A trip with one of the greats.
Ride with snowboard legend Hana Beaman in Japan’s snowiest zone, Aomori. This is where it dumps all day, every day. With storms rolling straight in from the Sea of Japan, the snow stacks deep and fast, and you’ll be right in the middle of it. With Hana leading the charge and our Aomori-based Mint guides keeping tabs on the conditions, you’ll spend the week chasing fresh lines, laying down turns from first chair to last light, and soaking in the pure joy of snowboarding.
This trip is all about riding. We’re tucked away in the mountains, no distractions, just deep snow, good people, and long days on the hill. With only six riders in the crew, it’s the perfect setup to explore everything Aomori has to offer. Expect storm riding, night laps and those magic reset mornings where it’s been dumping all night.
Your basecamp is Aomori Spring Resort, a luxury ski-in/ski-out hotel right at the gondola. You’ve got an onsen for recovery, a rider-friendly bar, massage services, and seriously good food, everything you need after big days on snow.
And with Hana, the good times don’t stop when the lifts close. She’s pure energy, always laughing, always hyped, and somehow always finding a reason to fire up her karaoke mic (yes, she travels with one). Whether it’s singing on the chairlift, swapping stories over dinner, or just hanging with the crew, Hana brings the kind of fun that makes every day feel like the best day.
Dates
25 - 31 January, 2026
Price
USD $3,550 - 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
A Typical Day
Days in Aomori are relaxed but all about riding. You’re based right at the gondola, so there’s no rushing or long drives, just walk out the door and onto the mountain. Mornings start easy with breakfast, stretching, and maybe an onsen before heading out. Ride the resort and lift-accessed backcountry with a mix of tree runs, powder turns, and park hits. Lunch is steaming bowls of ramen and crispy gyoza at the slope-side spot, then it’s back out until your legs give out. After riding straight back to the hotel, afternoons are for onsen time, massages, a quiet drink and dinner with the crew. Some nights it’s a movie, others it’s karaoke, because with Hana around, the fun never stops.
Why Aomori
Aomori is as remote as it gets. Perched on the coast beneath the Iwakisan volcano, it’s a place where the snow never seems to stop. Storms roll in off the Sea of Japan and blanket the mountain in meters of fresh powder, turning every day into a reset. There’s just one hotel at the base, surrounded by nothing but deep snow and quiet forests, making it feel worlds away from Japan’s big-name resorts. No crowds, no mega passes, just pure snowboarding in a place that’s as raw as it is breathtaking. It’s a side of Japan that’s cultural, coastal, and completely focused on the mountains.
Small Groups and Good Vibes
Six riders, one legendary host, and a local Mint guide. That’s the entire crew! With such a small group, the focus stays on riding. Less stopping, more dropping, and plenty of room to explore the mountain at your own pace. You’ll move fast, find fresh lines, and feed off the good energy that comes from riding with people who love snowboarding as much as you do. It’s all about flow, fun, and good vibes from first chair to last call.
The Full Package
This trip is nearly all inclusive, so everything’s sorted from the moment you arrive. You’ll have your own Single Room at a ski in ski out hotel, with daily breakfasts and dinners included. All lift tickets are covered, along with avalanche safety equipment, and airport pick up and drop off on arrival and departure days. You’ll spend five days riding with Hana and our Aomori based guides, with full access to the onsen to unwind after long days on the mountain. It’s a fully hosted trip designed to keep things simple. Just ride, relax, and enjoy Japan’s snowiest zone.
Deep, Dry and Quiet, Aomori’s Conditions
Exact snowfall stats for this region are hard to pin down, but estimates sit somewhere between 14 and 20 meters (46 to 66 feet) each winter. Thanks to its northern location, the snow here is lighter and drier than most of Honshu, with constant storms rolling in off the Sea of Japan and stacking up deep refills week after week. Bluebird days are rare, and that’s exactly what keeps the snow untracked and the crowds away. January is cold, dry, and reliably deep, with temps between -2°C and -20°C (28°F to -4°F). One thing’s certain: you’ll never be short on snow.
We’ve Got You Covered Before You Even Pack
Once you’re locked in, you’ll get pre-trip emails with everything you need to know, including tour details, travel tips, what to pack, and the best ways to get to Aomori. We’ll break down the options, whether you’re jumping on the Shinkansen from Tokyo or flying straight into Aomori Airport. Got a question? Our tour managers are just a quick call away. And since we’re travel pros, we can help with the rest too, like insurance, stopovers, or adding on a few extra days before or after the tour. We’ve got your back from the moment you start planning to the moment you arrive.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Included
✔ Hosted by Hana Beaman and Mint Guides
✔ 6 nights accommodation at Rockwood Hotel, Single Room with ensuite (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of guiding
✔ 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 and travel 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
Dates & Price
Tour dates: 25 – 31 January, 2026
Price: USD $3,550 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.
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, get your setup dialed, and start soaking in the mountain views. In the evening, meet Hana Beaman and your Aomori based Mint guide for a welcome session and trip briefing. You’ll get the lowdown on the current conditions, weather outlook, and plans for the week, plus a chance to ask questions and get to know the crew you’ll be riding with. Then it’s dinner time, great food, good conversation, and the start of a big week ahead.
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 & Evenings
Ride straight back to the hotel, hit the onsen, and unwind. Some guests book a massage, stretch it out, or grab a quiet drink before dinner with Hana and the crew. Evenings are easy and social with group dinners, good food, and plenty of laughs. We also have the chance to get off the mountain and head into the local town for a taste of Aomori’s culture. Grab some of the freshest sushi you’ll ever have, hit the 7-Eleven for snacks, or soak in a local onsen. If it’s dumping, a night session might be on the cards. Otherwise, it’s a movie, some tunes, or Hana queuing up karaoke. 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 moderate and steady pace. 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 give you the best chance to ride deep Japan powder. Our experienced guides have in-depth knowledge of the resorts we visit, giving you a real advantage when you’re chasing untracked snow. On this tour, you’ll ride a mix of in-bounds resort terrain and lift accessed backcountry zones. At times, a short boot pack may be needed (usually around 10 minutes). Expect plenty of powder and tree riding, five days of it. Weather and conditions can change quickly, so come ready 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.
Which Resorts Will We Visit?
We base ourselves at Aomori Spring Resort, riding straight from the hotel to the Gondola each day. The terrain here offers everything from wide open powder fields to lift accessed backcountry and tree runs that keep delivering all week. If the lifts close due to weather, we’ve got backup options ready to keep you riding. This setup keeps things simple and flexible, ensuring you’re always in the best possible spot to ride.
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.
60 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.
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.