Join us in Japan for the ultimate womens snowboarding tour
Join us on our Japan Powder Retreat; an all-inclusive powder and progression adventure to one of the snowiest (and quietest!) resorts in Japan. Progress your snowboarding with daily coaching and guiding, get your iconic Japan powder shot with our daily photo sessions, embrace your inner yogi with daily stretching sessions, get your zen on in the onsen, visit the local town for some fun after-dark, sample the region’s best sake and then top it off staying in a luxury ski-in, ski-out hotel! If that grabbed your attention, then read on.
Our home base for our Japan Powder Retreat is magnificently located in Aizu, on the main island in Japan. This area is blessed with lots of snowfall, no crowds and very little western influence. It’s also easy to access from Tokyo. Jump on the bullet train and within 1.5 hours you’ll be in Aizu, the gateway to our secret powder paradise.
Aizu has something for everyone whether it’s your first time in powder, or you’re a seasoned campaigner. There are easy groomers, one of the biggest parks in Asia, plenty of moderately pitched powder lines and tree riding areas that are patrolled. Our team of professional coaches will show you where to find the best lines and the best terrain that is suited to your ability.
Dates
Japan currently has restrictions on entry for foreign nationals from Australia and all other countries. Travel to Japan is not possible. Register for updates.
Guest to Coach Ratio
6 guests : 1 coach
Price
AUD $2,990 per person
Tour Type
Progression - For snowboarders looking to upskill
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.
Tour Details
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
AIZU, OUR SECRET POWDER PARADISE
Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo, and in just over 3 hours you will be transported to Aizu, a region known for its deep powder snow; unique traditions; food; culture; famed onsen and pristine wilderness. The lack of crowds and very little western influence makes it one of our favourite places to ride in Japan. Our base for this tour is Alts Bandai Resort where we can also access the nearby ski resort Nekoma which has some of the best tree runs in the region.
DAILY COACHING
If you’re ready to get your riding dialled, then you couldn’t be in better company. Our coaches have years of experience helping women reach their goals. We typically keep our group size to 6 ladies per coach so we can fast-track your progression. Our coaching sessions run each morning, followed by afternoon guided sessions. This allows you to focus on the technical side of snowboarding in the mornings, then put it into practice each afternoon as you explore more of the resort with your coach.
LUXE ACCOMMODATION
We want your holiday to be as comfortable as possible, so that’s why you’re staying on-mountain at the Bandai-san Onsen Hotel. Our Single and 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, slippers and bottled water. Each room has amazing views to the surrounding snowy landscape. The hotel has a restaurant, hotel bar, a small convenience store, onsen, pool, rental shop, snowboard store, day spa, drying room and karaoke room.
RESORTS WE RIDE
This tour is based at Alts Bandai Resort and we'll ride the linked resorts of 'Alts' and Nekoma. These resorts have something for everyone. There are perfect groomers, one of the biggest parks in Asia and easy tree riding areas that are patrolled. From late January onwards is the best time to experience snowboarding in Aizu. You can expect temperatures ranging from -1 to -10 degrees celsius. And most days you can expect to ride new snow. Even if we don’t get fresh snow overnight, our local knowledge will ensure you’ll ride the best snow conditions on that day.
MEDIA TEAM ON HAND
Throughout the tour we’ll have our media team on hand to capture all the action. You’ll be able to download your Japan photo’s daily so you can keep all your friends up to date with your powder adventures. We’ll make sure you go home with your iconic Japan powder shot, plus all the highlights from the week, on and off-mountain.
EASY AIRPORT TRANSFERS
What we like about Aizu 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. Grab your bags and get on the bullet train in Tokyo. Grab a window seat and in just under 1.5 hours you will arrive at the gateway to our powder paradise. Our guides will be on-hand to greet you and transfer you to our hotel.
ESSENTIAL INFO
YOUR TOUR INCLUDES
- Twin Share Accommodation
For 6 nights you will stay at the ski-in/ski-out, Bandai-san Onsen Hotel. All guests will stay in a twin share room (single room supplements are available at time of booking). 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, slippers and bottled water.
