Asahikawa Freeride Tour Overview
Asahikawa is surrounded by mountains and stacked with resorts, backcountry zones, and endless powder, but it takes a guide to unlock it. Join the Asahikawa Freeride Tour for a week of storm chasing and riding lines most visitors will never find. With Mint’s guides tracking every system and knowing every hidden stash, you’ll score deep, dry snow, insane terrain, and incredible backdrops, all without the big crowds.
This region is all about access, terrain, and snow quality. This is one of Japan’s most snow-sure regions, with consistently cold temps and dozens of places to ride within an hour’s drive — from quirky old-school ski hills to modern resorts and lift-accessed backcountry zones loaded with pillows, banks, and wind lips. And then there’s Asahidake, a steaming stratovolcano that always delivers. There’s no other zone in Japan with as many quality spots to ride, still with minimal tourists and snow this good.
On this tour you’ll chase the best conditions across a mix of lift-accessed backcountry and resort terrain. Mint’s deep local knowledge means you’ll skip the crowds, hit quieter ski areas, and drop into some of our closely guarded secret stashes. With no fixed itinerary, your guide calls the shots daily based on weather and snowfall, making sure you’re in the right place at the right time, and riding mid-week keeps it all that much quieter.
Staying in Asahikawa also means you get to experience the real Japan, not a ski resort bubble. The city is packed with izakaya, ramen shops, sushi trains, and bars ducked down alleyways. Each night brings something different: soak in an onsen, feast on incredible local cuisine, belt out karaoke, or discover the surprisingly vast offerings of a Japanese 7-Eleven. And for those who can’t get enough, the local ski hill lights up after dark for night riding, a surreal Japan experience you need to try at least once.
DATES & PRICE
JAN 4 – 10 – $3,490 / single room
JAN 11 – 17 – $3,990 / single room
JAN 18 – 24 – $3,990 / single room
JAN 25 – 31 – $3,990 / single room
FEB 1 – 7 – $3,990 / single room
FEB 8 – 14 – $3,990 / single room
FEB 15 – 21 – $3,990 / single room
FEB 22 – 28 – $3,990 / single room
MAR 1 – 7 – $3,490 / single room
Ability Level
Advanced
Group Size
Max 6 people — join solo or with your crew.
Terrain
Off-piste and lift-accessed backcountry
Why Travel With Mint Tours
With more than 20 years operating in Japan, Mint Tours is a fully licensed Japanese company delivering professionally guided, small-group snow tours across the country’s quietest, snowiest regions. Our highly qualified guides hold recognized certifications and legal work rights in Japan, ensuring every tour meets the highest local safety and compliance standards. As an accredited AFTA, ATAS, and IATA travel provider, we offer the security and reliability of a globally recognized operator. With Mint, you travel with a team deeply embedded in Japan, fully compliant, professionally trained, and committed to providing a safe, well-managed, and genuinely local experience.
Asahikawa Freeride Tour
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
Single Room Accommodation
No Shared Rooms. No Compromises. Every guest on this tour gets the comfort and convenience of their own private single room with ensuite at OMO7 Asahikawa, a quality 3-star hotel. No sharing, no compromises, just a dedicated space to unwind, organize your gear, and get a proper night’s sleep on your own terms. And this isn’t your average Japanese hotel. OMO7 is the only hotel in the city set up for snow, with everything you need: board and ski storage, boot dryers, a wax and tune station, and a tattoo-friendly onsen to soak in after riding.
Small Groups
Riding in a small crew makes all the difference. With a maximum of six guests, you won’t get stuck in the 'stop-and-wait' routine that slows bigger groups down. Instead, you’ll keep moving, stacking more laps, and making the most of every storm. We also make sure you’re matched with people of a similar ability. Whether you’re chasing tree lines, dropping pillows, or lapping groomers between powder hits, you’ll be with people who want the same kind of day you do.
Experience the Real Japan in Asahikawa
Asahikawa is a buzzing local city, not a tourist town and that’s exactly why we base ourselves here. After riding, you’re back in a place with real energy: ramen joints packed with locals, hidden izakayas, and karaoke spots that stay open late. There’s nightlife if you want it, but it’s local, low-key, and way more authentic than any resort scene. From picking up a new pow shape at a local snowboard shop to late-night snack runs at 7-Eleven, Asahikawa hits different, and it’s a huge part of what makes this trip so memorable.
Snow & Conditions in Asahikawa
The season runs from late December through March, but January and February is the sweet spot, when Hokkaido’s famous cold temps deliver light, dry powder day after day. This isn’t heavy or wet, it’s that blower snow that just keeps stacking. Asahikawa gets hit by consistent storms all season long, so you can count on fresh snow and quality riding, with no second guessing. Cold? Yes. Worth it? Every time.
Pre-Trip Support
Once you've booked, 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.
There’s a reason riders keep coming back to Asahikawa
There's a reason the pros consistently choose to ride and film in Asahikawa. It’s not just the deep snow or the endless terrain, it’s the full experience. From tree lines and roadside spots to lift-accessed zones that stay fresh for days, this place quietly delivers. And when the day’s done, you’re not stuck in a resort bubble—you’re in a proper Japanese city with good food, good vibes, and plenty to explore. It’s not loud, but it’s legit. And once you’ve been, you get why so many riders make it a regular stop.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Included
✔ 6 nights accommodation at OMO7 Asahikawa, Studio Room with ensuite (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of resort and backcountry guiding with qualified guides
✔ 5 day lift ticket
✔ 5 days of private transfers to and from resorts
✔ 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
✔ 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
Pricing – 2026 Tour Dates
WEEK 1 – January 4 – 10, 2026 – $3,490 USD (Single Room) SOLD OUT
WEEK 2 – January 11 – 17, 2026 – $3,990 USD (Single Room) SOLD OUT
WEEK 3 – January 18 – 24, 2026 – $3,990 USD (Single Room) SOLD OUT
WEEK 4 – January 25 – 31, 2026 – $3,990 USD (Single Room) SOLD OUT
WEEK 5 – February 1 – 7, 2026 – $3,990 USD (Single Room) SOLD OUT
WEEK 6 – February 8 – 14, 2026 – $3,990 USD (Single Room) SOLD OUT
WEEK 7 – February 15 – 21, 2026 – $3,990 USD (Single Room) SOLD OUT
WEEK 8 – February 22 – 28, 2026 – $3,990 USD (Single Room) AVAILABLE
WEEK 9 – March 1 – 7, 2026 – $3,490 USD (Single Room) AVAILABLE
All guests stay in a private Single Room (one person per room) at OMO7 Asahikawa — your own space to relax and reset after riding. Traveling with a partner? Twin Rooms with two beds (twin share) are available on request. Just ask when booking.
Extend Your Trip & Save
Book back-to-back tours for the ultimate 2-week powder road trip and unlock exclusive discounts.
Book 2 tours – save $100
Book 3 tours – save $200
Pro Tip: Combine the Asahikawa Freeride Tour with the Otaru Freeride Tour for a 13-night, powder-chasing adventure across Hokkaido. Two tours, new terrain, and time to reset between sessions.
Extra Nights
If you’re flying in from North America or Europe, we recommend arriving a day early to rest and reset. Saturday night rate: approx. $110 USD (Single Studio Room with breakfast)
Ride Japan with a Tour Operator You Can Trust
When it comes to riding in Japan, who you book with matters. Mint Tours is a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of experience. We operate as a registered Japanese company, with strong local partnerships that ensure every tour meets the highest standard so you can focus on the snow, not the logistics. We’re also a registered travel agent, a member of AFTA and IATA, and operate under the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.
Know Who You’re Booking With
Not every operator in Japan follows the rules, but we do. Mint Tours is fully authorized to run guided tours across the regions we operate in. We’ve built our reputation on doing things properly with the right permits, trusted local partners, and a focus on safety and experience. In a country with strict regulations around guiding, it pays to know who you’re booking with.
