MINT TOURS

BORN IN NEW ZEALAND'S
SOUTHERN ALPS

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

Explore the crew

Chosen by the Pros. Backed by Experience.

Some of the world’s best riders and filmmakers choose Mint Tours to get their trips dialed — from remote backcountry zones in Japan to location shoots across the globe. They trust us to handle the logistics, scout the terrain, and keep everything running smooth. See the pros who ride with us, film with us, and guide with us. These are the people who trust Mint — and help shape what we do.

Chosen by the Pros. Backed by Experience.

Chad Otterstrom

Chad Otterstrom, legendary pro and longtime fixture in the snowboard scene, rides with Mint Tours. As one of our lead guides, Chad blends deep backcountry knowledge with a lifetime of riding experience to deliver unforgettable days in the mountains.

Chosen by the Pros. Backed by Experience.

Heikki Sorsa

Heikki Sorsa, Winter Olympian and style icon, is a core part of the Mint Tours team. From the global stage to remote powder zones, Heikki now guides with us, bringing his experience, creativity, and laid-back Finnish attitude to every trip.

Chosen by the Pros. Backed by Experience.

Todd Richards

A legend in snowboarding, Todd’s been a fixture on our Japan tours for the past two winters — trusting Mint to line up the terrain, the travel, and everything in between.

Chosen by the Pros. Backed by Experience.

Ingemar Backman

Ingemar Backman is a true snowboarding pioneer. Known for setting a world record for the highest air out of a quarterpipe, Ingemar helped define the style and progression of modern freestyle snowboarding. Today, he brings that same passion and energy to the mountains as part of the Mint Tours crew.

Chosen by the Pros. Backed by Experience.

Austen Sweetin

When Austen Sweetin is filming in Japan, he teams up with Mint Tours to get the locations dialled. We make sure everything’s lined up so he can focus on stacking clips.

Chosen by the Pros. Backed by Experience.

Kevin Backstrom

When Kevin Backstrom and the Beyond Medals crew are filming in Japan, they rely on Mint Tours to line up the right locations.

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

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