Join us for a powder-filled week to one of the snowiest resorts in Japan!
Join us on our Japan Powder Retreat; an all-inclusive powder and progression adventure to Rusutsu Resort – an Epic Pass destination and one of the snowiest resorts in Japan! Get your first powder turns, take your pow shredding skills to the next level or just simply enjoy a week snowboarding with an awesome group of women and a badass team of snowboard coaches.
Throughout the week you’ll 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. Our program includes group coaching, one-on-one assistance and video coaching, plus we’ll give you insights into equipment selection and set-up. We’ll also have our videographer on hand to capture all the action. We’ll make sure you go home with your iconic powder shots, plus all the highlights from the week, on and off-mountain.
To maximise your time on snow and give you easy access to first-tracks, you’ll stay on-mountain at Rusutsu Resort in a ski-in/ski-out hotel complete with a luxe new onsen (hot spring). Rusutsu has some of the most incredible powder and tree riding to be found anywhere in the world. The powder is often so deep and dry that you’ll float through it with virtually no resistance. It’s absolute bliss! Another bonus is that Rusutsu is an Epic Pass destination. Bring a valid Epic Pass and you’ll get a 5 day consecutive lift pass.
Dates
Tour 1 - 29 Jan - 04 Feb, 2023
Tour 2 - 05 Feb - 11 Feb, 2023
Duration
6 nights & 5 days on-snow
Price
Book before 30 October:
USD $2,550 per person
Ability Level
Novice to advanced snowboarders
Why Travel With Mint
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. We are a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conduct business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
Overview
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
RUSUTSU, OUR POWDER PARADISE
Rusutsu is just a 40 minute drive from Niseko and is our favourite place to snowboard in Hokkaido for a number of reasons. Rusutsu scores huge quantities the light, dry, fluffy powder, it has the best fall line tree riding in Japan that is accessed straight off the lifts, it’s perfectly manicured groomers are ideal for any level of rider, it gets minimal crowds in comparison to the nearby resorts and to top it all off, it has high quality gondola's and hooded chairlifts that will keep you toasty which is perfect for the frequent cold days.
COACHING & GUIDING
The focus of this tour is to improve your snowboarding in an incredibly fun and supportive way. Our coaches are on-hand to build up your snowboarding toolkit with a combination of coaching and guiding. The coaching is fun (no lessons or drills) and you'll get loads of tips and feedback while riding the resort. While we have daily coaching sessions, many people choose to join this trip for an awesome week of shredding pow with a great group of women!
LUXE ACCOMMODATION
We want your holiday to be as comfortable as possible, so that’s why you’ll stay on-mountain at the Rusutsu Resort Hotel. Our twin rooms have high quality linen and duvets, plenty of room for your equipment, ensuite bathroom, free WIFI and thoughtful touches like bathroom toiletries, robes and slippers. Each room has amazing views to the surrounding snowy landscape. The hotel has restaurants, hotel bar, a small convenience store, onsen, sauna, wave pool, rental shop, snowboard stores and day spa.
AFTER HOURS
After riding there's plenty to do. Visit the luxe new indoor/outdoor onsen, hit après with your coaches, head to the local izakaya for a drink with the locals, visit the 7-Eleven for snacks, go shopping in the kooky mall and amusement park or just relax in your room and enjoy the views over the snowy landscape. Each night we'll regroup for dinner where you can enjoy Japanese and Western food prepared with the freshest local Hokkaido ingredients and maybe a sake or two. Sound like the perfect snowboard trip? Then grab your friends or come solo, just make sure you don’t miss out!
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
Your coaches know exactly where to go and find you the perfect terrain suited to your ability. Whether that's a dreamy powder meadow for your first time snowboarding off-piste or all the secret tree zones and powder stashes. You'll explore parts of the mountain you didn't know existed, avoid any lift lines, hit the best spots for a hot chocolate or a steaming bowl or ramen and of course show you all the epic photo spots for the 'gram. Our guides will give you a locals perspective from day one and keys to this incredible powder kingdom.
