Learn the skills to confidently ride Japan Powder
For Intermediate Snowboarders – If you’ve dreamt of floating surfy turns through deep Japan powder, a week of focused coaching will get you there. You’ll spend the week riding with a highly qualified coach who will be your biggest cheerleader and empower you to become the best snowboarder you can be. She will build your snowboarding skills to confidently ride off-piste, in powder and even venture into the trees. You’ll also connect and progress alongside a supportive community of like-minded women with similar snowboarding abilities, creating the perfect environment to learn and push your limits together!
This tour is based in Asahikawa which 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 THE most snow-sure part of Japan. It has the most days with snowfall and the coldest temperatures. There’s uncrowded resorts surrounding the city which makes it perfect for intermediate snowboarders looking to level up. Expect plenty of hoots and high-fives when you ride through the powder with the girls.
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
4 - 10 January, 2026
USD $3,990 single room
Ability Level
Intermediate
Tour Type
Progression - coaching & guiding
Price
USD 3,990 single room
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.
Japan Powder Progression 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.
Coached & Guided: Elevate Your Japan Riding
This tour is designed to help you level up your snowboarding skills quickly and confidently in a supportive environment. Your coach will be your guide and biggest advocate, providing the tools and encouragement you need to progress. Together, you'll explore resort terrain with the goal of safely accessing some easier lift-served backcountry. Expect personalized tips and guidance as you ride, with dedicated time each day to explore the mountains alongside your coach and a group of like-minded women eager to push their boundaries.
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!
Powder Paradise: Snow & Conditions in Asahikawa
January is 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.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Included
✔ 6 nights accommodation at OMO7 Asahikawa, Studio Room with ensuite (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of coaching and guiding with a highly qualified snowboard coach
✔ 5 day lift ticket
✔ Fully-escorted tour, coach 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 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
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.
4 – 10 January, 2026
USD $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.
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 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. 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.
This tour is suitable for intermediate snowboarders who can ride most groomed trails on the mountain, although you sometimes slow down or come into difficulty in challenging conditions i.e. steeper runs, icy, tracked snow or low visibility, or you might have little or no experience riding off-piste, in powder or trees.
If you can answer ‘Yes!’ to the questions below, you are ready to book this tour.
✔ I can link smooth turns on most groomed runs, however at a slower pace when steeper or in challenging conditions
✔ I can load and unload from a chairlift
✔ I want to learn how to snowboard in powder and tree runs
✔ I want to find new challenges and work towards riding the whole mountain.
Want to see what an Intermediate Coaching Sessions looks like? Watch HERE
Dates & Price
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.
4 – 10 January, 2026 – $3,990 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
Day 1 – Sunday ‘Arrival Day’
Welcome to Japan. Make your way to the meeting point at Asahikawa Airport where your coach will meet you and drive the group to the hotel. Check in opens at 3:00 pm. After check in, you’ve got some free time to settle in to your room, unpack and set-up your equipment for the adventure ahead. In the evening, meet your coach for an info and welcome session. They will explain what’s in store for the week, the current weather, run through equipment setup and answer any questions you have. Then head to dinner at a local restaurant. It’s a great opportunity to get to know everyone on tour as most guests are traveling solo.
Pro-tip – 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. Extra nights at the hotel can be added to your booking.
Day 2 to 6 – Monday to Friday ‘Coaching & Guiding Days’
You’ll spend the next 5 days riding the surrounding Asahikawa Resorts. The tour itinerary is flexible so you can ride at the best resort on the day. Your coach will monitor storm cycles to ensure you’re scoring the best conditions as weather and snowfall affect each resort differently. Each day will follow a similar format:
Mornings – The breakfast buffet is open from 6:30 am and you can enjoy breakfast at your leisure. The mornings are a great time to hit the onsen or stretch before snowboarding. Your coach will advise the departure time the evening before which is typically around 8:00 am. Load up the van and drive to the resort.
Throughout the day – Each day on the mountain is about building your confidence and expanding your riding horizons with your coach. Expect a blend of supportive coaching and expert guidance as you rack up the vertical and explore the best the resort has to offer. Your coach will take away the guesswork, sharing her insider knowledge from day one. Think fresh tracks in the trees, secret powder stashes revealed, and the opportunity to safely explore a little further. And of course, she’ll point you to the tastiest lunch and the most scenic photo ops. There will be plenty of hoots and high fives as you float turns through the powder. The priority is to find you the best snow and terrain and to help you improve your snowboarding in a fun, safe and supportive environment.
