Ride Powder. Talk Trash. Repeat.
Spend a week riding ‘Leisure Powder™️’ in Japan with Chris Coté and Todd Richards. 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 storytelling. Whether they’re breaking down the industry 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 across Central Hokkaido, 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
Jan 10–16
Price
$4,500 per person
Single Room
Ability and Fitness
Advanced in powder and trees, good fitness
Group Size / Ratio
Max group size 12
6 guests per guide
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.
TOUR DETAILS
Get in touch for more info
PREMIUM SETUP AND INCLUSIONS
Every guest on this tour gets their own private ensuite room at OMO7 Asahikawa, giving you space to recover properly after a full day on snow. No shared rooms, no bunk beds, just a more comfortable setup for the week. OMO7 is also the only hotel in Asahikawa properly set up for snowboarders, with drying rooms, wax benches, board storage, and a tattoo-friendly onsen. The trip includes daily guiding in a small group of six guests, lift passes, private transport, avalanche safety equipment, Verts snowshoes, access to a fleet of demo powder boards, breakfast, a welcome dinner, and full pre-trip support, with fewer extra costs and less to organize once you arrive in Japan.
SNOW AND CONDITIONS
The season runs from December through late March, with January and February typically offering the coldest temperatures and best snow quality. This region is known for light, dry powder and regular snowfall throughout the winter, with multiple resorts and zones within easy reach of Asahikawa. Having options across the region allows guides to stay flexible and make the most of the conditions each day rather than being locked into one mountain, helping the group ride fresh snow and quality terrain throughout the trip.
CENTRAL LOCATION AND CITY STAY
Being based in Asahikawa puts you in the middle of one of Hokkaido’s best snowboard regions, with resorts and zones spread in every direction around the city. That central location gives guides more flexibility to adapt plans around snowfall, weather, and visibility while still keeping drive times reasonable. And after a full day in the mountains, you return to a real Japanese city filled with ramen shops, izakaya, bars, onsen, and the kind of atmosphere that makes the experience feel far bigger than just a snowboard trip.
TERRAIN
On this tour, you’ll ride a mix of in-bounds resort terrain and lift-accessed backcountry zones, with terrain choices changing throughout the day based on snow, weather, and visibility. Some days focus on quality resort laps, while others involve short hikes or lift-accessed terrain that opens up more of the mountain. Riding around Asahikawa is centered around trees, natural features, and varied terrain, with a wide mix of zones spread throughout the region.
EXPERIENCED GUIDES AND LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Our guides return to Japan each winter and have spent years building experience across the regions we operate in. Combined with internationally recognized qualifications and ongoing training, that experience shapes how each trip runs, from daily terrain choices to adapting plans as conditions change. The goal each day is simple: make smart decisions, stay flexible, and help the group get the most out of the riding while keeping the trip running smoothly throughout the week.
WHY RIDERS KEEP COMING BACK
Asahikawa has built a reputation as one of Japan’s best snowboard destinations because of the combination of snow quality, terrain variety, and access to multiple resorts and zones. From smaller local hills to larger mountains and lift-accessed backcountry, there’s a depth to this area that keeps riders coming back season after season. Combined with staying in a real city instead of a resort bubble, it offers a different experience to most Japan snowboard trips.
ESSENTIAL INFO
INCLUDED
✔ Hosted by Todd Richards and Chris Cote
✔ 6 nights accommodation at OMO7 Asahikawa, Studio Room with ensuite (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of guided riding (resort and lift-accessed backcountry terrain)
✔ 5-day lift ticket
✔ 5 days of private transfers to and from resorts
✔ Scheduled group airport transfers from Asahikawa Airport
✔ Complimentary use of avalanche safety equipment (pack, beacon, shovel, probe)
✔ Complimentary use of Verts snowshoes
✔ Complimentary access to demo boards
✔ 6 buffet breakfasts
✔ 1 dinner (arrival night)
✔ Complimentary access to the hotel onsen
✔ Complimentary use of wax/tune station
✔ Pre-tour support from our Japan Tour Manager
NOT INCLUDED
✘ Flights and travel to Asahikawa
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All lunches (allow USD $6 to $15 per meal)
✘ 5 dinners (allow USD $15 to $35 per meal)
✘ Onsen fee outside the hotel (allow USD $7 to $10 per visit)
DATES AND PRICE
All tours run Sunday to Saturday with five full days of guided riding Monday to Friday.
January 10 to 16
USD $4,500 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
the tour runs with a maximum of 12 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.