EASY AIRPORT TRANSFERS
What we love about Rusutsu is it’s so easy to get to. It’s a stress-free trip, especially if you’re travelling solo or it’s your first time to Japan. Fly into Sapporo, board the bus to Rusutsu and in just under 2 hours you will arrive at our powder paradise. Our guides will be on-hand to greet you and check you to our hotel and get you set up for the adventure ahead.
ESSENTIAL INFO
Whether you’re looking to progress your snowboarding, or just want to ride in Japan with like-minded women, we’ve got you covered. Each day you will ride with similar level snowboarders. Throughout the week we will have coaching and guiding sessions available for the following ability levels:
Group 1 You are able to do basic turns in both directions, heelside and toeside, on green and easy blue runs although you may find one easier than the other. Now that you’re able to link turns, a little encouragement and technical input goes a long way in progressing your snowboarding. We will help you build on those basic skills and start exploring the mountain.
Group 2 You are happy linking turns on most runs both consistantly and confidently, although sometimes come into difficulty on steeps or challenging snow conditions. You want to ride the whole mountain and find new challenges. We’ll give you the techniques to make your riding more dynamic, start carving your board, learn a few tricks and even take you off piste and into the powder.
Group 3 You are an experienced snowboarder, competent riding the whole mountain, in almost all snow conditions and terrain types. Even if you’re content with the terrain you’re riding, week with our coaches will help you enjoy it even more, and chances are you’ll find out there’s still plenty left in the tank. It’s time to increase your performance, dominate the mountain, master new tricks and venture further off piste and deeper into the trees.
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES
- Twin Share Accommodation
For 6 nights you will stay at the ski-in/ski-out, Rusutsu Resort Hotel. All guests will stay in a twin share room. Our rooms feature 2 comfortable single beds with high quality linen and duvets, plenty of room for your equipment, ensuite bathroom, free WIFI and thoughtful touches like bathroom toiletries, robes and slippers. Complimentary access to the onsen (hot spring) is included throughout your stay.
- Daily Snowboard Coaching Sessions
Every day you will ride with our qualified coaches in our group coaching sessions. Our coaching sessions typically run from 9am – 12:30pm. The coaching is fun (no lessons or drills) and you’ll get tips and feedback while riding the resort.
- Daily Snowboard Guiding Sessions
Each afternoon we hold guiding and freeride sessions which are led by our qualified coaches. You’ll get to explore more of the mountain and cover more ground, as you put your skills into play after your morning coaching session. Our guiding sessions run after lunchtime.
- All Breakfasts
For breakfast, join us at the restaurant which serves all your Japanese and Western favourites, including eggs cooked to order, home-baked bread, French croissants and much more, all prepared with local produce.
- All Dinners
For dinner, join us at our hotel restaurant. You will be treated to the freshest local seafood, delicious meats and vegetable dishes, warming and hearty curry, Japanese soups and noodles just to name a few. For those with a sweet tooth, the irresistible dessert buffet isn’t one to be missed.
- Airport Transfers
Once you arrive at Sapporo New Chitose Airport, simply jump on the bus and in no time you’ll be transported to our powder paradise. Our door-to-door transfers make the trip a breeze. On departure day, we’ll drop you back at New Chitose Airport.
- Filmer on Hand
Throughout the tour we have our filmer on hand to capture all the action.
- Video’s
We’ll make sure you go home with your iconic Japan powder shot, plus all the highlights from the week, on and off-mountain.
- Snowboarding Tech Sessions
Our coaches will run snowboarding tech sessions throughout the week which will cover everything from board set-up, board selection, waxing and tuning, and of course answer any questions.
- Fully-Escorted Tour
Our guides and coaches stay with the group throughout the tour. They are not only with you all day on-snow, they are also on-hand each evening. They are always more than happy to share their experience with you on the mountain, and share a drink and some laughs at the end of the day.
We’ve got your back every step of the way.
#1 WE’RE ACCREDITED & ACCOUNTABLE
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. Mint is a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conduct business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre and post tour arrangements.
#2 TRAVEL WITH THE EXPERTS
All our tours are guided by friendly, knowledgeable and expertly trained guides and coaches who are passionate about the mountains and each destination. Plus, when you hop on the phone with one of our staff, you know you’re speaking with someone who lives and breathes snow. Nobody gets you like we do.
