OG Series // Hosted by Joni Malmi
This is a rare chance to spend a week in Japan riding and hanging out with one of snowboarding’s most respected OGs — Joni Malmi. As a pioneer of European freestyle and a true style icon, Joni brings decades of experience, deep snowboard knowledge, and an infectious, laid-back approach to the mountains. This is a unique opportunity to ride alongside a legend, soak up his approach to line choice, flow, and terrain reading — and leave stoked, inspired, and sharper on your board.
When you’re out with Joni, the vibe is all-time. From first chair to final turns, he’s always reading the terrain, finding the good snow, and keeping the crew stoked. He’s here to ride hard, explore deeper, and make sure everyone gets the most out of each day. This isn’t a spectator trip — you’ll be riding full days, pushing yourself, and picking up tips from one of the smoothest to ever do it.
This tour is based in Asahikawa, Hokkaido — Japan’s coldest and most snow-sure region. It’s far from the crowds and major resorts, and that’s the point. You’ll ride quirky old-school hills, soak in local onsens, and get a real taste of Japanese snowboarding culture. Across the week, you’ll chase fresh snow with a flexible daily itinerary — riding a mix of lift-accessed backcountry and resort terrain at zones like Asahidake, Kamui, and a few low-key spots we don’t name online.
Each day, Mint’s guides track storm cycles and make the call on where to ride — keeping things spontaneous and snow-driven. And when the lifts stop spinning, Asahikawa comes alive. Expect late-night ramen runs, local izakayas, maybe a karaoke session or two, and plenty of stories from Joni over a beer.
If you grew up watching Joni’s video parts, this is your chance to ride alongside him. If you didn’t — you’ll quickly see why he’s held in such high regard. Either way, this trip is for riders who want to go deep into Japanese terrain, culture, and snowboarding with a crew that keeps it core.
Dates & Price
1 - 7 February, 2026
$4,490 USD Single Room
DURATION
7 days / 6 nights - Sunday to Saturday
Ability
Advanced
Terrain
Resort off-piste & lift-accessed backcountry
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.
Asahikawa Freeride Tour
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
ASAHIKAWA CITY-STAY
Staying in Asahikawa gives you direct access to the deepest, most uncrowded snow in Japan—without the crowds or tourist chaos of better-known resort towns. Each morning, you’re perfectly positioned to strike in any direction, with dozens of local resorts and backcountry zones within reach. After riding, you’re back in a proper Japanese city—not a resort bubble—where you can soak in an onsen, hit up a local ramen spot, or wind down at an izakaya, all without hordes of tourists. It’s the best of both worlds: world-class snow and real Japanese culture, right outside your door.
RIDING IN ASAHIKAWA
We’ve made Asahikawa the home of our flagship Asahikawa Freeride Tour for good reason. This is where the snowboard industry comes to film, and where the deepest days go down. But it’s not the kind of place you can just show up and expect to score—you need storm tracking, local intel, and people who know the terrain inside out. Our guides have spent years dialing in this region, building the knowledge and network to access the zones that matter. Not many ride here. Even fewer ride it right.
SNOW & CONDITIONS
The season stretches from late December to late March, but early January is the sweet spot for storm riding. Expect light, dry, and deep snow – the kind you dream about. While temperatures will be cold (-2 to -20°C / 28 to -4°F) and daylight around 6 hours, the one thing you won't have to worry about is snow. Asahikawa's consistent snowfall, fueled by reliable storms, guarantees incredible powder riding.
ONSEN & CULTURAL VISITS
Each day’s plan will shift depending on weather, snow conditions, and the group’s energy — but we’ll always make time for a visit (or two) to a local onsen. Soaking in the mineral-rich, geothermal waters is hands down the best way to unwind after a day in the mountains. Beyond the riding, there’s plenty to explore: sample local brews at a nearby sake brewery, hit the sushi train on the edge of town, or drop into a local snowboard shop in one of the surrounding areas. These little side missions round out the experience and give you a real taste of the local scene.
