Deep, dry powder and access beyond the ropes.
The Morioka Freeride Tour drops you into a designated Heavy Snowfall Area in northern Honshu, known for deep, dry powder and some of the best tree riding in Japan. It’s an underrated region with a stacked mix of ski hills, and a favourite among our guiding team for good reason.
Based in Morioka, you’ll ride a different ski area each day, with multiple zones within easy reach. From old-school local spots to bigger, more modern resorts, including an active volcano with Mt Fuji-style views, every location brings something different. Appi to the north offers long runs and tree zones that hold snow for days, while Geto Kogen to the southwest is known for some of the deepest snowfall in Honshu. And in between? That’s where it gets interesting. We won’t name names, but we’ve got a few spots we always come back to.
Your guide plans each day around conditions, with the flexibility to adjust based on snowfall and weather. You’ll ride a mix of in-bounds terrain and lift-accessed backcountry, moving between zones to find the best snow. After riding, it’s a stop at 7-Eleven for snacks, then onsen, part of the daily routine.
Off the mountain, you’ll stay in Morioka, a low-key city with a strong local feel. Everything is within walking distance, from small noodle shops and late-night yakiniku to underground skate bowls, tiny bars hidden up five flights of stairs, and sake breweries that have been operating for hundreds of years. It’s not built around tourism, which gives it a different feel to most snow trips.
2027 Dates
Off Peak Weeks:
Jan 3–9 / Jan 10–16
Peak Weeks:
Jan 17–23 / Jan 24–30 / Jan 31–Feb 6 / Feb 7–13 / Feb 14–20 / Feb 21–27
Price
Off Peak - $3,450 – Single Room
Peak - $3,690 – Single Room
Ability and Fitness
Advanced in powder and trees, good fitness
Group Size
Max 6 people
Why Travel With Mint Tours
With more than 20 years operating in Japan, Mint Tours is a fully licensed Japanese company delivering professionally guided, small-group snow tours across the country’s quietest, snowiest regions. Our highly qualified guides hold recognized certifications and legal work rights in Japan, ensuring every tour meets the highest local safety and compliance standards. As an accredited AFTA, ATAS, and IATA travel provider, we offer the security and reliability of a globally recognized operator. With Mint, you travel with a team deeply embedded in Japan, fully compliant, professionally trained, and committed to providing a safe, well-managed, and genuinely local experience.
MORIOKA FREERIDE TOUR FACTS
WHY VISIT MORIOKA
Morioka isn’t a resort town. It’s a Japanese city, low-key, and full of places that feel genuinely local. The food alone is a reason to visit, from small noodle shops to late-night yakiniku spots. Then there are the places you wouldn’t find without local knowledge, underground skate bowls, tiny bars hidden up five flights of stairs, and sake breweries that have been operating for hundreds of years, along with local onsen that are part of everyday life here. It’s not built around tourism, which is what gives it a different feel to most snow trips.
FLEXIBLE ITINERARY
Instead of staying in one resort, this trip is built around accessing multiple zones. You’ll ride a different area each day, with the plan shaped by the conditions. Snowfall can vary significantly, which is where having an experienced guide tracking weather and making the call each day becomes key. That flexibility gives you the best chance of finding good snow, rather than being stuck riding the same place because it’s easy to access. Getting to the better spots often means going a bit further or putting in extra effort, but that’s where the good days come from.
SKI AREAS IN MORIOKA
Ski areas in this region are smaller than those in North America and Europe, with fewer lifts and shorter runs. But that’s not really the point. You’re here for the the trees and the pow. Being a designated Heavy Snowfall Area, you’ll find powder most days, plenty to fun terrain, and lifts that let you keep lapping without much downtime. Some spots might look low-key at first, but once you start riding, there’s far more there than you expect, with lift-accessed backcountry opening up terrain beyond what you see on the trail map. The days at these smaller spots often end up being the standout days of the trip.
TERRAIN
On this tour, you’ll ride a mix of in-bounds resort terrain and lift-accessed backcountry. Terrain choices change throughout the day based on snow, weather, and traffic. At times we’ll focus on quality in-bounds laps, and at others we’ll prioritize lift-accessed backcountry to find better snow. Riding in Morioka is centered around trees, ungroomed terrain, and natural features, with a mix of open zones and tighter tree riding depending on the location and conditions.
