Ask local riders in central Hokkaido where they go on a deep day and many will say Kamui. Kamui Ski Links, just outside Asahikawa, is not big and it is not fancy, but it has some of the most relaxed tree-riding policies in Japan, cold inland powder and lift lines that are often nonexistent.
In one line: Kamui is a local’s resort with an old-school gondola, a 650 m vertical and an open attitude to tree riding. Come for the powder, not the après.
In this guide
Kamui Ski Links at a glance
| What | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Asahikawa, central-northern Hokkaido |
| Top / vertical | 751 m / about 650 m |
| Lifts | 8: a 2.5 km gondola and 7 chairlifts |
| Courses | Around 26, with about a third of the terrain ungroomed |
| Tree policy | Riding in the trees is not restricted; enter at your own risk |
| Best for | Tree riding, powder days, avoiding crowds |
Why snowboarders love Kamui
- The trees. Kamui has long said it does not restrict entry into the trees or unpatrolled areas, and asks riders to enter with caution. Seasonal tree runs such as Deep Powder (accessed from a gate beside the 5th pair lift), Fresh Powder and Tree Run are all marked on the resort’s guides.
- The snow. Inland temperatures keep the powder light, and the ungroomed runs hold it.
- The gondola. Kamui’s small, yellow four-seater gondola is one of the last of its kind and has become part of the resort’s character.
- No crowds. Weekdays can feel like a private mountain.
Where to ride
- Gold 1–3: Groomed, west-facing runs for warming up and carving, up to around 30° on Gold 2.
- Advanced ungroomed runs: 800–1,200 m long, with maximum pitches over 30°.
- Tree runs from the top: The best snow on a storm day, often holding powder for days. The runs finish back near the gondola base, but control your speed in deep snow and ride with a partner.
Open does not mean safe. Kamui’s relaxed approach means you are responsible for yourself in the trees. Tree wells, creeks and terrain traps are real. Read our tree well safety guide and how to ride trees on a snowboard.
Getting there
Kamui is a short drive from Asahikawa, which has its own airport with domestic flights. Many visitors stay in Asahikawa city and drive or take a shuttle to the mountain. Kamui is part of the Hokkaido Powder Belt with Furano and Tomamu; see our Hokkaido Powder Belt road trip.
Kamui or Niseko?
Niseko has far more terrain, more snow and every service you could want, plus the gate system. Kamui is small, quiet and local, with an open attitude to trees. It works best as a powder-day stop on a central Hokkaido trip rather than a week-long base.
FAQ
Is tree riding allowed at Kamui Ski Links?
Kamui has said it does not restrict entry into the trees or unpatrolled areas, but you enter at your own risk and should follow any closures and patrol instructions.
How big is Kamui Ski Links?
It has around 26 courses, eight lifts including a 2.5 km gondola, a 751 m summit and about 650 m of vertical.
Where should I stay for Kamui?
Most visitors stay in Asahikawa city, which has hotels, restaurants and an airport, and drive to the mountain.
Sources and official links
Last checked: October 2026. Lift prices, dates and transport change every season, so always confirm with the official sites before you travel.
Snowboard instructors and guides who ride and teach in Niseko every winter. What we write comes from days on the mountain with our students. More about Snowboard Niseko.
Cover photo: Wakimasa, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
