3 nights might be better at Tomamu. We stayed for 3 nights in January and, even as non-skiers, there was plenty for us to do. Make sure you check their activities and restaurant pages, plan ahead, and make bookings spot on the very second bookings open otherwise you'll miss out.

It's very icy around there, not sure how the elderly would go/safety concerns. It would be ok if they are used to ice and snow, or stay within the resort buildings. I remember thinking that we didn't see anyone 60yo+ when we were there.

Thanks for your feedback :)

Staying in Asahikawa as base and though of exploring Zoo, Biei, Blue Pond, Furano etc.

But now, thinking of 2 nights instead.

Going back and fro from Sapporo to the zoo seems too tedious as I see the travelling journey is more than 4hrs back and forth.

Anyway, thank you once again.

Hoshino Resort Tomamu is too expensive for a 3 nights stay :S

Furthermore, don't intend to ski as well unless maybe the teens got the mood when we are there :)

Did you spend 3 days in the resort only?

Where can I check their activities and restaurant pages?

Thanks in advance :)

Basic question. Have you driven in the snow?

https://matcha-jp.com/en/9378

https://www.lifestinymiracles.com/2017/01/driving-in-hokkaido-winter/

https://www.powderlife.com/blog/driving-surviving-hokkaido-winters/

Here's the activities in Tomamu (last winter):

https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/en/activity/

Note, some don't start until late Dec or even early January.

That might be why the mid-Dec rate actually looks pretty good, compared to what late Dec and early Jan is. Tomamu I think is one of the better priced resorts, which is why we went as non-skiers.

Nothing about a ski or snow resort is cheap, in my opinion. If you want to go, you need to factor in all the costs - not just the accommodation, but the meals, clothing/equipment hire, and the activities. We went as a one-off for the kids. You sort of need to pay for the activities here, otherwise you're wasting your time sitting around the hotel, it defeats the purpose of going.

For us, the activities were really great. The restaurants were great too. The rooms were dated though and needed a refurb.

… check Tomamu Risonare, the room options there might work for a large group

Our route is almost the same but we were there 5 years back. Around 1st 2 weeks of December. Kids were 9-14, they literally can enjoy the snow anywhere, just lie down and do butterfly flutters. But need keep the elderly warm and they will feel cold if they are not participating in the activities.

Tomanu Resort - We enjoyed. Kids took ski lessons, then we tried the different restaurants for breakfast, and within the resort there are also restaurants for dinner. Kids can also play sleds (self purchased) while adults can sit at an enclosed cafe space enjoying a warm drink. Also, go to Unkai Terrace on gondolas. Good experience, super cold, the kids play around, build snowmen while me and the hubby shiver in the cold. Lucky there is a little cafe so we got ourselves a warm coffee! Take nice memorable photos. Note that some of their activities are available from end-December or January only.

We drove coz we enjoyed the family chats during the journey. That time was our first time driving in winter, but we had always drove during travels. Be very careful and focused, do not jam brake as it will skid. Also must know which button for the anti-fog as window screen can turn foggy in winter.

The zoo, definitely a good experience if it's your first time there. We based ourselves in Furano, after Tomamu. Then we headed to an cozy ryokan in Otaru, while we also explored Otaru street and Tenguyama coz with the kids, it is bored for them if you get them to stay in the ryokan the entire day.

We also ended with Sapporo. Odori Park - quite bored for us. Shiroi Koibito very nice place to explore though we didn't buy the chocolates. Last day at Chitose airport coz we had an early flight home.

Enjoy your trip. In winter, the day is short. We will head there again but planning a different itinerary this time!

@Renee1901, thanks for all the information :)

@AddyY

Yes, we prefer to drive driving travel as well cos of the convenient especially with elderly and the luggages.

That's why I plan my route lake toya first, before heading to tomamu.

Now thinking if to have 3 nights at lake toya instead and 2 nights at either Asahiwaya or Furano.

Do you think 5 nights in Sapporo is too long?

But cos we do not want to keep changing accomodation.

Thank for you for your feedback :)