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 Resort Tomamu｜Hokkaido
Mt. Karifuri CAT tour [lunch included]
A CAT tour at Mt. Karifuri, which is about 20 minutes by car from Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Ski Resort. Up to 12 guests can occupy a vast private area the same size as the ski slope. Amid the majestic scenery typical of Hokkaido, you can fully enjoy the dry powder provided by the cold inland climate, from tree runs to steep slopes and varied terrain. The time schedule is 3 skis in the morning and 2 skis in the afternoon.
It's also luxurious, with a guide and a special lunch served in a yurt (hut) in the mountains. There is also a service that photographs and sells footage of tour participants skating. After descending the mountain, there will be an after-session (photo and video viewing session) at the shop FULLMARKS in Hotaru Street starting at 5:00 pm. (Photography is free, but if you want to purchase it, there is an additional fee) It's guaranteed to be a memorable day. It's very popular and fills up quickly every year, so be sure to grab your seat early.
| time | 8:20-16:00 *Travel time included |
| price | 74,800 yen *Advance credit card payment required *Free rental of safety equipment (beacon, shovel, probe) and backpack available *Powder board and fat ski rental available (paid, reservation required) |
| hold | January 17th to March 8th, 2026 (Saturdays and Sundays during the period) |
| Capacity | 12 people |
◆ Official HP / https://www.snowtomamu.jp/winter/
Niseko Village Ski Resort｜Hokkaido
fast track cat ski
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 6:45~End 8:00 |
| Price (private rental only) | 100,000 yen (maximum 10 people) |
| hold | Business days undecided (confirmation required) |
・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)
CAT tour operated by Niseko HANAZONO Resort. A luxurious CAT tour that allows up to 12 guests to rent out the vast Niseko Weisshorn mountain, which was originally a ski resort, on a snowmobile equipped with a special cabin. You can enjoy as many as 6-7 CAT riding sessions. (Depends on conditions)
The upper part of Niseko Weisshorn crosses the forest line, so it has a wide open face, and the middle to lower part is a forest zone. The altitude difference per run is around 450m, and the sense of scale is overwhelming. In a beautiful broadleaf forest, you can enjoy mellow and deep riding mainly on gentle slopes.
| Peak Season | Regular Season | |||
| time | Meeting time: 7:20 - End time: 15:00 | |||
| price | 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. | |
| hold | December 20, 2025 – March 8, 2026 | |||
◆Official website/ https://hanazononiseko.com/ja
Shimamaki/Chisenupuri｜Hokkaido
Hokkaido Backcountry Club CAT Ski
Hokkaido Backcountry Club operates CAT ski tours at two locations: Karibayama in Shimamaki Village, about two hours away from Niseko, and Chisenupuri in Rankoshi Town, adjacent to Niseko.
It is especially popular among inbound tourists because it comes with a bilingual guide. The Shimamaki CAT tour is a 2 to 4 day tour where you stay at a hot spring inn in Shimamaki Village, and there are many steep slopes, so it is suitable for advanced to expert hikers. Recommended for those who want to participate in an overseas-scale CAT tour in Japan. Chisenupuri CAT Tour is a day trip from Niseko or Rusutsu and is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders. There is almost no avalanche terrain or steep slopes, so if you have no experience on a CAT tour or are not confident in skiing powder, it would be a good idea to start your CAT tour experience from Chisenupuri.
❶ Shimamaki CAT Ski
Cat operation in the Karibayama area, which is about 2 hours by car from Niseko, Hokkaido. Staying in a rustic port town with delicious seafood and a wonderful location that feels like you're sliding into the Sea of Japan is also appealing, and there are many repeat visitors. Limited to 24 people per day, qualified guides who are active around the world will provide support tailored to each individual's level. From early January to March, you can choose from 2 nights and 2 days, 3 nights and 3 days, and 4 nights and 4 days itineraries every week.
