Iwanai Snowcat Skiing
Iwanai Cat Skiing serves up a great experience to enjoy the abundant Niseko snowfall minus the Niseko crowds. And with a multi-day Iwanai snowcat skiing package you can immerse yourself in the Hokkaido powder and then immerse yourself in the onsen, and fully immerse in the Japanese culture by staying in a local Japanese hotel and feasting on the local cuisine.
See the
Iwanai Cat Skiing page for information on the terrain, snow and location.
Iwanai Cat Skiing Multi Day Packages
The multi-day Iwanai snowcat skiing packages include guided cat skiing, lodging in a nearby ryokan style hotel, all meals (including an amazing dinner), the all important onsen soaking, and transport to/from Niseko.
The days of snowcat skiing with Iwanai Resort feature the guided snowcat skiing or snowboarding (6-9 runs). Each snowcat can hold up to 12 guests with a maximum of 1:6 guide to guest ratio (a lead and tail guide are provided, and sometimes 2 tail guides). Avalanche beacons are provided along with a safety briefing.
Another inclusion of the Iwanai Resort Powder Cat Tour is a hot lunch (with a choice from a menu that includes western and Japanese cuisine), and a morning snack and coffee.
If you need equipment, Iwanai Resort has a full-service shop with the newest, highest-quality gear including an extensive line of skis, boots, boards and accessories.
Or the other option is an
Iwanai Cat Skiing Day Package which doesn't include accommodation (or breakfast, dinner, onsen).
If you want to check availability or have any questions, you can
make a booking request.
Ability Level
Like most
Japan cat skiing, the terrain isn’t super gnarly but it’s not completely mellow either. The terrain includes very spacious mellow tree skiing, slightly steeper glades, tight trees and open terrain on the former piste of Iwanai Resort.
Strong intermediates can book the snowcat out for private cat skiing if you just want to ride the open runs.
For mixed groups cat skiing, as a minimum, you should be an advanced skier or snowboarder (off-piste), and have at least a little bit of experience at riding powder and other off-piste snow conditions. You should feel comfortable skiing or riding in amongst trees and be able to hold a traverse through trees. Cat skiing Iwanai is not suitable for those who are new to powder skiing or snowboarding. If you consistently struggle to keep pace with the group you may be asked to return to the day lodge.
It doesn’t matter if you have limited or no backcountry experience, as your guides will tell you know what you need to do.
You can check out our detailed
Iwanai Cat Skiing review for more information.