#3 SMALL GROUP GUARANTEE
Whereas most companies try to squeeze as many clients per guide, we know offering one of the smallest client to coach ratios in the industry allows you to snowboard at your preferred pace, and ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. Our small groups allow greater manoeuvrability and ease of access to the best experiences (and powder!) each destination can offer.
#4 FULLY ESCORTED TOUR
One of the advantages of travelling with Mint is that you have dedicated guides and coaches for your entire tour. Our guides stay with you throughout the tour and are on-hand from the moment you arrive, until we say goodbye on departure day. They are not only with you all day on-snow, they are also on-hand each evening. They are always more than happy to share their experience with you on the mountain, and share a beer and some laughs at the end of the day.
#5 PRE-TOUR SUPPORT
After you sign up for this tour, you will receive pre-trip emails with specific information about your tour, the arrival and departure day process, information about the destination, packing suggestions, and other relevant information to help you prepare for your trip. In addition to this, you have access to our customer care team who are just a phone-call away. And as a full-service travel agent, we are able to take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre or post tour arrangements.
#6 PARTICIPANT SCREENING PROCESS
We ensure that everyone who joins these trips are a good fit for the ability level. This helps ensure that you’re booked on the right tour, as are the other people joining you.
#7 RISK FREE BOOKING WINDOW
Got cold feet? Couldn’t find a good flight or get the time off work? Cancel up to 7 days after your initial booking and get 100% of your deposit back, no questions asked.
#8 LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS
Our long-standing relationships with local guides, local legends, professional athletes, local businesses and resorts allow us special access to places and people. Travelling with us, you go behind the scenes to get a close-up view of each destination. You’re enriched by the knowledge of our experts and local guides.
All our Japan Tours are 6 nights and run from Sunday to Saturday. You’ll ride every resort mid-week to maximise your time on-snow and avoid the weekend day-trippers. If 6 nights isn’t enough, then book one of our multi-tour combo’s. Join us in Rusutsu, then start a new tour in a different destination the following day. Ask us about tour combo ideas.
DATES
Tour 1 29 January- 4 February, 2023
Tour 2 5 February – 11 February, 2023
PRO-TIP – GO PRIVATE!
If you have your own group of snowboarding friends, pick your own dates and book a private departure – with your own coach and all the benefits of a Mint group tour. Get in touch to discuss.
WHY TRAVEL WITH MINT?
In a rapidly changing travel industry it’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. Mint is a registered member of AFTA and IATA and conducts business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct. When you travel with Mint you can have peace of mind that you are booking with a qualified and established travel operator with over 20 years of expertise. And as a full-service travel agent, we can take care of your flights, insurance, stopovers and pre-or post tour arrangements.
WHAT IS A PROGRESSION TOUR?
Our Progression Tours will improve your snowboarding through a combination of coaching and guiding. These tours are perfect for novice, intermediate and advanced snowboarders and we’ll match you with a group who are a similar ability. Our qualified coaches will offer you tips and feedback as you explore the resorts. Our experienced coaches have an in-depth knowledge of the resorts we visit, which gives you the ultimate advantage.
WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAY?
Once you’ve signed up for the tour we will send you through a comprehensive guide with details about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, visa requirements and transportation information.
WHAT IF I’M TRAVELLING SOLO?
About 99% of our guests are travelling solo, so you’ll be in good company. Our groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snowsports and an eagerness to explore all that Japan has to offer. If you are travelling solo, you will be paired with another guest to room with. The accommodation for this tour is twin share i.e. 2 beds per room.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THIS TOUR?
Our groups are big enough to create a nice social vibe, but small enough so you can snowboard at your preferred pace, and ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. This ensures you get the most out of your time with us, and keeping the groups small means less time waiting and more time snowboarding!
IS THIS TOUR RIGHT FOR ME?
