CAT skiing involves using a CAT (snow vehicle) to transport guests to untouched natural fields. The appeal of CAT skiing is that an extremely small group can have the off-piste all to themselves, and most importantly, there's no need to hike up, so it's less physically demanding and you can use your time more efficiently. What's more, the cabins are comfortable even in bad weather, making it a great experience. Where and what kind of CAT skiing can you enjoy? Let's take a look.
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu | Hokkaido
Karifuridake CAT Tour [Lunch Included]
This CAT tour takes place at Mt. Karifuri, about a 20-minute drive from Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Ski Resort. A large, private area the size of a ski slope can be enjoyed exclusively by up to 12 guests. Amid the magnificent scenery typical of Hokkaido, you can enjoy everything from tree runs to steep slopes and a wide variety of terrain, all while enjoying the dry powder brought about by the cold inland climate. The schedule includes three runs in the morning and two in the afternoon
What's more, it's a luxurious experience, with a guide and a special lunch served in a yurt (hut) in the mountains. There is also a service that allows tour participants to film their ski runs and sell them. After descending the mountain, there is an after-session (photo and video viewing) at the FULLMARKS shop on Hotalu Street from 5:00 PM, which is also something to look forward to. (Photos are free, but purchasing requires an additional fee) It's guaranteed to be a memorable day. It is extremely popular and fills up quickly every year, so be sure to reserve your seat early
| time | 8:20-16:00 *Travel time included |
| Fee | 74,800 yen *Advance credit card payment required *Safety equipment (beacons, shovels, probes) and backpacks available for free rental *Powder boards and fat skis available for rental (fees apply, reservations required) |
| held | January 17th to March 8th, 2026 (Saturdays and Sundays during the period) |
| Capacity | 12 people |
◆Official website: https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/
Niseko Village Ski Resort | Hokkaido
Fast Track Cat Skiing
Niseko Village, part of NISEKO UNITED, offers a private fast track ride by CAT. Operated once a day, groups of up to 10 people enjoy the luxury of having the powder fields all to themselves. Board the CAT at 6:45am as the sun rises and head to the slopes where untouched powder awaits. You can enjoy plenty of powder riding until the closing time of 8am.
| time | Meeting time 6:45 - End time 8:00 |
| Price (private rental only) | 100,000 yen (maximum 10 people) |
| held | Opening days to be determined (please check) |
・Reservations required at least 5 days in advance.
・Once per day
. ・Only for advanced riders aged 13 and over.
◆Official website: https://www.niseko-village.com/ja/white/
Niseko Hanazono Resort | Hokkaido
Niseko Weiss Powder Cat (NWPC)
This is a luxurious CAT tour operated by Niseko Hanazono Resort. The vast Niseko Weisshorn mountain, originally a ski resort, is rented exclusively for up to 12 guests on a snowmobile equipped with a special cabin. You can enjoy 6-7 CAT riding sessions (depending on the conditions)
The upper part of Niseko Weisshorn is above the tree line, so it has a wide open face, while the middle to lower part is forested. The elevation difference per run is around 450m, and the scale is impressive. You can enjoy mellow and deep riding on gentle slopes in a beautiful broadleaf forest
| Peak Season | Regular Season | |||
| time | Meeting time: 7:20 - End time: 15:00 | |||
| Fee | Private | 1,750,000 / group | 1,400,000 / group | Ages 12 and up. Maximum 12 people. Single person OK! |
| Group tours | 175,000 / person | ¥165,000 / person | Ages 12 and up. Maximum 12 people. Applications accepted from 1 person! *Only operates if 7 people gather. | |
| held | December 20, 2025 – March 8, 2026 | |||
◆Official website: https://hanazononiseko.com/ja
Shimamaki and Chisenupuri | Hokkaido
Hokkaido Backcountry Club CAT Ski
The Hokkaido Backcountry Club operates CAT skiing tours at two locations: Mt. Kariba in Shimamaki Village, about two hours from Niseko, and Chisenupuri in Rankoshi Town, adjacent to Niseko. Bilingual guides are provided, making the tours especially popular with inbound tourists. The Shimamaki CAT tour is a two- to four-day tour that includes accommodation at a hot spring inn in Shimamaki Village. It features many steep slopes and is suitable for advanced to expert skiers. It's recommended for those who want to participate in an international-scale CAT tour in Japan.
The Chisenupuri CAT tour is a day trip from Niseko or Rusutsu, and is suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers. There are almost no avalanche terrain or steep slopes, so Chisenupuri is a good place to start your CAT tour if you've never experienced a CAT tour or aren't confident skiing in powder.