- Daily Coaching Sessions
Every day you will spend a minimum of 3.5 hours with our qualified coaches in our group coaching sessions. Our coaching sessions typically run from 9am – 12:30pm. You’ll enjoy the personalised attention as we limit our group size to a maximum of 6 women per coach.
- Daily 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.
- Photographer on Hand
Throughout the tour we have our photographer on hand to capture all the action.
- Photography Package
You’ll be able to download all your Japan shots daily, so you can keep all your followers up to date with the drool-worthy conditions that you’re currently scoring. We’ll make sure you go home with your iconic Japan powder shot, plus all the highlights from the week, on and off-mountain.
- 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.
- 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.
- Daily Yoga & Stretching Sessions
Each morning join us in our fitness room for a yoga and stretching session.
- Aizu Lift Ticket
You’ll receive your 5 day Aizu All Mountain lift ticket when you arrive at the hotel.
- Transfers
Once you arrive at Koriyama Station, our guides will meet you and 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 Koriyama Station.
- 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.
- Cultural Excursions
So you can explore more of the local area, we’ll make a trip to the local Sake Brewery for a private sake tasting session, led by a sake master. We’ll also arrange a night-time trip to the bustling local town Aizu-Wakamatsu for dinner and drinks.
- Fully-Escorted Tour
Our guides and coaches stay with the group throughout the tour and are always on-hand to assist.
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 guide ratio in the industry allows you to ski or snowboard at your preferred pace, and ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. When we are on mountain, we keep our group size to a maximum of 6 people. 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 difficulty 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 Aizu, then start a new tour in a different destination the following day. Ask us about tour combo ideas and multi-tour discounts.
DATES 06 February – 12 February, 2022
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 to advanced snowboarders. 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. If you’d prefer your own room please request a single room at time of booking.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ON THIS TOUR?
Each tour is different, but we know that by offering one of the smallest client to guide ratio in the industry allows you to ski or snowboard at your preferred pace, and ultimately leads to a better experience for everyone. When we are on mountain, we have a maximum of 6 people per coach. This ensures you get the most out of your time with us, and keeping the groups small means less time waiting and more time riding.
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 have learned the basics and can link turns most of the time on green runs.
Group 2: You can link your turns on-piste and can comfortably ride intermediate terrain (green & blue runs).
Group 3: You are able to link turns with rhythm and flow on most black runs, including off-piste.
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 head coaches for this tour are Rachel Newton and Scott Anfang. They will be supported by other members of our Japan coaching squad.
CAN YOU BOOK FLIGHTS?
Yes. Let us take the hassle out of selecting the right flights for the tour. We can book you the best flight options for the tour, with no booking fees.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
No, flights are not included. If you need assistance booking flights, we can book you the best flight options for the tour, with no booking fees.
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.
CAN I BRING MY PARTNER WHO DOESN’T SKI OR SNOWBOARD?
Of course! We can tailor the tour to suit your non-skiing or snowboarding partner. Speak with one of our tour specialists when you are booking and they will be more than happy to assist.
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 AIZU?
We’ll provide you with a guide with options to get to Aizu. 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?
Yes! We can arrange rental equipment for most destinations, however we do recommend bringing your own equipment. If you want to ride in the trees, we do recommend bringing a powder board.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Japan can be a cold place in winter, with temperatures typically ranging from 0 to -10. 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?
Yes. You’ll get a 5 day ‘All Mountain’ lift ticket that is valid to use at any of the resorts we might visit on this tour.
PRICE PER PERSON
The Japan Powder Retreat is AUD $2990
Pricing is in Australian Dollars and based on twin share accommodation. Please contact us if you would like a quote in your local currency. We can accept payments in USD, AUD, NZD, GBP, CHF, EUR, JPY, CAD.
SINGLE SHARE SUPPLEMENT
Single share supplement are available. Please request at time of booking to avoid disappointment. The price is AUD $____
RESERVATION AND DEPOSIT
To secure your spot on tour, a non-refundable 25% deposit is payable within 3 days of booking. 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 ‘Enquiry’ 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) 8563 9437
International +61 (03) 8563 9437
3. EMAIL
Drop us an email and one of our Japan Tour Specialists will be in touch with a with a quote, availability and further details about the tour.