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Why skiing in Japan needs to be on your bucket list

When you think of a skiing holiday, which countries pop into your mind?

More often that not, I’d say it would be Europe – après ski anyone? – and for closer to home, New Zealand or the likes of the Snowy Mountains in NSW.

Well, let’s just say for your next jaunt skiing you may want to rethink all of the above places.

Shooting down the slopes in Hokkaido, Japan <em>needs</em> to be on your bucket list. Source: Be
Shooting down the slopes in Hokkaido, Japan needs to be on your bucket list. Source: Be
What a view. Source: Supplied
What a view. Source: Supplied

Shooting down the slopes in Hokkaido, Japan needs to be on your bucket list.

Why? Well, because it’s Japan. Duh. But if you’re looking for more of a ~legit~ reason, let’s just say the snow in Hokkaido is like no other.

I’m by no means an expert skier, I’d give myself an above average certification and I’m probably being generous to myself if I’m honest.

However, take my word for it, if you’re a powder seeking fiend then Japan is the skiing hotspot for you.

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to – as Rachel from Friends so finely puts it – shoop shoop shoop down the slopes at Club Med Tomamu in Hokkaido.

Look at that powder! Source: Be
Look at that powder! Source: Be
There’s only two words to describe it: winter wonderland. Source: Be
There’s only two words to describe it: winter wonderland. Source: Be
I’m like a giddy little school girl in the snow. Source: Be
I’m like a giddy little school girl in the snow. Source: Be

Getting up and hitting the slopes is easy as, well, pie.

Club Med certainly has done it just so to ensure their guests have the best possible ski (or snowboard) experience possible. And let’s just say all inclusive means all inclusive.

Morning and afternoon ski lessons are included for all abilities and if you’re not up for skiing, activities such as snow-trekking, yoga, cooking classes and more are on offer.

Trekking through the snow in Hokkaido is a serious work out. Source: Be
Trekking through the snow in Hokkaido is a serious work out. Source: Be

Oh, and if you’re travelling with kids, the childcare is second to none. The GOs (Gentils Organisateurs) are on hand to take your children off your hands.

And how could I forget the food? It takes the term “buffet” to a whole new level.

Each night guests can chooses from Japanese, Korean, Chinese, French and Italian cuisine in the main Itara restaurant.

Let’s just say you’ll definitely get yourself caught in a plate-juggling situation.

Be prepared for a lot of plate juggling from all the food Club Med Tomamu has to offer. Source: Supplied
Be prepared for a lot of plate juggling from all the food Club Med Tomamu has to offer. Source: Supplied

All this doesn’t exactly come cheap however, with packages starting at $2,350 for a seven night stay, all inclusive. But when you think about the ease and convenience and everything that’s included, it really is a steal.

As for getting there, flights regularly run from Sydney to Tokyo. Once in Tokyo you’ll need to jump on a short connecting flight to Sapporo Airport to get to Hokkaido.

You can ski right into the Club Med Tomamu resort. Source: Supplied
You can ski right into the Club Med Tomamu resort. Source: Supplied

This reporter was invited to stay at this resort on behalf of Club Med Tomamu.

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