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 *Free rental of safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) and backpack *Rental of powder boards and fat skis available (fee applies, reservation 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.
• Available once a day.
• Open only to advanced players 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
Hokkaido Backcountry Club operates CAT ski tours at two locations: Mt. Kariba in Shimamaki Village, about two hours from Niseko, and Chisenupuri in Rankoshi Town, adjacent to Niseko. These tours are particularly popular with international tourists due to the inclusion of bilingual guides. The Shimamaki CAT tour is a 2-4 day tour with an overnight stay at a hot spring inn in Shimamaki Village, featuring many steep slopes and suitable for advanced to expert skiers. It's recommended for those who want to experience an international-scale CAT tour within Japan.
The Chisenupuri CAT tour is a day trip from Niseko or Rusutsu, suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers. With few avalanche areas or steep slopes, it's a good starting point for those new to CAT tours or those lacking confidence in powder skiing.
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 (tax included) per person (includes 3-day CAT tour, 2 nights' accommodation, 3 meals, avalanche gear, and transfers 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
Shizukuishi, a representative resort of northern Tohoku, is just a 3-hour ride from Tokyo on the Tohoku Shinkansen. It boasts a large-scale ski area with a variety of courses, stunning views of the majestic Mount Iwate, and excellent powder snow quality, making it full of attractions. At Shizukuishi Ski Resort, there is a dedicated CAT course on Mt. Kodakakura, next to the main slopes. It offers a long ride of 4 km while enjoying the magnificent natural scenery. Two types of CAT tours are being offered using this course for the 2025-2026 season.
❶ SUNRISE CAT TOURS
As the name suggests, you can watch the sunrise from the summit of Mt. Kodakakura and then ski or snowboard down. (It is also possible to ride the CAT downhill.) There are only four sessions during the season, so don't miss this opportunity. Reservations are required by 5 PM the day before use. The capacity is 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. Reservations accepted until 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 without confidence in their physical fitness can easily participate.
CLUBMAN MOUNTAIN GUIDE, based in Hachimantai, is hosting a CAT tour in Daikokumori (around the former Hachimantai Ski Resort). This is a great opportunity to enjoy powder snow in Hachimantai, a place said to be a mecca for powder snow that rivals even Hokkaido, without the crowds. There are two types of tours that even powder beginners and those who are not confident in their physical fitness can easily participate in.
The "Cat & Hike Tour" involves hiking up to Mt. Chausu, the symbol of Hachimantai's backcountry, after disembarking from the CAT, and the "Cat & Ride Tour" is a CAT ride-focused tour with almost no hiking, emphasizing skiing. In either case, you can fully enjoy the rich natural terrain and superb snow quality unique to Hachimantai.
❶ Cat & Hike Tour
One CAT run & hike up to Mt. Chausu (approx. 1 hour)
Physical 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 train fare, guide fee, insurance (for residents of Japan only)
• 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, two guides will be assigned.
• Private guides are limited to 16 people.
❷ Cat & Ride Tourー
With an elevation difference of 500m (950m to 1450m) and a maximum run distance of 3200m per run, you can experience exhilarating riding.
CAT3-4 runs, Daikokumori (near the former Hachimantai Ski Resort), riding
fitness level ★☆☆, skiing 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 fare, guide fee, insurance (for residents of Japan only)
• 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 skill level of participants and weather conditions on the day
• Some hiking may be required depending on the circumstances
◆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"
Tengendai Plateau is located in the southern part of the Ou Mountains, which reach altitudes of over 2,000m. With its top elevation exceeding 1,800m and favorable geographical conditions including north-facing slopes, its powder quality is said to be among the best in Honshu. The snow conditions are easily maintained, and it boasts a long season of six months, typically from early December to the Golden Week in May.
The '24-25 season will see the continuation of the First Track Tour, which has been offered for the past three years! Participants will access Kitabodai at an altitude of 1,820m in a 15-passenger panoramic snow groomer and enjoy guided powder riding on the east and west faces of Tsugamori. Due to the challenging face with a maximum slope of 32°, this tour is only for advanced skiers, and participation requires staying overnight at Tengendai Plateau.
| time | 7:20～8:20 |
| Fee | 3,500 yen/person |
| held | Every Sunday in January and February 2026 |
• Reservations required. Reservations accepted until 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 works to promote outdoor sports in the Oze Katashina area and to improve the environment for the future of children. Starting with the 2023-2024 season, they produced a special cat skiing tour in Oze National Park, which had previously been closed off by snow during the winter.
There are two courses: the "BC Premium Tour" consists of two runs with an elevation gain of about 1200m per day. The full-day tour includes lunch and is guided by a dedicated guide. The "BC Short Tour" consists of one run with an elevation gain of about 800m per day.
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) |
• Includes guide fee and various insurances (BC Premium Tour also includes lunch)
• Capacity: 15 people
• Minimum number of participants: 2 people (If there are 2 people, the price is 66,000 yen per person)
◆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 | |
| First Track (price for one person) + 1-day lift ticket | weekdays | 8,500 yen |
| Weekends, holidays, New Year's holiday (12/27~1/4) | 9,000 yen | |
| First Track (Private Tour)*Maximum 15 participants | One cat bed: 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.
Maiko is a fascinating ski area where ungroomed and tree-run courses are rapidly expanding, particularly in the Okusoechi area, and where fluffy Uonuma powder snow accumulates on a rich natural landscape. The first track bearing the name 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/