DRIVING RANGE AND ACCESS
This tour is based in Morioka for the full tour, with all ski areas within a 40 to 90 minute drive. That range is what gives us options, rather than being locked into one mountain. Your guide makes the call based on what’s riding best, not a set itinerary. We use large, comfortable 10-seat vans with only six guests, so there’s plenty of space and a more comfortable ride between zones.
ACCOMMODATION AND INCLUSIONS
You’ll stay in your own private Queen ensuite room in central Morioka (1 person per room). The setup is modern and well located, with space to manage your gear and reset between days. Everything else is taken care of across the week, with lift passes, guiding, and daily transport included, along with avalanche safety equipment and Verts snowshoes. Buffet breakfast is included each morning, plus a welcome dinner on arrival night and farewell dinner before departure, and you’ll receive full pre-trip support to help you prepare and plan your travel.
ESSENTIAL INFO
INCLUDED
✔ 6 nights accommodation, Queen Room with ensuite (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of guided riding across resort and lift-accessed backcountry terrain
✔ Small group guiding, 6 guests
✔ 5-day lift ticket
✔ 5 days of private transfers to and from resorts
✔ Scheduled transfers on arrival and departure day, Morioka Station
✔ Complimentary use of avalanche safety equipment (pack, beacon, shovel, probe)
✔ Complimentary use of Verts (snowshoes)
✔ 6 buffet breakfasts
✔ 2 dinners (Sunday and Friday night)
✔ Pre-tour support from our Japan Tour Manager
NOT INCLUDED
✘ Flights and travel to Morioka
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All lunches (allow USD $6 to $15 per meal)
✘ 4 dinners (allow USD $15 to $35 per meal)
✘ Onsen fee (allow USD $7 to $10 per visit)
✘ Personal incidentals and hotel extras
✘ Guide gratuities (discretionary)
DATES AND PRICE
All tours run Sunday to Saturday with five full days of guided riding Monday to Friday.
Week 1 – January 3 to 9 – USD $3,450 per person – Single Room (1 person per room)
Week 2 – January 10 to 16 – USD $3,450 per person – Single Room (1 person per room)
Week 3 – January 17 to 23 – USD $3,690 per person – Single Room (1 person per room)
Week 4 – January 24 to 30 – USD $3,690 per person – Single Room (1 person per room)
Week 5 – January 31 to February 6 – USD $3,690 per person – Single Room (1 person per room)
Week 6 – February 7 to 13 – USD $3,690 per person – Single Room (1 person per room)
Week 7 – February 14 to 20 – USD $3,690 per person – Single Room (1 person per room)
Week 8 – February 21 to 27 – USD $3,690 per person – Single Room (1 person per room)
DEPOSIT AND PAYMENT
A 50% deposit is required to secure your spot.
The final balance is due 90 days before your tour start date.
AVAILABILITY
Each tour runs with a maximum of 6 guests. Spots are not held and are available on a first come, first served basis. Your place is only confirmed once your deposit has been received. Peak weeks fill quickly, so if you have a preferred date in mind it’s worth securing it early.
ABILITY, PACE AND FITNESS REQUIREMENTS
Getting the ability match right is important to us, for your experience, for the group, and for your safety on the mountain.
Ability – This tour is for advanced snowboarders who can move through powder, trees, and ungroomed terrain with flow, commitment, and control, are comfortable in deep snow, on narrow traverses, and through tight trees without needing to stop and plan each turn. Good decision making and confidence in your riding are essential, and you won’t be fazed by the odd branch you’ll need to push through along the way.
Pace – You’ll need to ride at a moderate to fast pace and maintain flow through powder, trees, and variable conditions. Your guide will set the pace, with regular regroup points, and push laps when conditions allow.
Fitness – A strong level of cardio fitness is essential across five consecutive days on snow. Some days may include short hikes (up to 15 minutes) using provided Verts snowshoes.
NOT SURE IF THIS IS THE RIGHT TOUR FOR YOU?
If you’re not sure if this tour is a fit for you, get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction. We have tour options at different levels and we’re always happy to help you find the right one.
We can also run this as a private trip for your group, tailoring the pace, terrain, and experience to exactly how you want to ride.
