GET OFF THE BEATEN PATH AND JOIN US IN CENTRAL HOKKAIDO
If you haven’t heard of Tomamu before, what you need to know is that it’s the kind of place where it’s snowy all winter long, and you’re likely to score some of the lightest, dry powder in Japan. The resort has remained relatively unknown over recent years with powder seekers, so if you want to avoid the crowds, join us in Tomamu for some incredible pow turns.
To keep the stoke levels high, you’ve got a snowboard guide on-hand who knows a thing or two about hunting down the best lines, finding the best snow, and making sure you have a good time while doing it. Your guide for the week is freeride athlete, Erika Vikander.
Like many Japanese ski resorts, Tomamu is not particularly large, however what it lacks in size, it definitely makes up for with the quality of snow, lack of crowds and friendly off-piste riding policy. While a lot of ski resorts in Japan ban off-piste and tree riding, Tomamu welcomes it. Once you register with the ski patrol you’re free to ride anywhere in the designated ‘Expert’ off-piste and gladed zones. You can get in amongst the Hokkaido powder without worrying about being chased down by ski-patrol. If you want to take it up a notch, you can even join a guided backcountry day with a local guide if the weather and conditions are right. Head outside the top backcountry gate where pristine powder and stashes are a-plenty.
This is an all-inclusive tour with almost everything included in the price – on-mountain accommodation, lift tickets, guiding, breakfasts, dinners and airport transfers. Tomamu is a no-expense spared, purpose built resort that is perfect for a 6 night stay. It has everything you’ll need both on and off-mountain, including countless authentic Japanese restaurants, ice-village, open-air hot spring and a wave pool.
Dates
Join the wait list for
Winter 2025 dates
GROUP SIZE
6 people
PRICE
2025 prices coming soon
TOUR TYPE
Resort, trees and powder
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.
OVERVIEW
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
TOMAMU - A POWDER PARADISE
Tomamu is an easy destination to reach and is one of our favourite place to snowboard in Hokkaido for a number of reasons. It's a large resort by Japan standards and there's plenty of terrain to keep you occupied for a whole week. It has the most incredible dry powder to be found anywhere in the world; it's relatively quiet compared to it's neighbours; freshies are easily found into the late afternoon; you can ride tree runs straight off the lifts; there's countless opportunities to pick your line with the resort spread across two mountain peaks; and to top it all off, a gondola and high speed chairlifts will keep you toasty on the cold days.
SNOW AND CONDITIONS
Tomamu is located in central Hokkaido and can be a cold area with temps reaching -20°C / -4° F on an average morning. This means you can always expect good quality snow, even days after a storm. The central Hokkaido resorts (Tomamu, Furano, Kamui) see less snowfall than their high-profile coastal neighbors (Niseko, Kiroro), but you'll get to experience riding the lightest and driest powder snow in Japan, thanks to the consistently low temperatures. In late February, many ski resorts in Japan experience a sudden change from winter to spring, and this is when Tomamu really starts to shine. When the snow begins to melt elsewhere, Tomamu’s snow remains cold and dry. On a good year you can still ride powder at the beginning of April!
AFTER HOURS
After riding there's plenty to do. Visit the indoor/outdoor onsen, hit après with the Mint team, visit the ice village, swim in the wave pool or just relax in your room and enjoy the views over the snowy landscape. Each night we'll regroup for dinner at one of the many restaurants. Expect the freshest local Hokkaido ingredients and maybe a sake or two. Sound like the perfect snowboard trip? Then grab your friends or come solo, just make sure you don’t miss out!
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
You could visit a resort with your friends and try to figure out where to go, but why not get all the answers from day one? Answers that can make or break your snowboarding holiday. Erika will get you into the secret powder stashes, exploring parts of the mountain you didn't know existed, avoiding lift lines, showing you the best spots for a banging lunch or an epic photo spot for the 'gram. She will give you a locals perspective from day one and keys to this incredible powder kingdom.
ON-MOUNTAIN ACCOMMODATION
We want your holiday to be as stress-free as possible, so that’s why you’ll stay on-mountain at Tomamu The Tower Hotel. Max out your time on snow and ride first to last chair, or have the option to head back to the hotel early. Staying on-mountain makes this possible. The twin rooms have high quality linen and duvets, a lounge area to chill, plenty of room for your equipment, ensuite bathroom, free WIFI and thoughtful touches like bathroom toiletries, robes and slippers. Each room has amazing views to the surrounding snowy landscape. The hotel has an onsen, restaurants, bar, a convenience store, wave pool and day spa.
