Otaru Freeride Tour – Hosted by Chad Otterstrom
This is a true bucket list trip—spend a week in Hokkaido 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).
The base for this tour is Otaru. A seaside town, roughly halfway between Sapporo and Niseko that sits on the coast. This location gets pummeled by relentless storms off the Sea of Japan that deliver some of the deepest, driest snow in Hokkaido. The snow quantity here is simply unreal—storm days bring constant powder refills, ensuring fresh lines all day long.
Otaru is a strategic base for this Freeride Tour, offering a flexible itinerary that lets you chase the freshest lines every day. Within a short drive you’ve got the big powder magnets like Kiroro and Kokusai, alongside the local gems which you’ll learn about during the trip. Whether it’s the big resorts or the quieter, local spots, you’ll always be on the move, hunting untracked lines with Chad.
This fully hosted, small-group tour is all about flexibility and chasing the best snow. From first chair to last light, Chad keeps the energy high—chasing stashes, hunting new zones, and making sure no line goes unridden. It’s a no-down-time kind of tour: full days, deep turns, and non-stop good times. Each day, you’ll drive from the coast into the surrounding mountains, riding the best resorts with easy access and endless snow. On the way home, stop off at an onsen, relax in the hot springs, and recharge for another day of adventure. Evenings are all about great food, with the local seafood stealing the spotlight.
The Otaru Freeride Tour is the perfect launching point for more Japan adventures. If you want to extend your trip, join Chad on the Aomori Freeride Tour from 18–24 January for the ultimate Japan Powder Roadtrip.
Dates
11 - 17 January, 2026
Price
USD $4,190 per person
Single Room
Group Size
Maximum 6 people
ABILITY LEVEL
Advanced
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.
OTARU FREERIDE TOUR
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
No Sharing: Your Own Private Room Guaranteed!
Forget shared rooms—every guest on this tour enjoys the comfort and convenience of their own private single room with an ensuite bathroom at OMO5 Otaru. This dedicated space allows you to fully unwind, organize your gear, and get a restful night’s sleep, all on your own terms. Solo travelers especially appreciate the guaranteed privacy. An extensive buffet breakfast is included, with a focus on fresh, local food—always a highlight to start your day.
Experience the Real Japan: Otaru City-STay
On this tour you'll get a unique cultural perspective being based in a lively regional city. By night, you'll have countless dining and entertainment options on your doorstep. By day, your guides will shuttle you to and from the resorts. There's plenty of variety in resorts to choose from. Where you'll ride largely depends on the snowfall and conditions as well as the groups appetite for adventure. The driving times can range from a 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Deep Powder Paradise: Snow & Conditions
From early January to mid February is the ideal time of year to ride in Hokkaido. What you can expect is light dry, deep snow, perfect for riding powder. Temps will be cold, with temperatures ranging from -5 to -20°C / 23 to -4°F. Days will be short, with an average of 6 hours of sunlight per day. This place scores some of the biggest storms in Japan so you never need to worry about lack of snow.
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.
Onsen + Cultural Visits
The plan for each day differs due to a number of factors, but we'll always make time for an onsen visit or two throughout the trip. There's no better way to recover than to soak in the mineral rich, geothermal waters. Some of the other local activities that are popular are a visit the sake brewery for a tasting, a trip to 'sushi street', or visit to one of the fish markets.
Get Stoked: We've Got Your Back Before You Even Pack!
Once you’re locked in, you’re part of the crew. Keep an eye on your inbox — we’ll hit you up with everything you need to know before you roll: tour details, arrival and departure info, packing tips, and a few pro hacks to get the most out of your trip. Got questions? Our tour managers are just a call away. And if you need help with the boring stuff like travel insurance, stopovers, or extra nights — we’ve got you covered there too.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Included
✔ 6 nights accommodation, Single Room with ensuite (1 person per room), OMO5 Otaru
✔ 5 days of on-snow guiding, with Chad Otterstrom & Mint guide
✔ 5 day lift ticket
✔ Scheduled transfers from Otaru Station to/from hotel (arrival and departure day)
✔ Use of avalanche safety equipment – pack, transceiver, shovel and probe
✔ Use of avalanche Verts snowshoes
✔ 5 days of private transfers to and from resorts
✔ 6 buffet breakfasts
✔ 1 dinner (arrival night)
✔ Fully-escorted tour, guide on hand throughout the tour
✔ Complimentary wax and tune station
✔ Pre tour support from Japan Tour Manager
Not Included
✘ Flights to Japan
✘ Train to Otaru
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All lunches – expect to pay USD $6 – $15 per meal
✘ 5 x dinners – expect to pay USD $15 – $40 per meal
✘ Onsen entry fee – 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.
