The Skiers' Guide to Tomamu

On the day we got to Tomamu was the day after a new snowfall record was established for Hokkaido. An incredible 1m29cm in 12 hours! Untracked thigh deep snow everywhere. Unfortunately it also came with high winds, so we only managed to get one ride up in the main gondola before it stopped working. We used some chairlifts from then on, but as usual in Japan, these are not great. Japanese ski resorts are badly in need of investment.

Skiing both on the slopes and in the trees was amazing. The snow was light and fluffy, the gradients just right to be able to get good speed and rhythm going and just float down without feeling in the least bit stressed. The visibility was surprisingly good despite constant heavy snow coming down, thanks to the trees providing contour.

There is a Club Med in Tomamu, so there were plenty of groups of kids on the slopes, but the lift queues were not overlong.