Japan Cat Skiing

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Japan Cat Skiing: Iwanai Near Niseko
Japan Cat Skiing: Iwanai Near Niseko
Japan cat skiing is all about the amazing powder
Japan cat skiing is all about the amazing powder
Iwanai Cat Skiing: views across the sea
Iwanai Cat Skiing: views across the sea
Cat skiing Japan: some operations are former ski resorts
Cat skiing Japan: some operations are former ski resorts
Shimamaki Cat Skiing Hokkaido
Shimamaki Cat Skiing Hokkaido
Shimamaki Cat Skiing Japan
Shimamaki Cat Skiing Japan
Snowcat Skiing Hokkaido Japan
Snowcat Skiing Hokkaido Japan
Snowcat at Chisenupuri Hokkaido (near Niseko)
Snowcat at Chisenupuri Hokkaido (near Niseko)
Divine Hokkaido Powder
Divine Hokkaido Powder
Chisenupuri Cat Skiing Japan
Chisenupuri Cat Skiing Japan
The Onsen Run at Chisenupuri
The Onsen Run at Chisenupuri
Niseko Cat Skiing: Rising Sun Guides
Niseko Cat Skiing: Rising Sun Guides
Rising Sun Guides Cat Skiing
Rising Sun Guides Cat Skiing
No shortage of steeps at Rising Sun Cat Skiing
No shortage of steeps at Rising Sun Cat Skiing
Weiss Cat Skiing Niseko Japan
Weiss Cat Skiing Niseko Japan
Cat Skiing Japan
Cat Skiing Japan
Japanese Cat Skiing
Japanese Cat Skiing
Weiss Cat Skiing Niseko
Weiss Cat Skiing Niseko
Shizukuishi Cat Skiing Japan
Shizukuishi Cat Skiing Japan

Japan Cat Skiing

Japan Cat Skiing

Snowcat skiing is one of the finest adventures for avid powder hounds and Japan cat skiing provides fresh powder galore, there’s no competition to get to the untracked snow, and you don’t have to hike to get to the goods. Cat skiing in Japan offers the ultimate scenario due to the superb quality and quantity of the powder, especially with Hokkaido cat skiing where the powder is particularly delicious!

Style of Cat Skiing in Japan

Most Japan cat skiing differs significantly to that in British Columbia Canada, the home of snowcat skiing. Firstly many of the Japanese cat ski operations are situated at old ski resorts that were built during the lavish bubble era when money grew on trees. Now with the economic downturn, enterprising snowcat operators utilise some of the abandoned ski resorts (e.g. Chisenupuri Snowcats, Hachimantai Cat Skiing, or Iwanai Cat Skiing at a partially operational resort), so some of the runs are on the ungroomed “piste” and there’s also plenty of tree skiing.

And synonymous with many of the ski resorts, the Japan cat skiing terrain isn’t particularly steep, especially relative to many Canada cat skiing outfits. Much of the Japanese cat skiing is ideal for strong intermediate to advanced riders and those relatively new to powder skiing (e.g. Hachimantai Cat SkiingChisenupuri Cat Skiing, Niseko Weiss Powder Cats).

Other common characteristics of Japanese snowcat skiing relative to BC cat skiing is that there are no multi-day trips staying in backcountry lodges, the vertical drop per run and the vertical covered each day is not substantial, and the terrain size is generally rather small. However powder resets are very common so fresh tracks are generally not a problem, and Japan is ichiban for the quality, quantity and consistency of the snow.

A few Japan cat skiing outfits just offer single runs, and a few of them are incredibly lame whereby you just ski or snowboard down a groomed run!

One operation that breaks the Japanese cat skiing stereotype is Shimamaki Snowcat Adventures.

