YOUR ABILITY?

At Iwanai Resort, we strive to accommodate all guests; however, our CAT tour is not suitable for beginners or those new to powder skiing. Advanced skiing or snowboarding skills are required, including prior experience with powder snow and varied terrain. Your safety and an exceptional experience are our top priorities.

We do our best to accommodate those who may struggle in deep snow or advanced terrain, and aim to keep all groups together without splitting CATS based on ability or ski/snowboard groups. However, to ensure everyone has an epic day, if a participant consistently struggles to keep up, we may kindly ask them to return to the lodge. The safety and enjoyment of the group are our top priorities, and we’re dedicated to providing a memorable powder skiing experience.

While we enjoy exploring all aspects of our mountain, if you'd prefer a day dedicated solely to retired course runs, we recommend booking a private CAT.

Attention Snowboarders:

Please note that some of our best terrain requires traversing from the top drop point and back to a CAT pick-up point. While these traverses are relatively simple for the average skier, they may present a challenge for snowboarders. We’re looking for advanced riders, as our skiers require full access to the terrain. If you're unsure about your boarding ability, it’s best to book a private session or skip this experience.

TERRAIN

Participants can enjoy highlights like old-growth tree skiing, steep glades, and challenging fall-line runs. With minimal traversing, you can experience three full days of powder without repeating a line. Advanced skiers can explore almost every part of the mountain, with few zones posing significant avalanche risks, all under expert guidance.

Intermediate riders can build confidence in powder on retired courses and well-spaced tree runs. If conditions become overwhelming, we can add an extra guide to the CAT for additional support. Our mountain offers diverse terrain, perfect for both advanced skiers and snowboarders.

SEASONAL CONDITIONS

Experience the world-renowned Japanese powder you've always dreamed of. Hokkaido, famous for its exceptional powder skiing, lives up to its reputation. When Siberian weather systems collide with the Niseko range, light, dry powder blankets our slopes. From December to March, immerse yourself in the unmatched beauty of Hokkaido’s powder and see why it’s envied by skiers worldwide.

While Hokkaido consistently delivers snow, in rare cases with no fresh snowfall for a few days, we still have untouched zones, though your ability will influence access to these areas.

Terrain and Snow Conditions:

  • Early Season (Dec 20 – Jan 10): Expect deep, consistent powder, though terrain is limited to course runs and glades. One snow CAT typically operates.

  • Mid-January to February End: Deep powder days continue, with access to the upper drop point and secondary CAT road, expanding terrain with each storm.

  • March Onwards: Don’t underestimate March—this is when some of the best powder days happen. Longer days, fully opened terrain, and bluebird conditions await, but snow can be more varied, requiring advanced skills.