Private cat skiing and guided sidecountry/resort skiing in Hokkaido.
Go deep in Japan’s legendary powder where it snows hard nearly every day!
This year our Japan tour will be venturing to new ski areas as well as revisiting the renowned HBC cat skiing in Shimamaki two times giving 6 days private cat skiing on this two week safari.
From the trip description by Snowperformance
On-snow support
- Independent: Below this trip's level of support
Ski or ride independently, without trip staff accompanying you on the mountain.
- Hosted: With your guide
Trip hosts ski or ride with the group, help everyone get oriented, and share local knowledge.
- Guided: Included
Professional guides lead the group and select suitable terrain and routes based on conditions and ability.
- Coached: Included
Professional coaches lead the group, select suitable terrain, and provide instruction and personalized feedback to help you improve.
- LessonsLight coaching
- Resort and backcountry guidingGuided group
Terrain, ability and who it is for
- Rusutsu resort; the Karibayama range in a remote national park near Shimamaki, with Japan’s largest cat-ski terrain exclusive to this group.
- The five ski areas of Niseko volcano, with deep, cold Hokkaido powder and near-daily snowfall described.
- Snowperformance’s published Levels 1–4 guide supports self-assessment; the trip page does not assign a single required level.
- Sport
- Ski
- Minimum age
- 18 years
- Adults only
- Yes
From the trip description by Snowperformance
What the price includes
Included
- Lodging
- Meals · partly
- Lesson
- Transfers
- 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.
Not confirmed by the company: Lift pass.
Day by day
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.
From the trip description by Snowperformance
Where you stay
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.
From the trip description by Snowperformance
Pins show the approximate main trip area—not a route, meeting point, or full itinerary. Confirm exact locations in the company's trip details.
Dates and prices
- Feb 5 – Feb 18, 20272026/27 · 14 days · 13 nights16,800 USDPer person, double occupancy, approximate ("Price approximately $16800"). Single occupancy 18300 USD. Requires a partner for double rate. USD 3000 deposit.Sold OutChoose these datesBook on Company
- Dates TBD2027/28 · TBDNot publishedAvailableBook 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; details as of September 11, 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.
From the trip description by Snowperformance