Presented by Tactics and K2
Join the Tactics and K2 Asahikawa Freeride Tour for a week snowboarding and filming in Hokkaido with special guest riders Gabe Ferguson and Curtis Ciszek.
This tour starts in Sapporo where you’ll get some time to explore the city, plus check out the new Tactics shop with an in-store event, followed by an afterparty hosted by K2. Then it’s on to Asahikawa city in Central Hokkaido. You’re probably thinking why stay in the city? It’s all about the access, terrain and snow quality. Asahikawa is THE most snow-sure part of Japan. It has the most days with snowfall and the coldest temperatures in all of Japan. Within a 30 minute to 1 hour drive, you’ve got dozens of places to ride – from quirky old-school resorts to lift-accessible backcountry zones filled with endless hits, pillows, banks and wind lips. There’s arguably no zone in Japan that’s littered with as many good spots to film, with no crowds and insane snow quality. Another upside for staying in the city is that at night, you’ve got loads of ramen shops, izakaya and bars on your doorstep, without the in-resort price tag.
This tour is limited to just 12 riders. You’ll get a spot in the van with the K2 and Tactics team, guiding every day at the surrounding resorts and lift-accessed backcountry zones, a videographer on-hand to capture the good times, plus all lift tickets, some meals and quality accommodation is included.
Sign up early. This tour will sell out.
DATES
21 February - 1 March, 2025
DURATION
8 nights. You'll ride Monday to Friday to skip the weekend crowds and maximise your time on-snow.
PRICE
USD $3,990 single room
ABILITY LEVEL
Advanced - You’re confident riding off-piste and in most conditions from deep pow to hard pack or in low visibility, and can safely navigate in most alpine or treed terrain.
WHY TRAVEL WITH MINT
It’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. 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. Mint Tours is a registered travel agent and a member of AFTA and IATA and conduct business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.
ASAHIKAWA FREERIDE TOUR
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
ASAHIKAWA CITY-STAY
On this tour you'll get a unique cultural perspective being based in a lively regional city. By night, you'll have countless food, beer, and entertainment options on your doorstep. By day, your guides will shuttle you to and from the resorts and backcountry zones. There's plenty of variety in resorts to choose from. Where you'll ride largely depends on the snowfall and conditions as well as the groups appetite for adventure. The driving times can range from a 30 - 70 minutes.
RIDE WITH K2 & TACTICS
Each day you'll head out to a different zone with K2 and Tactics riders Gabe Ferguson and Cirtis Ciszek. Throughout the week you’ll ride a variety of lift accessed backcountry and resort terrain. You’ll chase the snow and ride at different resorts or backcountry areas each day – Asahidake, the lesser known ski areas and always a couple of our secret spots. Mint has years of experience snowboarding in this region and will monitor storm cycles daily to ensure you’re scoring these zones in the best conditions.
SNOW & CONDITIONS
February is a great time of year to ride in Central Hokkaido. There's regular storms, however the weather is more settled which opens up more options for locations and terrain choices, including the volcano, Asahidake. Temperatures sit well below freezing and the snow stays in great condition, even days after a storm. The actual snowfall statistics aren’t measured and there's no need. This place scores some of the biggest storms in Japan so you never need to worry about lack of snow.
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE & FLEXIBLE ITINERARY
Like any destination, you've got to know where and when to go. In Asahikawa, it's vital to have mission-ready guides who know the region and to have transport on hand. Your Mint guides will put you in the right zones each day according to weather and snowfall and send you home STOKED. Mint has years of experience snowboarding in this region and will monitor storm cycles to ensure you’re scoring the best snow.
PRE-TOUR SUPPORT
After you sign up for a tour, you will receive pre-trip emails with specific information about your tour, the arrival and departure day process, information about the destination, packing suggestions, and other relevant information to help you prepare for your trip. In addition to this, you have access to our customer care team who are just a phone-call away. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
QUALITY ACCOMMODATION
Guests stay in the heart of Sapporo and Asahikawa city in a quality 3-star standard hotel. Rooms are modern and have a comfortable bed, ensuite bathroom and enough room for all your gear. The hotel in Sapporo is just steps from the main train station offering easy access. The hotel in Asahikawa has great amenities including a hot spring, sauna, restaurant, drying room and board wax and tune station.
