CAT SKI & BACKCOUNTRY in Japan

CAT SKIING

Cat skiing (or Snowcat Skiing) is a form of off-piste, backcountry skiing whereby riders are transported up the mountain in a snowcat, rather than hiking or by chairlift. Cat skiing enables participants to enjoy the vast mountainous terrain and untouched powder; features often difficult to replicate at highly-maintained ski resorts.

Tomamu Powder Program Cat Tour

Tomamu offer two Cat Ski Tours; one during the winter season (early January to early March) and the other during spring (early March to late March) and are held on weekends only. Both are aimed at expert/advanced skiers and snowboarders and held in the Mt. Karifuri area, located 20 minutes away from the main resort. *

*Reservations must be made at least 7 days in advance

Contact us for reservations or inquires

Alts Bandai Cat Ski Tour

Weekends Cat ski tours are offered, with charter cat tours also available on request.

Contact us for reservations or inquires

Other Resort Cat Tours

These include:
Sumikawa Snow Park
Niseko Iwanai International Ski Resort
Yamaboku Wild Snow Park

OTOE POWDER CAT

Suspended for this season

Otoe POWDER CAT is based in the Asahikawa area of Hokkaido. The mountains are a fantastic mix of long open runs and Hokkaido-famous tree runs. Otoe is colder than Niseko, so bring your woolies and expect powder that is light and dry. Tours begin at Appleland Yama-No-Eki Otoe, which can be accessed from Asahikawa city in 45 minutes by car or taxi or with a free shuttle bus from Niseko (Possible Asahikawa-Otoe buses for 16-17 season).

GROUP TOUR

PRIVATE TOUR (group up to 12 people)

Contact us for reservations or inquires

BACKCOUNTRY TOURS

Japan Powder & Backcountry Ski Tours 2025 – 2026

First Tracks Powder Tour in Sapporo

Location

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort (Meet on-site)

Dates

12 – 28 December 2025

Participation Fee (Guide Fee)

NZ$430 per person
Lift and gondola tickets are not included.

Booking Deadline

Please book at least one week before your desired tour date.

Tour Schedule (Approx. 45 hours)

• Meet at Restaurant “Rabbit” on the 2nd floor of Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort by 9:30 a.m.
• Take the gondola to the top of the mountain.
• Hike uphill for about 1 hour to reach the starting point.
• Enjoy your first powder ski descent, then hike back up for a second run!
• Return to the ski area and finish the tour at the base around 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Tour Details

From the top gondola station, we will attach climbing skins to our skis and hike uphill for about an hour (depending on snow and weather conditions).
As this is an early-season tour, snow conditions may vary, but the program is designed as a safe and enjoyable backcountry experience suitable for intermediate skiers.

Please bring

• Drinks
• Snacks or lunch (you will eat on the mountain)

Deep Powder Skiing Sapporo Tour

Location

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort (Meet on-site)

Dates

10 – 25 January 2026

Participation Fee (Guide Fee)

NZ$430 per person
Lift and gondola tickets are not included.

Booking Deadline

Please book at least one week before your desired tour date.

Tour Schedule (Approx. 45 hours)

• Meet at Restaurant “Rabbit” on the 2nd floor of Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort by 9:30 a.m.
• Take the gondola to the top of the mountain.
• Hike uphill for about 1 hour using climbing skins.
• Begin your first ski descent, then hike back up for a second run.
• Return to the ski area and finish the tour at the base around 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Tour Details

From the top gondola station, we will attach climbing skins and start hiking uphill (about 1 hour, depending on weather and snow conditions).
January offers deep snow and long powder runs, perfect for those seeking a true backcountry adventure.
This course is completely different from the early-season route, offering a fresh and exciting experience.

Please bring

• Drinks
• Snacks or lunch (you will eat on the mountain)

Spring Backcountry Ski Tour in Sapporo

Location

Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort (Meet on-site)
or other local mountains around Sapporo locations will vary depending on conditions.

Dates

26 March – 15 April 2026

Participation Fee (Guide Fee):

NZ$430 per person
Lift and gondola tickets are not included.

Booking Deadline

Please book at least one week before your desired tour date.

Tour Schedule (Approx. 45 hours)

If held at Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort:

• Meet at Restaurant “Rabbit” on the 2nd floor of Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort by 9:30 a.m.
• Take the gondola to the top of the mountain.
• Hike uphill for about 1 hour to reach the starting point.
• Enjoy a long backcountry ski descent, then return to the resort.
• The tour finishes around 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Tour Details

From the top gondola station, we’ll attach climbing skins and hike uphill (about 1 hour, depending on weather and snow conditions).
Spring offers longer runs and excellent corn snow, completely different from the early-season and midwinter powder routes.
If the tour is held at other local mountains, detailed information will be provided in advance.

