Japan

Japan is known for its epic powder days, and a cat skiing trip is the best way to easily access and make the most of JAPOW. Cat skiing in Japan is the ideal way to access the incredible backcountry terrain on the Island.

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Cat Skiing in Japan

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Know Before You Go

Insider tips and perks for your trip to Japan, curated by our experts.

Tips

Tips for Your Trip

Understand what is included in the package. Some operators run a lodge, and food and accomodations are included. Others simply provide the experience and you will need to book your accomodations separately.
Book more than 8 months in advance. January and February are very popular months in Japan. Although there are many providers and regions to explore, which makes it easier to find availability, the best providers in popular regions fill up fast. If you wait until later in the year to book, the time frame you are hoping for might not be available.
Plan for a longer stay. 5 days simply won't be enough. You may not ski ever single day of your trip, but you will want additional time for visiting Tokyo, going to cultural sites, eating, exploring, etc. What makes Japan such a unique ski destination is the culture that surrounds the skiing. Make the long flight worth it and book 7-12 days for your trip.

Perks

The Perks

The number one reason to plan your cat skiing trip in Japan is the snow. Japan is well known for the amount of snow they get annuyally. Huge storms, massive powder days, and more accumulation than almost any where else in the world. With a cat skiing package, you'll be making the most of the snow and get your laps in.
Cat skiing is really unique when compared to cat skiing in the United States and Canada. Many of the cat ski operators make use of abandoned ski resorts that were built back in the 1990s, and have since become a backcountry playground. The terrain won't be as steep as what you would find in North America, but the open snow fields, secured by iconic well spaced trees, make for the perfect powder turns. Terrain is typically smaller, and less vertical, but trust us, you won't be complaining after your first few turns.
The food is another big reason to come ski in Japan. Japan is famous for its ramen dishes, gyoza, okonomiyaki, and of course sushi. The snow will be incredible, but arguably the food will be the highlight of the trip for most people.
The Onsen is just another part of the magic of skiing in Japan. A Japanese hot spring, locally known as an onsen, is the perfect after ski activity. These springs are a naturally occuring phenomenon where volcanic activity heats the water. If you travel to Jigokudani, you could spend some time bathing with snow monkeys.

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