do in summer at the ‘world’s coolest ski resort’, Club Med Tomamu in Japan
The all-inclusive resort brand has created a Hokkaido haven with something for all seasons
What is it? Encouraged by the popularity of the first Club Med property in Hokkaido, northern Japan, the French hospitality brand (now a subsidiary of Hong Kong-listed Fosun International) has opened a larger one, 35km away, at the bottom of some of the numerous ski runs that snake down Mount Tomamu.
The hype ahead of the opening last December of this 341-room resort, complete with “ice hotel”, was such that New Zealand website Stuff posed the question, “Could this be the world’s coolest ski resort?”
That’s all very well, but we’re intending to visit in summer. You’ll not be disappointed; there’s still plenty of outdoor adventure to be found.
I have never been to one; how does Club Med work, exactly? You and I may call them all-inclusive resorts, but the staff will tell you each is a village, and guests are temporarily members of the family. This means the GOs (gentil organisateurs; the multinational “kind organisers”) become extremely pally with the GMs (gentil membres; that’s you, the paying customer) and will even plonk themselves down to have lunch or dinner with guests.
There is clapping and cheering when newcomers check in, and much more of the same at the evening buffet if it happens to be a GM’s birthday. Go with the flow and the relentless bonhomie doesn’t seem especially forced. Club Meds are family affairs in so much as many visitors find appealing the option of placing their children into the care of well-structured mini clubs while taking full advantage of yet another all-you-can-eat buffet.
Ah, yes, tell us about the meals. There are few times during the day at which you cannot find something being served buffet-style somewhere in the resort. An alternative to the evening buffet can be found in the Haku yakiniku restaurant, where diners cook their meat on table grills. Adults only are allowed into The Nest, a snug surrounded by forest in which quality whiskies and sake are sold (these are not included in the package price).