Deep in the storm zone of northern Japan
Aomori is as far north as you can ride on Honshu. It’s remote, cold, and stormy—and that’s exactly why we’re here. Tucked into the far northern corner of the main island, Aomori is raw, quiet, and buried in snow. It’s the snowiest city on earth, hammered by relentless systems off the Sea of Japan.
Aomori Spring Resort is our freeride basecamp. You’ll stay on-mountain at a 3-star hotel, just steps from the gondola—literally sleeping where the snow stacks. The setup’s simple: a north-facing resort, one hotel, no shops, and zero distractions. Everything’s built around riding. There’s an indoor/outdoor onsen, massage, a rider-friendly bar, gym, pool table and movie room.
While Aomori Spring is right outside your hotel door, we’ve got the freedom to move when it counts. With a dedicated guide dialed into every storm and 4×4 vans on standby, we’ll chase storms and stay agile to make the most of every window. If it’s hammering down on the coast, we’re there. If the trees are firing in Hakkōda, we’re already strapping in. We’ve got the local resort locked in and when conditions line up, there’s always another zone to hit. You’ll be in a small group (max six riders), matched by ability and pace, meaning more lines and better energy all day. The vibe is simple: ride hard and have fun with a crew that’s just as fired up as you are.
Terrain-wise, this tour delivers exactly what freeriders are after. We mix inbounds powder laps with lift-accessed sidecountry—everything from open zones to old-growth beech forests, perfect for storm-day riding. Plus, night riding at our local hill extends the shred sessions and Aomori Spring is one of the few places in Japan with a 22ft Super Pipe and terrain park.
2026 Dates
18 - 24 January
25 - 31 January
1 - 7 February
8 - 14 February
15 - 21 February
22 - 28 February
Price
USD $3,490 per person
Single Room
Terrain
Resort off-piste & lift-accessed backcountry
Group size
Maximum 6
Why Travel With Mint
When you book with Mint, you're booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. Mint Tours is a registered travel agent, a member of AFTA and IATA, and operating under the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. Our registered Japanese company ensures full compliance, providing a secure and protected travel experience. You'll be led by our qualified local and international guides who are authorized to work in Japan. Your safety is proactively managed through constant conditions assessment and our guides are rigorously trained in avalanche hazard mitigation, backcountry travel, emergency medical response and hold qualifications, active certifications and maintain ongoing professional development.
TRIP INFO
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
This is snowboarding stripped back to what matters
Aomori doesn’t put on a show—and that’s the point. It’s raw, stormy, and low key in the best way. No mega resorts. No crowds. Just deep snow, quiet mountains, and a crew that’s here to ride. Mornings start early, storms roll in heavy, and the days blur into a rhythm of chasing lines, warming up in the onsen, and swapping stories over dinner. The focus is on riding—nothing else. If you’re into untouched zones, low-pressure vibes, and full immersion in Japan’s snowiest corner, this place delivers.
Small Groups & Good Vibes
Less stopping, more dropping – that's the small group promise. Get ready to ride with a small crew (max 6 guests) who ride like you do. Explore more of the mountain, reach those secret stashes quicker, and share the stoke with your new riding buddies. We pair you with similar abilities so you can keep the stoke high, nail more lines, and high-five your way through an epic day.
Deep, Dry, and Empty: Aomori's Conditions
Exact snowfall stats for this region are hard to come by, but estimates put it somewhere between 14 and 20 metres (46 to 66 feet). Thanks to its northerly location, the snow here is lighter and drier than what you’ll find at most Honshu resorts, with consistent storms delivering deep refills throughout winter. Bluebird days are rare—and that’s a good thing. It keeps the crowds away and the snow untracked. January and February are the sweet spot: cold, dry, and reliably deep. Expect temps between -2°C and -20°C (28°F to -4°F), and around 6 hours of daylight—plenty of time to stack laps. One thing’s certain: you won’t be short on snow.
No Sharing: Your Own Private Room Guaranteed!
Forget shared rooms—on this tour, every guest enjoys the comfort, privacy, and convenience of their own private single room with an ensuite bathroom in top-quality, ski-in/ski-out accommodation. Whether you need a moment of peace to reflect on the day or just want to rest, this private room gives you the freedom to relax completely on your own terms. Solo travelers especially appreciate the guaranteed privacy and the comfort. If you're traveling with a partner or friend, we’ve got you covered too—simply swap to a twin room, still ensuring maximum comfort and convenience.
Get Stoked: We've Got Your Back Before You Even Pack
After you're officially part of the crew, keep an eye out for our pre-trip emails hitting your screen with all the intel you need: the tour lowdown, arrival and departure day plans, where you're headed, what to cram in your bag, and other cool stuff to get you ready to roll. Got a question that's bugging you? Our tour managers are just a phone call away for a quick chat. And because we're travel experts, we can also handle the boring bits like insurance, stopovers, and any pre or post-tour escapades you're planning.
