IS IT FLAT | Chad Otterstrom in Asahikawa, Japan

Follow along with Chad Otterstrom and crew as he takes on Asahikawa, Japan. How many flat landings can he find?

The Asahikawa Freeride Tour hosted by Chad Otterstrom is a true bucket list trip — a week in Asahikawa, Japan riding and hanging out with Chad. With a small crew of just 6 riders, you’ll tap into Chad’s lifetime of mountain knowledge as he shares his approach to line selection, flow, and reading terrain. You won’t just ride — you’ll learn, progress, and leave a better snowboarder (and seriously stoked).

When you’re riding with Chad, the day doesn’t end when the lifts stop spinning. From first chair to last light, he keeps the energy high — chasing stashes, hunting new zones, and making sure no run goes unridden. And if there’s night riding? He’s already lacing up for another lap. This is a no-down-time kind of tour: full days, deep turns, and non-stop good times.

This tour is based in Asahikawa City on the northern island of Hokkaido — the most snow-sure region in Japan. Known for having the coldest temps and the most snowfall days in the country, Asahikawa delivers some of the lightest, driest powder on earth. It’s well off the tourist trail, offering a real Japan experience — deep snow, quirky old-school resorts, a steaming volcano, authentic onsen, and a buzzing city with almost no western influence.

Across the week, you’ll ride a mix of lift-accessed backcountry and resort terrain, chasing fresh snow at a different spot each day. Expect to hit zones like Asahidake, Kamui, some low-key locals’ hills, and a few of our closely guarded secret spots. Mint’s experienced guides will monitor storm cycles daily to make sure you’re always in the best conditions possible.

Off the mountain, Asahikawa delivers in a big way. Warm up in local onsens, dive into some of the best ramen in Japan, hit up a sushi train, and explore everything from karaoke bars to back-alley izakayas. It’s the perfect mix of deep riding and full cultural immersion.

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https://minttours.com/japan-options/j...