Nestled in the Kiroro domain of Hokkaido is a charming mountain resort that offers cultural, dining, and recreational experiences for all.
Expect the unexpected at Club Med Kiroro Grand, a unique family-friendly destination that combines distinctive individuality and one-of-a-kind experiences that showcase the unconventional side of Hokkaido.
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Nestled in the pristine Kiroro domain that boasts the finest powder snow in the world and the highest average snowfall of 21 meters in Hokkaido with 160 days of winter, Club Med Kiroro promises an elevated mountain vacation experience delivered with their signature premium all-inclusive programming. Bringing on a new dimension to vacation experiences, this charming mountain resort offers a multitude of facilities and activities including the brand’s first traditional Japanese onsen (hot spring), distinctive restaurant and bar concepts, a full-service spa and wellness space, and modern event spaces. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, sodas, and certain alcoholic beverages including Sapporo beer are all-inclusive in their package.
Inspired by the dreamlike scenery of Kiroro’s natural landscape, Club Med Kiroro Grand is designed with a distinctive enchanted forest theme, creating a wonderland for the senses. Guests will be drawn into Club Med ski resorts’ signature mountain charms within the grand lobby. Communal spaces will bring the great outdoors inside and each of the resort’s 266 guestrooms will effortlessly integrate natural finishes and rich Japanese influence inspired by an enriching narrative of a mythical journey up the mountains.
This beautiful ski resort offers a multitude of facilities and activities Adventure seekers can blaze new trails and experience the best high-altitude adventure playgrounds. Skiing and snowboarding are limited to winter only. Kiroro has spring skiing as snow is still here when the snow has melted in other parts of Hokkaido. Club Med Kiroro Grand houses a wide host of family-oriented activities and facilities suitable for all ages from 2 years old. Their nearby sister hotel Club Med Kiroro Peak allows families with children 12 years and over only. New programs and activities are designed for multi-generational families to allow each family member to spend some “me-time” alone and quality time together as a family. Snow trekking around the mountains is a popular family activity here. The resort offers guests unlimited ski-in, ski-out access to a pristine ski domain with 23 courses and off-piste ski slopes (terrain that’s off the groomed trails), and daily group ski and snowboard lessons for all age groups ranging from beginner to advanced.
There are many ways to relax and enjoy the mountain resort after ski activities such as dining and relaxation experiences and entertainment. Guests can indulge in a full body and wellness experience during their winter holiday. Take a relaxing soak in the Rotenburo outdoor hot tub or indulge in soothing treatments at the Club Med Spa. The charming mountain resort offers a state-of-the-art fitness center and daily guided yoga classes as well as a dedicated wellness space that includes an indoor swimming pool, whirlpool bath and sauna rooms.
Yoichi is the main dining hall where one can indulge in a wide variety of Japanese and international delights at the elegant dining buffet restaurant that spreads across four “Enchanted Forest” themed dining spaces. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served here. I was quite happy assembling my chirashi bowl (fresh, sashimi-grade seafood topped over rice) which I overflowed with ikura (salmon roe), salmon, and hokkigai (surf clam). Food is changed daily but the minimum stay in the resort is three nights so it is likely you’ll chance upon one of my favorite dinners- one with the all-you-can-eat Hokkaido oysters and snow crab. Guests can also enjoy a homely dining experience at The Ogon, an Asian-fusion restaurant that specializes in Chinese and Thai cuisine using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the Hokkaido region.
There are two excellent specialty restaurants in the resort. The Kaen is a yakiniku specialty restaurant that presents an authentic Japanese barbecue dining experience featuring premium grilled meats of Hokkaido and Wagyu beef, and ocean-fresh seafood paired with a selection of mouthwatering side dishes. The Ebisu is a sushi specialty restaurant offering a sumptuous meal paired with local sake or shochu. Dining in these two restaurants though are not included in the inclusive package as these establishments are within Club Med but not run by them.
There are optional activities offered outside the resort. Guests may wander through the coastal town Otaru, a port city known for their glasswork and oil lamp factories, music boxes, and sake distilleries. Just 40 minutes away from Club Med Kiroro Peak, discover local Hokkaido delights at Sankaku Fish Market and savor artisanal sake and beers from local breweries in the Otaru and Yoichi Distillery. Visitors normally bring home a music box, local delicacies, or a piece from the Otaru Glassmaking Workshop.
Founded in 1950 by Gerard Blitz, Club Med invented the all-inclusive holiday club concept, adding in activities especially for children with the creation of the Mini Club and has been a pioneer of kids and family experiences since 1967. Today, Club Med is the world’s leading provider of upscale all-inclusive holiday packages with a French touch for families and couples. Club Med operates nearly 70 resorts that offer a selection of the brand’s most exclusive resorts, villas, chalets, and yachts characterized by premium accommodations, exceptional hospitality, personalized services, exclusively beautiful locations, and refined dining concepts and lounges. Club Med is present in nearly 40 countries around the world, the French group employs more than 23,000 Gentils Organisateurs (G.0s) and Gentils Employés (G.Es), representing around 110 nationalities. These G.Os and G. Es usually provided a nightly theater show to entertain guests.
Families will feel right at home with several family-friendly activities and amenities, including a dedicated Kids Club for children aged two to 17 under the caring guidance of dedicated G.Os and instructors. Club Med makes it a priority to harmoniously integrate the resorts with their natural surroundings by keeping these beautiful spaces as untouched as possible. The built-up surfaces in all Club Med resorts cover less than 10% of the total site surface, allowing their guests to spend their holidays in well-preserved places. The Green Globe certification is the highest and most thoroughly tested standard of responsible tourism. Reviewed twice annually, resorts must prove levels of sustainability across all aspects, from training and recruitment to food and energy wastage, resort construction and biodiversity preservation, including the preservation of local culture of the surrounding communities. 100% of Club Med resorts have been awarded Green Globe certification for Sustainable Tourism since 2021.
Visit https://www.clubmed.asia/ for more information.
Photos provided by Club Med Kiroro Grand.