Aomori: Remote, but Easy to Reach
Aomori might feel like the edge of the map, but getting there is simple. Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo and you’ll be in the mountains in just over 4 hours—or fly direct to Aomori Airport. However you arrive, our guides will be waiting to collect you and get you straight to the snow. No stress, no transfers to figure out—just smooth travel into one of Japan’s most untouched zones.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Included
✔ 6 nights accommodation at Rockwood Hotel, Single Room with ensuite (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of guiding
✔ 5 day lift ticket
✔ Fully-escorted tour, guide on hand throughout the tour
✔ Scheduled transfers from ShinAomori Station or Aomori Airport to hotel (arrival and departure day)
✔ Complimentary use of avalanche safety equipment – pack, transceiver, shovel and probe
✔ Private transfers to and from resorts
✔ 6 breakfasts at Rockwood Hall (buffet)
✔ 6 dinners at Rockwood Hall (buffet)
✔ Complimentary use of hotel onsen
✔ Pre tour support from Japan Tour Manager
Not Included
✘ Flights/train to Aomori
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All lunches – expect to pay USD $6 – $15 per meal
✘ Onsen entry fee outside the hotel – expect to pay between USD $3 – $7 per visit
✘ Any meals, drinks, snacks not listed
✘ Guide gratuities
Dates & Price
All of tours run from Sunday to Saturday. You’ll ride every resort during the week (Monday – Friday) to avoid the weekend day-trippers and maximize your time on-snow. Rates are based on accommodation seasonality.
Week 1 – 18 – 24 January, 2026 – USD $3,490 per person, single room
Week 2 – 25 – 31 January, 2026 – USD $3,490 per person, single room
Week 3 – 1 – 7 February, 2026 – USD $3,490 per person, single room
Week 4 – 8 – 14 February, 2026 – USD $3,490 per person, single room
Week 5 – 15 – 21 February, 2026 – USD $3,490 per person, single room
Week 6 – 22 – 28 February, 2026 – USD $3,490 per person, single room
Multi-Tour Booking Discount
If 6 nights isn’t enough, book a multi-tour combo. Finish the Aomori Freeride Tour and start a new tour in a different destination the following day. Multi-tour booking discounts will be applied as follows at time of booking – Book 2 tours, get $100 off, book 3 tours, get $200 off.
Book Your Group
If you have a group, large or small, get in touch to discuss your travel plans – [email protected] or +1 503 994 1919
When it comes to your travel experience, choosing a knowledgeable and reliable partner matters. At Mint Tours, we bring over 20 years of dedicated expertise in Japan to the table, ensuring you’re in capable hands. Here are a few reasons why you can confidently entrust your journey to us:
Travel Worry-Free: Choose a Japan Tour Operator That plays by the rules
When you book with Mint, know that you are booking with a Japan tour operator that strictly adheres to all local rules and laws. Our registered Japanese company ensures full compliance, providing a secure and protected travel experience. You’ll be led by our qualified local and international guides, authorized to work in Japan, with your safety proactively managed through constant conditions assessment and guides expertly trained in all aspects of backcountry safety and emergency response. Rest assured, you’re booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise, a registered travel agent, and a member of AFTA and IATA, operating under the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.
Our Team: Your key to an unforgettable Japan trip
We leverage our deep local knowledge to guide you to the quieter ski areas and even some of our closely guarded secret stashes. This means fewer people vying for the goods and a much higher probability of you scoring those coveted, untouched powder runs, guaranteed.
Safety is Our Priority: Expertly guided for a secure Japan journey
Guest safety is our top priority. Our daily operations are guided by continuous weather and snowpack monitoring, informing all decisions. A specific safety plan is also in place for each guiding area. Your guide is rigorously trained in avalanche hazard mitigation, backcountry travel, and emergency medical response, and holds qualifications along with ongoing professional development and active certifications.
Book with Confidence: Your qualified & registered travel partner for Japan
Your Japan journey, simplified and tailored by experts. Mint Tours is a full-service travel agent ready to handle not only your tour, but all the extras – from insurance and stopovers to pre- and post-tour plans. Backed by years of focused expertise in Japan, our credentials speak for themselves: we have partnerships with Japanese resorts and destinations, we’re AFTA and ATAS accredited, and members of IATA and ATTA, allowing us to craft truly expert arrangements for your trip.
What To Expect For Your Tour
During the tour, the aim is to ride a lot of powder and trees. Of course weather and conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride in variable conditions. 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 deep snow and in the trees.
