Tomamu Japan; Off-Piste Skiing Galore!!
Posted: Tuesday, July 06, 2010
by Greg Doyle
Powderhounds
Tomamu is a good ski resort for all ability levels, but for advanced riders the tree skiing (which isn't banned unlike many Japanese resorts) is really enjoyable. There are also great powder stashes in the backcountry if you can appear invisible and are good at doing the limbo under ropes. The terrain isn't particularly steep but it has the infamous dry Hokkaido powder, and absolutely no crowds (in fact I would go as far as to say that at times you feel like you are the only ones there) - the perfect powderhound combination. And if that's not enough to satisfy your craving for powder, they also have cat skiing and the only heli-skiing operation in Hokkaido.
Accommodation is at the base area in towering hotel monstrosities. The 50 metre wave pool that comes complete with Hawaiian music adds to the classical Japanese kitsch. There is also an entire spa complex incorporated with the wave pool and a top class restaurant. Even though it's very resorty, the accommodation is of a high standard, and the towers are conveniently ski-in ski-out (and surprisingly inexpensive).
The restaurants at Tomamu are fabulous however most work on an "all you can eat banquet basis" so make sure you shed those kilos before visiting Tomamu as you are likely to add a few inches around the waist. The quality of the food is generally outstanding so it is hard to stop yourself from going back for 2nds, 3rds and yeah even fourth's. And then it's time to try out the deserts. Even breakfast works on this basis!
If you want aprs or nightlife action, this is not the place for you. It's incredibly family oriented and the best drinks can be bought from one of the hundreds of vending machines! About the only place to party is back in your hotel room.
There is a small amount of nightlife in the town of Shintoku which can be accesses via train from the Tomamu station (about 20 mins away). It is a very traditional regional Hokkaido town with some lovely little cosy restaurants and bars. Definately worth checking out at least once whilst you are in Tomamu.
Don't leave it too long because the word is out; Tomamu has plenty of the deep dry POW with virtually no crowds.
Greg Doyle is the Top Dog for Powderhounds.com, a leading resource for information about ski resorts around the world. See ski japan reviews here.
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