Tomamu is known for Hokkaido’s world-famous powder snow, its convenient ski-in, ski-out resort design, and an impressive selection of dining options that will satisfy every palate. This ski town is all you need for an all-inclusive ski holiday.

Located in central Hokkaido, Tomamu Ski Resort is just a 90-minute shuttle ride from Sapporo City or about 2 hours from New Chitose Airport (CTS).

Ski Terrain for All Levels

Tomamu’s ski terrain is well suited for all skill levels: 30% beginner, 40% intermediate, and 30% advanced terrain. Not only that, Tomamu’s back country gives access to Hokkaido’s glorious untouched powder for the adventurous skiiers and snowboarders. 

For beginners, Tomamu’s wide, gradual and progressive runs make it ideal to begin your snowboarding journey. Being a smaller and fairly quieter resort compared to Niseko, Tomamu gives you ample space to practice your skiing and snowboarding skills without the fear of bumping into fellow beginners.

For the intermediate to advanced skiiers and snowboarders, there is limited challenging terrain in Tomamu compared to nearby resorts such as Niseko, Kiroro and Rusutsu in Hokkaido. However, if you know where to look, you’ll find your fair share of steep terrain and powder runs around the resort. For the dynamic riders, Tomamu has a slope-style park with decent sized boxes, rails and kickers to take your freestyle game up a notch.

Tomamu’s combination of 5 lifts and 1 gondola lets you explore 29 trails, and with just one gondola ride, you can access the peak and soak in the stunning mountain views—even if you’re just starting out.

Take a tour through Tomamu’s amazing terrain and resort in the video below.

Off slope activities and attractions:

What makes Tomamu most interesting is the variety of off slopes activities and attractions available for guests of all ages. Activities range from snowmobiling, ice sledding, snow trails and even ice fishing. The most spectacular attraction would have to be the ice village that opens in the middle of December each year.

The ice village consists of an ice hotel, chapel, bar, caf? and shops. And as the name suggests, everything is made purely from ice. It is a true showcase of art and a must-see when you are in Tomamu. The village is even more spectacular when the sun sets with an array of colourful lights all around. To top it off, there is an outdoor ice skating rink in the village for all to try for a truly magical winter wonderland.

Dining options:

Apart from its apres ski activities, Tomamu has over 20 iconic restaurants, bars and cafes serving up that much needed post-ski grub and Japanese cuisine. Expect to be spoilt for choice with scrumptious?cuisine ranging for Hokkaido?s famous snow crab buffets to sizzling Ghengis Khan meat grills, soul-warming Hokkaido soup curry, the famous Afuri ramen, and other popular Japanese eats.

You will find most of the restaurants along Hotalu Street – Tomamu?s new ski-in ski-out food street. Hotalu Street is located at walking distance from both the ski lifts and accommodation. Apart from restaurants, you?ll find convenience stores and winter wear shops around, all within walking distance of each other. Convenience and enjoyment at its maximum!

When should you travel to Tomamu?

The ski resort opens at the start of December and operates all the way till April. However, to experience the famous Hokkaido quality powder snow, be sure to travel to Tomamu in the months of January and February during the peak of winter. This is when snowfall is statistically at its peak and the most consistent. When it does snow, you?ll be treated with the light fluffy powder-like snow skiers and snowboarders all over the world flock to Hokkaido to experience. Snow quality in the region is one of the best in the world and it is an amazing experience by itself just admiring the snow covered town and to be in the middle of this spectacular all-white scenery.

Getting to Tomamu

Unlike it’s popular neighbour, Niseko, which you can only access via New Chitose Airport, you can get to Tomamu from a list of?airports in Hokkaido?which include New Chitose Airport (CTS), Asahikawa Airport and Obihirio Airport.?Getting to Tomamu is a breeze and you can make your way to the resort by car, airport shuttle buses or the JR train. The most convenient & fuss-free way to get to Tomamu would be to take an airport shuttle from either Sapporo City or New Chitose Airport (CTS), just 2 hours away from Tomamu.

Image credits: Hoshino Resorts Tomamu

By shuttle bus:

There are 6 shuttle buses running daily to and from New Chitose Airport (CTS) in Sapporo. It’s a 2 hour journey each way, and you can plan your arrival and departure timings using this shuttle schedule as a guide:

Image credits: Hokkaido Access Network

By JR Train:

There are 11 express trains daily straight to Tomamu station, going from Sapporo City, New Chitose Airport, Obihiro Airport and Minami Chitose train station. If you prefer travelling to Tomamu by train, take note that bulky items such as snowboard and ski bags are going to be difficult to transport around, especially with the changing of trains and small cabin spaces! If you’re doing a trip around Hokkaido for some sight-seeing before heading to Tomamu, we would advice you to leave your snowboard & ski bags at the airport’s overnight baggage storage area or, get your bags delivered to the resort beforehand.

Our thoughts on Tomamu

Tomamu ski resort is a perfect destination for families and groups of friends looking for their?first taste of skiing and snowboarding. This is why we have chosen Tomamu to be our home resort for our beginner snowboard camps in February 2020. The ski resort?s large selection of beginner friendly terrain and minimal crowds is key for an enjoyable time on the slopes to progress quickly?in the sport. Also, the options of mid mountain caf? stops and food options just by the base of the mountains make it even more enjoyable when you crave a hot cup of chocolate?or need a short break to rest your legs. To top it off, the ski in ski out accommodation will make your first experience on the mountains much more pleasant. For your first few trips to the mountains, moving around in the winter cold can get pretty harsh if you are not used to the cold, so having everything?just minutes away from the slopes greatly provides you with the much needed convenience.