REPORT

The big annual 2024/25 New Model Ski and Snowboard Test-Ride Event is currently taking place from 4/12 (Fri.) to 4/14 (Sun.). Thirty ski brands, twenty snowboard brands, and ten other brands offering goggles, helmets, and more are assembled at a special venue (pictured) near the Nagasaka Gondola summit station. After filling out a consent form and showing a photo ID at the reception desk, visitors can test gear for free by presenting the ID card they are given.
[Special Test-Ride Venue]

I spoke with a skier from Toyama Prefecture (pictured, far left), who told me, “I came here for the test-ride event and will try a few VECTOR GLIDE skis. If I find some skis that I like, I’m planning on buying them.” The VECTOR GLIDE booth had a total of around 80 pairs of skis representing 25 models, including the all-around CORDOVA. The maximum test ride time is 20 minutes per item irrespective of brand.
[Special Test-Ride Venue]

There was a steady stream of people filing into line for the TEAM RESCUE WAX booth, which was offering free wax application. I had a chat with a staff member who said, “For spring snow, which contains dirt, we recommend Yukitora (Snow Tiger) Ver. 4.2 (pictured, front center JPY5,500). That’s what we’re applying to the skis of visitors today.” In addition to Yukitora, SUPER MUSOU (JPY8,800), Samurai (JPY4,980), and Z Ver. 3.1 (JPY4,980) were also on sale at the booth.
[Special Test-Ride Venue]

It was a warm and sunny morning. The Yamabiko D course (pictured) and C course had well-packed, groomed granular snow bases that my skis slid well across. On 4/20 (Sat.) and 4/21 (Sun.), the ATOMIC ALL STAR CAMP will be held, where active World Cup skiers, national demonstrators, and ATOMIC coaches will offer direct instruction to participants.
[Yamabiko Slope・D Course]

　　
[Nozawa Onsen Availability Information on 4/13 (Sat.)]
*Open Course(s) … Yunomine A・B・C・D・E, Kokenashi, Uenotaira, Paradise
*Available Lifts … Nagasaka Gondola (8:30 -), Yamabiko Quad, Yamabiko No 2 Quad, Skyline Double, Uenotaira Quad, Paradise Quad
*Fees … 4/1- Spring Discount Adult JPY5,300, Under 15 y/o JPY3,200, Over 60 y/o JPY4,200)

*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi