REPORT

Just like last year, the 2025/26 New Model Ski & Snowboard Test Ride Event enjoyed sunny weather again this year. With free participation for anyone presenting a photo ID, over 500 people had already registered by 10 a.m. On the ski side of things, around 710 models from 32 brands were on hand for testing—including OGASAKA, HEAD, ATOMIC, SALOMON, VOLKL, K2, ICELANTIC, and BLUEMORIS.
[Test Ride Event Area]

The test ride venues were divided by gear type, with skis (first photo) available near the Yamabiko No. 2 Quad lift, while snowboards (pictured) were found in front of the Nagasaka Gondola summit station. In terms of snowboards, around 410 boards from 14 brands—including MOSS SNOWBOARDS, VECTOR GLIDE, ROME, and JONES—were available for test ride. There were also booths dispensing goggles, helmets, wax, and other gear. At each booth, participants could exchange their provided ID card to test equipment, with each session lasting around 20 minutes and no limit to the number of tests throughout the day.
[Test Ride Event Area]

ゴンドラ山頂駅近くでは「TEAM RESCUE WAX」による無料ワックスサービスが行われていました。スタッフさんが「施工しているのは 雪虎 ver4.2（写真手前左、5,500円） と 侍（写真右奥、4,980円）です。この2つが春スキーにはおすすめで、施工させてもらったお客さんにも好評です。」とお話くださいました。ブースでは前者の他に、RESCUE ZERO ver1.3（8,800円）、極（3,980円）、ICHIBAN+（3,980円）も販売されていました。
[試乗会特設会場]
TEAM RESCUE WAX was offering a free waxing service near the gondola summit station. One of the staff members explained, “We’re applying Sekko version 4.2 (pictured, front left, JPY5,500) and Samurai (pictured, back right, ¥4,980). These two are especially great for spring skiing, and guests who tried them have given really positive feedback.” In addition to those two, the booth was also selling RESCUE ZERO version 1.3 (JPY8,800), Kiwami (JPY3,980), and ICHIBAN+ (JPY3,980).
[Test Ride Event Area]

I met a skier from Tokyo (pictured) who told me, “I always check your updates! I love interesting and unique skis and currently use the Bluemoris OMEGA JAPOW model. I’m planning to stop by the Bluemoris booth later on.” The Yamabiko Slope, which I skied earlier in the morning, was in good condition with the snow softening at different rates but still offering smooth, fast turns. Please note that the Skyline Course is closed for the season as of yesterday, 4/11 (Fri.), so all descending to the base area must now be made via the Nagasaka Gondola.
[Test Ride Event Area]

　　　　　　
[Nozawa Onsen Details on 4/12 (Sat.)]
*OPEN Courses … Yamabiko A・B・C・D・E, Kokenashi, Uenotaira, Paradise
*Available Lifts … Nagasaka Gondola (8:30～), Yamabiko Quad, Yamabiko No. 2 Quad, Uenotaira Quad, Paradise Quad, Skyline Double
*Fees … 3/31- Spring Fee 1-Day Pass Adult JPY5,700, Under 15 y/o JPY3,400, Over 60 y/o JPY4,600
　
*Click here to purchase photos found in this report
　
reported by Snownavi