Get your riding dialled at one of Japan's snowiest resorts
This is an all-inclusive powder and progression adventure that’s tailor made for intermediate snowboarders. No previous powder experience is necessary. You’ll learn the skills to confidently ride on and off-piste, in powder and even venture into the trees.
This is a small group tour with a maximum of 6 riders so you can be assured of plenty of personalised attention from your coach.
We have a flexible itinerary and private transport on hand so we can chase the snow. This means that you’ll ride at the best resort in the region each day. While you are exploring the resorts, your qualified coach will give you tips and feedback to maximise your progression, plus they’ll make sure you have a great time while doing it.
You’ll stay at Mint’s private ski lodge and experience true Japanese hospitality (omotenashi). Your Japanese hosts will prepare home-cooked breakfasts and incredible dinners that are made with local produce. After a long day riding powder, relax back at the cosy lodge with an ice-cold draught beer, a great crew and if you’re lucky our Japanese hosts will play the Shamisen (traditional Japanese string instrument).
Dates
Private groups can select own dates
Group Size
Maximum 6 riders
Price
Enquire for a quote
Ability Level
For intermediate snowboarders with no prior off-piste or powder experience
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.
Myoko Progression Tour
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
INTERMEDIATE SNOWBOARD COACHING
This tour is aimed at intermediate snowboarders with no prior off-piste or powder riding experience. You'll be hosted by a professional snowboard coach who will build up your skills and confidence in order to fast track your progression. You’ll refine your technique and iron out any bad habits which can be difficult to get rid of once they are set in. Our coaches will also ensure you are using the right equipment and that it's set up correctly and specifically for you. Your coach will give you individual feedback to help you on your snowboarding journey.
ALL-INCLUSIVE TOUR
We've included nearly everything to make this a stress-free trip. You'll have exclusive use of a private traditional Japanese ski lodge, you've got your own private room for the trip (no sharing with snoring room mates), home-cooked breakfasts and dinners prepared with local produce, a dedicated snowboard coach who will 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 we'll pick you up and drop you off from the bullet train on arrival and departure day.
ABOUT MYOKO
This lively onsen town sits at the foot of the impressive Mt Myoko and thanks to its close proximity to the coast, it scored an incredible 22 meters of snowfall last winter season. It's one of those places where waist-deep means exactly that. Big snowfall is a regular occurrence during the months of January and February. While it's an area that is already on the radar for many skiers and riders, it’s remained relatively quiet. You can be sure that on a powder day the trees will stay untouched for long enough to tire you out.
SMALL GROUP GUARANTEE
Whereas most companies try to squeeze as many clients per guide, we know offering one of the smallest groups in the industry allows you to snowboard at your preferred pace, and ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. A small group is also the key to your progression. Not only will you get plenty of personalised feedback throughout the tour, a small group allows greater manoeuvrability and ease of access to the best experiences a destination has to offer. Our Myoko Progression Tour is a small group tour with a maximum of 6 guests.
PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
For an authentic Japan experience, you'll stay at a locally-owned traditional Japanese ski-lodge. You'll experience true Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) while staying here. Your Japanese hosts will prepare home-cooked breakfasts and incredible dinners that are made with local produce. After a long day riding powder, relax back at the cosy lodge with an ice-cold draught beer, a great crew and if you're lucky our Japanese hosts will play the Shamisen (traditional Japanese string instrument).
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 flights, insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
ESSENTIAL INFO
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES
- 6 nights accommodation at a traditional pension
- 5 days of on-snow coaching and guiding with a professional snowboard coach
- 5 day lift ticket
- 5 days of private transfers in 4WD vehicles to & from resorts
- Return arrival & departure day transfers from Joetsu-Myoko Station
- 6 breakfasts
- Cultural excursions – onsen, shrine etc.
- Fully-escorted tour, guide on hand throughout the tour
All our Japan Tours are 6 nights and run from Sunday to Saturday. Select your own dates for your private group. You’ll ride every resort mid-week to maximise your time on-snow and avoid the weekend day-trippers. If 6 nights isn’t enough, then book one of our multi-tour combo’s. Join us in Myoko, then start a new tour in a different destination the following day. Ask us about tour combos.
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 take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre-or post tour arrangements.
WHAT IS A PROGRESSION TOUR?
Our Progression Tours will improve your snowboarding through a combination of coaching and guiding. These tours are perfect for intermediate snowboarders who have limited or no experience riding off-piste or in powder. Our qualified coaches will offer you tips and feedback as you explore the resorts. Our priority is to find you the best snow and terrain and give you the tools to become a better snowboarder in an incredibly positive and supportive way. Our program includes group coaching and guiding, plus we’ll give you insights into equipment selection and set-up.
WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAY?
Once you’ve signed up for the tour we will send you through a comprehensive guide with details 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.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THIS TOUR?
This tour is suitable for a private group of 6 people. but we know that by offering one of the smallest client to guide ratio in the industry allows you to ski or snowboard at your preferred pace, and ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. This ensures you get the most out of your time with us, and keeping the groups small means less time waiting and more time riding powder.
IS THIS TOUR RIGHT FOR ME?
This tour is best suited to snowboarders who can comfortably link turns on intermediate terrain and can safely load and unload from a chairlift. No prior off-piste or powder riding experience is required. If you’re not sure, give us a call.
WHICH RESORTS WILL WE VISIT?
We keep the tour itinerary flexible 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. Incredibly, the Myoko region has dozens of ski resorts we can access within easy reach of our centrally located hotel with terrain ranging from wide-open pistes, perfectly crafted terrain parks to deep untracked tree riding and skiing.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR?
Yes, 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 IS THE COACH?
All of our tours are guided by friendly, knowledgeable and expertly trained coaches and guides who are passionate about the mountains.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
No, flights are not included. If you need assistance booking flights, we can recommend flight options for the tour.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes. All guests on tour need to be covered by comprehensive travel insurance. Once you have booked on the tour, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. We offer all of our tour guests discounted snow specific travel insurance.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I’VE BOOKED?
Once you’ve booked your spot on tour, we will send you through a booking confirmation and provide 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. We will send out a Pre Departure Guide 30 days prior to departure. During the tour we will invite you to a group chat which is managed by your coach.
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 MYOKO?
We’ll provide you with a guide with options to get to Myoko. 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.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
Yes. We can arrange rental equipment for most destinations, however we do recommend bringing your own equipment. We do recommend bringing powder boards for all our Japan tours.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Myoko can be a cold place in winter, with temperatures typically ranging from 0 to -12. We strongly recommend that guests dress in clothing specific for traveling in backcountry areas. We recommend that guests have a good quality waterproof jacket and pants, lightweight insulated layer, merino base layers, merino gloves and waterproof gloves, goggles with low light & high light lenses, sunglasses, balaclava, beanie, and helmet. We recommend that all guests bring their own snowboarding equipment for the tour (board, boots, bindings & outerwear). Powder boards are recommended.
ARE LIFT TICKETS INCLUDED?
Yes, we include lift tickets for every day riding on this tour.
PRICE PER PERSON
Enquire for a custom quote.
RESERVATION AND DEPOSIT
To secure your spot on tour, a 50% deposit is payable. The balance is due 90 days prior to tour departure.
Enquire below. Once we receive your request one of our Japan Tour Specialists will be in touch with a with a quote, availability and further details about the tour.
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