Ride Powder. Talk Trash. Repeat.
Spend a week riding ‘Leisure Powder™️’ in Japan with Chris Coté and Todd Richards, hosts of The World’s Greatest Action Sports Podcast. This is a full-throttle week of deep turns and good times in Japan’s snowiest zone. Based in Asahikawa—right in the heart of Hokkaido—you’ll hit a different resort each day, chasing powder through old-growth forests, steaming volcano zones, mom-and-pop hills, and a few of our secret stashes. It’s all about riding hard, laughing harder, and experiencing the best of Japanese snowboarding culture.
Shredding with Todd and Chris isn’t just about snow — it’s the banter, the lift-line roasts, and the constant storytelling. Whether they’re breaking down contest history or firing up the crew for one more lap, the energy stays high and the laughs never stop. Come for the powder, stay for the entertainment — these two could talk snowboarding (and everything else) all night.
Expect fast laps, fun terrain, and nonstop good vibes. Our storm-savvy Mint guides keep it fluid, shifting the plan daily to find the best conditions. With 4×4 vans and a flexible itinerary, we’ll chase the snow wherever it’s falling — and if it’s nuking at night, don’t be surprised if there’s a bonus shred mission under the lights. Off the mountain, Asahikawa delivers: ramen joints, izakayas, bars, onsens, and a real-deal Japanese experience far from the tourist trail. You’ll stay in a modern city hotel with single rooms, a tattoo-friendly onsen, and easy access to everything worth eating, drinking, and exploring.
This isn’t your average snowboard trip — it’s a ride-and-laugh mission with two of snowboarding’s most iconic voices. Lock it in.
Dates
4 - 10 January, 2026
Price
USD $4,490 per person / Single Room
Terrain
Resort off-piste & lift-accessed backcountry (all avalanche safety equipment included)
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.
Monday M.A.S.S. Asahikawa Freeride Tour
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
No Sharing: Your Own Private Room Guaranteed!
You’ll stay in a comfortable city hotel that’s perfectly located for both adventure and downtime. Enjoy your own private room with an ensuite, plus easy access to local restaurants, shops, and nightlife. The hotel also features all the essentials for snowboarders — drying room, board tuning area, sauna, and a tattoo-friendly onsen — not to mention the best breakfast waffles in town.
Experience The Real Japan: Basecamp Asahikawa
Say goodbye to crowded resort towns 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!
Snow & Conditions in Asahikawa
Early January is the sweet spot for big storms dropping 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.
Off-Snow, Onsen Sessions & Local Flavor
No two days are the same on tour, but one thing’s for sure — we always make time for an onsen or two. There’s no better way to reset than soaking in mineral-rich, geothermal waters after a big day chasing lines. Off the mountain, you’ll dive into local culture with stops at the neighborhood sake shop, a sushi train on the edge of town, and even the local snowboard shop and skate park. Whether you’re winding down or keeping the stoke going, these moments round out the full Japan experience.
Where World-Class Riding Meets Real-Deal Japan
Asahikawa hits the trifecta: unbeatable access, incredible terrain, and some of the best snow quality on the planet. With a dozen resorts and backcountry zones within striking distance, you can chase powder in a different direction every day. The snow is consistent, dry, and deep—just how you want it. Then when the riding’s done, the adventure keeps going. You’re in a vibrant Japanese city, not a tourist-packed resort town. Ramen, bars, izakayas, late-night missions—it’s all here. This is where world-class riding meets real-deal Japan.
All The Pre-Trip Support & Prep You Need
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 at OMO7 Asahikawa, Studio Room with ensuite (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of resort and backcountry guiding, with Mint Guides, Todd Richards & Chris Coté
✔ 5 day lift ticket
✔ Fully-escorted tour, guides on hand throughout the tour
✔ Daily on-snow filming + end-of-tour highlight video to relive the best moments
✔ 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
All tours run 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.
Price: USD $4,490 per person, single room
Dates: 4 – 10 January, 2026
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
Welcome to Hokkaido! Touch down at Asahikawa Airport, where our crew will be waiting to greet you with stoke levels already high. After a quick transfer into town, check into your single room at our downtown hotel – the launch pad for the week. You’ve got some time to unpack, dial in your setup, and maybe sneak in an onsen or stroll to your new favorite 7-Eleven.
Later that evening, meet Todd, Chris and the crew for a welcome session where we lay out the game plan for the week. You’ll get the lowdown on weather, terrain, and how this crew operates. It’s casual, full of good vibes – expect Todd and Chris to bring stories, laughs, and maybe a spicy hot take or two. Then we hit the town for our first group dinner. This is your chance to meet your fellow riders and toast to the week ahead.
Pro Tip: Flying from the US or Europe? Come in a day early. You’ll thank yourself.
Days 2–6 – Monday to Friday: On-Snow Guided Days // Ride, Laugh, Repeat
This is what you came for – five full days chasing powder in one of Japan’s snowiest zones. Asahikawa is surrounded by a mix of mom-and-pop gems and wild volcanic terrain, and we’re free to hit whichever resort is firing. With storm-savvy Mint guides, 4×4 vans, and two of snowboarding’s funniest humans leading the charge, you’re in for full days and fast laps.
Mornings:
Breakfast is early and loaded (don’t sleep on the waffles). Each morning your guide breaks down the forecast and where the crew’s headed. It’s all about flexibility – riding the right place, at the right time. Load up the van and let’s go.
On-Mountain:
With Todd and Chris along for the ride, expect quick wit, deep turns, and a few chairlift debates. Whether we’re lapping tight trees at a tiny local hill or surfing powder off the flanks of a volcano, the energy is high and the vibe is all-time. These aren’t resort runs – they’re story starters. No matter the terrain, our guides get you to the goods, and Todd and Chris keep it fun.
