Chase Hokkaido's biggest storms on the Otaru Freeride Tour
On this tour you’ll stay in Otaru – a lively port town on the Sea of Japan. In winter, big storms roll in and blanket the streets in deep snow. Surrounding the town you’ll find a variety of resorts within driving distance. From world-class Kiroro to old-school local ski hills that are virtually empty mid-week – Sapporo Kokusai, Teine, Otaru Tenguyama and Asarigawa Onsen.
Surprisingly, this area doesn’t get the hordes of international guests chasing snow, so you’ll get plenty of waist deep turns with all the perks of staying in a city. Local markets, fresh seafood, great onsen, plenty of photo op’s with the restored canals and warehouse buildings, snow lined streets, locals surfing during the depths of winter and a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Another bonus is that Otaru is probably the easiest destination to reach in Hokkaido. Just 30 minutes by train from Sapporo or 60 minutes by car from Niseko.
This is a fully hosted powder hunter tour with flexible itinerary and a small group of 6 people. You’ll chase the snow and ride at different resorts each day. Your guide is one of the most experienced and qualified professionals working in Hokkaido who has many years of experience riding in these areas as well as reading the conditions and terrain. This tour is perfect for advanced riders and skiers as you’ll get to ride a variety of resort and lift accessed backcountry terrain. You should always expect some of the deepest, lightest and driest powder in the world.
At night Otaru is a buzzing city with plenty of izakaya and sushi shops, where you can try hefty helpings of seafood at very reasonable prices. After dinner there’s plenty of great bars to check out or simply walk back to the hotel and get ready for another big day riding in Hokkaido.
DATES
5 January - 11 January
12 January - 18 January
19 January - 25 January
26 January - 1 February
2 February - 8 February
9 February - 15 February
16 February - 22 February
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 2,990 - 3,290 single room
(scroll down for pricing)
ABILITY LEVEL
Advanced - 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 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.
OTARU FREERIDE TOUR
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
OTARU 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 dining 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 15 minutes to 1 hour.
SNOW & CONDITIONS
From early January to late February is the ideal time of year to ride in Hokkaido. What you can expect is light dry, deep snow, perfect for riding powder. Temps will be cold, with temperatures ranging from -5 to -20°C / 23 to -4°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.
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. Small groups allow greater manoeuvrability and maximum guest to guide ratio is 6 people per guide. This also makes for a more personal experience between our guests and guides.
ONSEN & CULTURAL VISITS
The plan for each day differs due to a number of factors, but we'll always make time for an onsen visit or two throughout the trip. There's no better way to recover than to soak in the mineral rich, geothermal waters. Some of the other local activities that are popular are a visit the sake brewery for a tasting, a trip to 'sushi street', or visit to one of the fish markets.
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.
ACCOMMODATION
Throughout the tour you'll stay at OMO5 Otaru, a modern, 4 star city hotel with great amenities including a bar, wax station and restaurant. You'll stay in a Single room with ensuite (1 person per room) so you have plenty of space and privacy. Buffet breakfast is included throughout your tour, and each night you can explore the the surrounding area's local ramen shops, sushi and countless izakaya.
ESSENTIAL INFO
INCLUSIONS
✔ 6 nights accommodation, Single Room with ensuite (1 person per room), OMO5 Otaru
✔ 5 days of on-snow guiding in a small group of 6 people
✔ 5 day lift ticket
✔ Scheduled transfers from Otaru Station to/from hotel (arrival and departure day)
✔ Use of avalanche safety equipment – Dakine Helipro pack, transceiver, shovel and probe
✔ 5 days of private transfers to and from resorts
✔ 6 buffet breakfasts
✔ 1 group dinner (arrival night)
✔ Fully-escorted tour, guide on hand throughout the tour
✔ Complimentary wax and tune station
✔ Pre tour support from Japan Tour Manager
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
✘ Flights to Japan
✘ Train to Otaru
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All lunches – expect to pay USD $6 – $15 per meal
✘ 5 dinners – expect to pay USD $15 – $40 per meal
✘ Onsen entry fee – expect to pay between USD $3 – $7 per visit
✘ 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 Otaru Freeride Tour, then start a new Mint tour in a different destination the following day.
WEEK 1 – 5 January – 11 January – USD $2,990 single room
WEEK 2 – 12 January – 18 January – USD $3,290 single room
WEEK 3 – 19 January – 25 January – USD $3,290 single room
WEEK 4 – 26 January – 1 February – USD $3,290 single room
WEEK 5 – 2 February – 8 February – USD $3,290 single room
WEEK 6 – 9 February – 15 February – USD $3,290 single room
WEEK 7 – 16 February – 22 February – USD $3,290 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. Here’s a guide of typical conditions:
January is ‘storm riding’ season. Expect cold temperatures and snowy or stormy conditions. 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 sit well below freezing and the snow stays in great condition, even days after a storm.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL DAY
Welcome to Japan. Make your way to the meeting point at Otaru Station where your guide will meet you and make the short 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 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 one of our local izakaya. It’s a great opportunity to get to know everyone on tour as most guests are travelling solo.
DAY 2 – 6 – STORM CHASING
You’ll spend the next 5 days riding the surrounding resorts. The tour itinerary is 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’s over half a dozen resorts that can be accessed. Drive times can range from 30 – 70 minutes and largely depends on weather, snowfall and the groups 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. Each morning your guide will explain the weather and snow conditions for the day and advise the group where we’ll be riding. There’s many resorts to choose from, 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, 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 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 many local onsen (hot springs), stopping off at a sushi train, a stop for a coffee or a visit to the coast before returning to the hotel.
Evenings – On return to the hotel you’ve got free time. Your guide will plan some group dinners throughout the week and most of the restaurants are just a short walk or drive 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.
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 at the train station and say goodbye.
This tour is suitable for Advanced snowboarders and skiers. 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, 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.
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 you 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 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 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 $10 – $15 per meal
- Dinners – expect to pay USD $20 – $40 per meal
- Onsen entry fee – expect to pay between USD $3 – $7 per visit
- Sushi train visit – expect to pay USD $10 – $30
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK?
It’s hard to estimate when the tour will fill up. That being said, Japan is a popular destination, 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).
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?
All rooms are Single rooms i.e. 1 person per room, so you’ll have plenty of space and privacy and don’t need to worry about sharing a room. About 99% of guests are travelling solo, so you’ll be in good company. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snowsports 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 Otaru 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 resorts you’ll visit throughout the week are Kiroro, Sapporo Kokusai, Teine, Otaru Tenguyama and Asarigawa Onsen.
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 Otaru are Tommi Laitervo and Jari Valvio. 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 OTARU?
Once you’ve booked, you’ll be provided with a guide which contains all the info on how to get to Otaru, 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?
Yes. We are ski and snowboard friendly. The Otaru Freeride Tour guides are experienced and qualified guides and trainers in both snowboarding and skiing.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
Complimentary use of avalanche safety equipment is included as part of the tour. Quality rental snowboarding or ski equipment is not available in Otaru. Please bring everything you need with you.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Hokkaido 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 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 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