The strength of a pro shop is that it can evaluate products from multiple angles and compare numerous brands based on the wealth of knowledge it has accumulated, on-snow trials, and user feedback. Skis are a product that reflects the discerning eye and attention to detail that only a pro shop can offer. During the season, they actually test ride new models and compare them, and by adding their specialized knowledge to feedback from regular shop customers, the pros recommend the best skis for the 2022-2023 season
Recommended skis for the 2022-2023 season
ARMADA｜ARV 84
A cost-effective, multi-use entry-level freeski model
◆Official website: https://armadaskis.jp/
This entry-level, multi-purpose freeski offers exceptional value and is perfect for beginners or those looking to try new activities like freestyle skiing and powder tricks. It's recommended for those who want to cruise the slopes comfortably while also exploring course-side powder, backward skiing, and freestyle skiing. The
84mm waist width is a standard freeski width, making it easy to handle and enjoy nimble turns, even for those new to skiing and those accustomed to standard all-around skis. The medium radius allows for effortless turns. The lightweight cap design at the top allows for minimal control, while the sidewall construction underfoot creates a supple yet secure feel, resulting in an extremely light swing weight. Yet, the design provides a firm foothold at high speeds.
The twin tip and rocker allow for a shorter effective edge than standard all-around carving skis. For the same size, this ski feels like riding a shorter board. The scratch-resistant top sheet ensures the distinctive graphics last longer.
In addition, the specs are packed with freeskiing trends such as rocker, and the list price of 55,000 yen (tax included) is also attractive for its high cost performance. If you know someone who wants to start skiing, this is a ski that I would definitely recommend.
Reviewer
OFF-1 (Off One)
Staff / Keiji Takagi
ROSSIGNOL｜BLACKOPS 98
This is the first freeski that a beginner skier should get!
◆Official website: https://rossignol.co.jp/
The 98mm waist makes it easy to use in any situation! The firm flex makes it suitable for a wide range of situations, from the slopes to the backcountry. The design has also been completely redesigned, giving it a more subdued feel. I recommend it for its smooth glide that will satisfy even skiers who have done basic or competitive skiing!
Reviewer:
PAPASU
Owner / Toshiya Ikeda
LINE｜BLADE OPTIC 104
One board can be used for a wide range of activities, from powder to park and touring
◆Official website: https://lineskis.com/ja-jp
These skis are specialized for freeriding. They're like a cross between a Vision and a Blade. They're incredibly stable! You can trust your skis and attack aggressively, whether you're jumping or skiing
Reviewer:
TRUNKBASE
Owner / Mikiya Tanno
VÖLKL｜BLAZE106
Lightweight and extremely comfortable, it allows for elegant sliding over large drops
◆Official website: http://www.mdvsports.co.jp/
The graphics have been updated for the 2022-23 season! While the content remains the same, it's rare to find a ski this light and with such exceptional
ride comfort. 1. The weight is under 2000g, yet the ride is exceptional.
2. The unique outline allows for a cool turn trajectory.
→ Specifically, the crossover movement on uneven terrain, where the board and body cross, is easily expressed in powder scenes! It sounds simple, but it's a truly difficult technique. It's even more so in powder! Being able to achieve this adds a sense of dynamism to your powder runs. Skiing with large drops is elegant and cool!
3. Because it's so light, you can get by with just these skis all season long.
→ I'm sure we've all experienced situations where a board feels even a little heavy on a long trip in early spring and you hesitate to take it to the mountains. This ski doesn't feel that way. Generally speaking, "lightness" is an advantage!
Reviewer:
Ishii Sports Kofu Store
Staff / Amari Yuki
K2 | DISPATCH 101
Lightweight, all-around ski designed for climbing and skiing
◆Official website: https://k2snow.com/ja-jp
The DISPATCH 101 is an all-around ski designed for climbing and skiing, lighter than the MINDBENDER and with better downhill performance than the WAYBACK. The VIBRANT underfoot provides stability on hard slopes and at high speeds. Its light swing weight also makes it fun for tree runs.
This is likely due to the new titanium plate positioned from the tip to the tail, which matches well with the lightweight paulownia wood core. On a mountain like Niseko, this is likely to be a ski you'll use often throughout the season.
