Mint Tours

Overall Rating

Mint Tours

Mint Tours5.0/525
Mint Tours5.0 out of 5 based on 25 reviews
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Mint Tours

Overall Rating

Mint Tours5.0/525
Mint Tours5.0 out of 5 based on 25 reviews

Mint Tours

Mint Tours is a snowboarding tour company renowned for exploring lots of corners of the world.

Mint Tours' main destinations and tours are in Japan however they frequently visit New Zealand, North American and European destinations each year.

Check out their reviews to see what their customers have to say about their trips.

Mint Tours Booking Terms & Conditions

DEPOSIT PAYMENTS

A deposit of 50% per person is payable within 3 days of confirmation of booking, unless otherwise stated. Deposit amounts may vary for selected trips and special campaigns that may be run by us from time to time and will be set out in special conditions upon booking.

BALANCE PAYMENTS

For FIT package bookings, the balance (or final payment) is due in full 60 days (Australia, New Zealand) or 90 days (USA, Canada, Europe, Japan) prior to departure. Bookings made within this period must be fully paid upon confirmation.

For tour bookings, the balance (or final payment) is due in full 60 days (Australia, New Zealand) or 90 days (rest of world) prior to departure. Bookings made within this period must be fully paid upon confirmation.

Mint Tours reserves the right to charge late booking fees for any booking made inside of 30 days of departure.

STANDARD CANCELLATION FEES

For FIT package bookings, a cancellation made outside of 90 days will incur a minimum fee of 10% (of total package) per person plus any charges levied by ground operators, hotels, airlines or lift companies. A cancellation made within 90 days before departure will incur a 100% cancellation fee of the total booking amount.

For Tour bookings, a cancellation made outside of 60 days (Australia, New Zealand) or 90 days (rest of world) will incur a minimum fee of 10% (or total tour price) per person plus any charges levied by ground operators, hotels, airlines or lift companies. A cancellation made within 60 days (Australia, New Zealand) or 90 days (rest of world) before departure will incur a 100% cancellation fee of the total booking amount.

Airfares are subject to up to 100% cancellation fee once tickets are issued. Any refunds due cannot be processed until the relevant funds have been returned by suppliers to Mint Tours and Mint Tours cannot be responsible for supplier delays in issuing refunds. Note that airlines can take up to 90 days to process refunds.

Insurance covering cancellation is strongly advised as some cancellation penalties are strict. Refunds will not be given for unused guiding, accommodation, car rental, transfers, ski passes, rentals, lessons and activities.

AMENDMENT FEE

A charge of $50 will apply for each and every amendment after booking instructions have been received. The charge is in addition to any cancellation fees that may apply.

CREDIT CARD CHARGES

All credit cards incur a 3% surcharge. If cancellations are made, the merchant fee will not be refunded.

Great Guides and great company

24/05/2024

Daryl Clancy

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy

Daryl Clancy

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    51-70
  • Ability
    Expert
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Country
    Australia
  • Month:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    4

Great Guides and great company

24/05/2024
I joined the Morioka tour at the last minute.

We stayed in the small city of Morioka which had many good choices for varied restaurants. Plenty to do and the Karioke bar was a favourite with many in the group. Kei and Chuck were great fun and picked some great restaurants and bars

Unfortunately 2024 was not the best ski season I have experienced in Japan (ive done close to 20 trips), but we still found some great snow. Weather conditions included a 60 knot wind that wind packed some of the larger resorts but Kei took us to a small resort with great off piste skiing that was well protected from this wind. Great untracked runs all day for two days running. Other days were a bit of a mix, but that was true everywhere in Japan that week ( I knew people at Myoko and Furano who confirmed this at this time). We did still find some hidden stashes and Kei and Chuck picked some great lines.

I will be returning to this area, saw great potential for great tree riding and no crowds, on top of having a great time this time around.

I was 1 of 2 skiers and there were 8 boarders. It all still worked well and and the rest of the group were blown away by the powder experience. The group were great company.

Being a city based tour, be prepared for some driving, 45 to 75 minutes each way, but worth the effort. most days we visited an onsen either at the resort or nearby before returning to Morioka for the evening. Some very traditional and great atmosphere.

All round great trip and great company.
See our video here

Minttours skiing tours

Janis
10/03/2023
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Intermediate
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Country
    Latvia
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    4

Minttours skiing tours

Janis
10/03/2023
I would highly recommend Minttours guided skiing tour in Japan to anyone who is looking for an unforgettable ski adventure. From start to finish, the experience was nothing short of amazing.

