This is the time of year when ski resorts around the country open. 26BRAVOSKI vol.2 will be released on December 16th.
Although snow is gradually increasing in the high-altitude Alpine areas, there are still not many ski resorts that are fully open. However, many people of all nationalities and ages visit ski resorts to enjoy the light snow and rugged slopes that are unique to this time of year. It's not about the size of the resort, but how much fun you can have skiing. It might be a good idea to travel around Japan this winter with that in mind. After all, there are nearly 400 ski resorts in Japan.
For all of you who have been waiting for winter, the season has finally arrived for everyone.
CONTENTS
"BS PICK UP"
Among the successive releases of limited edition models, one that particularly caught my eye was the skis named after Hoshino Koga from FACTION. This is undoubtedly a professional model bearing Hoshino Koga's name. So far, two skis have been named after Japanese people: Endo Junpei from Salomon, and Sasaki Akira from Blizzard. Hoshino Koga is the third. Every skier dreams of owning their own skis. We listen carefully to the voices of joy as they do so.
"BS TOPICS"
This season is the time for the Olympic Games, which are held once every four years. While it's a busy season for skiing, this winter is also a great time to check out the latest top skiers and cheer on your favorite skiers. In addition to the Milan Olympics, there's also the FIS Freeride World Championships being held for the first time, and the Mogul World Cup being held in Japan for the first time in six years. There's also a ton of exciting events happening in Niseko, including the much talked about event that was previously held in Europe.
"Destination Ski Area: Start moving to unusual ski resorts, snowy mountains, and slopes!!"
There are said to be nearly 400 ski resorts across Japan. While some resorts continue to evolve with their facilities and services, there are also many small ski resorts that are run steadily while preserving a traditional atmosphere. There are surely countless slopes and pistes to ski on. It's rare to find an environment around the world where you can reach a ski resort just a few hours' drive. So why not try to go to an area you've never skied before, at least once a season? The four months of winter will fly by before you know it. As long as there's snow, make the most of this winter. This special feature is made up of four parts.
"Part 1: Yamagata Ski Resort Tour"
My trip to Yamagata left a strong impression on me with its paper tickets and paired lifts. I visited this unique ski resort because local resident Mikiya Tanno showed me around the stylish resort. This is a ski trip report that took me around Tendo City and traveled all around. No matter how many years I've been skiing, visiting a ski resort for the first time is always fresh and exciting.
"Part 2 BaseCamp: Set up a base in town and hit the slopes"
If you want to ski hop between ski resorts, it's best to have a convenient town nearby that can be used as a base. Here, we've picked out four areas with ski resorts of various sizes within a 50km radius. Use a town with plenty of accommodation and dining options as a base, and travel north, south, east, and west depending on the situation, and you'll be able to find the best experience for the day. Set up a base camp this winter and enjoy every corner of the area. In one area, we've even introduced an example of someone who actually toured the surrounding ski resorts.
"Part.2 BaseCamp Extra Edition INNSBRUCK"
As a bonus to our series that featured four regions in Japan, we've picked a European city. Innsbruck is the perfect destination for people who want to enjoy European city life while also enjoying mountain activities year-round, and for freeskiers who want to ski at various ski resorts and mountains all year round. Chisato Sasada, who spent the entire season there last year, will guide us through the local area.
"Part 3 Trip Item: Skiing starts the moment you leave home"
Items that seamlessly connect the field and the city must be user-friendly. These are exceptional items that are easy to use daily, perform well not only when traveling to ski resorts, but also on snowy mountains. We've selected essential all-around winter items for skiers.
Travel is a journey. Let's prepare to comfortably enjoy this extraordinary experience. We've also included an article on a dream camping car trip, perfect for enhancing your travel imagination.
"Part 4 The Resorts: Must-see ski resorts you'll want to visit"
Is it time to start making concrete plans for your winter skiing? Here we introduce a carefully selected list of ski resorts that you'll want to visit this winter. Skiing at a ski resort you've never been to before, or going to a ski resort you haven't been to in a while, can bring you fresh surprises and new discoveries.
"Guide_1-4"
There are four guide pages scattered between Parts 1 to 4 of the special feature. Each one takes a slightly different perspective and brings together ski resorts that will make you want to go. We'd like to keep it a secret... but these are great, the Tohoku edition and the Gelanding.com edition. Night skiing. Ski food. Use them as a little reference before heading out on your ski trip.
"RIDE WITH THE SOUL!! The last event at JFO Hakuba Cortina"
The Japan Freeride Open (JFO) organizing team initially set forth the fundamental principles of creating a competition that would "become deeply rooted in Japan and continue for 10 years" and "be of a quality that the world can be proud of." Building upon its foundation from scratch, the competition has now reached its 11th edition, and with many participants and stakeholders now involved in JFO, it can be said that the initial ideals have been achieved.
Over these 11 years, the Japanese freeride scene has changed dramatically and is beginning to enter a new phase. After deeply considering the role that JFO should play and the future it should envision within this new landscape of freeride, the organizing team has decided to conclude the 11th competition for the time being in order to move towards the next vision.
The JFO, held at Hakuba Cortina, will end in 2026. Whether you're a regular participant, someone who's been hesitating about joining, or someone who hasn't participated recently, there's now a reason to take part this winter.
First, let's get through the hurdle of the click-based entry process.
"Carefully Selected Snow Resort Guide '26"
The allure of snow-covered mountains isn't just one thing.
We've carefully selected 15 snow resorts packed with five key elements to enrich your ski trip: skiing, food, accommodation, activities, and relaxation. Embark on a winter trip in 2026 in search of unforgettable experiences!
"The Peak of Freeskiing: A Bird's-Eye View of the Current Competition Scene Ahead of the Olympics"
With the Milan-Cortina Olympics fast approaching, we examine the current state of the freeskiing scene, incorporating testimonies from people who are on the front lines. We also explore the current status of the Japanese team, including Kondo Kokone.