Club Med Sahoro is arguably one of the most convenient all-inclusive ways to introduce young families to skiing where your accommodation, dining, alcohol, lift passes, and ski lessons are all covered.
Planning a family ski trip often feels like a logistical mountain before you even reach the actual mountains. Between organizing gear, booking lessons, and finding restaurants that will feed a picky 5-year-old, the "holiday" part can easily get lost.
Hester, our BYKidO content creator, recently traveled to Club Med Sahoro in Hokkaido with her husband and two children (aged 4 and 7) to see if the all-inclusive promise lives up to the hype. If you are looking for a winter escape where you can leave your wallet in the safe and your worries at the door, here is everything you need to know about her mid-December experience.
The 2-Minute TL;DR Summary
If you don't have time to read the full review, here is the bottom line: Club Med Sahoro is arguably one of the most convenient ways to introduce young families to skiing. It is an all-inclusive experience where your accommodation, dining, alcohol, lift passes, and ski lessons are all covered in one upfront price.
The convenience is unmatched. You don't need to cook, clean, or ferry kids to ski school—it’s all on-site. The vibe is intimate and international, making it perfect for beginners who want a supportive environment.
Do note that while the resort is cosy it is a rather old resort where rooms can be small compared to modern luxury hotels, and the transfer from Sapporo does take a few hours. In summary, we think this is ideal for families who value peace of mind and convenience over ultra-modern luxury. If you appreciate what you are paying for (convenience and not luxury), you will be in for treat!
Getting There: The Journey to the Powder
Club Med Sahoro is located in central Hokkaido, famous for its high-quality powder snow. For international travellers, the most common route is flying into New Chitose Airport (Sapporo). From the airport, it is a coach transfer of approximately 2 to 2.5 hours to the resort.
While the travel time might seem long with little ones, the experience is seamless if you book the transfer package. You are met at arrivals and guided to the bus, meaning you don't have to navigate confusing train schedules or lug heavy baggage through snowy streets. Alternatively, you can fly into the smaller Obihiro Airport, which is closer (about 75 minutes away), though international flight options are far more limited.
If this is your first-time on a ski holidays, you will be wow-ed by the snowy landscape throughout the journey!
The All-Inclusive "Worry-Free" Experience
The defining feature of this trip was the absolute ease of the experience. Get ready for a "worry-free" holiday where the mental load of parenting is significantly reduced.
Everything is designed to be frictionless. Upon arrival, you receive a bracelet that acts as your room key, your ski locker key, and your resort pass. This small detail is a game-changer—no fumbling for plastic cards with thick gloved hands or worrying about the kids losing their keys.
The dining experience is a highlight. All meals are included, and the quality is exceptional, described as "near perfection." The buffet offers an extensive variety of international and local Japanese cuisines, ensuring that even fussy eaters are well-fed. Crucially for the adults, alcohol is also inclusive. You can enjoy a beer or a glass of wine with dinner without constantly calculating the bill, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.
Skiing and Snow: A Haven for Beginners
If you are a family of first-timers, Sahoro is a fantastic choice. The resort attracts guests from all over the world, creating a diverse, non-judgmental atmosphere. There is no intimidation here; everyone is supportive, and the "exclusive" nature of the private resort means the slopes are uncrowded compared to busier hubs like Niseko.
Ski and snowboard lessons are included in your package, which is a massive cost-saver. There are English-speaking instructors who are also patient and excellent with children. The snow was soft and powdery—perfect for learning—but advised that it gets incredibly cold. Her top tip? Bring more thermal layers than you think you need. It is better to be too warm than to cut your ski day short because you are freezing.
For the Parents: The Magic of Mini Club Med
For many parents, the "Mini Club" is the real reason to book. Suitable for children aged 4 to 10, this isn't just a daycare; it is a full ski school programme. The G.O.s take excellent care of the children, helping them with their gear and taking them out for lessons.
This setup offers parents true freedom. You can spend your day hitting the more advanced slopes or relaxing, knowing your children are learning a new sport in safe hands. The kids can also choose to enjoy indoor games and activities, making friends with other children from around the globe.
Accommodation and Facilities: The Honest Truth
To ensure you have the right expectations, it is worth noting that the rooms at Sahoro are "Japanese cosy"—which is to say, they can be quite small. The resort is also older and it was noted that the toilets occasionally had a "funky" smell, likely due to the older plumbing common in mountain resorts. While the facilities are immaculate and clean, the room hardware is functional rather than opulent.
However, the wellness facilities more than make up for the room size. The Ofuro (Japanese indoor bath) is the perfect remedy for sore muscles after a day on the slopes. For a unique experience, you must try the Canadian Bath—an outdoor hot tub where you wear swimwear and soak yourselves in the middle of the snow! Stepping out into the freezing air is a shock, but soaking in the hot water with snow falling around you offers the best views of the resort.
Entertainment Beyond the Snow
If you need a break from the snow, the resort is well-equipped with a gym, yoga classes, badminton, table tennis, and a rock-climbing wall for more fun!
Families can also expect lots of family-friendly activities, including craft work for kids as well as performances every evening! We even caught a circus act on one of the evenings!
What Does It Cost?
Club Med is an upfront investment. For a family of four (two adults, two kids) traveling in mid-December, you can expect the resort package to cost between SGD $8,000 and $12,000 for a 5 to 6-night stay. Prices vary significantly depending on how early you book and your travel dates.
While the resort is all-inclusive, you should budget for ski equipment rental (skis, boots, helmets), which is not included. These out-of-pocket expenses cost around SGD $300 - $500 per person for the week. You will also need to bring or buy your own goggles, gloves, and socks, as these cannot be rented for hygiene reasons. The resort shop is small, so we highly recommend buying these items in Singapore or at a city UNIQLO or Decathlon before heading to the mountains.
Why We Think It Is a Top Family-Friendly Option
Ultimately, Club Med Sahoro is definitely not a budget option, but it stands out because it prioritises family connection and convenience. The environment is safe, private, and contained. During meal times, the communal seating often leads to families chatting with one another or dining with the staff, creating a close-knit village feel.
By the end of the trip, you don't just feel like a guest; you feel like part of a community. For parents who want to give their kids a magical winter experience without the stress of managing every single logistic, Club Med Sahoro is a winning choice.
For more details, do visit Club Med Sahoro.
