The Aizu Freeride Tour offers a unique locals perspective on one of Japan's last 'secret' spots
Join the Aizu Freeride Tour for a week exploring the regions ‘under-the-radar’ resorts which have deep powder, great tree riding, zero crowds and very little western influence.
This is a powder hunter tour with no set itinerary. Your guide will monitor weather and snowfall to find you the best conditions each day. Each day your guides will drive you to a different ski area. Drive times can range from 10 – 30 minutes. You can expect to ride a range of resorts throughout the week, and your guides will ensure that you’re in the right place, at the right time, to score the best snow. Another bonus is that you’ll only ride on weekdays which means you’ll avoid the weekend day-trippers.
Nearly everything is included in this tour to make it a stress free trip. You’ll stay at a remote lake-side onsen hotel that is close to the resorts. You’ve got a dedicated powder guide to monitor the storms and find you the best snow. All lift tickets are included for the trip. Private transport is on-hand to drive you to and from the resorts each day. Extensive buffet breakfasts and dinners are included, and you’re guides will pick you up and drop you off from the train station on arrival and departure day.
As Aizu is truly ‘off the beaten track’, you will also experience local cuisine, hospitality and knowledge from not only your Mint hosts, but also from the local community of Aizu. You’ll visit an award-winning sake brewery, visit a local soba restaurant that harvest their own buckwheat and hand-make their noodles and no tour to Aizu is complete without a visit to the historic Tsuruga Castle, the last stronghold of the samurai.
Dates
26 January - 1 February
2 February - 8 February
9 February - 15 February (Malcolm Moore)
16 February - 22 February
23 February - 1 March
DURATION
All tours are 7 days / 6 nights and run from Sunday to Saturday. You'll ride Monday to Friday to skip the weekend crowds and maximise your time on-snow.
Price
USD 1,950 twin room
USD 2,190 single room
ABILITY LEVEL
Strong Intermediate to Advanced - You’re confident riding off-piste, in powder and can safely navigate treed terrain.
Why Travel With Mint
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. We are a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conduct business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
Aizu Freeride Tour
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
ABOUT AIZU
Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo, and in just over 3 hours you will be transported to Aizu, a region with deep powder snow, unique traditions, food and culture, natural onsen and pristine wilderness. The lack of crowds and very little western influence makes it one of our favourite places to ride in Japan. Our base for this tour is a small lakeside village where we can access the 12 surrounding ski resorts including; Nekoma, Minowa, Gran Deco and Alts Bandai.
ALL-INCLUSIVE TOUR
Nearly everything is included to make this a stress-free trip. You'll stay in a lake-side onsen hotel close to the resorts, buffet breakfasts and dinners are included and prepared with local produce, a dedicated powder guide to monitor the storms and find you the best snow daily, private transport on-hand to take you to the best resorts each day, all lift tickets for the trip and your guides will pick you up and drop you off from the train station on arrival and departure day.
SNOW & CONDITIONS
Late January and February is the best time of year to experience skiing and snowboarding in Aizu. Average temperatures range from 0 to -10°C / 32 to 14°F. Most days you can expect to ride new snow that’s anywhere from ankle to knee deep. Even if there's no fresh snow overnight, your guides local knowledge will ensure you’ll ride the best snow conditions on that day.
ACCOMMODATION
Your hotel is centrally located to many of the ski areas we visit. The hotel has modern, western-style rooms, restaurants, bar, onsen and convenience store. Single and twin rooms are available which have great heating, private ensuite bathroom, TV, and free WiFi. Each day you’ve got buffet breakfast and dinners to enjoy in the restaurant and each night you’ve got access to the in-house bar which has icy cold beers on tap as well as a pool table, darts and golf to keep you entertained.
POWDER HUNTER TOUR FORMAT
You'll chase the snow and ride at different resorts each day. The centrally located hotel in Aizu is the perfect base to explore the nearby resorts - Nekoma, Alts Bandai, Minowa, Grandeco and a couple of our secret spots. Mint guides have years of experience skiing & snowboarding this region and will monitor storm cycles daily to ensure you’re scoring these zones in the best conditions.
