Powder Paradise

Club med Tomamu Hokkaido kicks the ski resort experience up a notch.

- Terence Ruis

We arrived in Haneda at six in the morning, but the domestic airport we transited at on our way to Chitose was already bustling with activity. Men in black suits were rushing from security checkpoints to cafes for a quick caffeine fix before joining the queues at the boarding gates. I’ve never been to this domestic aiport before, but the sense of urgency that filled it was strangely familiar.

There was an unspoken understanding among our travel group that it was too early for conversation so we stood around silently until we boarded.

I tried my best to stay awake for take-off but sleep quickly claimed me. I woke up due to a feeling of warmth on my face. The sun was shining in over thick clouds.

Emerging from my sleepy stupor, I realised we were making our descent and what I thought were clouds was actually snow. Untouched white powder covering the land for as far as my eyes could see. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything so beautiful.

Our transfer from Chitose to Tomamu took just under two hours via coach, and I spent most of it peering out the window. Everything was quiet and calm, that is until we arrive at Club Med Tomamu, where we were greeted by a rambunctious bunch of people known as Gracious Organisers or GOs. That’s what Club Med’s staff are called.

After a long silent journey to the resort, the boisterous welcome was a fitting reminder that the party had begun.

White Powder