ALL-INCLUSIVE TRIP
At Mint Tours we believe premium is the new normal, so we’ve included everything on this trip so you can focus on just one thing, riding powder! Apart from riding every day with your guide Erika Vikander, you'll get to stay on mountain in quality hotel accommodation with breakfasts, dinners, guiding, lift tickets and airport transfers included.
Here’s what you can roughly look forward to each day:
MORNINGS
The breakfast buffet is open from 6:30am and we encourage you to enjoy breakfast at your leisure. The mornings are a great time to hit the onsen or stretch before snowboarding. Your staying at an on-mountain hotel, so you’ve got plenty of ‘me’ time before we hit first chair at 9:00am.
AT THE RESORT
Walk out of the hotel and head to the chairlift. Throughout the day we will aim to spend a full day on-mountain. You can join your guide or you can explore the resort at your own pace. Each day we will break for lunch on mountain. As always, good vibes and fun times are had when you’re riding with Erika. There will be plenty of hoots and high fives as you float turns through the powder. Expect anything from deep, dry powder, gladed trees, wide open pistes and maybe even a lap or two through the park. Our priority is to find you the best snow and terrain.
EVENINGS
After riding it’s up to you! Head to après to catch up on all the happenings of the day, airdrop your photo’s for the ‘gram, hit the onsen, take a swim, go shopping, get some snacks, or just relax back in your room. We want to make sure you have enough ‘me-time’ to enjoy your holiday. Each night is different and we’ll change the plan to suit the groups interest and energy levels. Evenings are a great time to catch up with everyone over some delicious food and a few drinks. Each night we enjoy a group dinner together at one of the restaurants where there is a range of locally sourced Hokkaido produce including fresh seafood, local meats and plenty of options for vegetarians. The perfect way to finish off the evening is with a late night onsen before you fall into bed to do it all again the next day.
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.
ARE LIFT TICKETS INCLUDED?
Yes, all lift tickets are included for this tour. Please note that Tomamu Resort is not 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, snacks and some shopping. Here’s an indication of what you can expect to pay for meals and activities:
- Lunches – expect to pay around USD $10 – $15 per meal
- Snacks for riding – expect to around pay USD $5 per day
- Massage – expect to pay between USD $40 – $70 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, Japan isour most 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 ITINERARY?
For further information, including a tour itinerary send us an enquiry.
AM I TOO YOUNG / TOO OLD FOR THIS TOUR?
We are strong believers that age is just a number. What’s important to us is that guests come with the right intention: to go snowboarding and to have a great time while doing it. Most of our guests are either in their 30’s, 40’s or 50’s. However, we’ve also had guests older or younger, and they had a blast! The minimum age is 18 years old.
WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAY?
Bus transfers from New Chitose Airport to Tomamu are included on arrival and departure day. We will send you through information about the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet at the airport, recommended arrival and departure times and visa requirements.
WHAT IF I’M TRAVELLING SOLO?
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. If you are travelling solo, you will be paired with another guest to room with. The accommodation for this tour is twin share i.e. 2 beds per room.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN MY GROUP?
Each day you will ride with a group of up to 6 snowboarders. Our groups small so you can snowboard at your preferred pace which 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 snowboarding!
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR?
For most tours you can arrive earlier or stay later. 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 GUIDE?
You’ll be led by Erika Vikander. All Mint guides are professionals who are passionate about sharing their knowledge.
IS THIS TOUR RIGHT FOR ME?
This tour is best suited to strong intermediate and above ability snowboarders who can link turns in powder snow, can make a variety of turn shapes and can traverse and hold speed. If you’re not sure, give us a call. Weather and ski conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride or ski anything. Please be prepared to ride and ski in the trees.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
No, flights are not included. If you need assistance booking flights, we can recommend the best flight options.
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?
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.
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 TOMAMU?
Airport bus transfers from Sapporo New Chitose Airport to Tomamu are included. We’ll provide you with instructions on how to catch the bus from the airport to the resort.
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.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
The rental selection is very limited so you will need to bring all your own equipment for this tour. If you are looking at buying new gear before your join us and don’t know what to bring, just ask. We are always more than happy to help you find the right gear for your level.