 Cat Skiing Japan  Region Nearby Resort  Duration Terrain Type  Suited To  Our
Review
Alts Bandai Aizu Alts Bandai  Single runs Former ski resort Int+ to adv  
Chisenupuri Cat Skiing Niseko Niseko  Single day Former ski resort Int+ Review
Gassan Cat Shuttles Yamagata Gassan  Single runs Adjacent to resort Int+  
Geto Kogen Iwate Geto Kogen  Single run Above resort Int+ to adv  
Hachimantai Cat Skiing Iwate Shimokura  Single day Former ski resort Int+ to adv Review
Hikarigahara Niigata Myoko  Single day Former ski resort Int+ to adv  
Iwanai Cat Skiing Niseko Iwanai  Single, multi day Former ski resort Adv+ Review
Kawaba Gunma Kawaba  Single run Groomed run Int  
Miyagi Zao Miyagi Miyagi Zao Sumikawa  Single run Above resort Int  
Rising Sun Niseko Niseko  Single day Backcountry Adv+, expert Review
Shimamaki SW Hokkaido n/a  Multi day Backcountry Adv to expert Review
Shizukuishi - Resort Iwate Shizukuishi  Single run Former ski resort Int Review
Shizukuishi - Private Iwate Shizukuishi  Half day Sidecountry Adv Review
Sugadaira Nagano Sugadaira  Single run Groomed run Int  
Tazawako Akita Tazawako  Single run Former ski resort Int+ to adv  
Tengu Snowcats Central Hokkaido n/a  Single, multi day Former ski resort Int+  
Tomamu Cat Skiing Central Hokkaido Tomamu  Single day Backcountry Int+  
Weiss Cat Skiing Niseko Niseko  Single day Former ski resort Int+ Review
Yamaboku Nagano  Yamaboku  Single day Sidecountry Int+  

Niseko Cat Skiing Hokkaido

Niseko is the most popular Japanese ski resort for international travellers hunting for powder, so it’s no surprise that the greatest concentration of Hokkaido cat skiing operations is found around Niseko. See the Niseko cat skiing page for more comparisons of the different operators.

At the former ski resort of Weisshorn next to Hanazono, is the Niseko cat skiing operation of Niseko Weiss Powder Cats. The Weiss Cat Skiing terrain has some nicely spaced trees and old “piste” runs that are the equivalent of easy blue runs where there’s plenty of room to manoeuvre, so it’s particularly well suited to up and coming powder hounds (strong intermediates), or those looking for a relaxed day of powder skiing.

Rising Sun Niseko Cat Skiing is about 30 minutes from Niseko (transport provided). Instead of being at an old ski resort, this Hokkaido cat skiing outfit has terrain that is located in the true backcountry and it has some steeper terrain, a range of tree spacings, and mushrooms and big pillows for expert riders.

Hokkaido Backcountry Club is running a snowcat operation at the former ski resort of Chisenupuri, which is the next ski area over from Moiwa (adjacent to Niseko). It’s about a 30 minute drive from Niseko Hirafu to Chisenupuri. The cat skiing is unguided so Chisenupuri Snowcats is well suited to first time cat skiers and those learning to ride powder who want to go at their own pace, or advanced riders who want the freedom to explore the area by themselves.

Northwest of Niseko near the coast is the outfit that operates from the Iwanai Resort (pronounced “ee-an-eye”), offering unique views across the Sea of Japan on those rare clear days. Only one lift operates at the base of Iwanai Resort whilst the Iwanai cat skiing occurs in the terrain above this, which was previously serviced by chair lifts.

Stay tuned for a new snowcat skiing outfit in Niseko that's likely to start operations in 2025.

Shimamaki Snowcat Adventures (see below) operates about 2 hours southwest of Niseko, and they provide transfers to and from your Niseko accommodation.

Other Hokkaido Cat Skiing

Hokkaido Backcountry Club offers "real" cat skiing with Shimamaki Snowcat Adventures. Unlike most cat skiing in Japan that operates out of abandoned ski resorts on small and mellow terrain, Shimamaki is more akin to a Canadian cat skiing experience whereby the trips are multi-day and include accommodation, the terrain is large and has some steeps (trees and above the tree-line), and there are qualified backcountry guides. The main difference compared to Canada cat skiing is that you score the powder that Hokkaido is famous for as well as a traditional Japanese experience. You can feast on powder up to your eye balls, feast on Japanese food, and stay in a traditional Japanese pension and soak in the onsen.

Tomamu Cat Skiing is a relatively long standing outfit in the Japan cat skiing market. Run by the Tomamu Resort in a backcountry area nearby, a tour comprises about 5 runs a day (only about 2,000 metres of vertical in total). The snowcat tours are only offered on weekends and book up quickly, and they also tend to primarily cater to Japanese speaking guests.

Further north in the Daisetsuzan National Park at the former Kitataisetsu Ski Resort is Tengu Snowcats. Like other Japanese cat skiing, the tenure is rather small, the slopes very mellow, and the vertical per run is about 500 metres. A major plus is the quality of the snow with super cold temperatures and north facing slopes. Delectable powder!