❶ Shimamaki CAT Ski
This cat operation is located in the Karibayama area, about a two-hour drive from Niseko, Hokkaido. Its stunning location, gliding into the Sea of Japan, and its stay in a rustic port town with delicious seafood, are appealing, attracting many repeat visitors. Limited to 24 people per day, internationally certified guides provide support tailored to each individual's level. From early January to March, you can choose from a variety of itineraries, including two nights and two days, three nights and three days, and four nights and four days
| time | The day before the tour, 13:00: Move from Niseko to Shimamaki. Day 2 and onwards: 7:00~ Activities. Final day: 15:30 Descend the mountain. 20:00 Arrive in Niseko |
| Fee | 3 nights, 3 days : 524,700 yen (tax included) per person (includes 3-day CAT tour, 2 nights, 3 meals, avalanche gear, and transportation from Niseko) |
| held | Early January to March 2026 (see official website) |
❷ Chisenupuri CAT Skiing
Reserve the Chisenupuri Ski Resort in Rankoshi Town, famous for its powder snow, for up to 12 people. The Chisenupuri CAT tour starts at an altitude of 832m and has an elevation difference of 280m. The average elevation difference per day is 3,360m. If you're new to powder snow, start with the easy open field. Advanced skiers can also enjoy tree runs and natural mudskiing. Both individual and private reservations are available.
| time | 8:15 Pick up at your accommodation in Niseko 18:00 Depart for Niseko |
| Fee | 121,000 yen (tax included) per person (includes one-day CAT tour, lunch, and transportation between Niseko and Chisenupuri) |
| held | See official website |
◆Official website: https://www.hokkaidobackcountryclub.com/jp/cat-skiing-2/
Shizukuishi Ski Resort | Iwate Prefecture
SUNRISE CAT Tours｜SNOW CAT TOURS
Located three hours from Tokyo on the Tohoku Shinkansen, Shizukuishi is a resort representing the northern Tohoku region. Its vast slopes, diverse courses, stunning views of the famed Mt. Iwate, and impeccable powder snow make it a truly captivating destination. Shizukuishi Ski Resort boasts a dedicated CAT course on Mt. Kodakakura, adjacent to the main slope. Enjoy a 4km long ride while taking in the magnificent natural scenery. Two CAT tours are being offered for the 2025-2026 season:
❶ SUNRISE CAT TOURS
As the name suggests, this tour involves watching the sunrise from the summit of Mt. Kodakakura, followed by skiing or snowboarding downhill. (CAT rides are also available for the descent.) This tour is held four times during the season, so don't miss out! Reservations are required by 5:00 PM the day before your visit. It is limited to 15 people.
| time | 5:00-7:00 (Departure time is determined by sunrise time. Please confirm at the time of booking.) |
| Fee | 15,000 yen per person | Limited to the first 8 people each day |
| held | January 1st (Thursday), January 11th (Sunday), February 22nd (Sunday), 2026 |
・Reservations required by 4:00 PM the day before
・Advanced level only
❷ Powder Cat Tours
The easy CAT TOUR is popular among powder-loving skiers and snowboarders. One tour per person, four times a day
| time | ①8:00~ ⑨9:00~ ③10:00~ ④11:00~ |
| Fee | 15,000 yen | Limited to the first 15 people per session |
| held | December 28, 2024 (Saturday) to January 5, 2025 (Sunday), and every Saturday, Sunday, and public holiday from January 11 (Saturday) to March 2 (Sunday) |
◆Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/shizukuishi/winter/
Appi Plateau | Iwate Prefecture
NISHIMORI CAT
Cat skiing is one of the activities offered at Appi Kogen. You can access Nishimoriyama by cat ski, where you can experience the dry powder that only Appi Kogen's highest altitude can offer, and enjoy a long run of about 1 km. Open courses include the Golden Eagle Course, the Varied Tit Course, and the tree runs "Bravo" and "Attack." "Attack," a tree run zone that can be entered from the top of Nishimoriyama, is one of Appi Kogen's five proud tree run areas. With steep slopes and muddy slopes, it offers plenty of challenging skiing. This cat service is limited to intermediate and above skiers and snowboarders, while the tree run is limited to advanced skiers.