February also sees regular storms, however the weather can be a little more settled which opens up more options for locations and terrain choices, including the Hakkoda area. Temperatures sit well below freezing and the snow stays in great condition, even days after a storm.
Day 1 – Sunday ‘Arrival Day’
Welcome to Japan. Make your way to the meeting point at Shin-Aomori Station or Aomori Airport where your guide will meet you and drive the group 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 guide for an info and welcome session. Your guide will explain what’s in store for the week, the current weather, run through equipment and answer any questions you have. Then join the crew for dinner. It’s a great opportunity to get to know everyone on tour as most guests are traveling solo.
Pro-tip – for guests traveling from North America or Europe, we strongly recommend arriving in Tokyo on the Saturday so you have some time to recover from the travel and jetlag before the tour starts. Extra nights in Tokyo can be added to your booking.
Day 2 to 6 – Monday to Friday ‘On-Snow Guided Days’
You’ll spend the next 5 days riding in the Aomori region. 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 as weather and snowfall affect each resort differently. Each day will follow a similar format:
Mornings – The breakfast buffet is open early and you can enjoy breakfast at your leisure. Your guide will advise the departure time the evening before. If you’re riding straight out the door at Aomori Spring, you’ll have plenty of time before the lifts open at 8:30. If you’re traveling further afield, the departure time is typically around 7:45 – 8:00 am.
Throughout the day – Once at the resort, the goal is simple: ride all day. Your guide will eliminate any guesswork, giving you the local’s edge from the start. You’ll be the first into untouched tree runs, hunting down hidden powder stashes, and exploring the out-of-bounds zones most riders miss. Your guide knows exactly where to go, making sure you’re getting the most out of every turn.
Afternoons – Post-Ride – if you’ve spent the day riding pow at Aomori Spring, you’ve got plenty of options to unwind. Soak in the onsen, book a massage, or chill with the crew for some après at the bar. If you’ve been exploring another spot, you might find yourself relaxing in a local onsen, grabbing a bite at a sushi train, hitting up the 7-Eleven for snacks, or checking out a hidden gem before heading back to the hotel.
Evenings – After epic days exploring Aomori, the evenings are your time to unwind. Head to the hotel’s indoor or outdoor onsen for the ultimate relaxation, or grab a beer with the crew in the bar. Challenge someone to a game of pool, or just kick back and recharge before dinner. Delicious meals at the hotel are included throughout the week, giving the perfect opportunity for the group to share stories of the day’s best turns and enjoy great food together.
Day 7 – Saturday ‘Departure Day’
Enjoy one last delicious breakfast at the hotel before checking out. After an incredible week of riding that legendary deep Japanese powder, it’s time to say farewell. Your guide will provide a smooth transfer back to the train station or airport, leaving you with epic memories of your Aomori adventure. Safe travels!
When you are ready to book, you’ll be asked to self-evaluate if this tour is a match for your ability. We want you to have an unforgettable experience, and your ability plays a central role in your enjoyment and safety. When self-evaluating, please be realistic about your current ability, experience, pace and fitness. If you can’t decide if this is the right tour for you, call our team for a chat. They are always happy to provide further insights or recommend other tours.
Ability Requirements
To join this tour, you must be able to ride at an advanced ability level.
✔ You ride at a moderate and continuous pace
✔ You frequently ride off-piste (un-groomed terrain) at a resort
✔ You can ride in most conditions from powder, hard pack, crusty or tracked snow
✔ You maintain a continuous pace riding in trees
✔ You maintain a continuous pace on traverses and flat sections
✔ You are confident riding in low visibility conditions (snow or fog)
✔ You can safely navigate around hazards, i.e. trees, open creeks, tree wells, holes etc.
Pace
You ride at a moderate and continuous pace, allowing for rest breaks. You may slow down when faced with more challenging snow conditions or when riding tight trees, but mostly maintain a fluid pace.
Fitness
We’re not looking for you to be an Olympic athlete, but you do need some fitness endurance to comfortably ride for the duration of the trip. You’ll spend five, full and consecutive days on-snow. At times short hikes (5-10 minutes) may be necessary.
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 you’re chasing deep, un-tracked snow. On this tour you will ride a mix of in-bounds resort terrain as well as lift accessed backcountry zones. There are times when a short boot pack is necessary (typically 10 minutes). 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 in all conditions.
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.
Who are the guides?
Your guide is rigorously trained in avalanche hazard mitigation, backcountry travel, and emergency medical response, and holds qualifications along with ongoing professional development and active certifications. They are also genuinely stoked to make your trip legendary – think shredding secret stashes with a new best friend who also happens to have the expert skills to keep you safe and the good times rolling.
