When people think of ski resorts in Hokkaido, Niseko and Rusutsu usually come to mind first. However, Hokkaido is home to many ski resorts where you can enjoy high-quality JAPOW. One of them is Hoshino Resorts Tomamu.
Niseko and Rusutsu are geographically close to each other, while Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is located in the central part of Hokkaido. Because of this difference in location, the snow quality is also different.
The defining characteristic of Tomamu is its light, fluffy snow—truly top-quality JAPOW. In this article, we introduce the appeal of Tomamu for foreign skiers and snowboarders from the perspectives of snow, slopes, facilities, access, and events, in a way that is easy to understand even for first-time visitors.
Light and Dry Hokkaido Snow — Tomamu’s JAPOW
The greatest attraction of Tomamu is undoubtedly its light and dry powder snow, which is characteristic of Hokkaido. But why does Tomamu produce such light and dry powder?
The answer lies in its geographical features. Tomamu is located in a basin in central Hokkaido. Snow that falls in inland climate zones contains a lot of air, resulting in fluffy, dry powder snow.
In addition, because temperatures remain low, freshly fallen snow changes slowly after it accumulates. As a result, high-quality JAPOW conditions can be maintained for a long period of time.
Basins are called “Bonchi” in Japanese pronunciation, and this type of snow is sometimes referred to as “Bonchi powder” or “Bonpow.”
Slope Layout for Beginners to Advanced Skiers
The ski area at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu features a well-balanced layout that is friendly for beginners while still keeping advanced skiers satisfied.
- Wide slopes with gentle gradients that are safe for foreigners skiing in Japan for the first time
- Well-maintained tree run areas that allow you to enjoy Hokkaido’s natural terrain
- Clear course signage with English support
The ski school also offers English support, so there is no need to worry if you do not speak Japanese. For travelers who are skiing in Japan for the first time or families who want to enjoy skiing safely, this is a very reassuring environment.
Course Information
There are a total of 29 courses (4 advanced, 14 intermediate, 10 beginner, and 1 first-time beginner course). The following are some of the representative courses among them.| Course Name | Level | Length (m) | Max Slope | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dragon Ridge | Intermediate | 840 | 32° | Groomed slope for intermediate to advanced skiers |
| Glory | Advanced | 520 | 25° | Ungroomed ridge course |
| Short Story | Intermediate | 150 | 20° | Short powder section |
| No Gravity | Advanced | 770 | 35° | Steep slope for advanced skiers |
| North Star | Advanced | 500 | 30° | Ungroomed advanced course |
| Silky Way | Intermediate | 510 | 28° | Moguls and variable snow conditions |
| Panorama Ridge | Intermediate | 790 | 18° | Scenic views, ideal for cruising |
| Platinum Bell | Beginner | 650 | 16° | Wide beginner-friendly slope |
| Silver Bell | Beginner | 3300 | 10° | Long cruising course over 3 km |
Night Skiing and Tranquility — The Charm of Tomamu at Night
At Tomamu, you can also enjoy night skiing. At night, temperatures drop even further than during the day, allowing the snow to firm up and creating a magical atmosphere for skiing.
With fewer people on the slopes, skiing in the quiet nighttime environment is something you cannot experience at urban ski resorts. Spending the day sightseeing or resting and skiing leisurely at night is a style of stay that only a resort like this can offer.
More Than Just Skiing — A Fully Integrated Resort Experience
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu is not just a ski resort. It is designed as a resort where skiing and the overall stay experience are seamlessly combined.
- Restaurants and cafés
- Hot spring facilities
- Indoor swimming pool
- Spa and lounges
All of these facilities are concentrated within the resort, minimizing the stress of moving around. In particular, warming up in a hot spring after skiing is a memorable experience for foreign visitors who are experiencing Japanese culture for the first time.
Winter-Only Event: Ice Village
One attraction that cannot be overlooked when talking about Tomamu in winter is the Ice Village. This is a limited-time, fantastical town made entirely of ice and snow, including bars, a chapel, and even hotels.
Visiting the Ice Village after skiing is truly an event that allows you to experience a Hokkaido winter. Not only is it extremely photogenic, but it is also highly regarded overseas as an experience that symbolizes Japan’s snow culture.
Easy Access for International Travelers
Tomamu is a ski resort in Hokkaido with relatively simple access.
- Accessible from New Chitose Airport by train or car
- Direct access from Tomamu Station, making travel easy even with large luggage
The fact that you can reach the resort without renting a car is a major advantage for foreign travelers who may be uneasy about driving on snowy roads.
Conclusion: A Place Where JAPOW and Japanese-Style Resort Stays Come Together
At Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, you can experience all of the following in a single stay:
- Light and dry, authentic JAPOW
- Slopes that are friendly for beginners
- High-quality resort facilities with English support
- Special winter-only events
It is one of the few snow resorts in Japan where all of these elements come together. For foreign visitors who want to explore ski resorts beyond Niseko and Rusutsu, Tomamu is highly recommended. Here, you can enjoy a type of JAPOW that is different from anywhere else.
