Kamoidake

A true local hill, Kamoidake skis bigger than its 251 m vertical thanks to two slow doubles on the main East side and reliably dry Central Hokkaidō snow that keeps surfaces soft and forgiving between refreshes. The groomers are long and confidence-building for upper intermediates, with friendly, widely spaced trees on the margins for easy off-piste practice; step just beyond the ropes and you’ll find playful benches and gullies that often hold silky stashes, but most exits spill to the road, so plan a shuttle and bring beacon/shovel/probe if you leave the boundary. Crowds are light—midweek you’ll have space to roam—so start with the fall-line pitches off the top for early refills, then slide into the trees skiers’ right as traffic moves on. When the West area spins as a powder zone, tack on mellow treed shots for variety, otherwise treat Kamoidake as a fun, low-stress storm stop where quality snow and quiet lines beat raw stats every time.

Riders who value quiet over quantity. Upper intermediates will love the wide, confidence-building pitches and friendly trees. Advanced powder chasers can mine the sidecountry and, when open, the West powder area for soft-snow laps. If you want high-speed lifts, huge vertical, or a deep menu of steeps, you’ll feel limited here.

You can actually sleep at the base now. The on-site hotel was refreshed and reopened as Unkai no Sato Kamoidake, offering simple rooms, big baths, and the bliss of stepping from onsen to parking lot in minutes. It’s not ski-in/ski-out (the hotel sits below the access road), but for storm chasers who prioritize first chair over frills, it’s a convenient, budget-friendly option.

Prefer city comforts? Asahikawa (about an hour’s drive) has the full spread—from well-priced, station-connected business hotels like JR Inn Asahikawa to design-forward spots and brand-name towers. It’s easy to base there and day-trip to Kamoidake, Kamui Ski Links, Pippu, and even Furano.

If you’re mixing skiing with foodie exploration, OMO7 Asahikawa by Hoshino Resorts leans into urban-ski travel with gear-friendly spaces, staff ramen maps, and quick access to Asahikawa’s nightlife. Either way, staying in town keeps evenings lively and costs sensible—perfect for a low-cost powder mission.

On-mountain, expect classic cafeteria comfort—katsu curry, ramen, fried chicken bowls—the kind of fuel that tastes miraculous when you’re still brushing snow off your jacket. Down the hill, the nearest hubs are Sunagawa and Utashinai with a handful of homestyle joints; the real culinary reward is Asahikawa’s ramen scene (and its famous Ramen Village). Slurp a shoyu bowl after a cold, dry day and try not to grin.

Airports: New Chitose (CTS) or Asahikawa (AKJ).
Drive times: ~91 km from Sapporo; ~55 km from Asahikawa. Highways are efficient, but secondary roads glaze over—winter tires are mandatory and chains can be handy during cold snaps. The nearest JR stop is Sunagawa; from there, a taxi is the most reliable hop to the hill. A rental car makes the whole Central Hokkaido circuit effortless.

• Lift hours: Typically daytime operations; night skiing has run on the West side when available—check current notices.
• Safety: Sidecountry is real mountain terrain with gullies and cliff bands. Carry rescue gear, know how to use it, and manage exits that finish on the road.
• Snow & weather: Cold inland temps preserve snow quality; the east aspect on the main side rides best after overnight refreshes.
• Language: Minimal English outside the basics. A smile, a thank-you, and Google Translate go a long way.
• Nearby options: Kamui Ski Links, Pippu, and Furano round out an Asahikawa-based powder loop.