I was recently invited to participate in a famil to Club Med Tomamu in Japan alongside four of my itravel compatriots.
I learned to ski at age eight in Austria and grew up in Northeastern USA, so skiing was very much a huge part of my childhood. I recently picked up the sport again after a 17-year hiatus but had never skied in Japan. I was so excited to be invited!
My children are fully grown and therefore my tolerance of little people is not what it used to be.
I arrived a day earlier than the group to get an extra day on the slopes and must confess that I was on the phone to my husband that evening unsure that this was the right place for me…but what a difference 24 hours can make!
I hit the slopes next morning for my private lesson with my instructor Nathan to brush up on my skills (or lack thereof) and was blown away by the organisation and set up of the entire ski operation at Club Med Tomamu.
Classes start from beginner all the way up to level six with the standard of instruction exceptional. Initially I didn’t want to have lessons, as I didn’t think I needed them, but even this old skier learned some new tricks with my technique improving dramatically throughout the week.
The proximity of the ski locker area to the slopes is second to none. No trudging up and down a hill lugging your gear. It was a thirty second walk, (if that), from my locker to the lesson meet and greet area before a short ski straight down the slope to the ski lift. It was so easy!
The mountain is smaller compared to European resorts, however there is an array of runs to suit all abilities.
I need not have worried about the food on offer at the buffet, as the quality was excellent. The restaurant was spotlessly clean, with guests made to sanitise on entry.
The food changed every day and the variety of dishes was sensational. I do believe that even the fussiest eaters would be well catered to. I also thought the wine was great too and often in all-inclusive resorts, this is not the case!
I loved the adult-only Nest bar, a dedicated space for guests to unwind after a day on the slopes with drinks to purchase. My only feedback was that this would better be served as a bar within the all-inclusive offering.
Now to the accommodation. The hotel is vast and spread over several buildings and I was lucky enough to have a room overlooking the slopes. It was magical to lie in bed and watch the snow fall.
The room was extremely spacious with comfortable beds meaning I slept very well every night – a good four-star standard.
The bathroom was a traditional Japanese bathroom, but more than adequate and overall, I though the décor at Tomamu was very well kept.
My first Club Med experience did not disappoint. The week was over far too quickly and I left a little piece of my heart at Club Med Tomamu.
I have already booked a week at Kiroro Peak for me and my husband next March and plan to visit Valmorel this December for a week. I really am 100% converted!