Travel Worry-Free
Our tours are led by experienced professionals, both local and international, who are authorized to guide in Japan. From storm tracking to terrain selection, everything is handled by a team that knows how to deliver a safe, seamless experience.
Real Credentials. Real Experience.
We know Japan. From deep resort days to quieter zones, we use local knowledge and decades of experience to find the best conditions. Our crew includes respected names in the snow world. Guides who ride hard, know the terrain, and genuinely care about your trip.
Safety First, Always
Every day on snow starts with a detailed weather and snowpack assessment. Our terrain choices are backed by planning, not guesswork. Our backcountry guides hold current certifications with a focus on avalanche safety, emergency response, and ongoing professional development, ensuring every decision is backed by training and experience.
Full-Service Support
We don’t just run great tours, we make your whole trip easier. From pre-departure advice to help with stopovers and extra nights, we’re here to support you before, during, and after your tour. You get expert guidance from the moment you book to the moment you head home.
Day 1 – Sunday ‘Arrival Day’
Welcome to Hokkaido. Make your way to the meeting point at Asahikawa Airport, where your Mint guide will be waiting. From here, it’s a quick transfer into the city and check-in at your modern, city-center hotel, your base for the week.
Once you’ve unpacked and dialed in your setup, meet your guide and crew for a welcome session. We’ll run through the plan for the week, go over the snow forecast, check gear, and answer any questions. Then it’s time to head out for a casual group dinner and get to know the crew. Most guests are traveling solo, so it’s a relaxed and easy intro to the week ahead.
Tip: Flying in from North America or Europe? Arrive a day early to shake off the jet lag. We can help with extra nights.
Day 2 to 6 – Monday to Friday ‘On-Snow Guided Days’
You’ll spend the next five days riding a variety of resorts around Asahikawa. There’s no fixed itinerary — we keep things flexible so you can ride where the conditions are best. Your guide will track storm cycles in real-time and make daily calls based on snow quality, weather patterns, and local insights. With over half a dozen resorts to choose from — and more than a few secret zones — we’ll go where the snow is deepest and the terrain is firing. Drive times typically range from 30 to 70 minutes, depending on the day’s destination and the group’s appetite for adventure. Each day follows a familiar rhythm: early start, ride the best snow we can find, unwind in an onsen, and dive into the local culture by night.
Mornings
Start your day with the hotel’s breakfast buffet, available early so you’ve got time to fuel up before heading out. Your guide will confirm the plan the night before, with departures typically around 7:45 am. Each morning kicks off with a briefing on weather, snow conditions, and where you’ll be riding — then it’s into the van and off to chase the best lines of the day.
On-Mountain
This is where the tour really shines. With deep local knowledge and years of experience in the region, your guide will lead you straight to the best lines — from deep tree runs and natural gullies to playful features and steep, challenging zones. Every day is a new mission, shaped by snow conditions and your group’s appetite for adventure. No wasted time, no second guessing — just dialed-in decisions that put you exactly where the riding is best. Some days it’s storm laps in tight trees, other days it’s chasing sun and exploring new zones as visibility opens up. The goal is always the same: to ride hard, have fun, and make the most of every lap.
Afternoons
After a big day on the mountain, the afternoons are all about recovery and soaking up the local vibe. Your guide will make plans based on time, weather, and how the group’s feeling. Most days include a stop at a local onsen — a classic Japanese hot spring experience. These aren’t just for relaxing — the mineral-rich, geothermal waters are the perfect way to ease tired legs, warm up, and reset for the next day. It’s a daily ritual you’ll start looking forward to as much as the riding itself. Then there are the small but essential stops: a sushi train for a quick refuel, or a visit to the legendary Japanese 7-Eleven. It’s not your average convenience store — it’s a wonderland of surprisingly great food, weird and wonderful snacks, and everything you didn’t know you needed. These off-snow moments round out the trip, giving you a proper taste of everyday life in Japan before heading back to the hotel to unwind.
