Snowboard and hang out with Chad Otterstrom for a week in Central Hokkaido
This is a true bucket list trip — a week in Asahikawa, Japan riding and hanging out with snowboarding legend Chad Otterstrom. With a small crew of just 6 riders, you’ll tap into Chad’s lifetime of mountain knowledge as he shares his approach to line selection, flow, and reading terrain. You won’t just ride — you’ll learn, progress, and leave a better snowboarder (and seriously stoked).
When you’re riding with Chad, the day doesn’t end when the lifts stop spinning. From first chair to last light, he keeps the energy high — chasing stashes, hunting new zones, and making sure no run goes unridden. And if there’s night riding? He’s already lacing up for another lap. This is a no-down-time kind of tour: full days, deep turns, and non-stop good times.
This tour is based in Asahikawa City on the northern island of Hokkaido — the most snow-sure region in Japan. Known for having the coldest temps and the most snowfall days in the country, Asahikawa delivers some of the lightest, driest powder on earth. It’s well off the tourist trail, offering a real Japan experience — deep snow, quirky old-school resorts, a steaming volcano, authentic onsen, and a buzzing city with almost no western influence.
Across the week, you’ll ride a mix of lift-accessed backcountry and resort terrain, chasing fresh snow at a different spot each day. Expect to hit zones like Asahidake, Kamui, some low-key locals’ hills, and a few of our closely guarded secret spots. Mint’s experienced guides will monitor storm cycles daily to make sure you’re always in the best conditions possible.
Off the mountain, Asahikawa delivers in a big way. Warm up in local onsens, dive into some of the best ramen in Japan, hit up a sushi train, and explore everything from karaoke bars to back-alley izakayas. It’s the perfect mix of deep riding and full cultural immersion.
Dates & Price
4 January - 10 January, 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 with Chad Otterstrom
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
ASAHIKAWA CITY-STAY
Say goodbye to crowded resorts and hello to authentic Japan in lively Asahikawa. Each night offers a range of genuine local experiences: relax in a soothing onsen, savor incredible regional cuisine, immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture, pick yourself up a Japanese powder shape from one of the local snowboard shops, belt out your favorite tunes at karoake, enjoy the revolving delights of a sushi train, and discover the surprisingly vast offerings of a Japanese 7-Eleven. Plus, for those who can't get enough, our local ski hill offers night riding!
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.
SMALL GROUPS
We offer one of the smallest client to guide ratio’s in the industry which ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. Our small groups allow greater manoeuvrability and ease of access to the best areas a destination can offer. We have a maximum of 6 people on this tour. This also makes for a more personal experience between our guests and guides.
PRE-TOUR SUPPORT
After you sign up for a tour, you will receive pre-trip emails with specific information about your tour, the arrival and departure day process, information about the destination, packing suggestions, and other relevant information to help you prepare for your trip. In addition to this, you have access to our customer care team who are just a phone-call away. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
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 with Chad Otterstrom & qualified guides
✔ 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 including Academy Snowboards
✔ 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: 4 January, 2026
Depart: 10 January, 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 by none other than your guide for the week — snowboarding legend Chad Otterstrom. He’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 Chad and your fellow riders for a welcome and info session. He’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 at one of Chad’s favourite local spots — a great way to meet the crew, swap stories, and set the tone for what’s to come. Most guests travel solo, so expect a laid-back, good-vibes start.
Pro tip: Travelling from North America or Europe? We highly recommend arriving on Saturday to shake off the jet lag and start fresh. Extra nights at the hotel can be added to your booking.
Day 2 to 6 – Monday to Friday: On-Snow Guided Days
You’ll spend the next five days chasing snow across the Asahikawa region, led by Chad — who’s spent the last few winters getting to know every corner of this zone. There’s no fixed itinerary. Chad monitors storm cycles closely and knows how to read the terrain, wind, and snowpack to make sure you’re riding the best conditions every single day.
From Kamui to Asahidake and a handful of low-key local gems, you’ll hit different zones each day — and if conditions allow, even multiple spots in one day. Whether it’s storm-day tree riding or chasing clearing skies into a new zone, every day is a mission built around timing, terrain, and snow quality. Drive times range from 30 to 70 minutes, depending on the day’s destination and group energy.
Mornings
Start your day with the hotel’s breakfast buffet, open early so you’ve got plenty of time to fuel up. Chad will confirm the next day’s plan the night before — typically with a van departure around 7:45 am. Each morning kicks off with a conditions briefing and weather breakdown, then it’s straight to loading up and heading out to chase the best lines of the day.
On-Mountain
This is where the tour levels up. With Chad leading the charge, every day is about linking up the best terrain — whether that’s deep tree runs, flowing gullies, or playful hits that let you get creative. Chad’s experience and eye for terrain mean you’ll be in the right place at the right time, skipping the guesswork and going straight to the goods. Expect full days of riding, a steady but solid pace, and a mix of fun and challenge. There’ll be plenty of moments to push yourself — but also to enjoy the simple thrill of riding great snow, with good people, in the right conditions. It’s snowboarding at its best.
Afternoons
Post-ride, it’s all about recovery and soaking up the local vibe. Most days include a visit to a local onsen — and once you’ve sunk into a steaming outdoor pool after a deep powder day, you’ll understand why it’s a daily ritual. It’s the perfect way to reset the legs and get ready to do it all again tomorrow. Stops at 7-Eleven are also a must — and if you’re new to Japan, prepare to be blown away. There’s great food, and all the weird treats you didn’t know you needed. Whether it’s sushi trains, ramen runs, or little surprises along the way, the afternoons are where the trip slows down and the cultural immersion kicks in.
Evenings
Back at the hotel, the vibe is mellow and social. Hit the tattoo-friendly onsen and sauna to reset, grab a drink in the hotel’s cozy lobby bar, or give your board a quick tune for the next day. Chad and the crew will organize a few group dinners during the week — usually within walking distance — with stops ranging from traditional izakayas and hole-in-the-wall ramen joints to places you’d never find without local knowledge. It’s a chance to wind down, swap stories, and experience Hokkaido’s food culture like a local. And if it’s dumping after dark? Don’t be surprised if Chad’s rallying the crew for a night shred mission. When the snow’s on, he’s always ready for one more lap. Whether you’re out with the group or kicking back solo, every night has its own rhythm — and a little room for the unexpected.
Day 7 – Saturday: Departure Day
Enjoy one last breakfast at the hotel before checking out. After a full week of deep turns, good vibes, and unforgettable sessions, it’s time to wrap it up. Chad will handle transfers to the airport or train station, and send you off with a few high fives and stories to take home. This one’s hard to top — but you’ll be back.
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. An advanced rider can confidently say ‘yes’ to the following statements:
✔ You have a strong technique
✔ You frequently ride off-piste at a resort or in the backcountry
✔ You ride at a fast pace in alpine and treed terrain
✔ You can ride in all conditions from deep pow, hard pack, crusty or tracked snow
✔ You maintain a fast and continuous pace riding in tight trees
✔ You maintain a fast and continuous pace on traverses and flat sections
✔ You maintain your line on hard traverses (toeside and heelside)
✔ 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 fast and continuous pace with few rest breaks. You may slow down a little when faced with challenging snow conditions or tight trees, but mostly maintain a strong and fluid pace and know that you can manage the conditions well.
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 with few rest breaks. At times short hikes (5-10 minutes) are 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 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?
The Asahikawa Freeride Tour is our most sought-after Japan trip, and availability can be limited. 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, 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/touring skis are not required. Verts snowshoes will be provided if necessary.
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.
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 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.
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