Afternoons – Once the lifts stop spinning, the fun continues! Your coach will gauge the group’s energy and interests to plan the perfect wind-down. Think relaxing soaks in a traditional onsen, a casual and tasty sushi train adventure, or a quick stop for treats at the local 7-Eleven. It’s all about unwinding and enjoying the camaraderie after an epic day.
Evenings – Back at the hotel in Asahikawa after a day of shredding, the evening is yours to enjoy. Start with a relaxing soak at the hotels tattoo friendly onsen and sauna, then look forward to sharing a delicious dinner with the group, experiencing the local culinary scene. After dinner, you might opt for a casual drink and good conversation, or take some time to get wax your board ready for the next day’s powder. Your coach will keep the evening plans flexible, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and has a chance to unwind. And for the ultimate relaxation, a late-night onsen awaits before a well-deserved sleep.
Day 7 – Saturday ‘Departure Day’
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check out. All good things must come to come to an end, and after a big week of riding deep, Japanese powder, your guide will drop you back at the airport or train station and say goodbye.
What Is a Progression Tour?
A snowboarding progression tour is a great way to build your skills so you can feel confident riding the whole mountain. Snowboarding with a highly qualified coach is one of the best and safest ways to fast-track your snowboarding progression. Mint Tours’ Progression Tours are designed for intermediate snowboarders who can confidently ride most groomed trails at a moderate pace. You’ll learn tactics to confidently ride off-piste, in powder and in treed terrain. Mint’s experienced and qualified coaches have an in-depth knowledge of the resorts you’ll visit and will find you the perfect terrain for progression. Of course weather and conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride in all conditions.
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?
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!
Who’ll Be Riding With You?
You’ll be shredding Japan with a supportive community of fellow female snowboarders who are just as excited about deep powder and Japanese adventures as you are. Get ready for high-fives, shared laughter, and a whole lot of mountain love.
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?
Traveling Solo? No Problem! You’ll have the comfort and privacy of your own single room throughout the tour. In fact, most women who join us travel solo, so you’ll be in fantastic company. Our groups are known for their warm and welcoming vibe, bonding easily over a shared love for snowboarding and the adventure of exploring Japan together.
Which Resorts Will We Visit?
This tour has a flexible itinerary so you can ride at the best resort on the day. Each day your coach 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 Pippu, 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 coach will add you to a WhatsApp group which will be used for tour communication throughout the week.
How Do I Check My Ability Level?
Let’s Find Your Perfect Powder Adventure! To make sure you have the best possible experience, the easiest way to check if a tour matches your ability level is to speak with one of our helpful tour managers. They can chat with you about your riding and guide you towards the ideal tour for your skills and goals.
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. 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 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.
Improve or Recover Your Technique
Learn new skills that will make snowboarding more fun and allow you to do more fun stuff, on more of the mountain. Alternatively, you might not have been snowboarding in a while and need a refresher to get the hang of it again. Or maybe you’ve always looked enviously at other snowboarders ripping powder or nailing tricks in the park. Join a progression tour and with a little coaching, that could be you!
Stay Safe
You might want to learn how to ride in powder, through the trees, or are keen to one day snowboard in the backcountry. In order to do this independently, you need to be intimately aware of snow conditions and ensure you and your friends have the knowledge, training, skills, equipment and experience to do this safely. If there’s any doubt, join one of our tours where you will be led by a qualified coach and guide who has a lifetime of experience in the mountains, and knows exactly how it is right now and where to find the best snow, safely.
(Re)Build Your Confidence
Maybe last time out you got hurt and want to rebuild confidence, or you’re with a group of friends and you’re worried about holding them up. Join a tour and you’ll not-only build confidence, you’ll always be riding with a group of similar ability. On Mint Women tours you will always be hosted, coached and held up at all times by an all-star lineup of inspiring women. Our priority is to find you the best snow and terrain and give you the tools to become a better snowboarder in an incredibly positive and supportive way.
Delegate Your Trip Planning – Join a Tour!
We know how it is – trying to gather a group of friends together for a holiday, co-ordinating annual leave, trying to come up with an itinerary that fits everyone’s needs, dates, travel arrangements, travel styles etc. It can be a headache even for the most organised trip planner. Offload that headache – join one of our tours and let us take care of every detail from booking to boarding. Or come solo and make some new snowboarding buddies.
Learn From a Professional Coach
All our tours are hosted by highly qualified and professional coaches and guides who will help to build your confidence, skills and help reduce the risk of injury, plus make your rate of progression much faster. You’ll also refine your technique and iron out any bad habits which can be difficult to get rid of once they are set in. Our coaches will also ensure you are learning on the right equipment for your level and that it is set up correctly and specifically for you. The trained, eagle eye of your coaches will give you individual feedback to help you on your snowboarding journey.
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