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
The best thing you can do to get the most out of your trip is to start a pre-trip fitness program. We’re not looking for you to be an Olympic athlete, but you do need some fitness endurance as you’ll spend five consecutive days on-snow. Riding powder is physically demanding, but with a few simple preparations you can ensure that you’re ready to make the most of your powder experience. Incorporate cardio as well as some muscle conditioning into your workout, focusing on abdominal and core stability. Stair-climbers, interval training, swimming and other aerobic activities are always helpful. While on tour, we recommend stretching every morning and evening. If you need some extra help, book a massage when you are in-resort.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
We will provide you with a packing list for this tour. We recommend that guests have a good quality waterproof jacket and pants, insulated layer(s), merino base layers, merino glove liners and good quality insulated and waterproof gloves, quality goggles with low light & high light lenses, balaclava, beanie, and helmet.
Guests need to bring their own snowboarding equipment for this tour (board, boots, bindings and outerwear). If you are not sure which board or equipment bring just ask. We are always happy to make recommendations or to connect you with your local snowboard shop.
If you could bring any snowboard for this tour we would recommend the following:
- All-mountain snowboard that will perform well on all terrain, including groomers, park, and powder.
- Powder snowboard that is shaped for extra float in deeper snow.
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.
DO YOU TAKE SKIERS & SNOWBOARDERS?
This tour is just for snowboarders.
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES
- Twin Share Accommodation
For 6 nights you will stay at Tomamu ‘The Tower’ hotel. All guests will stay in a twin share room. The rooms feature 2 comfortable single beds with high quality linen and duvets, plenty of room for your equipment, a lounge area, ensuite bathroom, free WIFI and thoughtful touches like bathroom toiletries, robes and slippers. Complimentary access to the onsen (hot spring) is included throughout your stay.
- Daily Guiding Sessions with Erika Vikander
Each day join your guide Erika to explore the mountain. Push yourself by following an experienced athlete as they guide you to the best snow and terrain each day. Guiding sessions typically run from first chair at 9:00am through till 3:00pm. You’ll ride more vertical, more terrain, more powder snow and explore further off-piste and deeper into the trees.
- All Lift Passes
A 5 day lift pass is included for this trip.
- All Breakfasts
For breakfast, join us at the restaurant which serves all your Japanese and Western favourites, including eggs cooked to order, home-baked bread, french toast, croissants and much more, all prepared with local produce.
- All Dinners
You’ll get 6 dinner vouchers that can be used at a variety of restaurants at Tomamu. You will be treated to the freshest local seafood, delicious meats and vegetable dishes, rice bowls, Japanese soups and noodles just to name a few. There are options for all dietary requirements. For those with a sweet tooth, the irresistible dessert buffet isn’t one to be missed.
- Airport Transfers
Included on arrival and departure day from Sapporo New Chitose Airport to your hotel. Simply jump on the bus and in no time you’ll be transported to our powder paradise. Our door-to-door transfers make the trip a breeze.
- Fully-Escorted Tour
Your guide stays with the group throughout the tour. They are not only with you all day on-snow, they are also on-hand each evening. They are always more than happy to share their experience with you on the mountain, and share a drink and some laughs at the end of the day.
All our Japan Tours run during peak snow season and are 6 nights (from Sunday to Saturday). You’ll ride the resort mid-week to avoid the weekend day-trippers and maximise your time on-snow. If 6 nights isn’t enough, then book one of our multi-tour combo’s. Join us in Tomamu, then start a new tour in a different destination the following day. Ask us about tour combo ideas and multi-tour discount.
DATES
Join the waitlist for Winter 2025 dates.
Email info@minttours.com
PRO-TIP – GO PRIVATE!
If you have your own group of snowboarding friends, pick your own dates and book a private departure – with your own coach and all the benefits of a Mint group tour. Get in touch to discuss.
PRICE, DEPOSIT AND PAYMENTS
Winter 2025 pricing coming soon. Join the waitlist for Winter 2025 tours.
Email info@minttours.com
A 50% deposit is payable to secure your booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure.
MULTI-TOUR BOOKING DISCOUNT
We offer a multi-tour booking discount if you book more than one tour. Extend your trip and join us for another fun week, in a different destination.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
View our terms and conditions HERE
QUESTIONS?
Send us an email or give us a call.
Email info@minttours.com