PRE-TOUR SUPPORT
From here, we’ll make sure everything’s lined up for a smooth ride. Keep an eye on your inbox — you’ll get a full pre-trip briefing with everything you need to know: detailed tour info, arrival and departure times, packing advice, and a few pro tips to help you get the most out of your time in Japan. Got questions? Our tour managers are always just a call or email away. And if you need help sorting the extras — like travel insurance, early arrivals, stopovers, or extra nights — we’re here to handle that too.
ACCOMMODATION
Arrive at Asahikawa Airport in Central Hokkaido and we'll shuttle you to our hotel in downtown Asahikawa City. Throughout the tour you'll stay in a modern, 4 star city hotel with great amenities including a bar, wax station, hot spring, sauna and restaurant. You'll stay in a private single room which gives you privacy and plenty of space for your equipment. 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
Included
✔ 6 nights accommodation at OMO7 Asahikawa, Studio Room with ensuite (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of resort and backcountry guiding
✔ 5 day lift ticket
✔ Fully-escorted tour, guide on hand throughout the tour
✔ Scheduled airport transfers from Asahikawa Airport to hotel (arrival and departure day)
✔ Complimentary use of avalanche safety equipment – pack, transceiver, shovel and probe
✔ Complimentary use of Verts snowshoes
✔ Complimentary access to fleet of demo boards
✔ 5 days of private transfers to and from resorts
✔ 6 buffet breakfasts
✔ 1 dinner (arrival night)
✔ Complimentary use of hotel onsen
✔ Complimentary use of fully stocked wax/tune station
✔ Pre tour support from Japan Tour Manager
Not Included
✘ Flights to Asahikawa
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All lunches – expect to pay USD $6 – $15 per meal
✘ 5 dinners – expect to pay USD $15 – $35 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
This tour runs 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.
Arrive: 1 February, 2026
Depart: 7 February, 2026
Price: USD $4,490 per person, single room
Extra Nights
Extra nights at OMO7 Asahikawa Hotel can be added to your booking. For guests traveling from North America or Europe, we strongly recommend arriving on Saturday so you have some time to recover from the travel and jetlag before the tour starts. Saturday night indicative price is around USD $110 for a Single Studio Room, including breakfast. Price is subject to change and is based on availability at time of booking.
Multi-Tour Booking Discount
If 6 nights isn’t enough, book a multi-tour combo. Finish the Asahikawa 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.
Day 1 – Sunday: Arrival Day
Welcome to Japan. Make your way to the meeting point at Asahikawa Airport, where you’ll be met your Mint guides. They’ll be there to greet the group and handle the transfer to the hotel in central Asahikawa. Check-in opens at 3:00 pm, giving you time to unpack, dial in your gear, and start settling into the rhythm of the week ahead.
In the evening, meet the guides and Joni Malmi for a welcome and info session. They’ll walk you through the plan for the week, break down the weather forecast, run through gear, and answer any questions. Then it’s time to kick things off with a relaxed group dinner —It’s an easy intro to the crew, with good food, mellow vibes, and plenty of stories to get the stoke going. Most guests travel solo, so the atmosphere’s relaxed and easy from the start.
Pro tip: Coming from North America or Europe? Arrive Saturday to shake off the jet lag. We can help you add extra nights at the hotel.
Day 2 to 6 – Monday to Friday: On-Snow Guided Days
You’ll spend the next five days chasing snow around the Asahikawa region, riding with our local Mint guide crew and Joni Malmi. There’s no set itinerary — and our team tracks storms in real time to make sure you’re always scoring. From the volcanic flanks of Asahidake to low-key local hills and quiet backcountry zones, every day is a new mission. You’ll get full days on snow, a small crew that rides at your level, and the kind of insight that only comes from someone who’s spent a lifetime doing this right.
Mornings
Fuel up at the hotel breakfast buffet, then gear up and meet in the lobby. The plan for each day is confirmed the night before, with most van departures around 7:45 am. We kick things off with a quick conditions check, load up the van, and head for wherever we’ll find the best conditions. Drive times can vary between 30–70 minutes.
