Kamui Ski Links, opened in 1984, is about a 90-minute drive from Sapporo and roughly 30 minutes from central Asahikawa. Asahikawa lies in a basin surrounded by mountains, creating hot, humid summers and winters that are famously cold.

For ski trips in Asahikawa, the optimal season runs from late December to early February, when skiers and snowboarders gather to enjoy Kamui’s diverse trails.

The resort’s fine, smooth powder snow is shaped by the region’s dramatic temperature shifts. Powder develops when the air is cold and dry, and Asahikawa reaches its coldest point in January, with average temperatures around -3°C (27°F) and minimums near -12°C (10°F). Kamui’s slopes sit atop this naturally forming, high-quality snow.

Because the winter conditions can be harsh, bringing proper face protection is essential. Staying warm and shielding yourself from the wind will help you enjoy the slopes comfortably and safely.

Kamui Ski Links is ideal for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders who want to enjoy powder snow or improve their skills. The resort offers a variety of runs, including ungroomed trails and tree runs, allowing you to take full advantage of the natural terrain. With fewer crowds and good value for money, it’s also perfect for those who want a quiet and relaxed skiing experience. Located about a 30-minute drive from Asahikawa, it’s easily accessible for day trips or short stays

There are a total of 26 ski trails, each appealing to different preferences, such as the 4,000-meter (about 13,000 feet) long trail designed for beginners to cruise along at a relaxed pace. The high season runs from late December to early February, when the resort is bustling with many skiers and snowboarders.

The resort’s most famous trail is the Gold Course, a long, wide run that stretches from the mountaintop all the way to the base. It is divided into three sections: Gold 1, Gold 2, and Gold 3.

Gold 1 is ideal for beginners and children, while Gold 2 and Gold 3 cater to intermediate skiers. Gold 2 has a maximum incline of 30 degrees and a groomed piste that reaches up to 150 meters in width.

Gold 3 is especially enjoyable for carving, thanks to its firmly packed snow surface that allows for smooth, controlled turns.

Now let's take a closer look at the ski trails here by difficulty level.

Beginners should start with Kids Garden or Family. Kids Garden's steepest incline is a gentle 8°, which makes it perfect for small children or beginners who are still trying to get used to their skis.

And because the Family trail is so broad, beginners may find it safer and more comfortable to practice here first before heading over to the more challenging trails.

Intermediate and advanced skiers will want to try the resort’s ungroomed courses, especially Deep Powder and Fresh Powder. These areas showcase the light, silky snow Kamui is famous for. They open only when conditions are ideal, so if you happen to visit on a perfect powder day, be sure to take advantage of the opportunity.

For a more adventurous challenge, the ungroomed Bumps, Todomatsu, and Treerun courses offer exciting tree runs where you weave through natural terrain. As you descend, uneven surfaces, hidden stumps, and fallen logs add to the thrill and make each run unforgettable.

These trails can be repeated as many times as you like, but they do require solid technique, including careful speed control in deep snow. Make sure you choose a course that matches your skill level so you can enjoy the experience safely.

Kamui Ski Links offers very affordable lift tickets, which can be purchased either at the on-site ticket counters or via the online shop.

Preschool children ride for free, but an IC card is required at the gate, with a 500 yen deposit.

Other ticket options are also available. Online sales start at the beginning of the season, with announcements posted on the official website and Facebook beforehand.

For more details, see the official website.

When purchasing via the online shop
Select your lift ticket on the designated webpage, add it to your cart, and proceed to checkout. When the pickup method screen appears, choose “Receive QR Code.” After paying by credit card, a QR code will be issued.

Scan this QR code at the ski resort’s automatic ticket machine to receive your IC lift ticket. A 500-yen deposit is required for the first purchase. From the second purchase onward, you can simply recharge the IC card through the online shop.

When purchasing at the ticket counter
Lift tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter inside the Center House near the slope entrance. Same-day purchases are available, and you will receive an IC lift card. A 500-yen deposit is required for the first purchase.

