Kamui Ski Links

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Kamui Ski Links Japan
Kamui Ski Links Japan
Great snow at Kamui Links
Great snow at Kamui Links
Center House at Kamui Hokkaido
Center House at Kamui Hokkaido
The lifts are rather old school
The lifts are rather old school
Kamui has some lovely sidecountry
Kamui has some lovely sidecountry
A pair of skins will give you access to lots of powder lines
A pair of skins will give you access to lots of powder lines
Light dry powder at Kamui Ski Links
Light dry powder at Kamui Ski Links
Summit Restaurant at Kamui Ski Links
Summit Restaurant at Kamui Ski Links
Not quite a full powder reset
Not quite a full powder reset
Some open powder fields
Some open powder fields
The 4-person gondola at Kamui Japan
The 4-person gondola at Kamui Japan
Inexpensive meals at the cafeteria
Inexpensive meals at the cafeteria
Summit restaurant has a fireplace
Summit restaurant has a fireplace
Typical Japan ski resort fare
Typical Japan ski resort fare
King of Kamui
King of Kamui
Lovely views from the restaurant at the summit
Lovely views from the restaurant at the summit
Some easy mellow off-piste slopes
Some easy mellow off-piste slopes
Hard morning on the slopes
Hard morning on the slopes
Lovely powder at Kamui Ski Resort
Lovely powder at Kamui Ski Resort
Meeting some of the defence force
Meeting some of the defence force

Kamui Ski Links

Readers Ratings

Kamui

Kamui3.5/512
Kamui3.5 out of 5 based on 12 reviews
  • Recommend
    83%
  • Would Revisit
    83%

Kamui Ski Links Japan

Kamui Ski Links in Japan is a fantastic little cheap ski resort that provides plenty of opportunities for powder skiing and snowboarding. “Kamui” means “god” or “divine being” in Ainu mythology and Kamui Japan is definitely blessed by the powder gods and a divine place where you can have an all-you-can-eat powder buffet!

Kamui Ski Links is not a destination resort and is best visited from either Asahikawa or Furano. If the snow’s on, which it frequently is, there’s enough terrain to keep powder hounds interested for two to three days.

Pros and Cons of Kamui Ski Resort

Pros 
  • Lift passes are very cheap.
  • Despite the moderate altitude, the aspect is very good, temperatures are usually really cold, and the quality of the powder is often exceptional.
  • Kamui Ski Links offers some fun lift-serviced off-piste and sidecountry riding.
  • Kamui Links is a great little powder hound treasure. More powder hunters are heading there now, but it’s uncrowded compared to the high profile resorts and there are usually freshies on offer.
  • One advantage of skiing at Kamui and staying in Asahikawa is that you don’t stay at a resort where the cultural experiences can sometimes be artificial. There aren’t many gaijin in Asahikawa and you will absolutely experience the real Japan. You can bow to your heart’s content and say konnichiwa over and over (and plenty of other Japanese words). If you want to completely absorb the Japanese culture you can even wear a mini skirt with bare legs in minus 20 degrees temperatures – if that takes your fancy!
Cons
  • There is no on-mountain accommodation but staying in Asahikawa is pretty cool (see pro) and being a non-destination resort keeps the international crowds down.
  • It’s a small ski area so there’s not huge terrain variety (and is therefore ideally visited as part of a multi-resort trip).  
  • Like a lot of other Japanese ski resorts, the lifts are old and slow.
Pro or Con Depending On Your Perspective
  • Kamui has some lovely sidecountry although there’s a lot of traversing to get back into the resort, which may not excite some snowboarders.

Kamui Ski and Snowboard Terrain

Kamui Ski Links is a reasonably small to mid sized ski resort with 25 courses and about 600 metres of vertical (150 to 751 metres). There are 6 lifts that consist of one gondola and 5 pair chair lifts. There are great groomed runs for beginners and intermediate riders, and the trail statistics are pretty typical of many Japanese ski resorts: 40% beginner; 40% intermediate; and 20% advanced.

A very relaxed approach to off-piste and tree skiing is a major plus for Kamui Links, as are the out-of-bounds (sidecountry) areas that are easily accessible via the lift system and a bit of traversing.

This resort has a reputation for being uncrowded, but there can be queues for the gondola, especially on weekends, and the groomed runs can be busy with school children and army groups. Nevertheless, it’s easy to see why this resort has the reputation of quietness. Away from the groomed runs there are generally very few people, and there are fresh tracks to be ripped up.

Kamui Snow

Like its central Hokkaido counterparts, Kamui Ski Resort doesn’t receive as much snowfall as the coastal resorts (8m per season on average), but the quality of the snow is often outstanding! It’s up there as some of the best in the world!

Where is Kamui Links Ski Resort?

Kamui Ski Links is only a 25 minute drive from downtown Asahikawa on the north island (Hokkaido) of Japan. Asahikawa is 1.5 hours northeast of Sapporo, and from Asahikawa, Kamui Ski Links is easily accessible via car or bus.

Furano ski resort is a little further away, but it’s also commonly used as a base for Kamui Links.

Accommodation

Kamui Ski Links is a small no-frills resort with no associated town or accommodation. Accommodation options include Asahikawa hotels or Furano hotels.