First and foremost, the guides were exceptional. Their knowledge of the area and expertise in skiing made for an unforgettable experience. They knew all the best spots to ski, and were always willing to go the extra mile to ensure everyone had a great time. The guides were also very accommodating and attentive to everyone's needs, making sure everyone was safe and comfortable throughout the trip.

The accommodations were also top-notch. The lodges we stayed in were cozy, comfortable, and had everything we needed to relax after a long day on the slopes. The food was also delicious, with a great mix of local cuisine and western options to cater to everyone's tastes.

As for the skiing itself, it was absolutely incredible. The snow conditions were some of the best I've ever experienced, and the variety of runs catered to skiers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, there's something for everyone on this tour.

Overall, I would highly recommend Minttours guided skiing tour in Japan to anyone who loves skiing and wants to experience some of the best snow in the world. The guides, accommodations, and skiing itself were all top-notch, making for a truly unforgettable experience. I can't wait to go back and do it all over again!

And big thanks to our guide Greg!!!
See our video here

Highly Recommend

14/02/2023

Liam

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy

Liam

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    New Zealand
  • Month:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    1

Highly Recommend

14/02/2023
Very well organised and great guiding taking you all the best spots!
See our video here

Mint Experience Guaranteed

23/06/2020

Nicole

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy

Nicole

Powder Puppy
Powder Puppy
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Intermediate
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    4

Mint Experience Guaranteed

23/06/2020
I’ve been on this trip twice (1 x Standard and 1x Mint Chicks) and cannot recommend Mint Tours highly enough. The owners are lovely and all the guides that I’ve had are both knowledgeable on the slopes and great company at the pub at the end of the day.

You will not regret having a Mint Tour Guide when hitting the slopes in Japan. They know the mountains well and will take you to mountains and spots that you simply didn’t know existed. Forget the busy slopes of Hirafu, you’ll be hitting a range of mountains and will be riding back and side country. heck, sometimes you’ll just be cutting through the thick trees right in the middle o the resort which open up into the powder stash of the trip. Having a guide who knows when to bail on a run is also worth it’s weight in gold. Cutting out to the right after the tower, versus a 45 min walk out, across a stream, that ruins your mood and your day… priceless.

For the ladies, get yourself on the Niseko Freeride Mint Chicks tour – there’s nothing more empowering then hitting the slopes with a crew of girls then hightailing it to the best local onsen, you’ll have an absolute ball.
See our video here

Canada Road trip 2018

Benny
17/03/2018
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    36-50
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    3

Canada Road trip 2018

Benny
17/03/2018
Went on the Canada road trip 2018. Was so epic to see and snowboard this beautiful part of the world, but to also have top notch local knowledge on hand to get us to the best spots on the day, really topped it off. Hayden the local guide took us to some rad terrain, that would've taken weeks to find on our own.
Dave, our other guide from NZ was a mad addition to have along too, really knowledgable on all aspects of snowboarding, and his tips had people shredding way above the level they started at the beginning of the trip.
Both fellas were really chill, down for a laugh, and good fun to share the road with. Would absolutely recommend this trip to anyone wanting explore and shred some of the more epic places in Canada, while having a rad time doing it!
See our video here

Mint Tours - A Must Do!

Miguel
18/07/2017
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Intermediate
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    3

Mint Tours - A Must Do!

Miguel
18/07/2017
First time in Niseko & thought to go on a tour (first time experiencing a tour). Best decision we made. From the point of first contact with Jarred & the team at Mint Tours, right through the trip with Hayden, our guide, everything was awesome. We were intermediate to advanced, but the guide can cater for anybody. It was so good not having to think of the best runs to go on, Hayden just took us to the best pow and boosters on the mountain. Highly recommend, & I think all my trips will now include a Mint Tours component. Thanks to the team & happy shredding!
See our video here

Niseko Freeride Tour - Best time!

Jac Hedditch
13/06/2017
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Intermediate
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    3

Niseko Freeride Tour - Best time!

Jac Hedditch
13/06/2017
My husband and I did the Freeride tour in Feb 2017. We hadn't been to Hokkaido before so we were looking for a good taster tour. This was just what we were after.

Mint Tours are great to deal with - super friendly and helpful both planning your trip and while you are there. The guides are great for making sure the group gets what they want out of the tour - whether it's a laid back day or from the minute the lifts start til when they stop hunting the freshest pow.

Mint also hooked us up with access to Nitro powder boards which was great!

