Terrain, ability and group
Terrain includes Rusutsu resort, the Karibayama mountain range within a remote national park near Shimamaki (the largest cat skiing terrain in Japan, exclusive to this group), and the 5 ski areas of Niseko volcano. Groups ski deep, cold Hokkaido powder that falls nearly every day. Guests can self-assess against Snowperformance's published course level guide (Levels 1-4) to gauge fit, though this trip is not tied to a single stated level on the source page.
- Sport
- Ski
- Minimum age
- 18 years
- Adults only
- Yes
- Guiding
- Guided group
- Coaching
- Light coaching
Package
Included
- 5 days of guided side country skiing with lift access and accommodation.
- 6 days cat skiing at HBC Shimamaki with full accommodation and food.
- 13 nights lodging, February 5-18 (optional extra night in Niseko).
- Group transport from and to Sapporo CTS on Feb 2 and throughout the tour.
- All breakfasts and most lunches and dinners.
- Trip video and photos.
- Welcome reception.
Not Included
- International flights to Japan and internal flights to Sapporo Chitose (CTS) airport.
- Accommodation on nights before camp starts or after finish date.
- Some lunches and some dinners.
- Drinks.
- Individual choice travel to and from CTS.
- Trip insurance.
Accommodation, travel and itinerary
Accommodation
13 nights of lodging are included, February 5-18 (with an optional extra night in Niseko). Lodging spans Rusutsu resort, the family-run Yansa residence overlooking the harbor in Shimamaki, and accommodation in Niseko.
Getting There
Group transport from and to Sapporo CTS airport is included on February 2 and throughout the tour. International flights to Japan and internal flights to Sapporo Chitose (CTS) airport are not included; guests arrange their own travel to and from CTS.
Itinerary
The trip starts at Sapporo CTS airport, where guests are picked up and taken to Rusutsu resort for warm-up days. On February 8 the group moves to the fishing village of Shimamaki on the southwest coast of Hokkaido, staying at the family-run Yansa residence overlooking the harbor and the Sea of Japan. Guides from Hokkaido Backcountry Club lead the group into the Karibayama mountain range, a remote national park, for 3 days of cat skiing - the largest cat skiing terrain in Japan, skied by this group alone. On the evening of February 11 the group heads to Niseko for 3 days skiing the resort's 5 areas, before returning to Shimamaki for 3 more days of private cat skiing. The group leaves Shimamaki for the second time on February 17 after 11 days of skiing, wrapping up the tour in Niseko with an optional extra free ski day.
Dates and prices
| Dates | Season | Duration | From | Availability | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 1 – Feb 12, 2027Confirmed 2027 tour dates: February 5 through February 18, 2027. USD 3000 deposit required to hold a place. Balance or full price must be paid by direct bank wire or check. | 2026/27 | 14 days | 16,500 USDPer person, double occupancy, approximate. Single occupancy 18300 USD. Requires a partner for double rate. | Available | Book on Company |
Prices, taxes and fees, required extras, inclusions, availability, and booking terms can change. Confirm the current price and trip details on the company website; source last reviewed August 17, 2026.
Good To Know
Pricing is approximately USD 16,500 double occupancy, USD 18,300 single occupancy; a partner is required to get the double-occupancy rate. A USD 3,000 deposit holds a place, with the balance or full price paid by direct bank wire or check (contact the operator for wiring details). Places are limited for the 2027 tour; contact via email or phone. Snowperformance strongly advises full trip cancellation insurance and partners with Wanderwell. Tours are run by Gavin and Alison. Pre-register by emailing gavalski@snowperformance.com.