| time | Cat service hours: 11 trips per day (ride time: approximately 10 minutes) 9:00~14:30 |
| Fee | 5,000 yen (tax included) per session | Capacity: 1-10 people |
| held | Weekdays from Monday, December 22, 2025 to Friday, March 20, 2026, as well as weekends, holidays, and the New Year's holiday period (December 27, 2025 - January 4, 2026) |
◆Official website／ https://www.appi.co.jp/activity/nishimori-cat/
Hachimantai - CLUBMAN MOUNTAIN GUIDE | Akita Prefecture
Hachimantai Cat BC Tour Powder beginners and those who are not confident in their physical strength can easily participate
Organized by Hachimantai-based CLUBMAN MOUNTAIN GUIDE, this CAT tour takes place in Daikokumori (near the former Hachimantai Ski Resort). Hachimantai is known as a mecca for powder snow that rivals even Hokkaido, so this is the perfect opportunity to enjoy powder snow without the crowds. There are two tours that powder beginners and those who are not confident in their physical strength can easily participate in. There is
the Cat & Hike Tour, where you get off the CAT and hike for about an hour up to Mount Chausu, the symbol of the Hachimantai backcountry, and the Cat & Ride Tour, which focuses on riding the CAT and does almost no hiking, with an emphasis on gliding. Both tours allow you to fully enjoy the rich natural terrain and superb snow quality that are unique to Hachimantai.
❶ Cat & Hike Tour
1 CAT and hike up to Chausu-dake (approx. 1 hour)
Fitness level: ★★☆ Skiing level: ★★☆
| time | 1 day |
| Fee | 23,100 yen | Capacity: 12 people |
| held | Every day from January 4th, 2026 (Sun) to March 11th, 2026 (Wed) |
・Price includes: CAT ride fee, guide fee, insurance fee (only for those living in Japan)
・If you wish to participate alone, the tour will proceed if there are other guests
・A dedicated guide will be assigned to your group. For groups of 6 or more, 2 guides will be assigned
・Private guides are limited to a maximum of 16 people
❷ Cat & Ride Tour
Elevation difference 500m (950m-1450m) Maximum run distance per run 3200m, you can experience spectacular riding.
CAT3-4 Daikokumori (near the former Hachimantai Ski Resort) Ride
physical strength level ★☆☆ Run level ★☆☆
| time | 1 day |
| Fee | 31,900 yen | Maximum 8 people |
| held | Every day from January 4th, 2026 (Sun) to March 11th, 2026 (Wed) |
・Price includes: CAT ride fee, guide fee, insurance fee (only for those living in Japan)
・If you wish to participate alone, the tour will proceed if there are other guests
・The number of CAT rides may change depending on the level of participants on the day, weather conditions, etc.
・Depending on the situation, a slight hike up may be required
◆Official website／ https://www.clubman.co.jp/paradise/cmg/cmg_plan.html?fbclid=IwAR3_bwOeSEsTnrdf0l0XkwPGPdnwmP0BttbaUgIBwe821VG-XXqAACNPaW4#CATTOUR
Tengendai Plateau | Yamagata Prefecture
Panoramic sightseeing snow car tour "Tsugamori East Face First Track Tour with Guide"
Located in the southern part of the 2,000-meter-high Ou Mountains, the Tengendai Plateau boasts some of the best powder quality in Honshu, thanks to its north-facing slopes and favorable geographical location. The snow tends to be in good condition, boasting a long season that typically spans six months from early December through Golden Week in May.
The Fast Track Tour, which has been running for the past three years, will continue into the 2024-2025 season! This tour takes you to Kitamoudai, at 1,820 meters above sea level, on a 15-passenger panoramic sightseeing snow-compact vehicle, and then offers guided powder rides on the east and west walls of Tsugamori. Due to the challenging face, with a maximum gradient of 32°, this tour is only suitable for advanced skiers, and participants must be staying overnight at the Tengendai Plateau.
| time | 7:20～8:20 |
| Fee | 3,500 yen/person |
| held | Every Sunday in January and February 2026 |
・Reservations required (reservations accepted by 4:00 PM the day before)
・Capacity: 15 people
・Advanced level only
◆Official website: https://www.winter.tengendai.jp/
Oze Tokura - Oze Outdoor Sports Promotion Association | Gunma Prefecture
"National Park Oze Cat Tour" by the Oze Outdoor Sports Promotion Association
The Oze Outdoor Sports Promotion Association aims to promote sustainable outdoor sports in the Oze Katashina area and to improve the environment for the future of our children. Starting in the 2023-2024 season, they have produced special cat tours in Oze National Park, which has been closed off by snow for a long time until now.
There are two courses, and the "BC Premium Tour" has two runs with a daily elevation gain of about 1,200m. The full-day tour includes lunch and is led by a dedicated guide. The "BC Short Tour" is a single run with a daily elevation gain of about 800m.
