Unisideverse Tour
This is a bucket list trip where you can spend the week snowboarding in Japan with one of the most influential snowboarders of all time – Ingemar Backman. Having been featured on nearly every snowboard magazine cover around the world with his legendary BS air in Riksgränsen, Ingemar’s name is still synonymous with sending it. Join Ingemar and his long time friend and collaborator Abbe Hjellström for a week sending it in Japan next February.
Ingemar and Abbe’s Unisideverse Tour is all about keeping an open mind which is why this tour focuses on exploring the ‘under-the-radar’ resorts of the Tōhoku region of northern Japan. Escape the crowds and high profile resorts and get back to a place in the mountains where creativity rules. You’ll spend the week road-tripping and riding the little-known, stash-laden resorts just outside of a small regional city. Local intel is provided by Mint’s head Japanese guide Kei Ishiuchi plus you’ll have videographer Blackbird on hand to get the shots.
Expect ‘Hokkaido-like’ dry powder, great tree riding and zero crowds. This is a deep snowfall region that’s home to over 15 ski areas that range from quirky, old-school ski hills to larger modern resorts and there’s even an active volcano that bears a resemblance to Mt Fuji. You’ll also get to see the ‘real’ Japan while staying in a lively regional city rather than a ski resort. After riding, there’s some incredible onsen to visit and at night there are endless dining and drinking options.
Dates
9 February - 15 February
PRICE
USD 2,990 single room
TOUR TYPE
Freeride - You’re confident riding off-piste, in powder and can safely navigate treed terrain.
DURATION
7 days / 6 nights. You'll ride Monday to Friday to skip the weekend crowds and maximise your time on-snow.
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.
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
CITY-STAY
The tour is based in Morioka which is the capital city of Iwate prefecture. From Tokyo Station it is around two hours on the Shinkansen. 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. 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.
ONSEN & CULTURAL VISITS
The plan for each day differs due to a number of factors, but there's always time for a post-shred onsen (hot spring) visit. 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, dining at a traditional soba restaurant.
SNOW & CONDITIONS
February is the ideal time of year to ride in this region. What you can expect is light and dry snow, perfect for riding powder. Temps will be cold, with temperatures ranging from -5 to -15°C / 23 to 5°F. Days will be short, with an average of 6 hours of sunlight per day. This one of the most consistent regions for snowfall in Japan so you never need to worry about lack of snow.
COMFORTABLE HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
Throughout the tour you'll stay in a modern, 3-star city hotel. You'll stay in a private single room (1 person per room) which gives you privacy and plenty of space for your equipment. Buffet breakfast is included throughout your tour, and each night dinner is included. Join Ingemar, Abbe and your guides to explore the the surrounding area's local ramen shops, sushi and countless izakaya.
FLEXIBLE ITINERARY
This is a powder hunter tour where you’ll get to chase the big winter storms in Japan. We keep the itinerary flexible so your guide can hunt down the best conditions all day, every day. Each day your guide will assess the conditions and decide which is the best place to ride based on weather and snowfall. This flexibility ensures that we will find you the best snow and conditions all day, every day.
SMALL GROUPS
We offer one of the smallest client to guide ratio’s in the industry which ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. Our small groups allow greater manoeuvrability and ease of access to the best areas a destination can offer. When we are on mountain, our guest to guide ratio is 6 people per guide. This also makes for a more personal experience between our guests and guides.
ESSENTIAL INFO
INCLUSIONS
✔ 6 nights accommodation in a Single Room with ensuite (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of on-snow guiding with Ingemar Backman, Abbe Hjellström and Mint guides
✔ Videographer on hand throughout the tour
✔ Video highlights from the tour
✔ 5 day lift ticket
✔ 6 buffet breakfasts
✔ 6 group dinners
✔ Scheduled transfers from Morioka Station to hotel (arrival and departure day)
✔ 5 days of private transport in 4WD vehicles
✔ Fully-escorted tour, guide on hand throughout the tour
✔ Pre tour support from Japan Tour Manager
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
✘ Flights to Japan
✘ Train to Morioka Station
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All lunches – expect to pay USD $6 – $15 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 Unisideverse Tour, then start a new Mint tour in a different destination the following day.
DATES – 9 February – 15 February – USD $2,990 single room
CONDITIONS – WHAT TO EXPECT FOR YOUR TOUR
During the tour you will ride a lot of powder and trees. Of course weather and conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride in all conditions. Here’s a guide of typical conditions:
February Frequent storms mean that you will often spend back-to-back days riding in the trees. If the weather is more settled it opens up more options for locations and terrain choices. Temperatures are below freezing and the snow stays in great condition, even days after a storm. February offers more options to travel further afield to some of the secret spots.
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL DAY
Welcome to Japan. Make your way to the meeting point at Morioka Station where your guides 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 up with Ingemar, Abbe and the 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 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 TO 6 – STORM CHASING
You’ll spend the next 5 days riding the surrounding resorts. We keep the tour itinerary 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. We have over half a dozen resorts that we can access. Drive times can range from 30 – 70 minutes and largely depend on weather, snowfall and the groups appetite for adventure. Each day will follow a similar format:
Mornings – Enjoy the breakfast buffet 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. We have plenty of 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 riding with Ingemar and Abbe. Your local Mint guides will take the guess-work out of it and give you a locals perspective from day one. Be the first into the trees and hit the secret powder stashes. They also know the best places for 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 attraction like the sake brewery before returning to the hotel.
Evenings – On return to the hotel, you’ve got some free time. Dinners are included throughout the week and your guide will plan group dinners each night and most of the restaurants are just a short walk from the hotel. Join Ingemar, Abbe and 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 to Morioka 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 multiple days in a row at a moderate to fast 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 TYPE OF TOUR IS THIS?
This is a Freeride tours which offers you the best chance to ride deep, Japan powder. Mint’s 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. During the tour you will ride a lot of powder and trees so please be prepared to ride in the trees for 5 days straight. 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 are 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, drink, snacks and onsen. Here’s an indication of what you can expect to pay for meals and activities:
- Lunches – expect to pay USD $10 – $15 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, the Mint’s Japan tours do fill up quickly, so it’s best 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?
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 tree riding zones are mostly lift-accessed, however there are times when a short boot pack is necessary (typically 10 minutes). All riding is in-bounds and snowshoes/split boards/touring skis are not required.
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?
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. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snowboarding and an eagerness to explore all that Japan has to offer.
WHICH RESORTS WILL WE VISIT?
This 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 Appi and Geto Kogen and there’s the 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 lead guide for this tour is Kei Ishiuchi and your hosts are Ingemar Backman and Abbe Hjellstrom.
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 before 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 managers. 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 THE MEETING POINT?
Once you’ve booked, you’ll be provided with a guide which contains all the info on how to get to Morioka by 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.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
Please bring everything you need with you.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Morioka 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