CAT skis run CAT (snowmobiles) and transport guests to fields of untouched nature. CAT skiing, which has attracted attention in recent years due to the popularity of powder, backcountry, and freeride, has had many operations restricted over the past two or three seasons due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 2023-24 season started with high expectations as CAT skis would be rolled out in full spec for the first time in a while.
The appeal of CAT skiing is that you can monopolize off-piste skiing with a very small number of people, and above all, there is no need to hike up, so there is less physical strain and you can use your time more effectively, and the cabin is comfortable even in bad weather. So, let's take a look from the north to see where and what kind of CAT skiing you can enjoy this winter!
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 | 50,600 yen *Advance credit card payment required *Free rental of avalanche gear (beacon, shovel, probe) |
| hold | Saturday, January 20, 2024 - Sunday, March 10, 2024 (Saturdays and Sundays during the period) |
Niseko Village Ski Resort｜Hokkaido
fast track cat ski
Niseko Village, which forms NISEKO UNITED, provides fast track by CAT. The operation is one flight a day, and it is a luxury that a maximum of 6 people can monopolize the powder field.
At 6:45 in the morning, we climbed into the cat at sunrise and headed to the slopes where pristine powder awaits. You can fully enjoy the powder ride until the end time of 8 o'clock. CAT is also available for private charter and supports groups of 2 to 6 people.
| time | Meeting 6:45~End 8:00 |
| price | 15,000 yen/person (Private use: 60,000 yen/group of 2-6 people) |
| hold | Business days undecided (confirmation required) |
・Reservation required at least 5 days in advance.
・Once a day, up to 6 people.
Also available for private use (reservation required). ・Minimum number of participants is 2.
If you wish to have one person, 30,000 yen for two people.Applicable to advanced users aged 13 and over.
Niseko Hanazono Resort｜Hokkaido
Niseko Weiss Powder Cat (NWPC)
A CAT tour operated by Niseko Hanazono Resort. A luxurious CAT tour in which up to 12 guests can charter the vast mountain Niseko Weisshorn, which was originally a ski resort, in a snowmobile equipped with a special cabin.
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.
| time | Meeting 7:20 ~ End 15:00 |
| price | 770,000 yen / 1 group (private tour: 1-12 people) 110,000 yen / 1 person (group tour will only run if 7 people gather) |
| hold | Scheduled from December 23, 2023 to early March 2024 |
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 | 2 nights and 2 days 222,273 yen + tax 10% / person (2 days CAT tour, 2 nights, full board, avalanche gear, transfer from Niseko included) 3 nights 3 days 334,091 yen + tax 10% / person 4 nights 4 days 436,364 yen + tax 10%/person |
| hold | See official website |
❷ Chisenupuri CAT skiing
Privately book the Chisenupuri Ski Resort in Rankoshi Town, famous for its powder snow, for up to 12 people. On the Chisenupuri CAT Tour, you will ski with an altitude difference of 280m from an altitude of 832m. The average daily altitude difference is 3,360m. If it's your first time skiing powder, start from the slippery open field. Advanced skiers can also enjoy tree runs and natural mashing. Reservations can be made both individually and privately.
| time | 8:15 Pick up from your accommodation in Niseko 18:00 Depart for Niseko |
| price | 77,273 yen + tax 10%/person |
| hold | See official website |
Shizukuishi Ski Resort | Iwate Prefecture
SUNRISE CAT Tours｜SNOW CAT TOURS
Shizukuishi, a resort that represents Tohoku, is located 3 hours from Tokyo by Tohoku Shinkansen.
It has a variety of courses on its large-scale slopes, and is full of charm, with spectacular views of the famous mountain Mt. Iwate, and the snow quality is perfect and high-quality powder. Shizukuishi Ski Resort has a CAT-only course on Mt. Odakakura next to the main slope. You can also enjoy a long ride with a total length of 4km while admiring the magnificent natural scenery. Using this, two types of CAT tours are being organized for the 2023-24 season. ❶ SUNRISE CAT TOURS
As the name suggests, you can watch the sunrise from the summit of Mt. Kotakakura and descend by skiing or snowboarding. (You can also take the CAT ride down) It's only held 4 times during the season, so you don't want to miss out. Reservations required by 5pm the day before the date of use. The capacity is 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/person | Up to the first 15 people |
| hold | Sunday, January 1, 2024, Sunday, January 7, Sunday, February 11, Saturday, February 24, 2024 |
❷ SNOW CAT TOURS
The CAT Tour is very popular with powder skiers. Run down the uncompacted snow field that stretches 4km from the top of Mt. Takakura to the bottom. Enjoy a satisfying powder ride. There are only 4 CAT services in the morning. The first one starts at 8:00, the second starts at 9:00, the third starts at 10:00, and the fourth starts at 11:00. Reservations required by 5pm the day before use.
| time | 8:00~11:00 |
| price | 15,000 yen per person per bottle |
| hold | Every Saturday and Sunday from December 30, 2023 to February 25, 2024, January 1, 2, and 8, February 12, and 23 |
Hachimantai｜Akita Prefecture
Hachimantai Cat BC Tour
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
| time | 1 day |
| price | 23,000 yen | Capacity 8 people |
| hold | Every day from January 6, 2024 to March 20, 2024 |
・Included in the price: CAT ride fee, guide fee, insurance fee (only for those living in Japan)
・A dedicated guide will be attached to the group.
