Learn the skills to confidently ride Japan Powder
For Intermediate Snowboarders – If you’ve dreamt of floating surfy turns through deep Japan powder, join Mint Women for the Japan Powder Progression Tour. You’ll spend the week riding with a highly qualified coach who will be your biggest cheerleader and empower you to become the best snowboarder you can be. She will build your snowboarding skills to confidently ride off-piste, in powder and even venture into the trees. She’ll show you her secret powder stashes, parts of the mountain you didn’t know existed, the best spots for snacks and of course, all the epic photo spots for the ‘gram.
This tour is based in Asahikawa which is Hokkaido’s second-largest city. You’re probably thinking why stay in the city? It’s all about the access, terrain and snow quality. Asahikawa is THE most snow-sure part of Japan. It has the most days with snowfall and the coldest temperatures. There’s dozens of uncrowded resorts surrounding the city which makes it perfect for intermediate snowboarders looking to level up. Expect plenty of hoots and high-fives when you ride through the powder with the girls.
You’ll also get to see the ‘real’ Japan while staying in a lively regional city, rather than a resort. Each day your guide will shuttle you out of the city and to the resorts. After riding, there’s always time to stop at an onsen and hit up the 7-Eleven for snacks. At night, Asahikawa is a buzzing city with hundreds of dining and drinking options, all without the ski-resort price tag. Your guide will plan dinners throughout the week, from ramen, sushi, BBQ’s and izakaya.
Dates
19 - 25 January, 2025
Ability Level
Intermediate - Guiding and coaching for intermediate snowboarders
Tour Type
Progression
Price
USD 2,990 single room
Why Travel With Mint
It’s important to know that your travel provider is accredited, accountable and responsible. 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. Mint Tours is a registered travel agent and a member of AFTA and IATA and conduct business in accordance with the ATAS Charter and Code of Conduct.
Japan Powder Progression Tour
Get in touch for a detailed tour itinerary and more info
FOR INTERMEDIATE SNOWBOARDERS
The Japan Powder Progression tours are best suited to intermediate snowboarders. If you can confidently ride most groomed trails at your local mountain and are beginning to explore off-piste and ride treed terrain, then this is a great tour to level up your riding. You'll spend 5 full and consecutive days on mountain with a highly qualified snowboard coach who will give you tips and feedback while you explore the resorts surrounding Asahikawa.
COACHING & GUIDING
This tour is designed for intermediate snowboarders. The aim is to fast-track your snowboarding progression in an incredibly fun and supportive way. Your coach is 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 plenty of tips and feedback while riding the resorts. While there's daily coaching sessions, you'll have plenty of time snowboarding with your coach. Many people join this trip for a week of snowboarding with a great group of women!
AFTER HOURS
After riding there's plenty to do. Visit the onsen, hit après with the Mint team, explore the city or just relax in your room and enjoy the views over the snowy landscape. Each night you'll regroup for dinner at one of the many restaurants. Expect 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
You could visit a resort with your friends and try to figure out where to go, but why not get all the answers from day one? Answers that can make or break your snowboarding holiday. Your coach will get you into the secret powder stashes, exploring parts of the mountain you didn't know existed, avoiding lift lines, showing you the best spots for a banging lunch or an epic photo spot for the 'gram. Your coach will give you a locals perspective from day one and keys to this incredible powder kingdom.
EASY ACCESS
While Central Hokkaido is a remote area, fortunately Asahikawa is one of the easiest destination to reach in Hokkaido. There's daily flights from Tokyo to Asahikawa or, if you're coming from another destination in Hokkaido like Niseko or Rusutsu, once you get back to Sapporo, it's only a 1.5 hour train ride.
QUALITY ACCOMMODATION
Arrive at Asahikawa Airport in Central Hokkaido and we'll shuttle you to our hotel in downtown Asahikawa City. Throughout the tour you'll stay in a modern, city hotel with great amenities including a wax station, onsen, sauna and restaurant for breakfast. You'll stay in a private single room which gives you privacy and plenty of space for your equipment. Buffet breakfast is included throughout your tour, and each night you can explore the the surrounding area's local ramen shops, sushi and countless izakaya.
