Mint Tours Japan Asahikawa Freeride Tour
Join Mint Tours Asahikawa Freeride Tour for a week shredding some insane spots, with incredible backdrops and some of the deepest, driest powder in the world. The best part is, this area still doesn’t get the crowds.
Asahikawa 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 in all of Japan. Within a 30 – 70 minute drive, you’ve got dozens of places to ride – from quirky, old-school ski hills to larger modern resorts and lift-accessible backcountry zones filled with endless hits, pillows, banks and wind lips. Of course, no trip is complete without a day riding the steaming stratovolcano, Asahidake. There’s arguably no zone in Japan that’s littered with as many good spots to ride, still with minimal tourists and insane snow quality.
On this tour you’ll chase the snow and ride a variety of lift accessed backcountry and resort terrain. Mint guides have years of experience snowboarding in this region and will monitor storm cycles so you’re scoring these zones in the best conditions. There is no set itinerary, your guides will select the resort daily based on weather and snowfall. You will ride every resort mid-week, which means you’ll avoid the weekend day-trippers.
You’ll also get to see the ‘real’ Japan while staying in a lively regional city, rather than a resort. Each day your guides will shuttle you out of the city and into the countryside. 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 guides will plan dinners throughout the week, from ramen, sushi, BBQ’s and izakaya to quality burgers and mexican for the less adventurous.