DAY 1 – SUNDAY ‘ARRIVAL DAY’
Welcome to Japan. Make your way to Morioka Station, where your guide will meet you for the short transfer to the hotel. After check-in, you’ll have time to settle in, unpack, and get your gear sorted for the week ahead. That evening, meet your guide and crew for a welcome session. We’ll run through the plan for the week, check current weather and snow conditions, and go over equipment. After that, we head out for a hosted welcome dinner with the group, included as part of your tour, and a relaxed way to kick things off and meet the crew.
DAY 2 TO 6 – MONDAY TO FRIDAY ‘GUIDED DAYS’
Five full days on snow, riding a mix of zones across the region. Each day follows a similar rhythm, with your guide leading the way and making the most of the conditions.
Mornings – Start the day with the hotel breakfast, then gear up for departure. Your guide will outline the plan based on current conditions before heading out to the selected resort.
On-Mountain – On arrival at the resort, your guide will handle lift ticket purchases and distribute them to the group before heading out. The aim is to spend a full day on snow, with a one-hour break for lunch at the resort base to warm up and refuel. You’ll ride a mix of in-bounds terrain and lift-accessed backcountry. Terrain choices change throughout the day depending on snow, weather, and traffic. At times we’ll focus on high-quality in-bounds laps, and at others we’ll prioritize lift-accessed backcountry to find better snow. When riding in-bounds terrain, the focus is on ungroomed areas and tree runs. When heading into lift-accessed backcountry, we use the resort lifts to gain elevation, exit the boundary, and ride natural terrain before traversing back into the resort to return to the lift. Short hikes may be used when needed to reach better lines or move between zones, typically under 15 minutes, with Verts snowshoes provided.
On the first day on snow, your guide will run through a safety briefing at the resort, including how to use avalanche safety equipment and Verts snowshoes before heading out.
Afternoons – After riding, we reset with an onsen stop on the way home. It’s part of the daily routine and a good way to recover before the next day. There’s usually a stop at 7-Eleven for snacks as well, something most guests quickly get into.
Evenings – Days on this tour are long and focused on riding, so evenings are more flexible. We return to the hotel in the early evening, around 5–6pm, after a full day on snow. Dinner is not included Monday to Thursday, giving you the freedom to explore Morioka’s food scene based on your tastes and dietary preferences. At times, the group may choose to eat together, but this is informal rather than organized. From izakaya to ramen, sushi and yakiniku, there are plenty of options within walking distance, and your guide is always happy to share recommendations.
On Friday night, a group dinner is included, hosted by your guide to wrap up the week. This is followed by drinks and, more often than not, karaoke
DAY 7 – SATURDAY ‘DEPARTURE DAY’
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel, then pack up and check out. After a full week on snow, your guide will transfer you back to Morioka Station for your onward journey.
WHAT SHOULD I KNOW ABOUT JOINING A GROUP TOUR?
Our tours are run as genuine group experiences. You’ll be joining other riders who are there for the same thing: great snow, great terrain, and a week that flows well for everyone. Your guide manages the day for the whole group. That means route selection, terrain choices, pace, and timing are all made with the group in mind, not the individual. The best weeks happen when everyone buys into that, and in our experience, they almost always do. A few things worth knowing before you arrive:
This isn’t a private tour. Requests for personal filming sessions, individual terrain choices, or one-on-one guiding or coaching aren’t part of the product. If that’s what you’re looking for, we offer private guiding and would love to talk you through those options.
The group dynamic matters. The riders who get the most out of a Mint tour are the ones who show up ready to ride with a group, not just alongside one. If you’re not sure whether a group tour is the right fit, reach out and we’ll help you figure it out.
ARE LIFT TICKETS INCLUDED?
Yes. All lift tickets are included for every resort we visit throughout the week. Your guide handles purchase and distribution each day. Some resorts may be covered by Ikon or Epic passes, but no refunds or discounts are available if you hold a valid pass. Resort selection is based on conditions, so specific locations are not guaranteed. If riding particular Ikon or Epic resorts is a priority, a private tour is a better fit.
WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE?
Every guest stays in a private Queen Room with ensuite at a 3-star modern hotel in central Morioka. All rooms are single occupancy i.e. one person per room. If you’re traveling with a partner, the Queen Room can be booked for twin occupancy i.e. two people per room.
