Ogisaka, a long-established Japanese ski brand, will celebrate its 114th anniversary in 2026. With pride in being "MADE IN JAPAN," and aiming to once again showcase Japan's beautiful nature and high-quality craftsmanship to the world, the "EXTRA EXCLUSIVE COLLECTION" has been launched. It aims to be more than just equipment for skiing; it is intended to enrich one's lifestyle through skiing
In order to experience the "moment of bliss" that this series is said to offer, I went to a test ride event held at Sugadaira Kogen Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture
Test conditions
The reviewer is a female member of the club, 164cm tall and of average weight, with an alpine racing background.
As a prerequisite for the test ride, the skis she currently uses on the slopes are the "TRIUN SL" 155cm, a pure competition model from Ogaska, known for its exceptional stability and grip.
The day of the test was sunny. The course was on a moderate slope with moderately firm, groomed snow. Because the weather was good, the snow conditions made it easy to slow down early in the day
About "U-XX/BL"
The "U-XX/BL" is a new addition to the XX series. It is based on the UNITY series, which best embodies the brand's philosophy that "the true joy of skiing comes when you can ski exactly as you want." This model, which has been around for over 50 years and is representative of Ogaska skis, is characterized by its mild ride and adaptability that allows for stable operation in all conditions
It reflects the brand's spirit of pursuing timeless essence, combined with current technology and Japanese design that also considers overseas markets. It is a premium model "ski for adults who truly enjoy a relaxed time."
Test drive review
160cm and 167cm are "two different things."
The skis I tested were the 160cm and 167cm sizes. Apparently, these two sizes, which a skier who is 164cm tall might consider, are completely different
While the sidecut (119-77-102mm) is the same for both lengths, the radius is R15.5m for the 160cm and R17m for the 167cm. Numerically, they seem more suited to medium turns, but I felt the real difference lay more in the flex, which is optimized for each length
When I actually tried them side-by-side, I was surprised at how much of a difference a few centimeters made. The 167cm length not only improves maneuverability, but also more strongly brings out the characteristic weightiness and off-road capability of these skis. To be honest, far from being able to "ski as I please," I was struggling just to make decent turns, and given my somewhat out-of-shape physique and skill level, it felt like it would be a bit of a challenge to unlock their full potential
Therefore, this review focuses primarily on the 160cm model, but for skiers who want to firmly plant their feet and carve powerful turns, the 167cm model is also an attractive option
It can be summed up in one word: "fun."
Before even considering the finer details of its performance, the first thing I noticed was the sheer enjoyment it provided. It perfectly matched my desire to ski easily and have fun, and suited my movements and preferences
You don't need to go fast or tackle moguls; just repeating medium turns on a moderate slope can be incredibly fun. Even experienced skiers will rediscover the richness of simple skiing. This single ski perfectly embodies the brand's theme of "delivering the joy and excitement of skiing to many people."
I was able to completely trust it after just one run
I had heard that it was sturdily built with big mountains in mind for Europe and America, but when I actually skied on it, I didn't feel any stiffness. On the contrary, it was easy to handle and had a relaxed ride. That said, it wasn't that it was difficult to turn in tight spaces; I was impressed by how easy it was to turn despite the width of the waist
Based on the UNITY's mild ride, it offers reliable edge grip. Full carving turns, which typically require a certain level of speed and angle, are possible even at low speeds. It effortlessly delivers a high-quality turning sensation with less effort than usual, and it can be consistently reproduced
Even with complex maneuvers that would normally cause me to lose my balance, or half-hearted movements that would usually result in an incomplete turn, I was able to complete almost every turn to my satisfaction. The fact that I didn't make a single mistake all the way to the bottom gave me the confidence that I could do anything
A feeling of omnipotence that makes you think, "I can go anywhere."
In terms of handling, it responds exactly as intended, as if it were an extension of your own legs. The sharpness, grip, stability, and smooth ride are all harmoniously balanced at a high level, making it truly a "versatile" board
The medium to long turns were particularly enjoyable, and I felt no anxiety even at higher speeds. Even if the course was a little rough, I hardly noticed any impact on the turns. Entering and exiting turns was effortless, and the feeling of being able to freely adjust the turning radius mid-turn was a refreshing experience
A refined and stable ride
What's particularly outstanding is the stability during the latter half of the turn and during transitions, which tend to be unstable. Rather than losing power or speed, you can easily and lightly transition to the next turn while maintaining contact with the snow surface. There's no need to be wary of excessive rebound or to force your body to stay turned towards the fall line. In the end, it naturally rounds off, giving you a sense of ease and depth
The feeling of skiing, reminiscent of an elegant cruise in the European Alps, transforms even an ordinary slope into a special experience
The absolute sense of security that is characteristic of "Mother Ski"
The core material is made of cherry wood, which is said to provide both a crisp response and a solid sense of stability. Before you can understand its characteristics in theory, you feel an overwhelming sense of security in your body
You can start a turn whenever you want, and finish it whenever you want. Even if you press hard in the middle of a turn, there's no sudden rebound. It absorbs the force and sends you off smoothly. This enveloping ride fosters the joy of skiing and creates ski enthusiasts
In terms of design, the color is simply labeled "BLUE," but different shades of blue are used, including indigo dye, a marbled pattern created with suminagashi (ink marbling), and a denim-like texture. This reflects traditional Japanese techniques and a delicate sensibility that associates colors with seasons and emotions
There's a saying, "Blue comes from indigo, but is bluer than indigo," and this album, with its reassuring foundation, will guide you to the next step. Not only will it help your own growth, but the sight of adults genuinely enjoying it will also contribute to nurturing the next generation
Information
OGASAKA
Official website: https://www.ogasaka-ski.co.jp/
Social media: Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube