Aomori Freeride Tour – Hosted by Chad Otterstrom
This tour offers an exclusive experience where you’ll ride with Chad and our Aomori-based Mint guides—local experts who know every corner of this storm-packed paradise. With a small group of just six riders, you’ll have plenty of time to chase fresh powder and shred the incredible terrain Aomori has to offer.
Aomori is the snowiest place on earth—remote, cold, and hammered by relentless storms from the Sea of Japan. The snow here is unreal, with constant powder refills ensuring fresh lines all day long. Chad brings decades of experience, and paired with our Aomori based Mint Guides, you’ll be dialed into every storm. From Aomori Spring Resort to the smaller local hills, this tour is all about chasing the best conditions and riding non-stop.
Your basecamp is Aomori Spring Resort, where you’ll enjoy a luxury ski-in/ski-out experience at a top-tier hotel, just steps from the gondola. Everything you need is here—from an onsen to a rider-friendly bar, massage services, and great food. This is a full-service, premium tour that takes care of everything, so you can focus on the riding. With a max of six riders per group, you’ll get personalized attention and tons of time on the mountain. Storm days, night riding, and hitting the park and 22ft Super Pipe are all part of the deal.
The vibe is simple: ride hard, enjoy the best snow, and soak in the full Mint experience. After a day of chasing powder, unwind in the onsen, enjoy some local delicacies, and kick back with the crew. This is a true adventure in one of Japan’s most remote snow regions, led by a true legend of the sport.
Dates
18 - 24 January, 2026
Price
USD $3,990 - Single Room
Terrain
Resort off-piste & lift-accessed backcountry
Group size
Maximum 6 people
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, with Chad Otterstrom & Mint guide
✔ 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
Tour dates: 18 – 24 January, 2026
Price: USD $3,990 per person, Single Room
This tour includes 6 nights accommodation in a Single Room at Rockwood Hotel, located ski-in/ski-out at Aomori Spring Resort.
Road Trip Japan with Chad Otterstrom
Want to ride powder, soak in onsen, and find the best katsu curry in Japan? This January, join Chad Otterstrom as he links up four back-to-back tours—starting in Hokkaido and finishing in Honshu. It’s your chance to chase snow, explore new zones, and road trip with one of snowboarding’s all-time legends.
Start things off in Asahikawa with the Monday M.A.S.S. crew, roll into Otaru for ocean views and lift-accessed lines, dive deep into Aomori’s snow-packed terrain, and finish strong in Minakami’s steep storm zones. Each stop offers something different—new terrain, new onsens, new crew—but the stoke stays high the whole way through.
Here’s Chad’s Japan schedule:
- January 4–10 Monday M.A.S.S. Asahikawa Freeride Tour with Chris Coté & Todd Richards View Tour
- January 11–17 Otaru Freeride Tour View Tour
- January 18–24 Aomori Freeride Tour You’re already here.
- January 25–31 Minakami Freeride Tour View Tour
Keen to link up just 2 trips or even the full run? Let us know when booking and we’ll help line up transfers, extra nights, and all the katsu curry stops in between.
Day 1 – Sunday ‘Arrival Day’
Welcome to northern Japan. Arrive at Aomori Airport or Shin-Aomori Station, where you’ll be met by your Mint guide and driven to the hotel. Once checked in, settle into your room, dial in your setup, and get ready for the week ahead. In the evening, meet Chad Otterstrom and your local Mint guide for a welcome session and trip briefing. You’ll get the lowdown on the current snowpack, weather outlook, and plans for the week—plus a chance to fire off any questions. Then it’s time to grab dinner with the crew and start getting to know the crew you’ll be riding with all week.
Pro tip: Coming from North America or Europe? We recommend arriving in Tokyo on Saturday to shake off the travel and jet lag. Ask us about adding extra nights to your trip.
Day 2 to 6 – Monday to Friday ‘On-Snow Guided Days’
You’ve got five full days to ride Aomori’s deepest zones, with Chad Otterstrom and your local Mint guide leading the charge. This region is known for storm after storm, so we keep the itinerary flexible and chase the best conditions each day. Your guide will track the snow in real-time and make the daily call—whether that’s riding straight from the hotel at Aomori Spring or heading out in our 4×4 to score powder at a nearby resort.
Mornings
Start the day with a solid breakfast from the buffet, fuel up, and get ready to move. If it’s a travel day, we’ll hit the road early to catch first lifts. If the conditions are firing at Aomori Spring, you’ll roll out the door and be on the lift within minutes.
On-Mountain
Each day you’ll be riding with Chad Otterstrom and one of our local Mint guides who knows the terrain inside out. Chad brings a lifetime of experience, style, and stories to the crew, making every lap more than just another run. Paired with your Mint guide’s deep local knowledge, you’ll unlock hidden zones, tree runs, and the kind of sidecountry terrain that most riders never find. Expect a full day of fast-paced freeriding—tight trees, powder bowls, natural hits, and endless lines.
Afternoons
After riding, it’s time to relax and reset. If you’ve been shredding at our home resort, Aomori Spring, drop straight into the hotel’s indoor or outdoor onsen to soak those legs. Book a post-ride massage to really unwind, or meet the crew at the bar for a drink and a quick debrief. If the day’s taken you further afield, we might pull into a hyper local onsen or grab sushi on the way back to base. A quick 7-Eleven snack run is always in the cards, too.
Evenings
Evenings in Aomori are as much a part of the experience as the riding. Chill out in the lounge or kick off a game of pool with Chad, grab a beer, and trade stories with the crew. Every night, we sit down for a group dinner at the hotel—expect hearty local food, good conversation, and plenty of laughs. Then it’s time to rest up, recharge, and get ready to do it all again the next day.
Day 7 – Saturday ‘Departure Day’
One last breakfast, one last coffee, and a final farewell before check-out. Your guide will get you back to Aomori Station or the airport. After a week of riding deep powder, chasing storms, and hanging with a legend, you’re leaving with more than just memories—you’re leaving with a new crew and a whole lot of stories.
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 standards—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.
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 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
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).
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.
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/ski 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.
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.
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.