If you already have an IC card, you can recharge it directly at the counter or through the online shop from your second visit onward.

The resort’s rental shop provides all the essentials for a day on the slopes, from skis and snowboards to warm clothing, thick gloves, hats, and other winter gear. Many visitors opt for the convenient “Just Bring Yourself Ski/Snowboard Rental Set,” which includes a full set of equipment along with upper and lower wear, gloves, goggles, and a hat.

If you already have appropriate clothing, the standard “Ski/Snowboard Rental Set” is a practical choice. An “Accessories Set” is also available, offering gloves, goggles, and a hat. Each package can be rented for just four hours if you only plan to ski briefly, or for a full day if you want to make the most of your time on the slopes.

English-Support Ski School
KAMUI INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL offers ski and snowboard lessons in English.

For details, see the official website.

Japanese-Support Ski Schools
Several ski and snowboard schools offer lessons at Kamui Ski Links.

There are plenty of other things to do on the snow other than skiing here.

Kids Area
Kamui Ski Links features the “Chibikko Kids Garden,” a dedicated slope area for small children and beginners. It is ideal for practicing their first ski runs or enjoying sledding in a safe and friendly environment.

Activities
As of November 20, 2025, activities for the 2025–2026 season have not yet been announced. However, in previous years, a variety of family-friendly activities have been offered, allowing visitors of all ages to enjoy the resort.

Early Morning Cat Tour (KAMUI Early Morning Cat Tour)
At the Center Site, an early-morning snowcat tour is held, taking participants to untouched powder zones where they can explore fresh snow before other skiers arrive.

Snow Rafting (Banana Boat)

Introduced in the 2019–2020 season, snow rafting (banana boat) has become a popular activity among small children with no skiing experience, as well as international visitors. As the snowmobile towing the raft picks up speed, Kamui Ski Links’ signature silky powder snow sprays up dramatically, offering an exciting and memorable ride. For details, see the official website.

Got a burning question about the resort and its surroundings? Drop by the Kamui Tourist Information counter in the Center Lodge for all the answers you need, from information about the ski resort to popular sightseeing spots in Asahikawa City.

English and Chinese-speaking staff are always on hand to entertain your inquiries, so don't hesitate to let them know what you need.

When visiting Kamui Ski Links, many travelers choose to stay at hotels in Asahikawa City. The reasons are the convenient access and wide variety of accommodation options. In addition, some hotels operate shuttle buses to Kamui Ski Links exclusively for their guests, making it even more convenient.

Minapirika no Yu is a day-use hot spring located just a 3-minute walk from the East Exit of Asahikawa Station, offering excellent accessibility. The baths use natural hot spring water sourced from 1,500 meters underground, allowing visitors to relax in both indoor and open-air baths. Separate male and female saunas are also available, making it an ideal spot to refresh after a day of skiing or snowboarding. The facility also includes rest areas and a dining corner for added convenience.

Types of Baths
Minapirika no Yu features indoor baths, open-air baths, and saunas. The indoor area includes carbonated baths, jet baths, electric baths, and stone pot baths.

Resort Tattoo Policy
At Minapirika no Yu, guests with tattoos are not permitted to enter. However, 11 cm × 11 cm cover stickers (250 yen) are available for purchase, and guests may bathe if their tattoos are fully covered.

After a full day on the slopes, something warm and satisfying is exactly what you’ll want. Kamui Ski Links has restaurants at both the summit and the base, so it’s easy to enjoy a meal no matter where you finish your run.

Center House 2F Restaurant
Located on the second floor of the Center Lodge, this spacious main dining hall seats more than 500 guests. The menu includes classic ski-resort dishes such as cutlet curry and cutlet rice, along with local specialties like the “Asahikawa Potato and Pork Stamina Rice Bowl (1,400 yen).”

A popular option is the hearty “Gukbap (1,400 yen),” a Korean-style soup with rice. Every dish is prepared to order, ensuring you receive a hot, comforting meal to warm up after time out in the snow.