Browny was a super knowledgeable guide - knows all the good spots and will make sure you are hitting the best possible locations each day. Browny even went out of his way on several occasions for the group - trips into the nearby hardware store for superglue for a pair of broken boots and pointing some of the rest of the group in the right direction for their time in Niseko after the tour.

Will definitely be booking with Mint Tours again.

Thanks Jarred and Browny!
See our video here

Sick^Rad

Ashan Perera
31/05/2017
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Month:
    February
  • Admin Rating
    2

Sick^Rad

Ashan Perera
31/05/2017
I am so grateful to have done this tour with Mint. Everything was organised really well from the pre trip planning to the very end. Had an awesome guide (Browny) who took us to all the best spots and was a fun dude to be around. I cannot speak highly enough of this tour. If you are thinking about booking this, stop thinking and pull the trigger- hope you have as much fun as I did!!
See our video here

10/10

Luke mogford
30/05/2017
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Intermediate
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Month:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    2

10/10

Luke mogford
30/05/2017
Would never feel anymore welcomed or any safer under the guides at mint tours. Have gained the bedt memories and learnt some of the the best knowledge from my 2 tours, being the all rounder tour in New Zealand and the niseko free ride tour in Japan. Honestly wouldn't bother with any other tour crews and I'm sure I can name at least 3 other people that would vouch for me.

Absolutely mint!
See our video here

Niseko Freeride Tour

Ryan Formica
30/05/2017
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Skier
  • Country
    United States
  • Month:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    2

Niseko Freeride Tour

Ryan Formica
30/05/2017
We wouldn't have been happier for our first trip over to Japan from the United States for skiing. Jared, Claire, Browny, and the crew were a pleasure to work with and made everything from booking to finding the best lines in the morning as easy as could be.
See our video here

Awesome riding in the best terrain

Josh Donaldson
30/05/2017
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Month:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    4

Awesome riding in the best terrain

Josh Donaldson
30/05/2017
During 2017 I was fortunate enough to grab a spot on the much sought after Mint Tours Freeride Tour. Having heard some really solid reviews about their operation up north I decided to try score myself a place, luckily there was a spot left so I jumped on it.

Haven ridden Hokkaido on a number of different occasions I had a fair idea of what was awaiting.....but I was wrong.
The terrain that we were shown on the Freeride Tour, with local legend Browny, dead set blew my mind. Fresh turns quite literally all day, I mean it was that good, we barely stopped for lunch in 8 days...
The fact that the crew was small and the rider ability was good meant that everyone had the same mindset and were there for one thing...get balls deep in the pow!
From un-tracked bowls, to basically deserted resorts, to back and side country that produced the best turns of my time snowboarding anywhere in the world, this tour is a must for anyone wanting to stray from the overcrowded Niseko scene, but still get the world renowned Hokkaido Powder!
See our video here

Niesko free ride tour

Carissa
30/05/2017
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Intermediate
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Japan
  • Month:
    January
  • Admin Rating
    2

Niesko free ride tour

Carissa
30/05/2017
In January I joined mint tours in Japan and rode the niesko free ride tour. I had an absolute blast, it was great having browny there to take us to some secluded spots and we got to experience the back gate which was amazing. My boyfriend and I loved the tour so much we hope to come back next year to do it again.
See our video here

Heli, pow, grins all round!

Liz
21/08/2015
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Intermediate
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Admin Rating
    4

Heli, pow, grins all round!

Liz
21/08/2015
What an incredible trip! We arrived at this lovely lodge which would be home for the trip and was greeted by Jarred and Nick. Nick prepared a feast for dinner. In fact, every night was a feast topped off with some tasty NZ wine. He did an amazing job catering to our groups dietary requirements.

First day on the snow at Mt Hutt was a great warm up day for the next day of heliboarding! We got very lucky and had a heavy dump of snow that night. The next morning we headed off to the helipad. We got up into the mountains and those first few turns.. Wow - sunshine and deep powder - truly amazing. Our guide was top notch, Methven Heli gave us a day filled with pow, smiles and deep turns. We headed back to the lodge, everyone grinning from the day we just had.

We were lucky enough to have the same conditions the next day and half the group went up for Heli day #2. We were taken to a different mountain range - we were all beaming! The last day we went up to Porters for some fun in the sun. After our usual feast at the lodge we headed for some beers at the local pub.

Jarred and Ris put on an awesome trip. If you want a trip where have great fun on the mountain, meet a group of awesome people and smiles all round - go with Mint. Thanks Mint Tours!
See our video here

Canada Road Trip Review 2015!

Tristan Campbell
01/04/2015
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Intermediate
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Admin Rating
    3

Canada Road Trip Review 2015!

