We are currently only able to book CAT tours for guests who have already booked accommodation with Samurai Snow.
Hokkaido is synonymous with the best light and fluffy powder snow on Earth, accumulating an average of 15m per year.
Iwanai is a very unique area, in that while only 40min drive but far away from the Niseko crowds. And unlike Niseko, you can ski untracked lines all day at Iwanai.
Terrain
Iwanai offers every type of adventure skiing including perfectly spaced old-growth birch trees, long (600m) vertical bowls with fast pitch, open powder runs on retired courses and endless backcountry terrain with exquisite snowscapes. Your every turn faces the ocean, enchanting your day in blue and white hues. This is Hokkaido you've been waiting to ski.
Runs range from 400-700 vertical meters and will get 4500-5000m in a day. We usually ski about 8-10 runs in a day and slopes run from 30-42 degrees.
For those wanting even more adventures, we offer backcountry tours off the top of Iwanai to access to Mt Mekunai and Mt Raiden.
What to expect
The day starts with pick up from Niseko. Upon arrival to Iwanai Resort, a safety briefing is conducted and we'll set you up with beacons.
By 09:00, the Iwanai Experience has begun and you're in the deep. We have a variety of terrain that we'll explore including wide-open former course runs, old growth glades and long, steep bowls.
We serve hot coffee and home-made, almost healthy donuts on the cat.
By lunchtime, you'll be jonesing for the best sushi you'll ever savour, brought to you by Iwanai's #1 sushi bar. If you're not into raw fish or have specific dietary requirements, feel free to order anything from our excellent Three Birds Restaurant.
The afternoon brings more new terrain as we explore the many faces of Iwanai. As we ramp up the laps and the legs start to burn, we often get an amazing sunset over the Sea of Japan on our way down the last run, round 3:30pm.
Back at our large lounge, sip on a frothy Sapporo or perhaps a local Nikka Whiskey by the fire while looking out over the ocean and enjoy an après-ski to remember. Or take a soothing onsen at the local hot spring. Relax with friends and shoot a game of pool.
Depending on your mood, we'll depart the lodge around 17:00 and you'll be back in Niseko for dinner.
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
Accommodation
We offer accommodation package tours for those who already know how good Iwanai is. You'll want to ski multiple days.
We can accommodate your stay at an authentic ryokan-style inn. Highlights include a Michelin-mentioned 15-course kaiseki dinner featuring fresh seafood from our local bay.
Breakfast features both Japanese and Western fare so you can start your day off well. And after your full-on powder experience, nothing feels better than sinking into a hot spring bath. You'll sleep in luxurious bedding, either Japanese-futon style or Western bed.
Oh, and the hotel has its own authentic Picasso collection of block prints and a contemporary Japanese art gallery as well.
A stay at our ryokan will give you an experience that will escalate your love of Japan.
Because of food preparation, we need at least one day's notice to prepare your stay. So unfortunately, we can't book right after you just had a killer day and want to do it again!
2023 / 24 Prices
- Price includes Japanese Consumption Tax
- Price includes transport to and from Niseko, Lunch, Refreshments and Beacon Hire.
- CAT capacity is up to 14x people
- CAT operates from 15th Dec to 31st March - subject to snow conditions
Equipment Hire
If you need ski or snowboard equipment, we have a full-service shop with the newest, highest-quality gear including a full line of Fisher ski, boots, boards and accessories.
You can also rent or purchase clothing from top-of-the-line brands such as North Face, Goldwin and Helly Hanson.
Avalanche Safety Equipment
While avalanche danger is low at Iwanai, we provide you with beacons.
Guides carry shovels and probes in their backpacks.
Payment & Cancellation Terms
Payment
- Full payment via the booking portal is required to complete the booking
Cancellation
- 45 days or more prior to the tour date: 5% cancellation fee (95% refund*)
- 30 to 45 days prior to the tour date: 55% cancelaltion fee (45% refund*)
- Within 30 days of the lesson date: 100% cancellation fee
- "Cancellation" includes changes that reduce the overall value of the booking.
* Refunds are made in Japanese Yen. The amount that you receive in your home currency may differ from the amount you paid in your home currency due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Book Iwanai CAT Tour
Please fill out the booking request form below.
We are only able to book ski & snowboard for guests who have already booked accommodation with Samurai Snow.
If you submit a booking request and have not already booked accommodation with Samurai Snow, we will do our best to respond to your enquiry but this will not always be possible.
By filling out this form you confirm your agreement to the Samurai Snow terms and conditions