Dates – 11 – 17 January, 2026
Price – USD $4,190 per person, single room
Extend Your Trip – Multi-Tour Booking Discount
If 6 nights isn’t enough, extend your trip with a multi-tour combo. Finish the Otaru Freeride Tour and start a new adventure in a different destination the very next day. Booking multiple tours means more snow, more riding, and more savings. Book 2 tours and get $100 off, or book 3 tours and save $200—discounts apply at the time of booking.
Pro Tip: For the ultimate Hokkaido Powder Roadtrip, combine the Otaru Freeride Tour with the Asahikawa Freeride Tour for a 13-night adventure across Hokkaido’s best powder zones. Or join Chad’s next tour in Aomori from 18 – 24 January.
Group Bookings
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 – Arrival Day
Welcome to Hokkaido! Make your way to the meeting point at Otaru Station, where your Mint guide will be waiting. From here, it’s a quick transfer into Otaru and check-in at your modern, city-center hotel — your base for the week.
Once you’ve unpacked and dialed in your setup, meet Chad and your local guide 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 – 6 – Storm Chasing
You’ll spend the next five days riding a variety of resorts around Otaru. There’s no fixed itinerary — we keep things flexible so you can ride where the conditions are best. Chad, along with our local Otaru guide, will track storm cycles in real-time, making 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 10 to 50 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 from our Otaru guide and Chad’s decades of expertise, you’ll ride 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. Otaru comes alive after dark, and eating out is a big part of the experience. Your guide will organize group dinners throughout the week, each one offering a different take on local flavor — from hole-in-the-wall ramen joints to buzzing izakayas and incredible sushi. 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 – Departure Day
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out. After a big week chasing deep Japanese powder with Chad, it’s time to wrap things up. Your guide will handle the transfers and drop you at the 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 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’s a Freeride Tour
Mint’s Freeride Tours are built for riders chasing deep, untracked Japanese powder. With local guides who know every line, stash, and storm pattern, you’ll get the insider access that makes all the difference. You’ll ride a mix of resort terrain and lift-accessed backcountry zones, with short boot packs (usually under 10 minutes) to reach the best lines. Expect powder, trees, and variable conditions — five full days of high-energy, leg-burning laps.To keep things safe and dialed, we include all necessary avalanche safety gear complimentary (pack, beacon, shovel, and probe).
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?
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.
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 Otaru Freeride Tour with the Asahikawa 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
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
- Onsen entry fee – expect to pay between USD $5 – $10 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. Tours tend to reach full capacity 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?
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.
What Happens On Arrival and Departure Day?
Arrival and departure days are your travel days to and from the tour – no riding 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.
Which Resorts Will We Visit?
The Otaru 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 Kiroro and Sapporo Kokusai, 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 Otaru?
Once you’ve booked, you’ll be provided with a guide which contains all the info on how to get to Otaru, 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). Quality rental equipment is not available in Otaru. Please bring everything you need with you.
What Equipment Should I Bring?
Complimentary use of avalanche safety equipment is included as part of the tour (pack, beacon, shovel and probe), but guests will need to bring their own snowboarding 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 & Bookings
Still have questions? Our team’s here to help—just reach out and we’ll walk you through it.
Ready to lock it in? Call or Email to reserve your spot.
[email protected]
+1 503 994 1919
Deposits & Payments
To secure your spot, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance is due 90 days before your tour kicks off.
Terms & Conditions
Click HERE to view our full terms and conditions.