Asahikawa's Untracked Sidecountry Awaits
Get ready for a week of ripping lift-accessed backcountry lines in Japan’s deepest, driest powder, surrounded by stunning scenery and a crew of hard-charging women.
Asahikawa is Hokkaido’s second-largest city. You’re probably thinking why stay in the city? It’s all about the access, terrain and snow quality. Asahikawa is one of the most snow-sure parts of Japan with consistently cold temperatures. Within an hour’s drive, you’ve got dozens of places to ride – from quirky, old-school ski hills to larger modern resorts and lift-accessible backcountry zones. And then there’s Asahidake – a steaming stratovolcano that delivers the goods.
On this tour you’ll chase the snow and ride a variety of lift-accessed backcountry and off-piste resort terrain. We leverage our deep local knowledge to guide you to the quieter ski areas and even some of our closely guarded secret stashes. There is no set itinerary, your guides will select the resort daily based on weather and snowfall.
You’ll also get to see the real Japan while staying in a lively regional city, rather than a ski resort. Each night offers a range of genuine local experiences: relax in a soothing onsen, savor incredible regional cuisine, enjoy the revolving delights of a sushi train, belt out your favorite tunes at karaoke 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.
DATES & PRICE
11 - 17 January, 2026
$3,990 Single Room
Group Size
Maximum 6 people
Ability Level
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
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 ensuite bathroom) in quality accommodation. This dedicated space ensures you can fully unwind, organize your gear, and get a restful night's sleep, completely on your own terms. Solo travelers especially love this guaranteed privacy.
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.
Experience the Real Japan: Basecamp Asahikawa
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!
Deep Powder Paradise: Snow & Conditions in Asahikawa
The season stretches from late December to late March. January and February are the sweet spot for 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 all season long.
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.
Asahikawa: Where Snowboarding Legends Are Made (and filmed!)
There's a reason the pros consistently choose to ride and film in Asahikawa: it's the ultimate canvas for their creativity. Imagine consistently epic snow, terrain access that's simply unmatched, and the vibrant pulse of a real city waiting after a day of riding. The world's best snowboarders know this secret – isn't it time you experienced it for yourself?
ESSENTIAL INFO
Included
✔ 6 nights accommodation at OMO7 Asahikawa, Studio Room with ensuite (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of resort and backcountry guiding with qualified guides
✔ 5 day lift ticket
✔ 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
✔ 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
Dates: 11 – 17 January, 2026
Price: $3,990 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.
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.
Day 1 – Sunday ‘Arrival Day’
Welcome to Japan! Make your way to the meeting point at Asahikawa Airport, where your guide will be waiting to transfer you to the hotel. Check-in opens from 3:00 pm. Once you’re settled in, take some time to unpack, set up your gear, and ease into your new surroundings. In the evening, meet your guide and the crew for a welcome session where you’ll get the lowdown on the week ahead—weather, snowpack, gear checks, and any burning questions. Then head out for a group dinner. Most guests travel solo, so it’s the perfect way to break the ice and start the week off strong—with new friends and a good feed.
Pro-tip: Flying in from North America or Europe? We recommend arriving on Saturday so you can catch up on sleep and be ready to ride. Extra hotel nights can be added when you book.
Day 2 to 6 – Monday to Friday ‘On-Snow Guided Days’
This week’s all about chasing snow, soaking in onsens, and riding your heart out. Each morning, your guide will monitor storm cycles and pick the best resort based on conditions—there are over half a dozen options, with drive times ranging from 30 to 70 minutes. The format stays consistent, but no two days are ever the same:
Mornings – Start with the breakfast buffet, then meet the crew. Your guide will confirm departure times the night before, usually around 7:45 am. Get the day’s weather and snow briefing, load up the van, and roll out to wherever the snow’s best.
During the day – Expect full days on the mountain. Your guide knows the terrain inside out—from the deep tree zones to sneaky powder stashes just off the beaten track. You’ll explore in-bounds terrain as well as lift-accessed backcountry terrain, hunt for fresh lines, and hit all the good photo spots. If there’s a mid-morning snack window, don’t be surprised if someone pulls out a konbini treat (pocket onigiri, anyone?).