Also on the second floor of the Center Lodge is the popular Japanese-style Fukuyoshi Café, open only during the winter season. Its limited menu features treats such as “Tokiwayaki,” a warm pastry filled with sweet red bean paste, and the signature “Fukuyoshi Latte,” both available exclusively here.

It’s the perfect place to stop when children need a quick snack or when adults are in the mood for something sweet. Drop by for a comforting dessert and a warm drink between runs.

Mountaintop restaurant Trattoria Pizzeria Monte 751
Located right beside the Kamui Gondola’s mountaintop station, Trattoria Pizzeria Monte 751 offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with a fireplace at its center. Guests can enjoy authentic Italian pizza and pasta while taking in panoramic views of the Ishikari Plains from 751 meters (about 2,500 feet) above sea level.

Ramen Noodle Bar NOBu
Since you’re in Asahikawa, you won’t want to miss one of the city’s most famous local specialties: Asahikawa Ramen. You can enjoy an authentic bowl right at Ramen Noodle Bar NOBu, located inside the Center Lodge’s Ramen House area. Few things are more satisfying than warming up with traditional Asahikawa ramen after spending hours out on the snow.

Asahikawa’s cuisine highlights the rich flavors of local ingredients. A must-try is Asahikawa Ramen, known for its robust double broth of seafood and pork bone paired with springy curly noodles that soak up the soup. You’ll also find dishes made with rice and vegetables nourished by the spring water of the Daisetsuzan Mountains, as well as savory pork produced in the region. With many sake breweries and craft beer spots to explore, enjoying Asahikawa’s food and drinks is sure to make your trip even more memorable.

Access to Kamui Ski Links is recommended by bus, though driving is also an option.

The “Route 455 Rapid Santa Links Line” operated by Dohoku Bus Co., offers city buses departing from major hotels and Asahikawa Station, as well as direct airport buses from Asahikawa Airport to the ski resort. Both options reach the resort without transfers. City buses take about 40 minutes from Asahikawa Station, with a one-way fare of 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children. The airport bus takes approximately 1 hour.

From Sapporo, the Hokkaido Access Network Co. operates a highway bus that reaches the resort directly, with no transfers. Details on the Kamui Ski Links website.

From Asahikawa, take Route 233 for about 30 minutes to reach the resort. From Sapporo, take the Doo Expressway, exit at Fukagawa IC, and continue along Route 12. The drive takes approximately 90 minutes.

The Asahikawa area is full of sightseeing spots. Here are some places you can enjoy during winter in the city, perfect for planning your trip.

Asahiyama Zoo is famous for its “behavioral exhibits” that showcase animals’ natural movements. In winter, you can see the iconic penguin parade, and watch polar bears and wolves moving actively in the cold. It’s a classic Asahikawa attraction that both adults and children can enjoy.

Asahikawa City Museum offers insights into Ainu culture and the nature and history of the Kamikawa region. The museum features tools, clothing, and diorama displays, making it easy to understand the origins and culture of Hokkaido. A visit here is informative and engaging for all ages.

Asahikawa, blessed with pure water, is known for sake production. Brewery tours, such as at “Otokoyama” and “Takasago Shuzo,” are popular. Winter, when sake brewing is underway, is the best season to visit. Visitors can taste freshly made sake and limited editions—highly recommended for sake enthusiasts.

The Asahikawa Winter Festival is a major winter event held every February. Giant snow and ice sculptures line the grounds, and at night, they are beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere. With slides and stage events, it’s a popular winter attraction that can be enjoyed by families and couples alike.

Hotels in Asahikawa City will also offer limited-time, budget-friendly accommodation plans for visitors heading to Kamui Ski Links during the peak season. Travel agencies are preparing ski packages as well, including convenient rental options.

Since you’ve come all the way to Asahikawa, it’s worth exploring local highlights such as Asahiyama Zoo and the scenic Daisetsuzan area.