Facilities

The facilities at Kamui Links include a few on-mountain restaurants, a retail shop, equipment rentals, and ski school services (in Japanese). Of course there are plenty of vending machines (this is Japan after all) and you’ll need to rely on these if you want to partake in an après ski drink.
Tours That May Include Kamui

Safari (Road Trip) Tours

Hokkaido Storm Chaser
GUIDED STORM CHASING SAFARI
7 Days | 6 Nights | 6 Ski Areas
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Chase the storms and access the deepest and best quality snow conditions on the day in the Otaru area and Central Hokkaido's world famous deep dry powder.
Price p/p Displayed price may cary slightly due to exchange rates fluctuations
Base/invoice currency is JPY
Price includes 13% tax.
Base/invoice currency is JPY
Price includes 13% tax.
USD 2,807
View Details
 
Hokkaido Backcountry Powder Quest
GUIDED BACKCOUNTRY TOUR
7 Nights | 8 Days
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Jump on the Hokkaido Backcountry Powder Quest tour & experience the magical powder wonderland Hokkaido is famous for along with its rich culture & incredible cuisine. Join as a solo, couple or small group; max 6 guests per tour & guaranteed departures.
Price p/p Price per person, based on 2025 group tour
USD 4,499
View Details
 
Hokkaido Safari
GUIDED POWDER PROGRESSION ROAD TRIP
12 Days | Up to 11 Days Guided Skiing/Riding
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Explore multiple Hokkaido ski areas on this amazing powder progression adventure for advanced to expert skiers & boarders. Locations include the Otaru/Sapporo & Furano ski areas. Groups of up to 4 guests are guided by 1 guide. From price is based on twin share in deluxe western-style room.
Price p/p From price based on double-share room staying at La Vista Furano Hotel & Dormy Inn Premium Otaru; 4 on tour for 2024 season.
Base/invoice currency is in USD inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 4,335
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See all Safari (Road Trip) tours that visit Kamui here

Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area Tours

Furano/Central Hokkaido Experience
LOCAL GUIDED & HOSTED TOUR
7 Nights | 5 Days Guided | 1 Unguided free day | Furano + 4
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Advanced
Experience the best powder that Furano & the Central Hokkaido region has to offer. Venture off-piste in Furano, Kamui, Tomamu, Sahoro & Asahidake with some local guides for the total Central Hokkaido ski/board adventure. It’s their passion to show you what skiing/riding in Japan is all about!
Price p/p From price based on twin/triple-share room for 2024 season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY inc. taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,729
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Central Hokkaido Tour
FULLY GUIDED & HOSTED TOUR
10 Nights | 8 Days Skiing/Riding
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Avoid the crowds and revel in the renowned high quality Central Hokkaido powder at Furano, Asahidake, Kamui Links, and hidden gems such as Pippu, Sahoro and Tomamu. Mostly lift accessed powder hunting, plus the option to do a little hiking to get more goods.
Price p/p From price based on twin/double-share group option for mid season 2024 tours per person.
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese yen inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,848
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Guided Day Tours
CENTRAL HOKKAIDO GUIDED DAY TOURS
For private groups of up to 6 participants
Ability: Intermediate to Expert
Looking for a guide for a day or more for yourself and up to 5 other friends from Furano? Terrain focus is off-piste, sidecountry & backcountry at destinations include Furano, Kamui, Asahidake, Tomamu, Pippu & Sahoro. Touring options at Furanodake, Tokahidake & Kurodake available. Enquire for details.
Price p/p
USD 84
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See all Single-Base, Multi-Ski-Area tours that visit Kamui here

Backcountry Skiing Tours

Hidden Hokkaido
INTRO TO POWDER/PROGRESSION
9 Days | 8 Nights
Ability: Advanced
Ideal for advanced skiers & riders as an intro to powder or powder progression. Head to the best of the Hokkaido ski resorts from the bases of Niseko & Furano & get guided to the best lift-accessed powder stashes.
Price p/p
USD 3,752
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High Earnings
BACKCOUNTRY POWDER CHASING
8 Nights | 7 Guided Days
Ability: Advanced to Expert
Enter the powder room! Visit some of Hokkaido's most remote locations and best backcountry zones. This trip has a backcountry touring focus and the skins will probably go on every day but your group will be within reach of ski resorts if the weather isn't suitable for touring or the lift accessed pow looks too good!
Price p/p From price based on twin/triple-share 2023-24 season.
Price per person for a group of 5 with 1 guide for 9 day package. Base/invoice currency is in JPY inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 2,472
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Kamikawa Backcountry
NORTH CENTRAL HOKKAIDO BACKCOUNTRY
5 Nights | 4 Guided Ski Days
Ability: Advanced to Expert
This CUSTOMIZABLE private guided backcountry tour is based in the little town of Kamikawa in North Central Hokkaido which is well positioned for backcountry skiing/splitboarding at nearby mountain passes and Kurodake.
Price p/p From price based on twin/triple-share based on group of 5 with 1 guide (per person) 2023-24 season.
Base/invoice currency is in JPY inc taxes.
*Displayed price may vary due to currency fluctuations.
USD 1,467
View Details
 
See all Backcountry Skiing tours that visit Kamui here
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