WHAT SKI AREAS DO WE VISIT?
We ride a mix of well-known resorts and smaller local areas across the Morioka region, selected daily based on conditions. You can expect to ride places like Appi and Geto Kogen, along with smaller zones that often deliver some of the best days of the trip. Not every location we visit is listed. Part of the experience is being taken to places you wouldn’t find on your own.
IS THIS A BACKCOUNTRY TOUR AND HOW MUCH BACKCOUNTRY RIDING IS THERE?
No. This is a resort-based tour that includes lift-accessed backcountry riding when conditions call for it. Each day starts from the resort, riding a mix of in-bounds terrain and areas outside the resort boundary. How much backcountry riding depends on conditions. Some days the best snow is inside the resort, other days we shift focus outside the boundary. If you’re looking to spend most of your time in the backcountry or doing extended hiking, a private tour or splitboard-specific trip would be a better fit.
WHAT TERRAIN WILL WE RIDE?
Riding is centered around trees, ungroomed terrain, and natural features, with a mix of in-bounds resort terrain and lift-accessed backcountry. Terrain choices change throughout the day depending on snow, weather, and conditions.
HOW MUCH HIKING IS INVOLVED?
Hikes are short, typically 5 to 15 minutes, and used to access better terrain or move between zones. Verts snowshoes are provided. If you have boot size 13 or larger, we recommend bringing your own as fit can be limited.
WHAT DAYS DO WE RIDE?
Five consecutive days, Monday to Friday. We ride weekdays to avoid crowds and to optimize your time on snow. This structure also makes back-to-back tours easy. You can finish one tour on Saturday and start another on Sunday with time to travel between destinations.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE IN THE GROUP?
A maximum of 6 guests and 1 guide. Small groups keep things moving and allow better access to terrain throughout the day.
WHAT IF I’M TRAVELING SOLO?
Most guests travel solo. You’ll have your own private room for the full duration of the trip.
HOW FIT DO I NEED TO BE?
A good level of cardio fitness is essential. Five full consecutive days of riding trees, powder, and variable snow builds fatigue quickly. You’ll need to be comfortable riding full days and recovering overnight to go again the next day.
ARE DINNERS INCLUDED?
Two dinners are included in your tour. These are hosted group dinners on Sunday and Friday night.
From Monday to Thursday, dinner is not included, giving you the flexibility to explore Morioka’s food scene based on your tastes and dietary preferences. At times, the group may choose to eat together, but this is informal rather than organized.
WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAYS?
No riding is scheduled on arrival or departure days. Your guide will meet you at Morioka Station on arrival and arrange your return transfer at the end of the trip.
IS THIS TOUR OPEN TO SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS?
This tour is open to snowboarders. Our guides are snowboarders, and terrain choices are built around snowboard-specific riding. Experience has shown us that mixed groups don’t serve either discipline well. If you’re a skier, we offer private guiding options. Get in touch and we’ll help you find the right fit.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
Flights are not included. Our tour managers can recommend flight options to help with your planning.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes. We recommend a comprehensive snow-specific policy that covers trip cancellation. This should be arranged once your booking is confirmed.
HOW DO I BOOK AND WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Get in touch via the website, email, or phone and we’ll send you a quote. When you’re ready, accept the quote online and pay your deposit to secure your spot. You’ll then complete a Guest Registration Form and Waiver, after which you’ll receive your Pre Departure Guide covering everything you need to prepare for the trip. Thirty days before departure we’ll collect your arrival details for transfer planning.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
No. Quality rental equipment is not available in Morioka. You’ll need to bring your own gear. Powder-specific equipment is recommended and a full gear list is included in your Pre Departure Guide.
HOW DO I GET TO MORIOKA?
Full transport and logistics guidance is included in your Pre Departure Guide, sent after booking.
HOW DO I CHECK AVAILABILITY?
Get in touch with our team. With only 6 spots per tour, weeks fill quickly. It’s worth reaching out early if you have preferred dates in mind.
QUESTIONS OR READY TO BOOK
If you’ve got questions or want to check availability, get in touch with our team and we’ll walk you through the details.
Ready to book? Reach out and we’ll get your spot secured.
🌐 Send a request HERE
📧 Email [email protected]
📞 Call +1 503 994 1919
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
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