Afternoons:
After riding, we wind it down Mint-style. That might mean soaking in a steamy onsen, swinging through a sushi train, or grabbing onigiri and hot coffee at a 7-Eleven that somehow always hits different. It’s recovery, local flavor, and a chance to laugh about the day’s lines.
Evenings:
Back at the hotel, rest the legs in the tattoo-friendly onsen, grab a drink in the bar, and reset for another big day. Dinner plans? Our guides will lead the way. Think cozy ramen joints, tiny yakitori bars, or whatever spot Todd and Chris are hyping that night. Expect high-energy stories, a little karaoke encouragement, and more laughs than your abs signed up for.
Final Night:
To wrap up an unforgettable week, we’ll kick things off with the tour highlight reel — a custom video edit captured by our in-house media team, featuring the best lines, worst bails, and everything in between. Then it’s off to our farewell dinner: Bachan’s BBQ Night followed by a DJ party hosted by Todd and Chris. Come hungry, come hyped — this one goes late.
Day 7 – Saturday: Departure Day // Sayonara, Legends
One last breakfast, one last look at the snow-covered streets of Asahikawa, then it’s time to roll. Your guide will get you to the airport or station with time to spare. You came for the powder, but you’re leaving with new friends, epic memories, and a full highlight reel narrated by Todd and Chris. Until next time.
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, tight 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), plus Verts snowshoes for when the conditions call for it.
What’s The Ability Requirements?
This tour is for advanced snowboarders. You ride fast, love off-piste, and have experience navigating variable conditions — from deep pow and windblown ridgelines to firm sections and low vis. You’re confident riding tight trees (which are mandatory on this tour), linking turns through technical terrain, and maintaining a steady pace across traverses and flat zones. If that sounds like your kind of riding, you’re in the right place.
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.
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 Monday M.A.S.S. is one of our most in-demand Japan tours — and spots don’t last long. We recommend locking it in early to secure your place, as this trip usually fills by the end of June, well ahead of our final cut-off (90 days before departure). If you’re keen to join the crew, don’t wait around — book now and lock in your winter.
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 — we provide Verts snowshoes when necessary.
What Happens On Arrival and Departure Day?
Arrival and departure days are all about getting to or from the tour base. There’s no riding scheduled, so you can focus on travel. We’ll send you a step-by-step guide covering flights, meeting points, airport transfers, and timing, so you know exactly where to be and when. From touchdown to check-in, we’ve got you covered.
What If I’m Traveling Solo?
No stress — nearly everyone on our tours is flying solo. You’ll have your own private room, so you can fully unwind after a big day on the mountain. And with a crew that’s just as stoked on snowboarding and exploring Japan as you are, you’ll fit right in from day one. This is the kind of trip where strangers quickly become riding buddies.
How Many People In My Group?
This tour has a maximum of 12 guests, with a guest to guide ratio of 1 : 6.
Which Resorts Will We Visit?
We keep the itinerary loose so we can chase the best snow, every day. Your guide will call the shots based on weather, snowfall, and group vibe — making sure you’re in the right place at the right time. You might lap volcano zones like Asahidake or hit the local mom-and-pop hills that don’t even show up on the map. And while Kamui is the area’s most recognized name, it’s the lesser-known secret spots that really deliver. Where exactly? You’ll find out when you’re on tour.
Can I Arrive Early or Stay On After The Tour?
For sure. Want to land early and shake off the jet lag? Keen to tack on a few extra days after the tour? No problem. We can easily arrange pre- or post-tour accommodation to match your travel plans. If you’re coming from the US or Europe, we recommend arriving on Saturday to settle in before things kick off. Just chat with one of our tour specialists when booking and we’ll help dial it in.
Are Flights Included?
No, flights aren’t 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. Just ask your tour manager.
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Yes, travel insurance is mandatory. It must cover personal accident, medical expenses, emergency repatriation, and snowsports. We also strongly recommend coverage for cancellation, trip interruption, liability, and lost baggage. For US guests, we recommend Spot Insurance.
What Happens Once I’ve Booked?
Once you’ve booked, a dedicated tour manager will be in touch. They’ll help with flights, transfers, gear questions, and any pre- or post-tour plans.
90 days out, we’ll send you a Pre-Departure Guide with all the need-to-knows. You’ll fill out your waiver, info form, ability questionnaire, and confirm your travel details.
On arrival day, your guide will add you to the WhatsApp group for real-time updates and banter during the tour.
How Do I Check My Ability Level?
Unsure if this tour is right for you? Chat with one of our tour managers. They’ll assess your ability and suggest the best fit—no guesswork needed.
How Do I Get to Asahikawa?
Once you’re booked, we’ll send you a travel guide with all your options—whether you’re flying or riding the rails.
How Do I Check Availability?
Easy. Just reach out to one of our tour managers. With small groups and limited spots, it’s best to lock it in early.
Can I Rent Equipment?
We include avalanche safety gear (pack, beacon, shovel, and probe), plus Verts snowshoes if needed. But rental boards and boots aren’t available in Asahikawa, so bring your full kit with you.
What Equipment Should I Bring?
Bring your own gear, and make sure it’s ready for powder. We recommend something with float. We’ll send you a full gear checklist when you book.
Gratuities
Our guides work hard to make your trip unforgettable. Tipping isn’t required, but if you feel the stoke, 10–20% of your trip cost is a generous and much-appreciated way to say thanks. Tips can be handed directly to your guide at the end of the tour.
How to Book
Ready to lock it in?
Shoot us an email at [email protected]
or give us a call +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.