Evenings
Back at the hotel, the evening is yours to unwind and take it all in. Start with a soak in the hotel’s tattoo-friendly onsen and sauna — the perfect way to recover and reset. Then head to the lobby bar, a laid-back spot where guests often regroup for a drink, before heading out for the night. Asahikawa comes alive after dark, and eating out is a big part of the experience. Your guide will organize a few group dinners throughout the week, each one offering a different take on local flavor — from hole-in-the-wall ramen joints to buzzing izakayas, sushi trains, and tucked-away bars you’d never find on your own. With most spots just a short walk from the hotel, it’s easy to head out with the crew and get a true taste of Hokkaido’s food culture. This is where the trip shifts gears — from deep snow to deep local immersion.
Day 7 – Saturday ‘Departure Day’
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. After a big week chasing deep Japanese powder, it’s time to wrap things up. Your guide will handle the transfers and drop you at the airport or train station for your journey home. All good things must come to an end — but the memories (and the stoke) will stick with you long after you leave.
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 moderate and consistent pace through trees
✔ You’re comfortable in all snow conditions—powder, hardpack, crust, tracked
✔ You can safely navigate around hazards like trees, open creeks and tree wells.
Pace
We ride at a 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 some 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’s a Freeride Tour
Mint’s Freeride Tours are built for anyone chasing deep, untracked Japanese powder. Asahikawa is a city surrounded by mountains, but it takes a guide to unlock it. Our Asahikawa based guides who know every line and track every storm, you’ll get the insider access that makes all the difference. You’ll ride a mix of resort terrain and lift-accessed backcountry zones, at times a short boot pack might be needed (usually under 10 minutes) to reach the best lines. Expect powder, trees, and five full days of high-energy laps. To keep things safe and dialed, we include all necessary avalanche safety gear complimentary (pack, beacon, shovel, and probe), plus Verts snowshoes for when the conditions call for it.
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.
What Are The Conditions Like in December / January / February / March?
December and 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 sees regular storms, however the weather is more settled which opens up more options for locations and terrain choices, including the volcano, Asahidake. Temperatures sit well below freezing and the snow stays in great condition, even days after a storm.
March is what the locals refer to as ‘secret season’ thanks to regular snowfall and zero crowds. The weather can be a mix of sunny or snowy/stormy, so always be prepared for anything. More hours of sunlight means there’s plenty of opportunity for longer days on the mountain and to explore some of the further afield options like Kurodake and Asahidake.
Do You Offer Longer Trips?
Yes! Many of our guests choose to combine tours for a longer, more immersive riding experience. One of the most popular options is our Hokkaido Powder Roadtrip—pair the Asahikawa Freeride Tour with the Otaru Freeride Tour for a 13-night adventure through Hokkaido’s best powder zones. Back-to-back trips mean double the terrain, more storm potential, and zero downtime between tours. Just let us know at the time of booking and we’ll help coordinate everything.
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 $15 – $35 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?
The Asahikawa Freeride Tour is our most in-demand Japan trip and spots fill fast. While we can’t predict exactly when each departure will sell out, tours book out well before the 90-day cut-off. If you’ve got your eye on a specific date, we recommend locking it in early to avoid missing out.
What Is The Terrain Like?
You’ll ride a mix of off-piste resort terrain and lift-accessed backcountry, with everything from mellow alpine bowls to tight tree runs, playful features, and natural drops. While Japan isn’t known for steep terrain, it delivers deep snow, soft landings, and endless fun. Expect tight trees, deep days, and a variety of lines to explore. Most zones are accessed by lifts, but short boot packs (usually under 10 minutes) may be needed to reach the best spots. No touring gear is required — we provide Verts snowshoes when necessary.
Who will be in my tour group?
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 others 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.
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 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 can be hard to come by in Asahikawa so we recommend that you 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
While tipping is never expected, many guests ask about it — and often choose to leave a gratuity as a way to say thanks. If you feel your guide made your experience extra special, a cash tip at the end of the tour is always appreciated. Gratuities can be given directly to your guide.
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 and 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.