Reviewer:
Mountain shop Niseko 343
Owner / Katsuhiko Odashima
BLASTRACK｜ELIXIR/L
A bike that surprised me with its depth of performance that goes beyond its lightness and ease of use
◆Official website: https://www.blastrack.jp/
This board is an even lighter version of BLASTRACK's flagship model, the ELIXIR, with an even lighter feel. The "L" stands for "Light & Luxury," and as the name suggests, it's light and yet stable and maneuverable. It
's not the kind of board that's perfect for both backcountry and piste, but rather one that lets you explore every terrain on the slopes. It's easy to carve and shift, and is outstandingly easy to handle in a variety of situations, from groomed runs to light powder, moguls, and spring granular snow, including backcountry.
Reviewer:
OutdoorSpecialtyMOOSE
Manager/Yoshizumi-san
NORDICA｜ENFORCER 100 (FLAT)
"I want to have everything in one ski!" Skis that will make your wish come true
◆Official website: https://www.nordica.com/
Want one board that can do it all? This board will make that dream come true. It's solid on-piste and the light swing weight makes it easy to move around in the backcountry. If you're not comfortable with a 100mm waist, we recommend the 94mm
Reviewer:
AlpenOutdoorsFlagshipStore Kashiwa store
SKI advisor/Kiyuji Okayama
EXTREM | FUSION 105
A very well-balanced ski for all-around use
◆Official website: https://vinter.jp/extrem/
The rocker at the top, specifically the low-rise rocker, is thin and long, resulting in less resistance and a fast initial speed. The tail does not rock, providing firm grip all the way to the end. It is neither too stiff nor too light, and flexes flexibly. I think it is a very well-balanced ski for all-around use. I particularly like the graphics for the 2022-2023 season!
Reviewer:
PeakPerformance Sapporo
staff member/Mikami Daiki
VECTORGLIDE｜INTIMACY
This one ski lets you enjoy all types of snow and broadens the scope of your skiing enjoyment
◆Official website: https://www.vectorglide-japan.com/
With outstanding maneuverability, carving ability, and buoyancy in powder, these skis are perfect for all snow conditions. The 110mm waist width, exquisite rocker shape, and positioning that provides excellent swing balance will surely broaden the scope of your skiing enjoyment
Reviewer:
Ishii Sports Sapporo store
BC ski manager / Hiroki Fujino
ARMADA｜LOCATOR 112
It's incredibly light yet incredibly stable! The price is also reasonable
◆Official website: https://armadaskis.jp/
This is a pure successor to the TRACER or TST! ARMADA says it's for touring.
It's certainly lightweight, as you'd expect from a touring model! Armada's unique Carbacore makes it a whopping 1500g for a 180cm ski! However, thanks to the newly adopted carbon reinforcement, it offers outstanding stability and glide despite its light weight!
Many manufacturers have increased their prices for the 2023 season, and prices are generally on the rise! Even though this is a brand new model with these specs, the retail price of 104,500 yen (including tax) is very reasonable and offers excellent value for money!
It's the best ski in every way!
Reviewer:
Wasanwa Sports Websports
Manager / Shinji Oguchi
FACTION｜MANA4
◆Official website: https://jp.factionskis.com/
These fat skis have a 119mm center, but their light and nimble design makes them perfect for both on- and off-road riding. They're great for high-speed powder skiing and technical tree runs
Reviewer:
FreeSkiShop BE FREE
Manager / Masayuki Hashii
K2 | MINDBENDER 116C
Extremely strong in high season powder
◆Official website: https://k2snow.com/ja-jp
It's extremely powerful in high-season powder. It's also easy to handle in granular snow and icy conditions.
It's truly an off-road vehicle for snow. The tip isn't too sharp, so it floats naturally.
The rocker is perfectly balanced at both the top and tail. For those who want to enjoy speed, we recommend the 186cm size. It's lightweight for its width and comfortable to walk in! You can enjoy it right up until spring skiing.
Reviewer
Tyrol
Owner / Iwao Saeki
EXTREM｜MOTHER TREE 105
I highly recommend this to female powder lovers
◆Official website: https://vinter.jp/extrem/
This is a board that female powder lovers should definitely try. The front rocker and camber are well balanced, and it's not too soft just because it's a women's model. It's easy to carve on piste runs, and even more fun riding in powder! You'll understand the greatness of this board when you ride it
Reviewer:
Fullmarks Hakuba store
manager / Keisuke Eguchi
VECTORGLIDE｜NADURRA
A versatile model that can be recommended to anyone and is always useful
◆Official website: https://www.vectorglide-japan.com/
These are versatile powder skis that are recommended for anyone. They're extremely lightweight and stable. The tapered rocker on the tip and tail allows for smooth, sticky turns. The
3D cap structure and camber provide excellent grip, allowing for reliable edge control even on icy or rough surfaces. They're also light and responsive, allowing for crisp movements. They're great for any time of year, from high-season powder to spring skiing on icy or rough snow.