ESSENTIAL INFO
INCLUSIONS
✔ 6 nights accommodation in a Single Room with ensuite (1 person per room)
✔ 5 days of on-snow guiding and coaching in a small group
✔ 5 day lift ticket
✔ Scheduled airport transfers from Asahikawa Airport to hotel (arrival and departure day)
✔ 5 days of private transfers to and from resorts
✔ 6 buffet breakfasts
✔ Fully-escorted tour, guide/coach on hand throughout the tour
✔ Complimentary use of hotel onsen
✔ Complimentary wax and tune station
✔ Mint merch pack
✔ Pre tour support from Japan Tour Manager
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
✘ Flights to Asahikawa
✘ Travel insurance
✘ All lunches – expect to pay USD $6 – $15 per meal
✘ All dinners – expect to pay USD $15 – $40 per meal
✘ Any meals, drinks, snacks not listed
✘ Gratuities
FOR INTERMEDIATE SNOWBOARDERS
The Japan Powder Progression tour is designed for intermediate snowboarders who have got the basics dialled and are ready to step up their game. If you can answer ‘Yes!’ to the questions below, you are ready to book this tour.
CAN YOU ANSWER ‘YES!’ TO THESE QUESTIONS?
✔ I can confidently link smooth turns on all blue trails
✔ I can get down black groomed runs in control, however at a slower pace
✔ I can load and unload from a chairlift
✔ I want to learn how to snowboard in powder and through the trees
✔ I want to find new challenges and work towards riding the whole mountain.
Want to see what an Intermediate Coaching Sessions looks like? Watch HERE
If you’re not quite up to the ability level for this tour, don’t dismiss the possibility of experiencing the best powder turns of your life! Talk with the Mint team and they will be able to make recommendations for other suitable tours, or how to work towards joining this tour.
When you are ready to book, you’ll be asked to self-evaluate what type of rider you are. The more accurately you’re able to self-assess your on-snow abilities, the more you (and others in your group) will be able to relax and enjoy the tour.
WINTER 2025 DATES AND PRICE
All of Mint’s Japan Tours are 7 days and 6 nights and run from Sunday to Saturday. You’ll ride every resort during the week (Monday – Friday) to avoid the weekend day-trippers and maximise your time on-snow. If 6 nights isn’t enough, then book a multi-tour combo. Join the Japan Powder Progression Tour, then start a new Mint tour in a different destination the following day.
19 January – 25 January – USD $2,990 single room
DAY 1 – ARRIVAL DAY
Welcome to Japan! Make your way to the meeting point at Asahikawa Airport where your coach will meet you and drive the group to the hotel. Check in opens at 3:00 pm. After check in, you’ve got some free time to settle in to your room, unpack and set-up your equipment for the adventure ahead. In the evening, your coach will explain what’s in store for the week, the current weather, run through equipment and answer any questions you have. Then join for dinner at one of the local izakaya. It’s a great opportunity to get to know everyone on tour as most guests are travelling solo.
DAY 2 – 6 – RIDE DAYS
You’ll spend the next 5 days riding the surrounding Asahikawa Resorts. The tour itinerary is flexible so you can ride at the best resort on the day. There’s over half a dozen resorts to choose from and driving times can range from 30 – 50 minutes and largely depends on weather, snowfall and the groups appetite for adventure. Each day follows a similar format. Here’s roughly what you can look forward to:
Mornings – The breakfast buffet is open from 6:30 am and you can enjoy breakfast at your leisure. The mornings are a great time to hit the onsen or stretch before snowboarding. Your coach will advise the departure time the evening before which is typically around 7:45 am. Load up the van and drive to the resort.
Throughout the day – The aim is to spend a full day on-mountain so you can really max out your time on-snow. After all, the focus of this tour is snowboarding! Throughout the day you’ll do a combination of coaching and guiding. The coaching is fun (no lessons or drills) and you’ll naturally progress your snowboarding by riding more vertical, more terrain and more powder snow. While there’s daily coaching sessions, you’ll also have plenty of time exploring the mountain with your coach. As always, good vibes and fun times are had when you’re riding with the girls. There will be plenty of hoots and high fives as you float turns through the powder. Expect anything from deep, dry powder, easy trees, wide open pistes and maybe even a lap or two through the park. The priority is to find you the best snow and terrain and to help you improve your snowboarding in a fun, safe and supportive environment.