ESSENTIAL INFO
INCLUSIONS
✔ 8 nights accommodation in a Single Room with ensuite (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of on-snow guiding with Gabe Ferguson, Curtis Ciszek and Mint guides
✔ 5 day lift ticket
✔ 5 days of private transfers to and from resorts
✔ Video highlights from the tour
✔ Demo boards available from K2
✔ Scheduled airport transfer from hotel to Asahikawa Airport or Asahikawa Station (departure day)
✔ Use of avalanche safety equipment – pack, transceiver, shovel and probe
✔ Buffet breakfast daily
✔ 1 group dinner (arrival night in Asahikawa)
✔ Fully-escorted tour, guide on hand throughout the tour
✔ Complimentary use of hotel onsen in Asahikawa
✔ Complimentary wax and tune station in Asahikawa
✔ Mint merch pack
✔ Pre tour support from Japan Tour Manager
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
✘ Flights
✘ Arrival day transport from New Chitose Airport to hotel – expect to pay USD $13 to take the train
✘ Train from Sapporo to Asahikawa – expect to pay USD $35
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All lunches – expect to pay USD $6 – $15 per meal
✘ 7 dinners – expect to pay USD $15 – $30 per meal
✘ Onsen entry fee outside hotels – expect to pay between USD $3 – $7 per visit
✘ Any meals, drinks, snacks not listed
✘ Guide gratuities
February 21 – ARRIVAL DAY
Welcome to Japan. Fly to New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido and either take the train or a taxi to your hotel in downtown Sapporo. Most flights from the US arrive in the evening, so there is nothing planned for arrival day. Just arrive, check in to your room and get some rest.
February 22 – EXPLORE SAPPORO, TACTICS SHOP NIGHT & K2 PARTY
Today you’ve got some time to get over the jetlag and to explore Sapporo city. You’ve got some free time in the morning, then it’s time to link up with the local Tactics Sapporo staff who’ll be your tour guides for the day. In the evening you’ll head to the new Tactics Sapporo shop for an in-store night and meet and greet with Gabe Ferguson and Curtis Ciszek. Then K2 is hosting a movie night at a nearby bar.
February 23 – TRAVEL TO ASAHIKAWA
You’ve got the morning free, then link up with the crew at around lunchtime. This afternoon the group will head north to Asahikawa by train. The trip takes a little over an hour and is the quickest and most scenic way to reach Central Hokkaido. On arrival at Asahikawa Station, the local Mint guides will meet you and drive the group to the hotel, just in time for check in at 3:00 pm After check in, you’ve got some free time to settle into your room, unpack and set-up your equipment for the adventure ahead. At around 5:00 pm, meet your Mint guides 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 the crew for a Welcome dinner at one of the local izakaya before turning in for the night.
February 24 to 28 – ASAHIKAWA GUIDED DAYS
You’ll spend the next 5 days riding the surrounding Asahikawa Resorts. The tour itinerary is flexible so you can ride at the best resort on the day. Your guides will monitor storm cycles to ensure you’re scoring the best conditions as weather and snowfall affect each resort differently. There’s over half a dozen resorts to choose from and driving times can range from 30 – 70 minutes and largely depends on weather, snowfall and the group’s appetite for adventure. Each day will follow a similar format:
Mornings – The breakfast buffet is open from 6:30 am and you can enjoy breakfast at your leisure. Your guide will advise the departure time the evening before which is typically around 7:45 am. 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 guides will take the guess-work out of it and give you a locals perspective from day one. Be the first into the trees, hit the secret powder stashes and safely explore beyond the resort boundaries. They also know the best places for a tasty lunch and have all the photo spots on lock.
