Are you an intermediate to advanced skier wanting your first taste (or second or third or fourth) of Japan powder? Then you need Anna Segal and Mint Tours.
We’re not too sure which is more epic, the super dry light powder that falls in metres and metres in Japan or Australian Olympics and X Games shredder, Anna Segal.
Lucky we don’t have to make a choice between either because they are coming together in Myoko Kogen in Japan for seven nights from January 27 to February 3 and you could make friends with both.
Where will you ski the pow?
Myoko Kogen is still off the beaten commercial tourist path and boasts almost non existant lift lines as a result. It also boasts four major resorts, Akakura Onsen, Akakura Kanko, Suginohara and Ikenotaira all connected by a shuttle bus. Terrain here goes from groomers to rolling terrain to kick ass terrain parks, off piste powder bowls, tree skiing and steep and deep.
Want more? You’ll find Seki Onsen down the road from Myoko and it more than delivers. If you thought Myoko had a lot of snow then you will be beside yourself with Seki where snowfall can be almost double. You’ll love the old school double chair and single ‘meat hook’ chairs that access epic untracked terrain.
Why Anna Segal
X Games gold, silver and bronze medalist, former FIS World Champion slope style and Australian Winter Olympian, Anna Segal, knows Japan well, having spent many a season here filming and shredding. She has skied at Myoko before and can show you her favourite powder stashes alongside local Japanese backcountry guides.
Since competing in the Olympics Anna has turned her talents from competing in slopestyle to freeriding and progressing the sport of skiing and is currently filming Finding The Line with her sister Nat Segal. Anna’s passion for skiing, mountains, adventure, surf, the environment and being outdoors is as inspiring as it is contagious.
A typical day on the Myoko tour with Anna
Rise early for a delicious group breakfast at the lodge then meet your guides to discuss the day ahead as they decide which resort will have the best conditions on each day. Then hit the snow with Anna and guides for on piste and side country shredding.
It’s your holiday so each day is really your choice, the guides and Anna are there to ski with each day but if your legs need a break and you fancy a down day you can explore the town or just soak in an onsen.
Come sundown the group will eat at local restaurants for an authentic experience and those wanting to rip up the apres as much as the snow there are plenty of bars to also explore.
Where will you stay?
The Akakura Park Hotel is a mere five minute walk to the chairlift and even closer to the bars and restaurants. The Swiss mountain chalet exterior gives the property an alpine feel and the accommodation is western style with twin bed accommodation. You’ll have free wi-fi, a chalet lounge and bar, drying room, storage and more.
What if I am travelling solo?
Our small group size (we cap the tour at 10) means you get the most out of your week away and don’t have to fight others for the powder. It also means if you’re travelling solo you have an instant social network to hit the slopes and bars with.
What are you waiting for?
The Myoko Freeski Tour with Anna Segal includes 7 nights twin share accommodation, 6 days skiing including 5 days of guiding in the Myoko Resort area with a qualified backcountry guide and 1 day of guiding in the Nagano Region with a qualified backcountry guide, hosting by Anna Segal, transfers, breakfast daily and Mint Tours hosts on call throughout the tour.
All this for AU$2950 per person. For more information check out the Mint Tours website or book here.
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