Morioka Freeride Tour Japan
The Morioka Freeride Tour is all about exploring the little-known, stash-laden resorts just outside the city of
Morioka, with insider knowledge from the local Japanese guiding team. This is a small group lift-accessed powder hunting tour, so you don't need to go ski touring or split boarding. There may be times when a short boot pack is necessary (typically up to 5 minutes) to get to the goods.
This region in northern Tohoku is covered in deep snow during winter and is surprisingly home to over 15 ski resorts. To the northwest,
Appi is the most well-known ski area due to its Hokkaido-like dry powder and great tree riding.
Geto Kogen in the west, is a real gem that scores some seriously heavy snowfall, and has a relaxed off-piste riding policy and fewer crowds compared to the rest of Honshu. Then in between, there are some hidden gems. You will be visiting the resorts mid-week, so the slopes will be very quiet.
This tour is all about powder hunting. There is no set itinerary and your guides will monitor overnight snowfall to find you the best conditions that next morning. You can expect to ride a range of resorts throughout the week, and your guides will ensure that you are in the right place at the right time. Drive times from Morioka range from 20 minutes to an hour.
Basing the tour in the regional city of Morioka offers a unique cultural experience because you'll get to explore the city after dark. There are lots of authentic restaurants, bars and izakaya near the hotel, all at considerably lower prices than eating and drinking within a ski resort.
If you have any questions or want to check availability you can
make a booking request.
Highlights
- Powder hunting - the tour itinerary is flexible so as to pick the best conditions each day
- Off the beaten path - explore little known gems around the northern Tohoku region with fewer crowds
- Local knowledge - your local guides have an in-depth knowledge of the resorts, terrain & local businesses, so you'll go to places not easily accessible to other foreigners
- Easy access - there are regular shinkansen (bullet trains) that run between Tokyo & Morioka that take just over 2 hours
- Private transport - the guides will drive you to the ski areas in a modern 4WD van and get you ahead of the pack so you'll arrive for first lifts
- Evenings - your guide will help you explore many dining and drinking establishments in Morioka
- Premium lodging - you will stay in a private single room (1 person per room) with ensuite in a great location
Ability Level
This tour is suitable for strong intermediate (off-piste) to advanced snowboarders and skiers. You should be comfortable on black diamond runs, be able to ride/ski off-piste at a resort, can confidently navigate alpine and treed terrain, and maintain a continuous rhythm and pace, even through traverses and flat sections.
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. You can
make a booking request for more information.
Other Activities
The plan for each day differs due to a number of factors, but there is time for an onsen visit or two throughout the trip. There's no better way to recover than to soak in the mineral rich, geothermal waters of an onsen. Some of the other local activities that are popular are a visit to the sake brewery for a tasting or dining at a traditional 'wanko-soba' restaurant.
Snow
From late January to early February is the ideal time of year to ride in Tohoku. What you can expect is light dry, fresh snow, perfect for riding powder. Temps will be cold, with temperatures ranging from -5 to -15°C / 23 to 5°F. Northern Tohoku is one of the most consistent regions for snowfall in Japan so you never need to worry about lack of snow.
The Mint Tours in Japan are 6 nights and run from Sunday to Saturday. You’ll ride each resort mid-week to avoid the weekend day-trippers and maximise your time on-snow. 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.