Avalanche sets (beacon, shovel, and probe) are available for rental (2,000 yen per day). Powder boards and fat skis are also available for rental (fees apply). Please contact us in advance.
If you climb the mountain on a state-of-the-art cat ski, you'll be greeted by a spectacular view and vast fields that only a select few can see. The Oze Katashina area is already renowned for its snow quality. What's more, the drop-off from the highest point in the area means that, needless to say, you can enjoy amazing powder snow.
| BC Premium Tour | BC Short Tour | |
| time | Departure time: 8:00, end time: 15:00 (approximately 7 hours) | Departure time: 9:00, end time: 14:00 (approx. 5 hours) |
| Fee | 44,000 yen/person | 25,000 yen/person |
| held | Late January to mid-April 2026 (depending on the weather) | Late January to mid-April 2026 (depending on the weather) |
・Guide fee and various insurances included (BC Premium Tour also includes lunch)
・Capacity: 15 people
・Minimum number of participants: 2 or more (66,000 yen per person for 2 people)
◆Official website／ https://ozeoutdoorsports.com/index.php/bc-tour/
Kawaba Ski Resort | Gunma Prefecture
Fast Track + 1-day lift ticket
Kawaba operates a fast track service using a cool, wrapped snowmobile. Before the general opening, you can take a quick approach to the top of the slope on a snowmobile. You can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view from the top and ski down the empty runs first thing in the morning. Another great thing about this service is that it operates every day during the season. If you aim to go the morning after a snowfall, you have plenty of opportunities
The highly popular "First Track" + "1-Day Lift Ticket" is a great deal at just 8,500 yen on weekdays! Kawaba is also home to "OFF THE PISTE," an ungroomed powder riding area. Start the morning on the CAT First Track, then spend the rest of the day at OFF THE PISTE, the perfect place to enjoy off-piste riding.
You can also rent the entire track for a group. A private charter for Kawaba's first track can accommodate up to 15 people, and costs 50,000 yen per cat, plus breakfast vouchers for each person! That's surprisingly cheap.
| Fast Track (single person rate) | weekdays | 3,000 yen |
|---|---|---|
| Weekends, holidays, New Year's holiday (12/27~1/4) | 3,500 yen | |
| Fast Track (1 person fee) + 1-day lift ticket | weekdays | 8,500 yen |
| Weekends, holidays, New Year's holiday (12/27~1/4) | 9,000 yen | |
| Fast Track (private tour) *Maximum of 15 people can participate | 1 cat 50,000 yen Includes breakfast vouchers for the number of people | |
◆Official website／ https://www.kawaba.co.jp/activity/first-track/
Sekida, Itakura Ward, Joetsu City - HIKARIGAHARA CAT TOURS | Niigata Prefecture
HIKARIGAHARA CAT TOURS 2025
Based in Sekida, Itakura Ward, Joetsu City, Hikarigahara Cat Tours is an operation produced by Graphics, a company led by Masanori Takeuchi, a legendary professional snowboarder representing Japan. It's especially popular with snowboarders. You can ski five to seven runs a day on Joetsu's deep powder. The sheer scale of the tour is impressive, with an elevation difference of approximately 2,000 meters on untouched, untracked faces. Guides who know the area inside and out will support you in an exciting ride that suits your needs, selecting the right snow quality and slopes
| time | 8:00-15:00 (Meet at the base in Kamisekida at 8:00) | |
| Fee | 1-DAY TOUR | Capacity: 20 people | 60,000 yen/person (includes 6-7 rides, guide fee, and lunch during the tour) |
| 1-DAY PRIVATE CHARTER | Maximum 10 people | 540,000 yen/person (includes 6-7 rides, guide fee, and lunch during the tour) | |
| held | Every Saturday, Sunday and public holiday from January to late February 2026 | |
◆Official website／ https://www.hikarigahara.com/
Maiko Snow Resort | Niigata Prefecture
"Haglöfs First Track Cat Tour"
Starting in the 2025-2026 season, a snow cat tour called "Haglöfs First Track Cat Tour" will be held! Before the lifts open, you will approach the slopes by cat (snow vehicle), and a dedicated guide will show you around.
Speaking of Maiko, the number of ungroomed snow and tree run courses is rapidly expanding, especially in the Okusoji area, and it is an attractive field with a rich natural landscape and powdery Uonuma snow. The first track, crowned by Haglöfs, is attracting a lot of attention, and details are eagerly awaited.
Be sure to check the official website!
◆Official website: https://www.maiko-resort.com/