SMALL GROUPS
Mint offers one of the smallest client to guide ratio’s in the industry which ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. Our small groups allow greater manoeuvrability and ease of access to the best areas a destination can offer. When we are on mountain, our guest to guide ratio is maximum 6 people per guide. This also makes for a more personal experience between our guests and guides.
ESSENTIAL INFO
INCLUSIONS
✔ 6 nights accommodation in a 3-star onsen hotel (single or twin rooms available)
✔ 5 days of on-snow guiding in a small group of 6 people
✔ 5 day lift ticket
✔ 6 buffet breakfasts
✔ 6 buffet dinners
✔ Scheduled transfers from Koriyama Station to hotel (arrival and departure day)
✔ 5 days of private transport in 4WD vehicles
✔ Fully-escorted tour, guide on hand throughout the tour
✔ Pre tour support from Japan Tour Manager
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
✘ Flights to Japan
✘ Train to Koriyama Station
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All lunches – expect to pay USD $5 – $10 per meal
✘ Any meals, drinks, snacks not listed
✘ Guide gratuities
WINTER 2025 DATES AND PRICE
All of Mint’s Japan Tours are 7 days and 6 nights and run from Sunday to Saturday. You’ll ride every resort during the week (Monday – Friday) to avoid the weekend day-trippers and maximise your time on-snow. If 6 nights isn’t enough, then book a multi-tour combo. Join the Aizu Freeride Tour, then start a new Mint tour in a different destination the following day.
WEEK 1 – 26 January – 1 February – USD $2,190 pp single room / USD $1,950 pp twin room
WEEK 2 – 2 February – 8 February – USD $2,190 pp single room / USD $1,950 pp twin room
WEEK 3 – 9 February – 15 February – USD $2,190 pp single room / USD $1,950 pp twin room
WEEK 4 – 16 February – 22 February – USD $2,190 pp single room / USD $1,950 pp twin room
WEEK 5 – 23 February – 1 March – USD $2,190 pp single room / USD $1,950 pp twin room
Twin Rooms are available for 2 guests travelling together. Twin rooms are large and have 2 single beds. Solo-travellers will stay in a Single Room.
CONDITIONS – WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR TOUR
During the tour you will ride a lot of powder, glades and trees. Of course weather and conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride or ski anything. Frequent storms mean that you will often spend back-to-back days riding in the trees. February sees regular storms, however the weather is more settled which opens up more options for locations and terrain choices. Temperatures are typically below freezing and the snow stays in good condition, even days after a storm.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL DAY
Welcome to Japan. Make your way to the meeting point at Koriyama Station where your guide will meet you and make the drive to the hotel. After check in, you’ve got some free time to settle in to your room, unpack and set-up your equipment for the adventure ahead. In the evening, meet your guides in the hotel bar for an info and welcome session. Your guides will explain what’s in store for the week, the current weather, run through equipment and answer any questions you have. Then join your guides for dinner at the hotel. It’s a great opportunity to get to know everyone on tour as most guests are travelling solo.
DAY 2 TO 6 – STORM CHASING
You’ll spend the next 5 days riding the surrounding resorts. We keep the tour itinerary flexible so you can ride at the best resort on the day. Your guide will monitor storm cycles to ensure you’re scoring the best conditions at each resort as weather and snowfall affect each resort differently. There is half a dozen resorts nearby. Drive times can range from 10 – 30 minutes and largely depend on weather, snowfall and the groups appetite for adventure. Each day will follow a similar format:
Mornings – Enjoy the breakfast buffet at your leisure. Your guide will advise the departure time the evening before which is typically around 8:15 am. Each morning your guide will explain the weather and snow conditions for the day and advise the group where you’ll be riding. There’s plenty of options, so your guides will keep a sharp eye on the weather so we can find you the best snow daily. Load up the van and drive to the resort.
Throughout the day – Once at the resort the aim is to spend a full day on-mountain. Your guide will take the guess-work out of it and give you a locals perspective from day one. Be the first into the trees and hit the secret powder stashes and even take a lap or two through the terrain park. They also know the best places for a great lunch and have all the photo spots for the ‘gram on lock.
Afternoons – After riding, your guide will make plans according to time, the groups interest and energy levels. You could find yourself at one of the local onsen (hot springs), stopping off at the sake brewery for a tasting, a visit to the Tsuruga Castle or just a visit to the 7-Eleven before returning to the hotel.