2 guides for 6 or more people , 16 people for private guides
❷ Cat & Ride Tour
With an altitude difference of 500m (950m to 1450m) and a maximum running distance of 3200m per run, you can experience an exciting riding experience.
| time | 1 day |
| price | 30,800 yen | Capacity 8 people |
| hold | Every day from January 6, 2024 to March 20, 2024 |
・Included in the price: CAT ride fee, guide fee, insurance fee (only for those living in Japan)
・The number of CAT rides may change depending on the level of participants and weather conditions on the day.
・Depending on the situation, some hiking may be required.
Tengendai Kogen｜Yamagata Prefecture
“Fast Track Tour” to step on unexplored powder
Tengendai Plateau is located in the southern part of the 2,000m-class Ou Mountains.
The altitude at the top is over 1,800 meters, 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 maintained in good condition, and the area boasts a long season that lasts six months from early December to Golden Week in May. The fast track tour that has been running for the past two years will continue in the '23-24 season! You can access the north observation deck at an altitude of 1,820m on a 15-seater snow compaction vehicle, and enjoy a guided powder ride on the east and west walls. Guests staying at Albu Pension in Tengendai Kogen are eligible.
| time | 7:20～8:20 |
| price | 3,500 yen/person |
| hold | Every Sunday from January 7th (Sunday) to February 25th (Sunday), 2024 |
・Reservation required until 16:00 the day before
・Capacity: 9 people
・Limited to advanced users
◆ Official HP / https://www.winter.tengendai.jp/
Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain｜Fukushima Prefecture
cat ride
For the '23-24 season, Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain was reborn as a combination of the former Altz Bandai Ski Resort and Nekoma Ski Resort.
It has received a lot of attention since the start of the season, and has been developing various service contents. One of these, the ``Cat Ride,'' involves riding a snowmobile while looking out at the beautiful Lake Inawashiro, as you can see, and accessing the exclusive area for cat rides above the Batou Chair. Limited to just 10 people, you can enjoy plenty of fresh powder. There are only two flights per day, and fares vary slightly depending on departure time. The ski field is basically uncompacted snow and requires intermediate or higher level skiing skills. It will only operate on weekends and holidays from January 13, 2024 to February 25, 2024. Reception is still being prepared as of January 4th, but we can predict that reservations will fill up instantly as soon as it starts. If you want to experience it, be sure to check the official website frequently so you don't miss your chance!
| time | 2 flights a day at 10:00 and 11:00 |
| price | 10:00~: 2,000 yen/person 11:00~: 1,500 yen/person |
| hold | Every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday from January 13, 2024 to February 25, 2024 |
・Separate lift ticket required
・Advance online reservation (preparing for reservation)
Ose Tokura｜Gunma Prefecture
“National Park Oze Cat Tour” by Oze Outdoor Sports Promotion Association is now available!
The Oze Outdoor Sports Promotion Association aims to continuously promote outdoor sports in the Oze Katashina area and maintain an environment for the future of children.
In the 2023-24 season, we produced a special cat tour in Oze National Park, which has been closed to snow in the winter. The course has two runs, and the ``BC Premium Tour'' has two runs with an elevation gain of about 1200m in one day. The one-day tour includes lunch and will be led by a dedicated guide. The "BC Short Tour" has a daily elevation difference of about 800m in one run.
If you climb the mountain with the latest cat, you will be greeted with a vast field and a spectacular view that only a few people can see. The Oze Katashina area has a reputation for its snow quality. Moreover, if you drop from the highest point in the area, it goes without saying that you can enjoy amazing powder. We departed from the side of Oze Kogen Hotel (Oze Tokura Ski Resort) at 8 o'clock and gained 1200m of elevation gain in one day. Lunch is included in the one-day tour, so why not enjoy the enchanting field guided by a dedicated guide?
| 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 (depending on the weather) | Late January to mid-April (depending on the weather) |
・Includes guide fee and various insurances (BC Premium Tour also includes lunch)
・Capacity: 15 people
・Minimum number of participants: 3 or more (66,000 yen per person for 2 people)
Sekita, Itakura Ward, Joetsu City｜Niigata Prefecture
HIKARIGAHARA CAT TOURS 2024
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 | 1DAY TOUR | Capacity 20 people | 53,000 yen/person (including 6 to 7 rides, guide fee, and lunch during the tour) |
| 1/2 TOUR ｜ Capacity 10 people | 27,000 yen/person (including 3 morning rides and guide fee) | |
| BACKCOUNTRY LESSON PROGRAM｜Snowboarding only | 27,000 yen/person (including 3 morning rides and lessons by professional riders) | |
| 1DAY PRIVATE CHARTER | Capacity 10 people | 470,000 yen/person (including 6-7 rides, guide fee, and lunch during the tour) | |
| hold | Every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday from January 13, 2024 to February 25, 2024 | |
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 popular “Fast Track” + “1-day lift ticket” is a special deal at 7,200 yen! (7,200 yen = 1 day ticket + 1,000 yen meal ticket + 500 yen gift certificate + breakfast ticket) This is sure to be addictive.
It can also be reserved for groups. Very cheap at 20,000 yen (breakfast ticket included) per cat. Up to 22 people can participate with two cats. Please note that advance online reservations are required. Kawaba also has OFF THE PISTE, a powder ride area with uncompacted snow. You can enjoy CAT's first track in the morning, and then enjoy off-piste all day at OFF THE PISTE.
| time | Weekdays 7:40~ / Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 7:10~ |
| price | Fast track tour alone: 2,000 yen/person (breakfast ticket included) Fast track + 1-day lift ticket + 1,000 yen meal ticket + 500 yen gift certificate + breakfast ticket: 7,300 yen CAT charter: 20,000 yen per CAT (15 people) (You can ride up to) |
| hold | December 11, 2023 - March 14, 2024 (scheduled/confirmation required) |