Tristan Campbell
01/04/2015
Went on the 2015 Road Trip. Was an absolute amazing tour! Made my Canada trip what it was!

Was hosted by two well rounded guys, who knew the local places like the back of their hand.

Was never a problem with anything which happened. Accommodated to all situations and skills exceptionally well.

Would not do another snowboard tour with anyone else but Mint Tours.
See our video here

One word: Epic

Bento
30/08/2014
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Beginner
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Admin Rating
    3

One word: Epic

Bento
30/08/2014
If you want the full Canadian winter experience, this is it. No matter where you're from, you can skip the part about being an awkward foreign tourist (you know, having no idea where anything is and having to waste time studying a trail map to figure out where there miiiiight be a good powder stash) and become a local rider through having the best guides and local hook ups. From the hidden off-piste goods, amazing riding and sight-seeing, through to the best bars in town and local board shop deals - this tour has it all sussed out for you.

All you need to bring is a good attitude and a big set of kahunies because there's some epic terrain waiting for you .....
See our video here

Canada Road Trip 2012 and 2013

Tim Rolfe
27/08/2014
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Expert
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Admin Rating
    4

Canada Road Trip 2012 and 2013

Tim Rolfe
27/08/2014
I was lucky enough to be part of Mint Tours' Inaugural 2012 Canada Road Trip, which was such a success , that I had very little persuasion on signing up for the following year and doing it all again in 2013!

I knew what level of organisation and professionalism to expect as I, like a few others on the trip, had been to Japan with Mint Tours.

As we went from location to location, you could see the amount of research Jarred and Mint Tours had put it. All the accommodation was chosen to suit a travelling group perfectly. whether it be on mountain, or off mountain with a shuttle organised every morning. Even the nightlife of the different towns we travelled through was researched so we had some idea of where to eat and drink and have a good time.

But the real reason we were all there was to snowboard, and of course it was nothing short of spectacular. In 2012 we started in Vancouver and did Whistler > Kicking Horse > Revelstoke > Banff and then then flew out of Calgary. in 2013 we started in Calgary and did Kicking Horse > Revelstoke > Whitewater > Fernie and then back to Calgary. For me, both itineraries were great as the mountains selected weren't repetitive and you get to see the different aspects of snowboarding in Canada. Most of the guys on the trip had travelled to Canada to find some deep powder, hidden in the trees and some gnarly terrain. Once we got on the famous "Powder Highway" just looking out the window of the bus was enough to make people stiff in the pants. The addition of Whitewater to the 2013 trip was my highlight. Just staying in the little mining town of Nelson was a real sense of being far from home. The town itself was fantastic with the locals being extremely friendly sharing their favourite spots to go out. We had a dose of good luck when we discovered that the 'Red Bull Ultranatural' was being filmed the same week and most of the snowboarders were even staying in the same Hotel as us. The addition of a meet and greet and getting things signed by the best boarders in the world was an added bonus. The good news is I'm sure Mint Tours has made whitewater a permanent stop on the Canada Road Trip.

Overall I would definitely recommend this for any boarder (or skier) who really puts the quality of terrain first. Mint Tours are constantly fine tuning this trip to provide people with a level of riding you can't get anywhere else in the world. Every mountain we visited, Jarred had organised a guide to show us the best spots, (some secret spots) and the best ways to access sidecounty and slack country. The option for Heli Boarding and Cat Skiing also presnts itself for those wanting to go all the way. When the business owner is snowboarding with you everyday of the trip, you know to expect some high quality stuff.

Do yourself a favour and go with minttours and get on this trip!
See our video here

Trip for all levels

Jimmy
25/08/2014
  • Recommend
  • Would Revisit
  • Age
    18-35
  • Ability
    Advanced
  • Rider Type
    Snow Boarder
  • Country
    Australia
  • Admin Rating
    3

Trip for all levels

Jimmy
25/08/2014
Whether you've only been riding for a couple of weeks or are a seasoned veteran, this trip is for you. Even with a diverse range of riding abilities, this trip not only catered to all, but the mountains and snow in Canada allows you to progress very quickly. So if you're a bit concerned you don't have the riding ability to go on this trip, fear not.

The Canada road trip gives you the opportunity to ride some of the best mountains in Canada and possibly the best terrain you will find throughout the world, all the while travelling with a group of riders that you're sure to become great friends with.

I urge you to go on the Canada road trip. It will be an experience you won't forget and will have you hungry for more.
See our video here

Canada with Mint Tours

Tak Kan
20/08/2014