Afternoons – After riding, the van vibes shift to full chill. Your guide is an onsen connoisseur and always has a new, out-of-the-way spot lined up for a post-ride soak—think steaming pools in the snow, and perfect cold plunges. Back at the hotel, you’ve also got access to an onsen that’s fully tattoo-friendly, so everyone can soak without stress. Depending on the crew’s energy, you might also swing by a sushi train, stop at 7-Eleven for a snack haul, or—don’t be surprised—end up treasure hunting in one of Asahikawa’s amazing vintage stores or wandering the wild aisles of Mega Don Quijote for some delightfully quirky shopping.
Evenings – Once the sun goes down, Asahikawa turns it on. Join the crew for nightly group dinners, with your guide leading the way through neon-lit alleyways packed with steaming ramen shops, cozy izakaya, standing bars, and underground spots you’d never find on your own. The nightlife here always surprises—from late-night gyoza spots to tiny whisky bars, and yes, there’s even a magic bar (but you’ll have to see that one for yourself). And when the vibe is right, expect karaoke sessions that start with fries and highballs and end with off-key 90s ballads and new best friends.
Day 7 – Saturday ‘Departure Day’
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel, then check out and say your goodbyes. After a big week of powder, onsen, snacks, and maybe a karaoke anthem or two, your guide will drop you at the airport or train station for the journey home. You came for the snow—you’re leaving with new friends, sore legs, and a camera roll full of good times.
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
This tour is designed for advanced riders who are comfortable exploring off-piste, powder, and backcountry terrain. If you can confidently say “yes” to the following, you’re in the right place:
✔ I have good technique and ride confidently in a variety of terrain
✔ I regularly ride off-piste at resorts or in side-country/backcountry zones
✔ I’m comfortable riding in most conditions
✔ I can keep a steady pace through trees and varied terrain
✔ I can hold my line on both toe and heel-side traverses
✔ I feel confident navigating low visibility, tight trees, and natural hazards
✔ I’m happy hiking for short distances (5–10 mins) to access good lines
Pace
This isn’t a race, but you should be able to keep a consistent and moderate pace throughout the day. It’s ok to slow down when things get spicy (tight trees or tricky snow), but you’re comfortable staying on the move and handling what the terrain throws at you.
Fitness
You don’t need to be a gym junkie, but you’ll want to have enough endurance to ride five full days in a row. Expect long runs, deep snow, and the occasional bootpack. A bit of fitness goes a long way to making the most of your trip.
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
You’ll be led by one of our experienced female guides who’s not only an expert rider, but also fully qualified in avalanche hazard mitigation, backcountry travel, and emergency medical response. She holds current certifications and takes part in ongoing professional development to stay sharp. More than that, she’s genuinely stoked to ride with you—think shredding secret stashes with someone who feels like your new best friend but also has the 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. 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?
On this tour you will ride a mix of terrain, from resort 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 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 are not required. Verts snowshoes will be provided if necessary.
Who’ll Be Riding With You?
Get ready to connect with fellow snowboarders who are just as stoked about snowboarding in Japan as you are! A shared love for the culture and the mountains makes for great camaraderie. Please note: This tour requires an advanced snowboarding ability level.
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?
The accommodation for this tour is 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?
When booking, 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. As this is a small group tour with only 6 spots available, 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.
Who Will Be On My Tour?
Your group will be made up of travelers from diverse backgrounds and will be varied in age. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snowboarding and an eagerness to explore all that Japan has to offer.
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 is a much-appreciated gesture. Gratuities can be given directly to your guide at the end of your tour.
We’re Here to Help
Got questions or need a bit more info before booking? Just reach out—we’re always happy to chat and talk you through the details. Ready to lock in your spot? Give us a call or send us an email and we’ll get you sorted.
📧 [email protected]
📞 +1 503 994 1919
Deposits and Payments
A 50% deposit is required to secure your spot. The remaining balance is due 90 days before your tour begins.
Terms & Conditions
Click HERE to view our full terms and conditions.