Whether you’re looking to progress your snowboarding, or just want to ride in Japan with like-minded women, we’ve got you covered. Each day you will ride with similar level snowboarders. Throughout the week we will have coaching and guiding sessions available for the following ability levels:
Group 1 You are able to do basic turns in both directions, heelside and toeside, on green and easy blue runs although you may find one easier than the other. Now that you’re able to link turns, a little encouragement and technical input goes a long way in progressing your snowboarding. We will help you build on those basic skills and start exploring the mountain.
Group 2 You are happy linking turns on most runs both consistantly and confidently, although sometimes come into difficulty on steeps or challenging snow conditions. You want to ride the whole mountain and find new challenges. We’ll give you the techniques to make your riding more dynamic, start carving your board, learn a few tricks and even take you off-piste and into the powder.
Group 3 You are an experienced snowboarder, competent riding the whole mountain, in almost all snow conditions and terrain types. Even if you’re content with the terrain you’re riding, week with our coaches will help you enjoy it even more, and chances are you’ll find out there’s still plenty left in the tank. It’s time to increase your performance, dominate the mountain, master new tricks and venture further off piste and deeper into the trees.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR?
For most tours you can arrive earlier or stay later. 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.
WHO ARE THE COACHES?
You’ll be led by friendly, knowledgeable and qualified coaches who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. Our coaches for this tour are Rachel Newton, Juliane Bray and Christina Bruno. They will be supported by other members of our Japan squad.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
No, flights are not included. If you need assistance booking flights, we can recommend the best flight options.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes. All guests on tour need to be covered by comprehensive travel insurance. Once you have booked on the tour, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. We offer all of our tour guests discounted snow specific travel insurance.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I’VE BOOKED?
Once you’ve booked your spot on tour, we will send you through a booking confirmation and provide updates about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, a map of where we meet, recommended arrival and departure times, flight options, Visa requirements and transportation information. We will send out a Pre Departure Guide 30 days prior to departure. Prior to the tour commencing we will invite you to a group chat which is managed by your tour manager and guides.
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 specialists. 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 RUSUTSU?
Airport transfers from Sapporo New Chitose Airport to Rusutsu are included. We’ll provide you with a guide with options to get to Rusutsu. If it’s your fist time to Japan or if you’re unsure about travel arrangements, often we can link you up with other tour guests to travel with.
HOW DO I CHECK AVAILABILITY?
Speak with one of our tour specialists. As this is a small group tour with limited availability, it’s best to get in touch early to avoid disappointment.
CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT?
We can arrange rental equipment for most destinations, however we do recommend bringing your own equipment.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
We will send out a packing list for this tour. Japan can be a cold place in winter, with temperatures typically ranging from 0 to -20. We strongly recommend that guests dress in clothing specific for traveling in backcountry areas. We recommend that guests have a good quality waterproof jacket and pants, lightweight insulated layer, merino base layers, merino gloves and waterproof gloves, goggles with low light & high light lenses, sunglasses, balaclava, beanie, and helmet. We recommend that all guests bring their own snowboarding equipment for the tour (board, boots, bindings & outerwear). Powder boards are recommended.
WHO WILL BE ON MY TOUR?
Your group will be made up of travellers 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.
ARE LIFT TICKETS INCLUDED?
Lift tickets are not included for this tour as Rusutsu is an Epic Pass destination.
Guests who hold a valid EPIC Pass will receive a complimentary 5 day lift consecutive lift ticket for Rusutsu Resort with no black out dates.
For guests who don’t have an EPIC Pass, we have a 5 day lift ticket available for purchase.
PRICE PER PERSON
Book before 30 October – USD $2,550 per person
Bookings after 30 October – USD $2,750 per person
Pricing is in US Dollars and based on twin share accommodation.
RESERVATION AND DEPOSIT
To secure your spot on tour, a 50% deposit is payable. The balance is due 90 days prior to tour departure.
If you would like some more information or a quote for the tour you can contact us by:
1. ONLINE
Click on ‘Enquire’ below and send us your details. Once we receive your request one of our Japan Tour Specialists will be in touch with a with a quote, availability and further details about the tour.
2. OVER THE PHONE
Call us and follow the prompts to speak to one of our Japan Tour specialists.
Within Australia (03) 5296 0314