TENGU Cat-Ski at Kita-Taisetsu
北大雪スキー場 TENGU CAT-SKI43°50′ N 143°05′ Ecat skiing
A snowcat carries small guided groups over an abandoned championship ski area above Shirataki.
Photo Wakimasa · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain and others, credited in the gallery
Kita-Taisetsu opened in 1979 on the northeast slope of Ko-Tengu above Shirataki, and in 1992 it hosted the national downhill and super-G championships. The lifts have stood still since the 2009/10 season. Since 2010/11 the old runs and the bowls around them have belonged to a snowcat.
TENGU Cat-Ski Guides runs the show with one guide for every five guests. A public day costs ¥85,000 and usually adds up to six or seven runs and about 4,500 m of descent, mostly in open bowls. The two-day trip works more tree riding into the mix for groups who can handle it. The terrain holds no extreme steeps or big gullies, and the appeal lies in long fall lines of cold, untracked snow.
How it rides
- Powder
- 5 out of 5
- Trees
- 3 out of 5
- Steeps
- 2 out of 5
- Sidecountry
- 5 out of 5
- Park
- 1 out of 5
- Beginners
- 1 out of 5
- Family
- 1 out of 5
- Quiet
- 5 out of 5
- Value
- 2 out of 5
- Après
- 1 out of 5
Temperatures drop below −20°C and the operator rents nothing, so arrive kitted out. The area sits next to the Oku-Shirataki interchange on the Asahikawa–Monbetsu Expressway. Public tour dates for 2027 go up on the website, and private days for January to March are booked by email.
Every run at TENGU Cat-Ski at Kita-Taisetsuコース
Beyond the ropes · closed
The former ski area is closed to independent entry from 1 December to 30 April. Riding happens only on guided cat tours.
- One guide to every five guests; public groups of 3–10
- Public tours take ages 18–69 only; younger or older riders book private cats
- Riders must be able to start, stop and turn on any ungroomed snow
- Bring powder-capable skis, snowboard or telemark gear; nothing is rented
- No alcohol before the tour ends
Check the daily avalanche report before you leave the resort. Carry a beacon, shovel and probe and know how to use them.
Worth knowing before you go
Book direct through the website form. Repeat guests and second trips in the same season each earn 5% off.
The cat does not wait for late arrivals, and missed runs are not refunded.
Pack your warmest layers. Clothing is not available to rent.
Getting thereアクセス
Right beside the Oku-Shirataki IC on the Asahikawa–Monbetsu Expressway. The operator website does not publish a meeting point; it is confirmed on booking.
Paid links
Line up the trip around TENGU Cat-Ski at Kita-Taisetsu
Some of these links pay us a commission. It costs you nothing and keeps the guide independent. How the links work
Where to stay nearby宿
Soak after温泉
Touring close by山スキー
Towns to base in町
Ride these on the same trip近くの山
Quick answers about TENGU Cat-Ski at Kita-Taisetsuよくある質問
Can you ride off-piste at TENGU Cat-Ski at Kita-Taisetsu?
At TENGU Cat-Ski at Kita-Taisetsu: The former ski area is closed to independent entry from 1 December to 30 April. Riding happens only on guided cat tours.
How much is a lift ticket at TENGU Cat-Ski at Kita-Taisetsu?
An adult day ticket at TENGU Cat-Ski at Kita-Taisetsu costs ¥85,000 in the 2026/27 main season.
Does TENGU Cat-Ski at Kita-Taisetsu have night riding?
No. TENGU Cat-Ski at Kita-Taisetsu closes its lifts at dusk.
When is the season at TENGU Cat-Ski at Kita-Taisetsu?
TENGU Cat-Ski at Kita-Taisetsu usually opens january and closes march. The deepest, most reliable snow comes january to February.