Afternoons – After riding, your coach will make plans according to time, the groups interest and energy levels. You could find yourself at one of the many local onsen (hot springs), stopping off at a sushi train or a snack stop at the 7-Eleven before returning to the hotel.
Evenings – On return to the hotel you’ve got free time. Head to the hotel onsen and sauna to relax, grab a drink with the crew, or wax your board ready for the following day. Each night is different and your coach will change the plan to suit the groups interest and energy levels. Evenings are a great time to catch up with everyone over some delicious food and a few drinks. The perfect way to finish off the evening is with a late night onsen before you fall into bed to do it all again the next day.
DAY 7 – DEPARTURE DAY
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by check out. All good things must come to come to an end, and after a big week of riding deep, Japanese powder, your guide will drop you back at the airport or train station and say goodbye.
WHAT IS A PROGRESSION TOUR?
A Progression Tour offers you the best chance to build your skills so you can feel confident riding deep powder, trees and even works towards snowboarding in backcountry terrain. Mint’s experienced and qualified coaches have an in-depth knowledge of the resorts you’ll visit, and will find you the perfect terrain for progression. During the tour you will ride powder and trees so please be prepared to ride in the trees. Of course weather and conditions are impossible to predict so guests must be prepared to ride in all conditions.
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 assist with pre-or post tour arrangements.
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 $250 – $350 to cover lunches, dinners and snacks. Here’s an indication of what you can expect to pay for meals and activities:
- Lunches – expect to pay USD $10 – $15 per meal
- Dinners – expect to pay USD $15 – $40 per meal
- Onsen entry fee – expect to pay between USD $3 – $7 per visit
- Sushi train visit – expect to pay USD $10 – $30
HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I NEED TO BOOK?
It’s hard to estimate when the tour will fill up. That being said, Mint’s Japan tours are popular, so our advice is to book as soon as you’ve made the decision to travel. That way you can secure your preferred travel dates and you won’t be disappointed. Bookings close 90 days before a trip departs, however most tours typically fill up well before this.
FITNESS
The best thing you can do to get the most out of your Mint experience is to start a pre-trip fitness regime. We’re not looking for you to be an Olympic athlete, but you do need some fitness endurance. You’ll spend five, full and consecutive days on-snow, so you should be physically fit enough to comfortably ride for five consecutive days. Your muscles should be up to this task, and your cardio fitness means you can sustain a consistent pace.
WHAT HAPPENS ON ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DAY?
Arrival and departure days are off-snow. Once you’ve signed up for the tour you will receive a comprehensive guide with details about the tour including the arrival and departure day process, instructions on flights, where to meet, gear list, recommended arrival and departure times, visa requirements and transportation information.
WHAT IF I’M TRAVELLING SOLO?
All guests stay in Single Rooms i.e. you have your own private room for the tour. 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 snowboarding and an eagerness to explore all that Japan has to offer.
WHICH RESORTS WILL WE VISIT?
The Japan Progression Tour has a flexible itinerary so you can ride at the best resort on the day. Each day your guide will make the decision on which resort to ride based on a number of factors including weather, snowfall, group ability and interest. The larger and well known locations are Kamui and Pippu and there’s plenty of secret spots that you’ll visit throughout the week.
CAN I ARRIVE EARLY OR STAY ON AFTER THE TOUR?
Yes, pre or post tour accommodation can be arranged. 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.
ARE FLIGHTS INCLUDED?
No, flights are not 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.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Yes. All guests need to be covered by comprehensive travel insurance. Once you have booked on the tour, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I’VE BOOKED?
Once you’ve booked your spot you will receive 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. You will receive a Pre Departure Guide 30 days prior to departure.
HOW DO I CHECK MY ABILITY LEVEL?
Take a look at the video HERE to see what an Intermediate Coaching session in Japan looks like. If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to one of Mint’s 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 ASAHIKAWA?
Once you’ve booked, you’ll be provided with a guide which contains all the info on how to get to Asahikawa, either by flight or train. 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?
No. Quality rental snowboarding equipment is not available in Asahikawa. Please bring everything you need with you.
WHAT EQUIPMENT SHOULD I BRING?
Asahikawa can be a cold place in winter, with temperatures ranging from -2 to -20°C / 28 to -4°F. We strongly recommend that guests dress in clothing specific for traveling in backcountry areas and that guests bring their own snowboarding equipment for the tour. Rental equipment cannot be arranged.
