CAT Skiing & Boarding at Iwanai

Mount Iwanai

Rising majestically to an elevation of 1,086 meters (3,562 ft), Mount Iwanai offers a breathtaking panorama. To the west, an endless expanse of blue ocean stretches out before you, while to the east lies a captivating backcountry, a gateway to the Niseko range and Mount Yotei. These awe-inspiring vistas perfectly complement the dynamic nature of our mountain.

Traversing through abandoned lifts, concealed beneath the growth of summers past, adds a unique, almost apocalyptic ambiance to the mountain.

Embarking on your descent, this powder-filled mountain offers a diverse range of terrain. Open bowls, beautifully spaced old-growth trees, and retired courses with a consistent pitch of 20-40 degrees await your exploration. 

On average, guests indulge in approximately 4,700 vertical meters of pristine powder each day. The highest drop point, situated around 890 meters above the bay, grants a thrilling 690 meters of vertical descent. 

Please note that the number of runs and vertical may vary based on weather conditions, avalanche risks, and the group's skill level.  Not to worry, their experienced guides are dedicated to tailoring the terrain to suit your group's abilities and preferences. Oh and remember to take a moment to catch your breath and immerse yourself in the serene sound of ocean waves drifting through the valleys.

A Typical Day

A courtesy pick-up from your accommodation in Niseko is included.

Upon arriving at Iwanai Resort, the day starts with a safety briefing and equip you with beacons.

By 9:00 am, your Iwanai Experience begins, immersing you in a diverse array of terrain. You'll explore expansive former course runs, tranquil old-growth glades, and exhilarating steep bowls.

While on the CAT, enjoy hot coffee and homemade sweets to keep you energized. For lunch, you can choose from the exceptional menu at Three Birds Restaurant, which offers both Japanese and Western dishes.

In the afternoon, we'll dive into new terrain, making the most of your runs.

As the day comes to a close, you’ll often catch a stunning sunset over the Sea of Japan around 3:30 pm as we head down for the final run.

What's Included:

• Courtesy shuttle from the Niseko area
• Two qualified guides
• Transceivers
• Lunch at Three Birds Restaurant
• Apres cuisine
• Refreshments served on the CAT

Iwanai Apres

Après typically kicks off at 3:30 as you find your way off the mountain. Enjoy some freshly prepared appetizers, warm your body with hot sake, or sip a frothy Sapporo. Shoot a game of pool or enjoy a variety of local Japanese whiskeys. Watch the sun gradually set over the bay.

Like any respectable Japanese bar, we keep going as long as you’d like to stick around. For guests staying on the mountain, you are welcome to enjoy your time as long as you'd like. However, if you are a day tripper, please note that the duration of the party may be shortened if other participants in the shuttle need to return to Niseko.

Transportation

A courtesy shuttle is included for Niseko day trippers, offering a convenient morning pick-up and evening drop-off service from Kutchan, Hanazono, Hirafu, and Niseko Village.

Should you decide to depart early, they can gladly assist in arranging a taxi for you, although the cost would be at your own expense.

If you have your own means of transportation, you'll be free to explore Iwanai at your own pace and take advantage of the local hot springs and exquisite sushi options available in the area.

Itinerary

• 07:00 to 07:30 - Pick up Niseko
• 08:15 - Arrive Iwanai Resort
• 08:30 - Safety Briefing
• 09:00 - Start Tour
• 10:30 - Coffee & Sweet
• 12:30 - Lunch
• 15:30 - Finish Tour
• 15:30 to 17:30 - Après
• 17:30 to 18:30 - Arrive Niseko

Ability Level

Iwanai Resort strives to accommodate everyone; however, their CAT tour is not suitable for beginners or those new to powder skiing. They require intermediate skiing or snowboarding skills, including some prior experience with powder snow.

They aim to keep all groups together and hope to avoid splitting CATs based on ability.  In the case of significant differences in ability within the CAT, they may be able to arrange guidance to alternative (easier) terrain for those who need it.  It’s important to note that their lodge is never too far away and offers comfort and convenience when needed. 

It's important to highlight that every participant on the CAT deserves a day that is equally epic and if someone consistently lags or struggles to keep pace, they may kindly ask them to return to the lodge. 

The group’s safety and enjoyment are of utmost importance to them. they are dedicated to creating a memorable powder skiing experience.

Terrain

For advanced guests, highlights include old-growth tree skiing, steep glades and challenging fall-line runs.  With minimal traversing, you can easily ski three full days of powder without repeating a line.  Under their guides' supervision, advanced guests can ski nearly every aspect of our mountain, as few zones pose a significant risk to avalanche. 

Intermediate riders can gain confidence in powder turns on the retired courses and the well-spaced tree runs between.  Guests overwhelmed by the powder conditions need not worry.  They can easily throw another guide on the CAT to provide more support and instruction.

The mountain delivers a wide variety of terrain, making it an excellent option for any level of ski adventure.

While they appreciate the allure of the retired course runs, they primarily focus on exploring the enchanting forest terrain throughout the day. If you desire a day filled with only retired course runs, they recommend booking a private CAT.

2024 / 25 Prices

• Peak Season dates: 24th December to 6th January & 28th January to 14th February
• Off-Peak Season dates: 22nd to 23rd December, 7th to 27th January & 15th February to 31st March
• Price includes Japanese Consumption Tax
• Price includes transport to and from Niseko, Lunch, Refreshments and Beacon Hire
• CAT capacity is up to 12x people

Seasonal Conditions

Embark on a journey through the renowned Japanese powder you've always fantasized about. Hokkaido, the ultimate destination for powder skiing, lives up to its illustrious reputation. When Siberian weather systems converge with the Niseko range, blankets of powder cascade from the Sea of Japan onto the Iwanai slopes.

Not only is Hokkaido's snow plentiful, but it's also exceptionally light and dry, boasting a snow content that ranks it as the finest powder on Earth. From late December to March, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Hokkaido's unmatched powder skiing. Discover why it remains the envy of skiers worldwide.

Terrain and snow conditions are quite consistent in Hokkaido; this is what you can typically expect from the region:

Early Season - Mid December – January 10th

Experience consistent and deep powder days, although our terrain is limited to the course runs and some glades between the courses. During this time, we typically operate one snow CAT.

Mid-January to the End of February

Enjoy consistently deep powder days as we open the upper drop point and secondary CAT access road. With each passing storm, the terrain opens up, becoming increasingly playful.

March Onwards

Never underestimate this season, as some of the best powder days occur here. Spring begins to show, offering longer days, fully opened terrain, excellent visibility, and sought-after bluebird days.

Avalanche Safety Equipment

While avalanche danger is low at Iwanai, we provide you with beacons.

Guides carry shovels and probes in their backpacks.