Afternoons – After riding, your guides will make plans according to time, the groups interest and energy levels. You could find yourself at one of the many local onsen (hot springs), stopping off at a sushi train, a quick visit to the 7-Eleven or another local highlight before returning to the hotel.
Evenings – On return to the hotel, you’ve got free time. Head to the onsen and sauna to relax, grab a drink with the crew in the lobby, or wax your board ready for the following day. Your guides will plan group dinners each night and most of the restaurants are just a short walk from the hotel. Join the crew to share a few stories about the days’ turns over a bowl or ramen, a stack of sushi or at one of the many traditional izakaya before turning in for the night. Your guides always have a few great local spots to check out after dinner throughout the week.
March 01 – DEPARTURE DAY
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check out. All good things must come to an end, and after a big week of riding deep, Japanese powder, your guides will drop you back at the airport or train station and say goodbye.
ABILITY
This tour is suitable for advanced snowboarders. You’re confident riding off-piste, you’re comfortable in most conditions from deep pow to hard pack or in low visibility and can safely navigate in treed terrain. You can maintain a continuous and moderate pace, through trees, traverses and 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 speak 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 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 and ride together as a group with two dedicated guides leading the way. This tour has a maximum of twelve guests. Your guides may opt to split into two smaller groups to better manage any splits in ability or pace. You’ll regroup in the throughout the day to create a fun and social vibe.
Your guides will decide on which group you’ll ride 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 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 deep, Japan 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. On this tour we will ride a mix of in-bounds resort terrain as well as backcountry zones. The backcountry zones are mostly lift-accessed, however there are times when a short boot pack is necessary (typically 10 minutes). During the tour you will ride a lot of powder, glades and trees so please be prepared to ride in the trees. Of course weather and conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride anything.
ARE LIFT TICKETS INCLUDED?
Yes, all lift tickets are included for this tour. Please note that none of the resorts that we visit on this tour are on the Ikon or Epic Pass.
BUDGETING FOR THE TOUR
An estimate of spending money for the week is around USD $250 – $350 to cover lunches, dinners and snacks. Here’s an indication of what you can expect to pay for meals and activities:
- Lunches – expect to pay USD $6 – $15 per meal
- Dinners – expect to pay USD $15 – $30 per meal
- Onsen entry fee outside of the hotel – expect to pay between USD $3 – $7 per visit
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK?
It’s hard to estimate when the tour will fill up. That being said, the Asahikawa Freeride Tour is the most popular Japan trip, so our advice is 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?
On this tour you will ride a mix of terrain from resort to backcountry. There’s a range of terrain to access from alpine, playful or challenging tree runs, some with features such as pillows and drops. Expect deep snow, soft landings and lots of fun features. Generally speaking, Japan doesn’t have steep terrain, but be prepared for deep snow. The backcountry zones are mostly lift-accessed, however there are times when a short boot pack is necessary (typically 10 minutes). Snowshoes/split boards are not required.
WHO WILL BE IN MY GROUP?
Your guides decide the group you’ll ride 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 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
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 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. When you sign 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?
The accommodation for this tour is 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. 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?
There is a maximum of 12 guests on this tour, led by 2 guides.
WHICH RESORTS WILL WE VISIT?
The Asahikawa 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 larger and well known locations are Kamui, Asahidake and there’s plenty of secret spots that you’ll visit throughout the week.
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 Asahikawa are Kei Ishiuchi, Scott Anfang, Tommi Laitervo, Christina Bruno, Hayden Manwell, Josh Slootweg, Chuck Morin and Richie Owen. 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 specialists. 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 SAPPORO / ASAHIKAWA?
When you book, you’ll be provided with a guide which contains all the info on how to get to Sapporo and Asahikawa, either by flight or 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?
This tour is for snowboarders.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
Complimentary use of avalanche safety equipment is included as part of the tour. Quality rental snowboarding or is not available in Asahikawa. Please bring everything you need with you.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Asahikawa can be a very 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 snowboarding equipment for the tour (board, boots, bindings and outerwear). Powder boards 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 our 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