A Magical March Escape To Club Med Sahoro

BusinessToday

4 hours ago

Arriving in Tokyo at the tail end of March felt surreal. The air was crisp, a delightful 10-17 degrees Celsius, and the days shone with a brilliant, energizing light. Walking through Shinjuku, bathed in the warm sun, we felt invincible, ready to conquer anything – even the 20,000 steps I clocked that day! Tokyo was awakening into spring—a vibrant tapestry of green punctuated by delicate sakura blooms. It was a stunning welcome, but my true destination lay beyond the city lights, in the snowy heart of Hokkaido.
Our journey to the Land of the Rising Sun wasn't about cherry blossoms; it was about chasing the last whispers of winter. 2025, a year of peculiar weather patterns, gifted Japan with a late-blooming snow season. And for me, that meant a ski holiday in March! While Hokkaido and its capital, Sapporo, are legendary for their powder, we were headed to a different kind of winter wonderland: Club Med Sahoro.
Invited for a ski excursion, we found ourselves nestled amidst the Hidaka Mountains, where Club Med had wisely chosen to establish its first Japanese ski resort. At 1,000 meters above sea level, the air was thin and clean, promising breathtaking views and exhilarating slopes. Club Med's presence in Japan is significant, boasting five resorts and a testament to the country's allure.
Powder Peaks and Post-Ski Pampering
The moment we arrived at Club Med Sahoro, we were captivated. The resort sat at the foot of a hill, a landscape draped in thick, powdery, cotton-white snow. The traditional Club Med welcome – warm greetings, a refreshing cocktail, and a briefing on the wonders that awaited – almost faded into the background as my gaze was drawn to the snow-covered terrace and the skiers gliding by, their gear gleaming in the sunlight. Our adventure was about to begin!
Hokkaido's reputation as a world-class winter sports destination is well-deserved. The climate is a skier's dream, blessing the mountains with the finest powder snow for an incredible 160 days each year. And Club Med resorts on this pristine island offer the perfect winter escape for everyone, from couples seeking romance to families creating memories and groups of friends chasing thrills.
Club Med Sahoro, proved to be an idyllic retreat. The resort caters to all levels of skiers, offering lessons on its 21 uncrowded slopes. For the adventurous, there were off-piste opportunities that beckoned, while beginners can have their day of fun at the lower valleys.
Beyond the slopes, we discovered a world of winter magic: snow trekking through pristine landscapes! Trying skiing for the first time was exhilarating—even if the sore muscles followed me into the next day, which gave me a good reason to experience the outdoor Canadian bath, where I soaked in steaming water surrounded by a breathtaking panorama of snow-covered land.
Evenings at Club Med Sahoro were a delightful immersion into Japanese culture. Skilled chefs prepared a daily feast of local delicacies, from the delicate artistry of sashimi to the perfect balance of flavours in sushi. With a daily change in menu, on one of the nights, guests were feted with unlimited show crabs, giant claws filled with succulent flesh…what a deal!
A taste of Japan
Looking at the ambience, we were informed that the resort's design paid homage to the traditional Ainu culture, with authentic carvings and textiles seamlessly woven into a contemporary aesthetic, which creates a truly immersive experience.
Club Med truly caters to everyone. For beginners and young families, the resorts feature charming snow gardens, gentle 'magic carpet' lifts, and inviting practice slopes. And for those seeking a challenge, a vast expanse of advanced slopes, black runs, and off-piste adventures awaited.
Beyond the exhilaration of expert-led ski lessons and the thrill of downhill runs, a world of fun unfolds in and around the resorts. I spent an afternoon at Japan's largest indoor wave pool and explored an illuminated ice village, a shimmering spectacle of winter artistry. Evenings were filled with the warmth of Japanese hospitality, well-curated performances by the 'Gentils Organisateurs' or G.Os, putting on shows to thrill both the young and adults. And no evening is over without music and dance!
Our March ski trip to Club Med Sahoro was more than just a holiday; it was an unforgettable adventure, a journey into a winter wonderland I never expected to find so late in the season. It was a testament to the magic of Hokkaido and the unique charm of Club Med, which is truly a place where the thrill of the slopes meets the beauty of Japanese culture, creating a truly unforgettable experience.
Next sojourn…Tomamu, perhaps? Related