Reviewer
TOYRU
Manager / Takanashi Jo
FACTION｜PRODIGY 3.0
A versatile ski that can be summed up in one word: "the ideal all-round ski."
◆Official website: https://jp.factionskis.com/
In a word, FACTION has created the "ideal all-around ski." ☆
You don't need to think about the center width or the weight before you try it! Whether you're blasting through corduroy, digging into fresh snow, or crashing into hard-packed runs, this ski offers outstanding stability and lets you trust your balance. ♪ Whether you're making sharp turns, cruising leisurely, or just flying and spinning, this is a versatile ski that's just too much fun.★
Reviewer:
NATURAL
Staff / Hoshiko Tsuji
SALOMON | QST106
Enjoy both on-piste and off-piste!
◆Official website: https://timetoplay.salomon.jp/
Great for all-round fun on the slopes or in the backcountry!
Review Work
Staff / Takeshi Yoshida
VÖLKL｜Revolt 104
Powder, park, slope... Versatile skis that can be used anywhere
◆Official website: http://www.mdvsports.co.jp/
These skis are versatile enough to be used anywhere, whether in powder, park, or on the slopes. They offer excellent buoyancy in powder, and thanks to the 3D radius, they also offer very good carving performance. Long and mid-turns are light and comfortable! Lowering the binding position makes them even easier to use
Reviewer:
Ishii Sports Links Umeda Store
Staff / Suegami Mio
VÖLKL｜Revolt 121
Especially recommended for BC lovers with easy access to the slopes
◆Official website: http://www.mdvsports.co.jp/
The buoyancy and glide in powder are outstanding! In addition, the glide on the slopes is excellent and carving is easy, so there's nothing to complain about! Especially recommended for BC enthusiasts who access the slopes!
Reviewer:
Peak Performance Futako Tamagawa
Staff / Murai Shunsuke
ARMADA｜SHORT PANT PARADOX
Perfect for those who prefer a surfy ride
The outstanding ease of tail movement allows you to move the ski freely in powder, making these skis ideal for those who prefer a surfy ride. The easy-to-use waist width of 112mm also makes them versatile and versatile. While available in shorter sizes, the radius of around 21m makes these new skis both comfortable for long turns and easy to swing around the tail
Reviewer:
SKI SHOP VAIL
Staff / Umino Sota
ARMADA｜ZERO ARV116 JJUL
Perfect overall balance. Lightweight and strong, anyone can easily ride in zero gravity.
◆Official website: https://armadaskis.jp/
The Ultra Light concept. It's not just lightweight, but the swing weight has also been thoroughly reduced. The lighter weight means you can choose a longer size. This creates even more float in powder, a major advantage.
The ARV116 JJUL completely dispels the notion that light skis are soft or weak. By carefully combining various elements, including the internal materials, edges, sidewalls, and camber, the effective edge, including the underfoot, is strong and capable of high-speed runs. The tip and tail also reduce swing weight, making it seem as if they are non-existent. The JJ UL is an excellently balanced ski.
Originally renowned for its easy handling thanks to its well-balanced rocker and camber, the UL (Ultra Light) design allows the board to flex and grip powder, resulting in smooth, powerful turns and exceptional float. Furthermore, Smear Tech on the tip and tail facilitates smooth turns and powder tricks. The JJ UL is an excellent model that maintains the ease of handling of its predecessors while allowing you to glide more smoothly over the surface of powder.
Reviewer
COMPASS HOUSE
Advisor / Masahiro Murai
ARMADA | ZERO STRANGER
Versatile for any situation or condition
◆Official website: https://armadaskis.jp/
ZERO's "STRANGER" skis are incredibly versatile. They're versatile enough to handle a variety of mountain situations and conditions. Considering that, they also offer excellent value for money. The waist width is also narrow at 80.5cm, so they'll be a good fit for beginners looking to try freeskiing. The tough black color for the 2022-23 season is also nice
Reviewer:
D-RIDE
Store Manager / Taisaku Nishimura