| time | 13:00 the day before the tour: Move from Niseko to Shimamaki 2nd day onwards: 7:00~ Action Last day: 15:30 Descend 20:00 Arrival at Niseko |
| price | 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) |
| hold | 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 from your accommodation in Niseko 18:00 Depart for Niseko |
| price | 121,000 yen (tax included) per person (includes one-day CAT tour, lunch, and transportation between Niseko and Chisenupuri) |
| hold | 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 set depending on the time of sunrise/Please confirm at the time of reservation) |
| price | 15,000 yen per person | Limited to the first 8 people each day |
| hold | 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 skiers and snowboarders who love powder. One bottle per person, conducted four times a day.
| time | ①8:00~ ⑨9:00~ ③10:00~ ④11:00~ |
| price | 15,000 yen | Limited to the first 15 people per session |
| hold | Every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday from Saturday, December 28, 2024 to Sunday, January 5, 2025, and from Saturday, January 11 to Sunday, March 2 |
◆Official website: https://www.princehotels.co.jp/ski/shizukuishi/winter/
Appi Highlands｜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 |
| price | 5,000 yen (tax included) per session | Capacity: 1-10 people |
| hold | 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 can easily participate even if they are not confident in their physical strength.
A CAT tour with Daikokumori (around the former Hachimantai ski resort) as the field, sponsored by Hachimantai-based CLUBMAN MOUNTAIN GUIDE.
Hachimantai is said to be a powder snow mecca that rivals even Hokkaido, and it's a great opportunity to enjoy the powder without the crowds. There are two types of tours that you can easily participate in, even if you are a powder beginner or are not confident in your physical strength. After getting off the CAT, you hike up for about an hour to Mt. Chausu, the symbol of the Hachimantai backcountry.[Cat & Hike Tour]The other is the [Cat & Ride Tour], which focuses on skiing and does not involve much hiking on the CAT. There is. In both cases, you can fully enjoy the rich natural terrain and superb snow quality that is 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 |
| price | 23,100 yen | Capacity: 12 people |
| hold | 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 |
| price | 31,900 yen | Capacity 8 people |
| hold | 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 Kogen｜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 2,000m-class Ou Mountains. The altitude at the top is over 1,800m, and due to the north-facing slope and favorable geographical conditions, the powder quality is said to be the best in Honshu. The snow is easily kept in good condition, and the area boasts a long season that lasts six months from early December to the Golden Week in May.
The fast track tour that has been running for the past three years will continue in the '24-25 season! You can access the northern observation deck at an altitude of 1,820m on a 15-person panoramic sightseeing snow compaction vehicle, and enjoy a guided powder ride on the east and west walls. The slope is formidable, with a maximum slope of 32 degrees, so it is only open to advanced climbers, and you must be staying at Tengendai Plateau to participate.
| time | 7:20～8:20 |
| price | 3,500 yen/person |
| hold | Every Sunday in January and February 2026 |
・Reservation required until 16:00 the day before
・Capacity: 15 people
・Limited to advanced users
◆ Official HP / 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 | Departs at 8:00, ends at 15:00 (approx. 7 hours) | Departs at 9:00, ends at 14:00 (approx. 5 hours) |
| price | 44,000 yen/person | 25,000 yen/person |
| hold | 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 PASS
Kawaba operates a fast-track service in a cool, wrapped snowmobile. Before opening to the general public, a snowmobile approaches the top of the slopes at once. You can ski an empty barn first thing in the morning while enjoying the magnificent panorama from the top. It is also attractive that it is held every day during the season. If you aim for the morning after it snows, you will be happy to have many 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) | weekday | 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 | weekday | 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
Hikarigahara Cat Tour, based in Sekida, Itakura Ward, Joetsu City, is an operation produced by Graphics, led by Japan's legendary professional snowboarder Masanori Takeuchi. It is especially popular among snowboarders. He skis 5 to 7 runs a day on the deep powder in Joetsu, where it snows a lot. The sense of scale is amazing as you can ski about 2,000m in height on an untouched, no-track face. Guides who know the area thoroughly will support you in an exciting riding experience that suits your needs by selecting snow conditions and slopes.
| time | 8:00-15:00 (Meet at the base of Kaminosekida at 8:00) | |
| price | 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) | |
| hold | 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 HP / https://www.maiko-resort.com/