The Ultimate Family Snow Trip

Our 6-Night Multigenerational Stay at Club Med Kiroro Grand

Travelling with grandparents, kids, and everything in between can feel like a logistical puzzle. We needed somewhere that could cater to a wide range of ages (two, up to 15) different energy levels and bedtimes, different interests and different tastes. So when Club Med Kiroro Grand entered the group chat as an option – it seemed like the perfect way to tick all of our boxes!

By the end of the week? Every single one of us was asking when we could go back.

The view from our FAMILY SUPERIOR ROOM. This little one loved watching the snow from the couch.

The Journey

Club Med Kiroro Grand is a 2 hour bus transfer from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport. A quick rest stop is made 1 hour into the journey so that you can stretch your legs and stock up on FamilyMart snacks.

Handy Hint: If you opt out of Club Med arranging your flights, the reservations team can still add this transfer to your package.

For families travelling with young children, flying direct is definitely the easiest option and something we would recommend for a smooth and stress-free start to the trip.

Excitement levels jumped significantly when we reached this sign after 2 hours transferring from New Chitose Airport!

First Impressions

Arriving in Kiroro felt like stepping into a postcard. Fresh powder blanketed absolutely everything, there was nothing but peaceful mountain views and crisp winter air.

We were ushered into a lounge to freshen up with warm towels and hot tea while our baggage was taken to our rooms, before being taken on a guided tour of the hotel.

The 11 years in between Japan snow trips meant we had forgotten just how cold it was! Luckily the Kiroro Grand gift shop stocked a huge range of ski gear so that we could upgrade our neck warmers to full face masks on lunch time of day 1! Glove warmers were a must, as was a fleece layer between thermals and our ski jackets.

Handy Hint: The ski shop at Kiroro Peak (connected to Kiroro Grand by gondola) also had a large selection of snow gear – and we found less expensive options here when we needed to replace broken goggles. They also had a great selection of Kiroro merchandise when it was time for souvenirs.

Mum and Dad loving the mountain life while the kids are safely tucked away at kids club ski school, learning the skills to be able to join us on the lifts next time we visit.

Ski School for the Win

We had a complex mix of abilities:

Kids who had never skied before
Teenagers who were skiing at an expert level
Adults who were a little rusty after a long break between snow trips

The ski school was phenomenal. Our smallest party members (ages 5 and 9) were grouped according to age and approximate experience level, while the adults could select whatever level they were comfortable with to begin, and move up from there. Whether brushing up on technique or tackling new terrain, everyone had the right level of support. Lessons were optional – those of us who had skied multiple times opted to take a map and head straight up.

For those not skiing? The resort atmosphere meant no one felt left out. There were cozy lounges, wellness spaces, and plenty of places to sit with a coffee and watch the snow fall.

Handy Hint: I opted for beginner ski equipment hire during the booking process as it had been 11 years since my last turn on the snow. On arrival the ski hire team let me know that unless I had never skied before I would need higher level equipment which incurred a small additional fee.

Handy Hint: Children must be at least 4 years old to participate in ski lessons with Mini Club Med (ages 4-10). Petit Club Med (ages 2-3) attendees are taken outside for snow play during the day, but will not participate in ski lessons.

Kids are allocated their own locker at their first kids club check in – so that you can leave their bulky snow items there during your stay. We sent the kids down in thermals each morning, and the friendly team helped them kit up before heading out for lessons.

The Beauty of Multigenerational Travel Here

What made this trip special was how naturally it worked for all ages.

The kids had structured activities and made friends quickly
Parents had actual downtime (a rare thing on family holidays!)
Grandparents could join in when they wanted – or simply enjoy the scenery and relaxed pace

We’d ski separately during the day and then reconnect in the afternoons for après snacks and hot chocolates. Evenings were effortless – no debating where to eat, no splitting bills, no cooking for a crowd.

There’s something really lovely about everyone having their own experience during the day but coming together at night to share stories.

Not only were the kids spoiled with a graduation ceremony as they moved up through the ski school classes – but they received a special badge pin to bring home. It is a very treasured souveneir!

Food & Evenings: Zero Stress

Feeding a large group with different tastes can be challenging – but not here. Each day offered an incredible variety, from generous buffet selections to à la carte plated meals that felt restaurant-quality. There were Italian favourites like fresh pizza and pasta for the kids (and let’s be honest, the adults too), beautiful Japanese dishes, and even themed evenings – including a standout seafood night that everyone is still talking about.

The variety at every meal meant the kids were happy, and the adults were genuinely impressed. Evenings had a relaxed, social energy. Some nights we stayed on for the entertainment and live performances; other nights we headed off early after big ski days. No pressure, no rigid plans – just plenty of delicious options and the freedom to enjoy them at our own pace.

When I say the buffet had something to suit everyone, I mean EVERYONE. Chinese, Italian, dumplings, noodles, sushi, western options. Even my picky eating chicken nugget devotee child didn’t go hungry.

The Little Things That Made a Big Difference

What really stood out to us weren’t just the big inclusions – it was how effortless everything felt. Our ski equipment was dry and ready in the heated locker rooms, and the staff genuinely remembered the kids’ names (the hotel manager would even be at the restaurant entrance to greet everyone at dinner!). The resort had plenty of flexible spaces where our family could hang out, keep the kids entertained, or just enjoy some quiet downtime.

Even when my daughter came down with a stomach bug, the team was amazing – checking in constantly, bringing food, and even sending a nurse to make sure she was okay. We were completely blown away by how cared for we felt.

With a multigenerational trip, it’s those little touches that make all the difference

Mini shredders loving life at ski school.

Was Six Nights Enough?

Six nights was the perfect length of time for us! It was just enough time that the beginner skiiers improved their confidence, for everyone to settle into a nice routine, and for us to actually relax without feeling rushed. Of course we would have loved to stay longer – but we didn’t feel like we’d blinked and missed it.

By the final day, we weren’t exhausted – just content (and slightly reluctant to pack).

I’ve never seen anything prettier than the snow covered trees. The ski speed was often slow so that you could take in the gorgeous scenery.

Would I Recommend It for Multigenerational Families?

Absolutely.

If you’re considering a snow holiday with grandparents and kids in tow, Club Med Kiroro Grand makes it remarkably simple. It removes the stress that often comes with group travel and replaces it with shared memories – snowy laughs, proud ski moments, long dinners, and cosy evenings together.

And for us, that’s what made it unforgettable.

A holiday where everyone – truly everyone – felt included. ❄️