Our Story
Mint Tours was born out of a deep connection to snowboarding and the mountains. Our background spans every corner of the industry — from competitive snowboarding, judging and volunteering at grassroots and global events, to working for ski areas and snow brands. After years on the road and in the field, we decided it was time to share what we’d learned. In 2007, we launched Mint Tours.
From day one, we set out to do things the right way — as a fully accredited and accountable business with a strong focus on supporting local communities. We started with small group tours in Queenstown, New Zealand, and have since grown into an international operation.
Japan has been our northern hemisphere base for nearly two decades. Over the years, we’ve built deep, trusted connections across Japan, as well as in Europe, Central Asia, North and South America, and throughout New Zealand. Our global network of guides, athletes, staff, and returning guests pushes us to keep raising the bar — always chasing not just the best snow, but the most rewarding travel experiences.
Today, Mint Tours has headquarters in three hubs that reflect our lifestyle and values: Bend, Oregon; Asahikawa, Japan; and Torquay, Australia. These locations keep us plugged into the terrain, communities, and conditions that shape each trip we run.
When you travel with Mint, you’re backed by over 20 years of expertise. We’re proud to be a registered member of AFTA, IATA, and ATTA, and we operate under the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct — so you can book with confidence, knowing you’re in good hands.
We also take customer care seriously. Once you sign up for a tour, you’ll receive detailed pre-trip emails with everything from destination insights to packing tips. And if you ever have a question, our customer care team is only a phone call away.
— Jarred Dowson, Founder
Mint Tours
OUR TEAM
We’ve built long-standing relationships with local guides, respected locals, pro riders, businesses, and resorts. Because of that, we get access to places and people that most don’t. When you travel with Mint, you get a closer look — behind the scenes and beyond the usual — with insights from the people who know each destination best.
JARRED DOWSON
FOUNDER
KEI ISHIUCHI
GUIDE & OPERATIONS
Tommi Laitervo
GENERAL MANAGER & GUIDE
Scott Anfang
GUIDE
Chad Otterstrom
Guide
Christina Bruno
GUIDE & COACH
INGEMAR BACKMAN
GUIDE
HEIKKI SORSA
GUIDE
JEREMY BLACK
Videographer
Ashlin Dean
Guide
Roland Morley-Brown
Guide
CHUCK MORIN
GUIDE
Abbe Hjellstrom
Guide
HAYDEN MANWELL
GUIDE
Arto Pitkainen
Guide
Josh Slootweg
Guide
RICHIE OWEN
GUIDE
Nicole Hawke
Photographer
ANTTI KESKITALO
GUIDE
Greg Homann
GUIDE
OUR INDUSTRY PARTNERS