Evenings – On return to the hotel, you’ve got free time. Head to the onsen, grab a beer with the crew in the bar, enjoy a game of pool or table tennis or just relax before dinner. Dinners are included throughout the week and the group will catch up over dinner to share a few stories about the days’ turns over some delicious food.
DAY 7 – DEPARTURE DAY
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check out. All good things must come to come to an end, and after a big week of riding deep, Japanese powder, your guide will drop you back to Koriyama Station and say goodbye.
ABILITY
This tour is suitable for Strong Intermediate to Advanced snowboarders and skiers. You’re confident riding the entire mountain, including off-piste and in powder and can safely navigate in treed terrain. You can maintain a continuous and moderate pace, through trees, traverses or flat sections.
On this tour you will ride for 5 consecutive and full days. Guests need to be able to ride or ski multiple days in a row at a moderate pace.
If you’re not quite up to the ability level for this tour, don’t dismiss the possibility of experiencing the best powder turns of your life! Talk with the Mint team and they will be able to make recommendations for other suitable tours, or how to work towards joining this tour.
When you are ready to book, you’ll be asked to self-evaluate what type of rider/skier you are. The more accurately you’re able to self-assess your on-snow abilities, the more you (and others in your group) will be able to relax and enjoy the tour.
GROUPING
Each day you’ll travel, ride and ski together in a small group of six people with a dedicated guide leading the way. Each week typically has twelve guests which will always be led by two guides. This allows the group split into two smaller groups (6 people per group), to better manage any splits in ability or pace. You’ll regroup in the evening for dinners and to create a fun and social vibe.
Your guides will decide on which group you’ll ride/ski with based on a number of factors including safety, ability, fitness and pace. Know that your guides always have your best interest in mind when creating your group. As much as possible, we strive to place you in a group with other riders/skiers who have similar abilities and pace.
WHY TRAVEL WITH MINT?
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. Mint is a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conducts business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we can assist with pre-or post tour arrangements.
WHAT IS A FREERIDE TOUR?
Mint’s Freeride Tours offer you the best chance to ride powder. Our experienced guides have an in-depth knowledge of the resorts we visit, which gives you the ultimate advantage when your chasing deep, un-tracked snow. During the tour you will ride a lot of powder, glades and trees so please be prepared to ride and ski in the trees for 5 days straight. Of course weather and conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride or ski anything.
ARE LIFT TICKETS INCLUDED?
Yes, all lift tickets are included for this tour. Please note that none of the resorts are on the Ikon or Epic Pass.
BUDGETING FOR THE TOUR
An estimate of spending money for the week is around USD $200 – $300 to cover lunches, drinks and snacks. Here’s an indication of what you can expect to pay for meals and activities. Note that breakfast, dinner and lift tickets are included:
- Lunches – expect to pay USD $5 – $10 per meal
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK?
It’s hard to estimate when the tour will fill up. That being said, the Mint’s Japan tours do fill up quickly, so it’s best to book as soon as you’ve made the decision to travel. That way you can secure your preferred travel dates and you won’t be disappointed. Bookings close 90 days before a trip departs, however most tours typically fill up well before this.
WHAT IS THE TERRAIN LIKE?
Generally speaking, Japan doesn’t have steep terrain, but be prepared for deep snow and plenty of gladed and treed terrain. The tree riding zones are mostly lift-accessed, however there are times when a short boot pack is necessary (typically 10 minutes). All riding is in-bounds and snowshoes/split boards/touring skis are not required.
WHO WILL BE IN MY GROUP?
Your guides decide the group you’ll ride or ski with based on a complex handful of factors — it’s part math, part safety, and part ability and fitness. Know that we always have your best interests in mind when creating the group. As much as possible, we strive to place you in a group with other riders/skiers who have similar on-snow abilities and pace. If you are travelling with friends or family who are different abilities, please let us know when you book the trip.
If you have concerns about your group while you’re on tour, please discuss with your guide at the earliest opportunity. If we’re able to adjust we will try to do so, and if we’re not, we’d love the opportunity to explain why. We want you to have the best tour possible.