On-Mountain
This tour is about riding hard, moving fast, and chasing the best conditions with a crew that’s here to do the same. With Joni leading the charge, you’ll hit the right zones at the right time—deep trees, fast lines, and features that let you get creative. We might slow it down now and then to get the shot, but the pace stays high and the focus stays on making the most of every run.
Afternoons
After riding, the daily routine kicks in: a quick 7-Eleven stop for snacks, a solid soak at a local onsen, then back to the hotel to reset. It’s a rhythm that works—hot springs for tired legs, good food (and a few weird treats) from the konbini,
Evenings
Evenings back at the hotel are low-key and crew-focused. Hit the onsen or sauna, grab a drink at the lobby bar, or give your board a quick tune before the next mission. Group dinners are planned every night, all within walking distance—think local izakayas, ramen joints, and tucked-away spots you’d never find without some inside knowledge. It’s about good food, good company, and winding down after full days on snow. And if it’s dumping after dark? Don’t be surprised if there’s talk of a night shred. Some nights go long, some stay chill—but the vibe is always right.
Day 7 – Saturday: Departure Day
One last breakfast at the hotel, then it’s time to pack up and check out. After a week of deep snow, good crew, and riding with Joni, it’s hard to walk away—but the legs will thank you. We’ll handle your transfer to the airport or train station and see you off with a few high fives and solid memories. This one’s hard to top — but you’ll be back.
When you’re ready to book, you’ll be asked to self-assess whether this tour is a good match for your ability. We want you to have an unforgettable time, and being honest about your skills, pace, and fitness helps make sure you’re set up to get the most out of the trip—safely and confidently.
Not sure if this tour’s the one? No stress—just reach out to our team. We’re always happy to chat and help steer you in the right direction.
Ability Requirements
This tour is designed for advanced riders. To join, you should confidently say yes to the following:
✔ You regularly ride off-piste or in the backcountry
✔ You maintain a fast, consistent pace through trees
✔ You’re comfortable in all snow conditions—powder, hardpack, crust, tracked
✔ You can safely navigate around hazards like trees, creeks, tree wells, and holes
Pace
We ride at a strong and steady pace with minimal breaks. You might ease off a bit in tighter terrain or tougher snow, but you can generally keep things flowing. Need to sit out a lap or catch your breath? No problem—it’s about staying solid, not sprinting.
Fitness
No need to be elite, but you’ll want good stamina. Expect five consecutive full days on snow, often with limited downtime. You should be comfortable staying active all day, and ready for the occasional short hike (typically 10 minutes) to access better lines.
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 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 and tight 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
- 5 x Dinners – expect to pay USD $20 – $40 per meal
- 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?
Our OG Series tours are special-edition trips with ultra-limited spots, hosted by legends of the sport. These aren’t run-of-the-mill tours—they’re one-offs, and they book out fast. With small group sizes and only a handful of departures each season, availability is even more limited than our standard tours. If you’re thinking about joining, don’t wait. Once they’re full, that’s it.
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, 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 riding in tight trees and deep snow. The backcountry zones are mostly lift-accessed, however there are times when a short boot pack is necessary (typically 10 minutes). Snowshoes/split boards are not required. Verts snowshoes will be provided if necessary.
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.
Which Resorts Will We Visit?
The Asahikawa 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 Kamui and Asahidake, 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. 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 Asahikawa?
Once you’ve booked, you’ll be provided with a guide which contains all the info on how to get to Asahikawa, 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). In addition to this, Verts snowshoes are also provided complimentary when required during the tour. Quality rental equipment is not available in Asahikawa. Please bring everything you need with you.
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.
Questions or Ready to Book?
We’re here to help. If you’ve got questions or need more info, just get in touch and we’ll talk you through the details. Ready to lock in your spot? Give us a call or send us an email.
📧 [email protected]
📞 +1 503 994 1919
Deposits & Payments
A 50% deposit is required to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due 90 days before your tour begins.
Terms & Conditions
Click HERE to view our full terms and conditions.