Please bring

• Drinks
• Snacks or lunch (we will eat on the mountain)

Daisetsuzan Powder Tour 2026
– Experience the Finest Powder on Japan’s Highest Peak! –

Location

Asahidake Ski Resort, Higashikawa Town, Hokkaido

Tour Period

04 February – 04 March, 2026 (Available for one month)

Participation Fee

NZ$450 per person

Tour Schedule (Approx. 56 hours)

• Meet by 9:10 a.m. at the rest area inside the souvenir shop on the 1st floor of Asahidake Ropeway Station.
• Depart on the 9:20 a.m. ropeway.
• After a short safety briefing at Sugatami Station, attach ski skins and start the backcountry ascent.
• Climb for about 1 – 2 hours, depending on the weather, and then enjoy an exciting powder ski descent.
• Return to the ropeway base station around 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
  (Usually one guided tour per day.)

Tour Highlights

• Explore the majestic Daisetsuzan National Park, home to Japan’s best powder snow.
• Enjoy a guided backcountry experience in a breathtaking alpine environment.
• Learn about safe backcountry practices while skiing Japan’s highest peak.
• Each day’s route is carefully chosen based on weather and snow conditions.

Important Notes

• Tours are weather-dependent and routes may change accordingly.
• Please bring proper ski touring equipment and winter gear.
• Participants should be comfortable skiing in variable snow conditions.

Required Equipment for All Tours

All participants must have ski touring or backcountry-compatible equipment, including:

• Skis with touring bindings
• Climbing skins (ski seals)
• Backpack suitable for mountain use
• Avalanche beacon (transceiver)
• Helmet
• Face mask / balaclava
• Goggles (bring a spare pair)
• Snacks or energy food for the hike

Please ensure your gear is in good condition and appropriate for backcountry ski touring.

Rental Information

Backcountry and ski touring equipment are available for rent (for an additional fee).
Please contact us in advance if you need to arrange rental gear.

Please ensure your gear is in good condition and appropriate for backcountry ski touring.

Asahidake

Yoshi Wada

A personal friend of founder Hiro, Mr. Yoshi Wada is a renowned professional adventurer and extreme skier. From being the first to ski down the Matterhorn in Switzerland to sliding down Vinson Massif in Antarctica, Yoshi is no stranger to the snowy elements. He offers a number of guided tour services at fields including Kagura and Asahidake.

English Profile

A number of other guides offer similar services in the Asahidake area:
Hokkaido Asahidake Powder Guide Totori
Specializing in backcountry tours, Totori offer several tour services which span the greater central Hokkaido area including Asahidake and Furano Ski Resort.
Natures: Outdoor Life Support
Run by local guide Shinya Nakagawa, Natures offers two tours which make the most of the Asahidake area and powder: a backcountry tour which looks at exploring the natural landscape and slopes, and an off-piste tour which uses the Asahidake Ropeway with freeride snowboard options also available.

Mt Hakkoda Guide Club

Situated in the middle of the Tohoku regions’ Aomori Prefecture, Hakkoda Guide Club offer day backcountry tours from mid-December to mid-May. Mid-winter months (December to early March) will mainly consist of powder runs, while early-March to May will be spring ski and snowboard tours. Access is usually through the Hakkoda Ropeway, with backcountry areas concentrated to the slopes such as those surrounding Tamoyachidake, Maedake, Akakuradake, Idodake, Odake, Kodake, Takadaodake and Iodake.

MADARAO: NORTH Nagano Outdoor Sports Backcountry Tour

Tours are catered for you and the best areas for skiing are selected on the day by guide and founder Hiro’s personal friend, Mr. Aki Kitamura as per the weather. Tours are offered from mid-January to late March and include either half-day or whole day tours.

MYOKO: Myoko Snowsports Multi Resort Powder Programs

Two tour options are available suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers. The Peak to Peak Program is catered for the more advanced/expert skiers and lets you experience the several mountains which make up the resort.

High Five Mountain Works

Based in Gunma Prefecture, High Five Mountain Works are a mountain lifestyle and leisure guide club who offer amazing backcountry opportunities all across Japan, including Mt Fuji! Many of these tours are limited to spring only (as late as mid-May) due to weather conditions. Areas are split into 4 levels, based on backcountry experience/skill level necessary, steepness, and the degree of physical demand. Higher levels require longer hike times (Level 4: 4-6 hours) compared to lower levels (Level 1: Lift access -1 hour).

Contact Us

Contact us for reservations or inquires