The following is a list of items you might want to take:
✔ Cash (Japanese Yen) and Credit Card
✔ Freshly waxed snowboard, boots and bindings *Rental equipment cannot be arranged
✔ Spare parts for your snowboard
✔ Good quality waterproof outerwear
✔ Lightweight down layer(s)
✔ Helmet
✔ Warm balaclava(s)
✔ Beanie(s)
✔ Good quality (warm) gloves and liners, 2 pairs
✔ Hand warmers (can be purchased in Asahikawa)
✔ Good quality goggles (high and low light lens)
✔ Thermals (Merino recommended)
✔ Clothing suitable for layering
✔ Snowboard socks
✔ Jeans, shirts and fleece
✔ Waterproof jacket
✔ Bathroom toiletries and medications
✔ Non-slip, waterproof shoes (the roads can be icy/slippery)
✔ Sleeping clothes
✔ Underwear and socks
✔ Power adapter for Japan (uses the same as USA and Canada)
WHO WILL BE ON MY TOUR?
Your group will be made up of travellers from diverse backgrounds and will be varied in age. Groups generally mix well due to a shared interest in snowboarding and an eagerness to explore all that Japan has to offer.
GRATUITIES
The Mint team is committed to ensuring that you enjoy the trip of a lifetime. While gratuities are not included in your tour cost – nor are they mandatory – they are gratefully accepted. Gratuities are divided amongst the team who will take care of you throughout your tour.
IMPROVE OR RECOVER YOUR TECHNIQUE
Learn new skills that will make snowboarding more fun and allow you to do more fun stuff, on more of the mountain. Alternatively, you might not have been snowboarding in a while and need a refresher to get the hang of it again. Or maybe you’ve always looked enviously at other snowboarders ripping powder or nailing tricks in the park. Join a progression tour and with a little coaching, that could be you!
STAY SAFE
You might want to learn how to ride in powder, through the trees, or are keen to one day snowboard in the backcountry. In order to do this independently, you need to be intimately aware of snow conditions and ensure you and your friends have the knowledge, training, skills, equipment and experience to do this safely. If there’s any doubts, join one of our tours where you will be led by qualified coach and guide who has a lifetime of experience in the mountains, and knows exactly how it is right now and where to find the best snow, safely.
(RE)BUILD YOUR CONFIDENCE
Maybe last time out you got hurt and want to rebuild confidence, or you’re with a group of friends and you’re worried about holding them up. Join a tour and you’ll not-only build confidence, you’ll always be riding with a group of similar ability. On Mint Women tours you will always 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.
FAST-TRACK YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF A SKI RESORT
Sure, you could cruise around the resort with your friends and try to figure it out in your own time but why not get all the answers on day one? Answers that can make or break your snowboarding holiday. Whether your idea of a good time is getting to all the secret powder stashes, avoiding the lift lines, finding the best side hits in the area, finding the best spot for marshmallow-whipped-cream hot chocolate, an under-the-radar spot for a banging lunch or an epic photo spot for the ‘gram – our coaches and will give you a locals perspective from day one.
DELEGATE YOUR TRIP PLANNING – JOIN A TOUR!
We know how it is – trying to gather a group of friends together for a holiday, co-ordinating annual leave, trying to come up with an itinerary that fits everyones needs, dates, travel arrangements, travel styles etc. It can be a headache even for the most organised trip planner. Offload that headache – join one of our tours and let us take care of every detail from booking to boarding. Or come solo and make some new snowboarding buddies.
LEARN FROM A PROFESSIONAL COACH
All our tours are hosted by highly qualified and professional coaches and guides who will help to build your confidence, skills and help reduce the risk of injury, plus make your rate of progression much faster. You’ll also refine your technique and iron out any bad habits which can be difficult to get rid of once they are set in. Our coaches will also ensure you are learning on the right equipment for your level and that it is set up correctly and specifically for you. The trained, eagle eye of your coaches will give you individual feedback to help you on your snowboarding journey.
HOW TO BOOK
To reserve your spot, email info@minttours.com with your preferred dates and one of our travel managers will send you a quote, availability and further information for the tour.
DEPOSITS AND PAYMENTS
A 50% deposit is payable to secure your booking. The balance is due 90 days prior to tour departure.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
View our terms and conditions HERE