DAY 1 – 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 – 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 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 – DEPARTURE DAY / SAYONARA
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, unforgettable memories, and a full highlight reel narrated by Todd and Chris. Until next time.
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 good level of cardio fitness is essential across five consecutive days on snow. Some days may include short hikes (5 and 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.
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 MAKES MINT TOURS DIFFERENT?
Mint Tours is a registered Japanese company with more than 20 years of experience operating snowboard trips in Japan. We combine experienced guides, deep regional knowledge, premium inclusions, and small group sizes to deliver professionally run trips focused on quality riding and a smooth experience on the ground. Unlike many Japan snowboard trips, every guest gets their own private room, with lift passes, transport, avalanche equipment, and guiding all included upfront.
WHAT ABILITY LEVEL IS THIS TOUR?
This tour is designed for advanced riders who are confident riding off-piste in powder and trees. Powder and trees are a core part of this experience and should be considered mandatory. If you’re not comfortable riding powder and trees in variable visibility and snow conditions, this tour may not be the right fit. If you’re looking for a trip better suited to your ability or pace, consider our Explorer Tours (more relaxed riding weeks) or Progression Tours (dedicated coaching weeks).
WHAT’S THE PACE LIKE?
This is a fast-paced tour with long days on snow and minimal downtime, especially during storm cycles and deeper snow periods. Guests should be fit, comfortable riding consecutive full days, and able to keep up with the group.
DO I SHARE A ROOM?
No. All guests stay in a single ensuite room at OMO7 Asahikawa (1 person per room).
IS THIS A BACKCOUNTRY TOUR AND HOW MUCH BACKCOUNTRY RIDING IS THERE?
This is a resort-based tour that includes a mix of in-bounds resort terrain and lift-accessed backcountry zones throughout the week. How much backcountry riding there is depends on snowfall, visibility, avalanche conditions, and the group. Some days the best riding is found within the resort itself, while other days involve short hikes using Verts snowshoes to access terrain beyond the resort boundary. This is not a dedicated touring or splitboarding trip, but rather a flexible mix of resort and backcountry riding based on the conditions each day.
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 12 guests with a guest to guide ration of 6 guests per 1 guide. Small groups keep things moving and allow better access to terrain throughout the day.
WHERE DO WE RIDE?
We ride a mix of better-known resorts and smaller local areas across the Asahikawa region. Each day is planned around conditions, and your guide chooses the best location based on snowfall, weather, visibility, and the group. Some of the better known places are Kamui, Furano and Asahidake, 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. Please note that this tour focuses on the Asahikawa region.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR?
Yes. Pre or post tour accommodation can be arranged, and we can help tailor the trip around your travel plans.
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 $15 – $35 per meal
- 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. Asahikawa Freeride Tour is our most in-demand Japan trip and spots fill fast. While we can’t predict exactly when each departure will sell out, tours book out well before the 90-day cut-off. We recommend locking it in early to avoid missing out.
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 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?
A welcome dinner on arrival night is included in the tour and hosted by your guide, giving the group a chance to meet and settle in before the week begins. On the final night, the guide will also help organize an optional group dinner for anyone who wants to join.
All other dinners are not included, giving you the flexibility to explore Asahikawa’s food scene based on your own tastes and preferences. Throughout the week, guests will often head out together for dinner, but these nights are informal rather than guided or organized.
WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAYS?
No riding is scheduled on arrival or departure days. Your guide will meet you at Asahikawa Airport 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 Asahikawa. 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.
DEMO POWDER BOARDS
We keep a fleet of demo powder boards in Asahikawa, with shapes from Lib Tech, Nitro Snowboards, Academy Snowboards, Capita, and Gnu available throughout the season. Board models and sizes change each winter, and guests are welcome to speak with their guide to organize a demo during the trip. Guests must use their own bindings, and these boards are provided complimentary as a chance to try different shapes in Japanese powder conditions, not as a replacement for your regular snowboard or a rental setup.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU SUPPLY?
We provide avalanche safety equipment for all guests throughout the tour, including a pack, transceiver, shovel, and probe, all included complimentary as part of the trip. Guests are also welcome to bring and use their own equipment if preferred. Verts snowshoes are supplied for short hikes accessing terrain beyond the resort boundaries. For communication on snow, one guest each day will carry a radio to stay in contact with the guide while riding.
HOW DO I GET TO ASAHIKAWA?
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 12 spots available, this week will fill quickly.
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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