Just under 30 minutes from Hokkaido’s second-largest city, Asahikawa, Kamui Ski Links is one of my personal favorites—a hidden gem with fewer crowds, excellent powder, wide slopes, and great value for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels.
Why do I love it? On snowy days, the snowfall here rivals Kiroro. Thanks to its central Hokkaido location, surrounded by mountains and benefiting from drier air, the quality of powder is comparable to Furano and Tomamu. And the best part? It’s affordable and budget-friendly, making it a fantastic ski resort to explore.
However, similar to Sapporo Teine and Sapporo Kokusai, Kamui Ski Links doesn’t have ski-in/ski-out accommodations nearby. To get there, you’ll typically need to take a bus, drive, or arrange private transportation.
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About Me
Hi, I’m Lorraine (also known as Ah B/Bo Bo), a ski instructor from Hong Kong. Here’s a bit about my background:
- CSIA Level 3 Ski Instructor (Canada)
- CASI Level 2 Snowboard Instructor (Canada)
- NZSIA Level 1 Free Ski Instructor (New Zealand)
- NZSIA Children’s Teaching Certificate (New Zealand)
- Avalanche Rescue Level 1 (Canada)
- Level 5 National Ski Instructor (China)
- Certified Examiner for China Public Ski Proficiency Standards
- Ski and Snowboard Boot Fitter
My team and I offer ski lessons in Chinese, English, and Cantonese in Japan, China, Canada, and Europe. If you’re looking for a quality instructor, feel free to reach out! Even if I can’t personally take your lesson, I can refer you to other great local instructors.
As someone who loves food and fun, I have a fuller figure, which adds an extra challenge to skiing. That’s why I’ve trained with world-class ski and snowboard instructors—if you’d like to connect with them, I can help arrange that too!
Why Visit Kamui Ski Links?
Here are a few reasons to check out Kamui Ski Links:
- Affordable lift tickets – Compared to other ski resorts of similar size in Hokkaido, Kamui is a real bargain. In 2025, a one-day pass costs just ¥5,300, while Sapporo Teine charges ¥8,800. And the food prices here are just as budget-friendly!
- Great snow quality – Although it’s not at a high elevation, Kamui’s orientation keeps temperatures low, helping to preserve fantastic powder snow. It’s a hidden powder paradise in central Hokkaido! The resort also offers ungroomed trails and side-country terrain—perfect for powder days.
- Fewer crowds – On weekdays, it often feels like you have the slopes to yourself (except when local school groups visit).
Here’s a photo taken during a holiday—apparently, this is considered “busy” for Kamui:
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What Are the Downsides?
Of course, there are a few drawbacks:
- No ski-in/ski-out accommodations (but staying in Asahikawa means you can visit the zoo!).
- It’s a smaller resort, so you can’t spend multiple days exploring like Niseko, Rusutsu, or Furano. Nonetheless, it makes a great addition to a longer trip.
- The lifts are a bit old and slow—be sure to bundle up on windy days!
Kamui Ski Links Basics
Kamui is a mid-sized ski resort in Hokkaido with 25 courses, 6 lifts (5 chairlifts + 1 gondola). About 35% of runs are beginner-friendly, 45% intermediate, and 20% advanced.
The ungroomed areas and tree runs are highlights—after a snowfall, you’ll find fresh powder all day long! The slopes are well-balanced, with beginner runs on both sides of the Center House lodge. The right side is better for beginner skiers, while the left is more suitable for beginner snowboarders.
If you take the gondola to the top, you can access more challenging red and black runs—similar to Treble Cone’s backcountry or Isola Mountain in Rusutsu. These areas are ideal for powder hunting!
Note for snowboarders: Some flat sections might require maintaining speed to avoid getting stuck.
Rental Gear & Lift Tickets
Lift tickets at Kamui are incredibly affordable! A single ride costs ¥500, and a day pass is ¥5,300. Don’t forget—there’s a ¥500 deposit for the ticket card, which you can refund before leaving. You can also purchase tickets online in advance and pick them up at the resort.
Full rental gear (skis/snowboard, clothing, boots, helmet, goggles) costs:
- ¥13,000 for a full day
- ¥11,000 for 4 hours
The rental shop provides clear pricing and even includes pictures to help you choose.
New to Skiing and Snowboarding? We’ve created a snowboard size calculator and a ski size calculator to help you find the right equipment for your height and weight. You can also check out these guides:
The resort shop may be small, but it has all the essentials!
How to Get There
By car/taxi: About 30 minutes from Asahikawa.
By bus: Buses depart from Asahikawa Station and major hotels. Check the official website for schedules. There’s also a direct bus from Asahikawa Airport, though it’s less commonly used by travelers with luggage.
Food & Dining
Kamui has two main dining options:
Center House (base lodge): Serves typical resort food like ramen and pork cutlet bowls at great prices. A curry pork cutlet bowl that usually costs ¥1,800-1,900 elsewhere is only ¥1,300 here!
Rest House (summit lodge): Offers light meals like pizza.
But honestly, the best food is in Asahikawa city after skiing!
Accommodation
As mentioned, there are no ski-in/ski-out options near Kamui. Most visitors stay in Asahikawa and commute. Here are some hotels near the bus route:
OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts (Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com | Klook):
- Guests get free bus rides to Kamui (first stop, so seats are guaranteed!).
- Features waxing stations, gear drying rooms, ski shops, and a cozy lobby with stuffed animals.
Hotel Crescent Asahikawa (Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com | Klook)
- Second stop on the bus route from Asahikawa city to Kamui Ski Links.
- A affordable 3-star hotel with good breakfast—just remember to book a non-smoking room!
Art Hotel Asahikawa (Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com | Klook)
- Spacious rooms, great for families. Third bus stop.
- Breakfast on the 15th floor offers nice views (but the heating can be strong!).
Asahikawa Toyo Hotel (Booking.com | Agoda | Trip.com | Klook)
- Parking discounts available.
- Some hallway smoke odor, but rooms are fine. Friendly staff!
Don’t Miss Out!
If you’re staying in Asahikawa, make sure to visit the Asahiyama Zoo! I’ve been twice—it’s a great experience for all ages, with adorable polar bears and penguins!
Enjoy your trip to Kamui Ski Links! 🎿❄️
Wrap Up: Why Kamui Ski Links Should Be on Your Ski List
While Asahikawa Kamui Ski Links might not have the international fame of Niseko or the sheer size of Furano, it offers something increasingly rare in Hokkaido: authenticity, great value, and uncrowded slopes.
For powder enthusiasts, Kamui’s dry, light snow and tree-run options provide a truly world-class experience—without the crowds or hefty price tag.
Beginners and intermediates will appreciate the wide, well-groomed runs and affordable lessons, making it an ideal spot to build confidence and improve skills.
Travelers on a budget will love the combination of low-cost lift tickets, inexpensive meals, and easy access from Asahikawa city, making Kamui one of Hokkaido’s best-value ski destinations.
Yes, you’ll have to commute a bit to reach the slopes—which also means you get to explore Asahikawa, a charming city full of fantastic food, rich culture, and the famous Asahiyama Zoo.
If you’re seeking a ski resort that feels authentic, focuses on the core experience of skiing, and reminds you what Hokkaido skiing was like before it became a global hotspot—Kamui is your spot.
And just between us—don’t tell everyone… let’s keep this one our little secret.