Budgeting For The Tour
An estimate of spending money for the week is around USD $350 – $450 to cover lunches, dinners, snacks and incidentals. Here’s an indication of what you can expect to pay for meals and activities:
- 6 x Lunches – expect to pay USD $10 – $15 per meal
- Sushi train visit – expect to pay USD $15 – $20
- 1 – 2 times Onsen entry fee when using an onsen outside the hotel – expect to pay between USD $3 – $7 per visit
How Far In Advance Do I Need To Book?
While we can’t guarantee how quickly it will fill, we advise booking early to secure your desired travel dates. Historically, tours tend to reach full capacity by the end of June, significantly before our final booking cut-off of 90 days prior to departure. Book now to avoid missing your chance.
What Is The Terrain Like?
On this tour you will ride a mix of terrain, from resort off-piste to lift-accessed backcountry. There’s a range of terrain to access from alpine, playful or challenging tree runs. Expect deep snow, soft landings and fun features. Generally speaking, Japan doesn’t have steep terrain, but be prepared for riding in tight trees and deep snow. The backcountry zones are lift-accessed, however there are times when a short boot pack is necessary (typically 10 minutes). Snowshoes/split boards/touring skis are not required.
Who’ll Be Riding With You?
To help create the best riding groups, we’ll ask you a few questions after booking. Our experienced guides then carefully consider a range of factors – a blend of logistics, safety, and riding style (ability, pace, and fitness) – to create well-matched groups. Rest assured, we always prioritize your safety and enjoyment when forming these groups.
While we aim to group you with riders of similar ability and pace whenever possible, it’s not always guaranteed. If you’re traveling with friends or family of varying levels, please let us know during booking. If any group concerns arise during the tour, chat with your guide ASAP. We’ll always try to find a solution, and if adjustments aren’t possible, we’ll gladly explain why. Your epic Japan experience is our top priority.
What Happens On Arrival and Departure Day?
Arrival and departure days are your travel days to and from the tour – no snowboarding is planned for these days. Upon booking, you’ll receive our comprehensive tour guide. This essential resource provides a step-by-step breakdown of the arrival and departure process, along with crucial information on flights, meeting points, your gear list, recommended travel times, visa requirements, and transportation logistics.
What If I’m Traveling Solo?
All guests stay in Single Rooms i.e. you have your own private room for the tour. About 99% of our guests are traveling 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.
I’m traveling with my partner, can we share a room?
Yes, we can arrange a Twin or King Room if you’re traveling with your partner. These rooms are limited and subject to availability at time of booking.
How Many People In My Group?
Your tour group will have a maximum of 6 guests, and 1 guide.
Which Resorts Will We Visit?
The Aomori 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 better known locations are Aomori Spring Resort and Hakkoda, then there’s the local secret spots that you’ll get to discover when you join us on tour.
Can I Arrive Early or Stay On After The Tour?
Yes, pre or post tour accommodation can be arranged. For guests flying from the US or Europe, we recommend arriving on the Saturday before your tour starts to help with jetlag. Staying in Tokyo or nearby Aomori is the best option. 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.
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?
Travel insurance is mandatory. Your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, snowsports and emergency repatriation. We also strongly recommend it covers trip cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. For US citizens, we recommend Spot Insurance https://www.getspot.com/trip-affiliates/mint-tours.
What Happens Once I’ve Booked?
Once you sign up for a tour, you’ve got a dedicated tour manager as your point of contact. They can assist with any pre-trip questions about flights, transfers, insurance or what gear to bring. Your tour manager can also arrange pre or post tour travel to other resorts or cities.
90 days before the tour starts – you will receive a Pre Departure Guide which contains important information to help you prepare for your trip. You will need to complete a digital waiver, participant information form, ability questionnaire and advise your arrival and departure flight details.
On arrival day – your guide will add you to a WhatsApp group which will be used for tour communication throughout the week.
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 Aomori?
Once you’ve booked, you’ll be provided with a guide which contains all the info on how to get to Aomori, either by flight or train.
How Do I Check Availability?
Speak with one of our tour managers for the most up to date availability. 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?
Complimentary use of avalanche safety equipment is included as part of the tour (pack, beacon, shovel and probe). There is a small range of rental equipment available at Aomori Spring Resort, but we recommend bringing everything you need with you. There are no snowboard shops.
What Equipment Should I Bring?
Guests will need to bring their own equipment for the tour. Powder specific equipment is recommended. When you book, you’ll be provided with a gear list of what to pack.
Gratuities
We’re committed to making your Mint Tours experience incredible! Gratuities for guides are not included in the tour cost and are never mandatory. However, if you’d like to recognize their exceptional service, a tip of 10-20% of the total trip cost is a typical and much-appreciated gesture. Gratuities can be given directly to your guide at the end of your tour.
How To Book
To reserve your spot, email [email protected] 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