Club Med has partnered with Japan Airlines to welcome 11 travel agents to Japan for its exclusive Japan Ski Famil as demand for premium Japan ski resorts rise in the first week of sales opening for the 2026/27 season.
Eleven agents from Travel Associates across NSW, ACT and Victoria were invited to experience the best of Japan. Relaxing in Japan Airlines airport lounges before travelling on its Economy, Premium Economy and Business Class cabins, agents experienced the airline’s renowned hospitality, thoughtful service and elevated in-flight dining, setting the tone for a seamless journey from departure to destination.
Tokyo
Arriving in Tokyo, agents were immersed in the energy of the city with stays across two iconic properties. Agents from Melbourne enjoyed a two-night stay at the New Otani Hotel, renowned for its expansive 400-year-old Japanese garden and prime location, offering a tranquil escape in the heart of the city.
The Sydney group experienced both properties, staying one night at the New Otani Hotel and one night at The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Known for its contemporary design, panoramic skyline views and premium positioning, The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho offered a modern luxury experience, showcasing Tokyo’s dynamic cityscape.
Throughout their time in Tokyo, agents explored the city at leisure, discovering iconic neighbourhoods, cultural landmarks and local experiences. Demonstrating how seamlessly a Tokyo stopover can be incorporated into client itineraries, the experience was rounded out with an evening at Bar Illumiid, where agents enjoyed cocktails overlooking the glittering Tokyo skyline.
Hokkaido
From Tokyo, agents travelled north to the renowned powder fields of Hokkaido on Japan Airlines’ luxurious A350-900 aircraft, arriving at Club Med Kiroro Grand at the height of ski season. Set amongst unspoilt nature, the resort is celebrated for its abundant snowfall, wide-open runs and suitability for all skill levels, from first-time skiers to advanced enthusiasts.
On arrival, agents experienced the seamless all-inclusive offering firsthand, from professional ski fittings and organised locker facilities to enrolling in group ski lessons tailored to their ability. Days were spent exploring the extensive terrain, with expert instructors guiding guests across pristine slopes known for their light, dry powder.
Beyond the slopes, Club Med Kiroro Grand showcased its holistic resort offering. Agents experienced a diverse culinary journey across multiple dining venues, including The Yoichi, the resort’s main restaurant featuring international and Japanese cuisine, and The Ogon, the specialty restaurant highlighting elevated regional flavours. A visit to the neighbouring Exclusive Collection property, Club Med Kiroro Peak, further demonstrated the brand’s premium offering for adult guests seeking a more elevated, boutique ski experience.
Apres-ski came to life each evening with signature Club Med entertainment, from lively performances to social gatherings, reinforcing the brand’s unique ability to blend sport, culture and connection.
Brand immersion
The famil also included an in-depth brand immersion session with both Club Med and Japan Airlines, equipping agents with the latest product updates, key selling points and insights into upcoming developments, ensuring they return to market as confident ambassadors for Japan ski travel.
“Demand for Japan continues to surge, with results from the first week of our Early Bird sales opening highlighting soaring appetite for the destination,” Club Med Pacific and new ESAP markets general manager Michelle Davies said.
“Sales increased by 80 per cent year-on-year, alongside a 66 per cent rise in new guest numbers, reinforcing a clear shift towards travellers booking earlier to secure their preferred ski experiences.
“Building on this strong demand, we were delighted to welcome our valued travel agent partners from Travel Associates, alongside Japan Airlines, to Club Med Kiroro Grand to experience firsthand both the destination and Club Med offering.
“Through this partnership, we showcased how seamlessly a Tokyo stopover can be integrated into a Japan ski holiday. With just a short flight from Tokyo to New Chitose, it provides the perfect opportunity to break up the journey while immersing travellers in Japan’s rich culture, vibrant city life and seasonal beauty, particularly during the iconic cherry blossom period.”
“Japan has long been a premier destination for skiing and snowboarding, with an increasing number of Australians traveling to Hokkaido and Honshu each year,” Japan Airlines passenger & agency sales account manager Yukari Kato said. “Beyond the snow season, we are seeing a growing trend of repeat visitors exploring Japan throughout the year.
“Japan Airlines operates direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Tokyo, providing a seamless gateway for Australians to experience Japan. The JAL Air Pass makes it even easier for travellers to explore Japan’s unique culture and diverse regions, offering a special fare on eligible routes for those residing outside of Japan.
“This famil was an excellent opportunity to showcase JAL’s premium products and services. We look forward to welcoming more Australian travellers onboard JAL flights, including our extensive Japan domestic network.”
Travel Agents with clients eager to experience all that Club Med’s Japan ski resorts have to offer can secure savings of up to 20 per cent with its Early Bird Sale 2027. Travel Agents need to be quick to book however with this offer ending 2 April 2026.
