Photo from Unsplash

Originally Posted On: https://skiasia.com/news/exclusive-the-ambitious-plan-to-develop-a-ski-resort-town-in-one-of-central-hokkaidos-powder-skiing-hotspots/

Exclusive: the ambitious plan to develop a ski resort town in one of Central Hokkaido’s powder skiing hotspots

Kamui Ski Links set for a makeover, with bold plans for the development of a resort village unveiled

Japanese winter sports legend Gota Miura and Nigel Abbott, an Australian who played a critical part in Niseko’s rise to international prominence, have revealed an ambitious plan to develop a ski resort town at the base of Kamui Ski Links, a mid-sized resort in Central Hokkaido.

Their company, Hokkaido Global KK, has purchased 307,000 square metres of land, with a 300 metre frontage along the resort’s Next Step beginner run, delivering ski-in ski-out access to the village.

A master plan that has been shared with Ski Asia features, among other things, two hotels and several 3-storey apartment blocks, a T-bar to facilitate ski slope access to the entire town, an onsen and community centre, anti-aging clinic, bars and restaurants, a trekking path, as well as 150 land plots for the construction of commercial and residential property.

Master plan, Kamui Resort.

The resort has been masterplanned by the renowned Takashi Kaminaga and will blend uniquely Japanese architecture with the surrounding birch, oak and pine forest.

For Abbott, who earned his stripes in Niseko as part of the founding team that developed Hanazono resort before its eventual sale to Pacific Century Premium Developments, it marks a departure from the indiscriminate international design that has characterised more recent development in Niseko and many of Japan’s larger resorts.

“Hanazono was an exciting project and we were trail blazers, our vision was always to create an international resort in Japan”, he says.

“For me, this is even more exciting as we are creating something unique that has more of a Japanese architectural focus, it embraces the incredible adventures on offer and will deliver the perfect amenities for international guests.”

A rendering of Kamui Resort.

Why Kamui Ski Links?

Described as a “locals’ destination” by Miura and Abbott, Kamui Ski Links gets the vast majority of its visitors from Asahikawa, a vibrant city just 30 minutes away, with a population of 340,000 and more than 1200 bars and restaurants.

But with six lifts (a gondola and five chairlifts) and a relatively modest 600 metres of vertical, the resort is easily missed by all but an astute group of international travellers, who in recent years have cottoned on to the real appeal of the resort: the quality of its snow.

Kamui receives more than its fair share of “silky” Central Hokkaido powder.

Blessed with a favourable aspect and inland location, the resort receives more than its fair share of “silky” Central Hokkaido powder, which opens up terrain in a way that makes the ski area feel far larger than its trail map might suggest. The mix of terrain shouldn’t be underestimated, however, and a winding 3.5km run from top to bottom puts it amongst the longest in Hokkaido.

With the absence of any on-mountain accommodation, Abbott, Miura (as well as a growing number of investors) have sensed an opportunity for a pedestrian-centric town, catering to both Asahikawa locals and international visitors seeking multi-day stays. International travellers would fly in via Asahikawa airport, making access to Kamui simpler that many of its Hokkaido counterparts – Niseko included.

Nearby Asahikawa a vibrant city with more than 1200 bars and restaurants

“I am very excited to be part of this project that has a strong vision to put not just Kamui, but the region as well”, says Miura.

“The Central and North of Hokkaido is a captivating area that offers a mesmerising blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, wildlife, cultural heritage, and is stunning in both winter and green season.

“The natural environment will be complemented with an overlay of exciting adventure programming and authentic Japanese service.”

Gota Miura

Enter Gota Miura, a dual Olympian, two-time Everest summiteer and son of Yūichirō Miura – known, remarkably, as the first man to ski from the summit of Everest. Abbott’s business partner brings a storied family name and perhaps the best winter sports credentials of anyone in Japan to the project, with a plan to deliver a catalogue of adventure programming that alone will attract visitors from all corners.

And while a fully functioning town will not materialise for a number of years, programming initiatives are already well underway.

Dual Olympian Gota Miura. Image: supplied

For the 24/25 season, this will include an English-language program developed by Miura Snowsports, built on a “Miura Methodology” that is centred around freedom and enjoyment. Advanced skiers will have access to an Off-Piste Academy, a 6-day program that aims to equip guests with the skills and confidence to conquer off-piste terrain.

For those inclined, there is even an Anti-aging Adventure Academy on offer – another passion of Miura, who, as a Ph.D. holder in Sports Medicine sits on the board of Japan’s Anti-Aging Leader Development Organisation.

Kamui Equipment Rental will also open this season, offering equipment that is suited to the conditions and terrain.

Kamui Ski Links.

What’s next?

“We are in active discussions with developers and consultants to plan the hotel and apartment sites in line with our vision. Once we finalise our real estate licence, we will be selling 28 plots of land for Stage 1A towards the end of this year”, reveals Abbott.

“Although this is a large-scale, multi-year project, interest to date has been beyond our expectations.”

In the meantime, skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to discover Kamui Ski Links in the same way local skiers have been doing it for decades: by staying in Asahikawa and taking a shuttle bus or driving to the resort.