FITNESS
Whether you’re lifelong snowboarder or skier or have just booked your first tour, the best thing you can do to get the most out of your Mint experience is to start a pre-trip fitness regime. We’re not looking for you to be an Olympic athlete, but you do need some fitness endurance. You’ll spend five, full and consecutive days on-snow, so you should be physically fit enough to comfortably ski/ride for five consecutive days. Your muscles should be up to this task, and your cardio fitness means you can sustain a consistent pace.
WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAY?
Arrival and departure days are off-snow. Once you’ve signed up for the tour you will receive a comprehensive guide with details about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, instructions on flights, where to meet, gear list, recommended arrival and departure times, visa requirements and transportation information.
WHAT IF I’M TRAVELLING SOLO?
Solo travellers will stay in a Single Rooms i.e. you have your own private room for the tour. About 99% of our guests are travelling solo, so you’ll be in good company. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snowboarding and an eagerness to explore all that Japan has to offer.
HOW MANY PEOPLE IN MY GROUP?
Each day you will ride with a small group of 6 people.
WHICH RESORTS WILL WE VISIT?
The Aizu Freeride Tour has a flexible itinerary so you can ride at the best resort on the day. Each day your guide will make the decision on which resort to ride based on a number of factors including weather, snowfall, group ability and interest. The main resorts are Alts Bandai, Nekoma, Minowa and Grand Deco.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR?
Yes, pre or post tour accommodation can be arranged. We can tailor the trip to suit your travel plans. Speak with one of our tour specialists when you are booking and they will be more than happy to assist.
WHO ARE THE GUIDES?
All of our tours are guided by friendly, knowledgeable and expertly trained guides who are passionate about the mountains. The guides in Aizu are Kei Ishiuchi, Richie Owen and Ashline Dean. You will be assigned a guide at the start of your tour.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
No, flights are not included, but Mint can provide you with a list of the best flights to book to match up with your tour and arrival or departure times.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes. All guests need to be covered by comprehensive travel insurance. Once you have booked on the tour, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I’VE BOOKED?
Once you’ve booked your spot you will receive updates about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, visa requirements and transportation information. You will receive a Pre Departure Guide 30 days prior to departure.
HOW DO I CHECK MY ABILITY LEVEL?
The best way to check if a tour is suited to your ability is by speaking with one of our tour managers. They will be able to determine if the tour you have selected is a good fit for your ability, as well as suggesting other tour options.
HOW DO I GET TO AIZU?
Once you’ve booked, you’ll be provided with a guide which contains all the info on how to get to Aizu by train. If it’s your fist time to Japan or if you’re unsure about travel arrangements, often we can link you up with other tour guests to travel with.
HOW DO I CHECK AVAILABILITY?
Speak with one of our tour specialists. As this is a small group tour with limited availability, it’s best to get in touch early to avoid disappointment.
DO YOU TAKE SKIERS & SNOWBOARDERS?
Yes. We are ski and snowboard friendly. Please note that most tours are led by snowboard/splitboard guides.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
Quality rental snowboarding or ski equipment is not available in Aizu. Please bring everything you need with you.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Aizu can be a cold place in winter. It’s recommended that guests dress in layers of clothing specific for traveling in backcountry areas and have a good quality waterproof jacket and pants, insulated layer(s), merino base layers, merino gloves and waterproof gloves, goggles with low light and high light lenses, sunglasses, balaclava, beanie, and helmet. Guests will need to bring their own ski or snowboarding equipment for the tour (board, boots, bindings & outerwear). Powder boards and ski’s are strongly recommended.
WHO WILL BE ON MY TOUR?
Your group will be made up of travellers from diverse backgrounds and will be varied in age. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snowboarding and an eagerness to explore all that Japan has to offer.
GRATUITIES
The Mint team is committed to ensuring that you enjoy the trip of a lifetime. While gratuities are not included in your tour cost – nor are they mandatory – they are gratefully accepted. Gratuities are divided among the guides and team who will take care of you throughout your tour.
HOW TO BOOK
To reserve your spot, email info@minttours.com with your preferred dates and one of Mint’s travel managers will send you a quote, availability and further information for the tour.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A 50% deposit is payable to secure your booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to tour departure.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
View our terms and conditions HERE