Iwanai Snowcat Skiing

Iwanai Cat Skiing serves up a great experience to enjoy the abundant Niseko snowfall minus the Niseko crowds. And with a multi-day Iwanai snowcat skiing package you can immerse yourself in the Hokkaido powder and then immerse yourself in the onsen, and fully immerse in the Japanese culture by staying in a local Japanese hotel and feasting on the local cuisine.

See the Iwanai Cat Skiing page for information on the terrain, snow and location.

Iwanai Cat Skiing Multi Day Packages

The multi-day Iwanai snowcat skiing packages include guided cat skiing, lodging in a nearby ryokan style hotel, all meals (including an amazing dinner), the all important onsen soaking, and transport to/from Niseko.

The days of snowcat skiing with Iwanai Resort feature the guided snowcat skiing or snowboarding (6-9 runs). Each snowcat can hold up to 12 guests with a maximum of 1:6 guide to guest ratio (a lead and tail guide are provided, and sometimes 2 tail guides). Avalanche beacons are provided along with a safety briefing.

Another inclusion of the Iwanai Resort Powder Cat Tour is a hot lunch (with a choice from a menu that includes western and Japanese cuisine), and a morning snack and coffee. If you need equipment, Iwanai Resort has a full-service shop with the newest, highest-quality gear including an extensive line of skis, boots, boards and accessories.

Or the other option is an Iwanai Cat Skiing Day Package which doesn't include accommodation (or breakfast, dinner, onsen).

If you want to check availability or have any questions, you can make a booking request.

Ability Level

Like most Japan cat skiing, the terrain isn’t super gnarly but it’s not completely mellow either. The guides can cater the runs to the group’s ability somewhat, and terrain can include very spacious mellow tree skiing, slightly steeper glades, or open terrain on the former piste of Iwanai Resort.

As a minimum, you should be a strong intermediate to advanced skier or snowboarder (off-piste), and have at least a little bit of experience at riding powder and other off-piste snow conditions. You should feel comfortable skiing or riding in amongst trees and be able to hold a traverse through trees. If you want to spend all day on the retired courses and not head to the trees, it is recommended that you book a private cat.

Cat skiing Iwanai is not suitable for those who are new to powder skiing or snowboarding. Whilst it may be possible at times to split the group into two to cater to differing ability levels, if you consistently struggle to keep pace with the group you may be asked to return to the day lodge.

It doesn’t matter if you have limited or no backcountry experience, as your guides will tell you know what you need to do.

You can check out our detailed Iwanai Cat Skiing review for more information.