Honshu SnowCat Skiing

Honshu cat skiing (i.e. on the main island of Japan) is growing in popularity. 

Hikarigahara in the Niigata Prefecture near Jōetsu and Myoko Kogen offers 5-6 runs per day but good luck getting them to respond to an email. 

Another snowcat skiing outfit in the vicinity of Myoko is likely to open for 2024 or 2025, so stay tuned on that one.

Gassan in Yamagata is an incredibly snowy resort that can't open in winter because it has too much snow, but there are snowcat shuttles in winter for private groups that you can do as part of a backcountry tour in the area.

Alts Bandai/Nekoma offer cat tours in a former part of the resort.

Cat skiing is becoming popular up in northern Tohoku, even though it’s really easy to find fresh powder by just skiing at the ski resorts. Single run (800m vertical) Shizukuishi cat skiing operates on some days on the old piste on Mt Ko-Takakura which is adjacent to Shizukuishi Ski Resort or you can do multi-run trips as part of a Shizukuishi Cat Powder Adventure. Tazawako Ski Resort offers snowcat rides for backcountry skiing but there’s no guarantee your guide will speak English and it hasn't been operational of late. Hachimantai Cat Skiing offers full day tours in an area near the Hachimantai Shimokura Ski Resort. And Geto Kogen, a powder magnet, sometimes offers snowcat rides up into the backcountry.
Japan Cat Skiing Packages
Iwanai Cat Skiing Day Package
MIXED GROUP DAY CAT SKIING
7 - 9 Runs
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Iwanai Cat Skiing serves up powder runs of 450-680m of vertical bliss, with 6 to 9 runs for the day. Located near Niseko, the Iwanai Resort snowcat skiing terrain scores masses of snowfall. Ideal for advanced riders with powder experience for group tours or strong intermediates for private snowcat.
Price p/p Price is per person per day
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese Yen
Displayed price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations. Price includes 8% sales tax
USD 871
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Chisenupuri Cat Skiing
UNGUIDED CAT SKIING NEAR NISEKO
Single Day, Pick Up & Return Niseko
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Advanced
Unguided cat skiing near Niseko is at the former ski resort of Chisenupuri. You have the freedom to explore and it is ideal for apprentice powder hounds or advanced riders heading to Niseko. Chisenupuri cat skiing is a lust-do! Finish the cat ski day with a soak in an amazing onsen.
Price p/p Price is per person per day inclusive of tax
Base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
*display price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 570
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Niseko Cat Skiing Day Tours
NISEKO DAY CAT SKIING
Single Day Guided, Inc. Lunch
Ability: Advanced to Expert
A day of awesome guided cat skiing near Niseko in backcountry terrain with some steep lines, technical trees, and pillows and mushrooms. The snowcat skiing is ideal for those craving bottomless untracked powder runs.
Price p/p From price is per person for 23/24 season (min 4 persons required to operate)
Base/invoice currency is Japanese yen in taxes
*display price may vary slightly with fluctuations in currency
USD 529
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Shimamaki Snowcat Packages
GUIDED CAT SKIING ADVENTURE (2, 3 or 4 days)
Stay in Traditional Japanese Inn Inc All Meals
Ability: Advanced to Expert
This is the best Japan cat skiing! Departing from Niseko, the trip offers incredible snowcat accessed powder skiing & boarding, staying in a traditional coastal Japanese inn. Ride deep untracked powder all day, feast on Japanese cuisine and soak in the hotel's onsen in the evening.
Price p/p Display price is based on 2 days + 2 nights per person for for group trip for 2024 season (regular season)
Base/invoice currency is Japanese Yen
*Display price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations
USD 1,675
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Iwanai Cat Skiing Multi-Day
MULTI DAY CAT SKIING
From 2 Days Cat Skiing | From 1 Night Accommodation | Meals
Ability: Strong Intermediate to Expert
Iwanai Cat Skiing offers multi-day packages so you can experience the awesome Hokkaido powder combined with Japanese culture. Stay in a Japanese ryokan inn, soak in the onsen, and enjoy a traditional kaiseki meal. Located near Niseko, the Iwanai Resort snowcat skiing terrain scores lots of snow.
Price p/p Sample price is per person for 2 day, 1 night trip 2023/24 rates
Base/invoice currency is in Japanese Yen
Displayed price may vary slightly due to exchange rate fluctuations.
USD 1,943
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