Aomori Freeride Tour Japan
Aomori is as far north as you can ride on Honshu. The
Aomori Prefecture is unwesternised, quiet and remote, cold, and stormy and that’s exactly why you want to go there. Aomori City is the snowiest city on earth, hammered by relentless systems off the Sea of Japan.
Aomori Spring Resort will be your freeride basecamp. You’ll stay on-mountain at a 3-star hotel that sits on the slopes of the ski area. There are no distractions from the riding because there is nothing at Aomori Spring besides the north facing slopes, terrain park features, and lots of snow, and of course, the hotel. The Rockwood Hotel has an onsen that includes outdoor baths, massage services, a bar, lounge area and movie room.
You'll ride at Aomori Spring because it's right outside the hotel door, but this tour has freedom built in to move when the snow and weather gods say so. Your guide is dialled into the storms and weather and a 4WD van on standby.
The
Hakkoda Ropeway is a heavy hitter in Aomori considering the oft deep snow and abundant terrain amongst old growth forests, but the weather is brutally fickle, so it needs to be timed just right. The Hakkoda area also has a few epic onsen options tucked away that are perfect for a post-ride soak. On really stormy days when blizzards close down the Hakkoda Ropeway and Aomori Spring gondola, there are a couple of local ski-jos that are more protected from the weather and are absolute gems.
Midweek you'll head down to the town of Ajigasawa which is not far from Aomori Spring and on the coast. It's a chance to explore away from the resort and eat some local food from izakayas. Not surprisingly there is lots of fresh seafood on offer.
Terrain
The focus of the tour is freeride terrain where inbounds powder laps are mixed with lift-accessed backcountry amongst widely spaced trees and the occasional open zone. Night riding at the local hill extends the shred sessions and Aomori Spring is one of the few places in Japan with a 22ft Super Pipe and terrain park.
If you have any questions or want to check availability you can
make a booking request.
Group
Group size is a maximum of 6.
Ability Level
To join this tour, you must be able to ride at an advanced ability level which includes the following:
- You ride at a moderate and continuous pace
- You frequently ride off-piste (un-groomed terrain) at a resort
- You can ride in most conditions from powder, hard pack, crusty or tracked snow
- You maintain a continuous pace riding in trees
- You maintain a continuous pace on traverses and flat sections
- You are confident riding in low visibility conditions (snow or fog)
- You can safely navigate around hazards, i.e. trees, open creeks, tree wells, holes etc.
- you need some fitness endurance to comfortably ride for the duration of the trip. At times short hikes (5-10 minutes) may be necessary.
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 your tour. Or you can book a private tour for you and up to 5 friends, so you're assured you'll be riding with like-minded people. Please get in touch for more information.
The Mint Tours in Japan are 6 nights and run from Sunday to Saturday. If 6 nights isn’t enough, then you can combine it with another tour. For example you could head to
Asahikawa and start a new tour.