SIGN UP FOR THE BEYOND MEDALS JAPAN TOUR
Join the Beyond Medals Japan Tour for a week snowboarding and filming with Kevin Backstrom, Sebbe de Buck, Ludvig Billtoft, Tor Lundstrom and Ulrik Badertscher.
The location – 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 Beyond Medals 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 4-star accommodation is included.
Sign up early. This tour will sell out.
DATES
2025 DATES DROPPING SOON
GUEST TO GUIDE RATIO
6 guests : 1 guide
PRICE
REGISTER FOR WINTER 2025
TOUR TYPE
Freeride - resort and lift-accessed backcountry riding
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 insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
Tour Details
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
RIDE AND FILM WITH BEYOND MEDALS
Each day you'll head out to a different zone to ride and film with the Beyond Medals crew - Kevin Backstrom, Sebbe de Buck, Ludvig Billtoft, Tor Lundstrom and Ulrik Badertscher. 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.
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 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 minutes to 1 hour.
SNOW & CONDITIONS
January is the best time of year to ride in Central Hokkaido. Storms are frequent and you can expect light dry, deep snow, perfect for riding powder. Temps will be cold, with temperatures ranging from -10 to -30°C / 14 to -22°F. Days will be short, with an average of 6 hours of sunlight per day. 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.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
Apart from riding and filming every day with the Beyond Medals crew. You've got Mint guides who know the region and transport on hand. You'll stay in a modern, 4 star city hotel with great amenities including a bar, wax station, hot spring, sauna and restaurant. Buffet breakfast is included, and each night you'll explore the surrounding ramen shops, sushi and countless izakaya.
PRE TOUR TRAVEL 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.
ESSENTIAL INFO
INCLUSIONS
- 6 nights accommodation
- 5 days of on-snow guiding with the Beyond Medals Crew and Mint Tours
- Videographer on hand throughout the tour
- Video highlights from the tour
- 5 day lift ticket
- Use of avalanche safety equipment – pack, transceiver, shovel & probe
- 5 days of private transfers to and from resorts or backcountry areas
- 6 buffet breakfasts
- 1 group dinner (arrival night)
- Airport transfers from Asahikawa Airport to hotel (1 departure time)
- Fully-escorted tour, guides on hand throughout the tour
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- All lunches – expect to pay USD $10 – $15 per meal
- 5 dinners – expect to pay USD $20 – $40 per meal
- Any meals, drinks, snacks not listed