On February 15th and 16th, 2022, the annual the Association of Japan Ski Promotion ( ), was held at Pacifico Yokohama. The event was then followed by the JSP_SKI FORUM ON SNOW 2022, held at Sugadaira Ski Resort in Nagano Prefecture, where new models and popular items for the 2022-2023 season were unveiled. The STEEP editorial team spoke to notable manufacturers about the latest product topics for the 2022-2023 season.
We picked out some interesting brands from the exhibition venue and
asked them about the hot topics for the upcoming 2022-2023 season.
*Brands are listed in alphabetical order
Proof of Japan-made technology and pride.
Faster, lighter, more fun.
BLASTRACK is an all-mountain ski brand produced by Ogasaka Skis, a long-established Japanese manufacturer with a long history and tradition. Developed through meticulous research and testing based on a thorough understanding of Japanese users and snowy mountains, each model is a product that showcases high technical capabilities, and the 2022-23 season has seen the launch of even more impressive models. Two standout topics are the release of the fastest and lightest models to date in the ELIXIR series, and the introduction of the second BLASTRACK full rocker
ELIXIR/L (third from the left) 125-80.5-110mm R=16.7m (
171cm) 102,300 yen (tax included) Ph/TSUJINO Akira
The fastest model in the ELIXIR series to date is here! "ELIXIR/E"
The ELIXIR is a representative model of BLASTRACK. With a center width of 80.5mm, it has gained popularity as a ski that allows for easy carving on packed slopes. For the 2022-2023 season, new models, the ELIXIR/E and the ELIXIR/L, have been released
The ELIXIR/E is a completely new type of ski, with the "E" removed from "Exceed." "Exceed" means to go beyond or surpass anything that has come before. This is truly the birth of the fastest model in the series. You can tell from the way it feels when you hold it or when you push it, but it's a pretty hard-hitting ski. The previous ELIXIR was an all-mountain ski that could be enjoyed in deep snow or on the slopes, but the ELIXIR/E is a ski that's perfectly suited to carving on the slopes. By adjusting the materials and balance, we've improved the stability, maneuverability, and ride quality at high speeds. This ski offers the perfect feeling for anyone who has felt a bit unsatisfied when carving turns or going fast with the previous ELIXIR
The core is also much stronger and a little heavier, providing overwhelming stability and peace of mind when speeding up and carving on groomed slopes. The width is 80.5mm, and the three dimensions, including the side curve, remain the same as the previous model
The lightest in the series, the "ELIXIR/L" is even easier and more fun to use
The ELIXIR/L stands for Light & Luxury, and is approximately 250g lighter per ski than the previous ELIXIR, making it the lightest ski in the series' history. It feels lighter, but it's not just lighter. By changing the materials and tuning the balance, we've achieved a high level of lightness and stability while maintaining excellent maneuverability, resulting in a well-balanced ski that can be enjoyed all year round, from peak-season powder to groomed runs, uneven terrain, and spring snow. The light weight means you won't get tired even when riding for long periods of time. It's also easy to handle for women and seniors
A new and confident product that will reaffirm the benefits of full rocker | ROC118
Another topic is the birth of the new "ROC118" model. It is the second installment of the "SILVA" series, which was released last season with a full rocker. The SILVA series has also been highly praised, and while inheriting that know-how, the center width has been narrowed to 118mm, making it lighter than the super fat 132mm SILVA. This makes it suitable for a variety of situations
Full rocker is becoming less and less common on the ski market, but repeated testing has reaffirmed the benefits of full rocker, which is why the ROC118 was born. It offers exceptional stability in powder, allowing for overwhelming speed, and its pre-bent shape makes it easy to change the nose's direction, making it easy to move the ski quickly. These advantages are far greater than those of camber types, so the second version of the ROC118 was also designed with the desire to further enhance the full rocker line. It is available in two lengths: 176cm and 183cm
We spoke to a BLASTRACK rider at the JSP_SKI FORUM ON SNOW 2022 to learn about the ride feel and features of the ski
❖ BLASTRACK official website https://www.blastrack.jp/
The Glenn Plake signature is also included!
"RIPSTICK TOUR" debut!
Here's the biggest story of the 2022-2023 season. ELAN's popular freeride line, the RIPSTICK, now features the backcountry-oriented "RIPSTICK TOUR." It's even lighter than the regular RIPSTICK, and its two carbon fiber panels provide excellent rigidity. It features ELAN's signature asymmetric rocker-camber structure. While the regular RIPSTICK is 70% downhill and 30% uphill, the TOUR is 50% downhill and 50% uphill, designed for touring skiing. There are three men's models and two women's models, including a signature model overseen by legendary skier Glenn Plake, who oversaw the performance and design
To learn more about the technology's features and the appeal of the ride, please watch the video explanation filmed at the JSP_SKI FORUM ON SNOW2022 in Sugadaira
RIPSTICK BLACK EDITION
now available in a women's model with a 94mm waist
Equipped with ELAN's cutting-edge carbon bridge technology, the RIPSTICK features carbon fiber from tail to nose, offering lightweight yet torsional strength and superior snow grip for a nimble and stable ride. Enjoy sharp turns on the slopes and navigate powder and uneven terrain. This versatile ski is perfect for any mountain adventure. A chic "BLACK EDITION" was added for the 2021-2022 season, and a women's version of this BLACK EDITION has been released for the 2022-2023 season. The RIPSTICK 94 W BLACK EDITION maintains its stylishness and functionality while boasting a 94mm waist width for easy handling. It's available in four lengths: 154cm, 162cm, 170cm, and 178cm
The regular RIPSTICK has been given a cosmetic makeover, and the earth colors create a unique and nice atmosphere
❖ Elan Japan official website http://www.elanjapan.co.jp/
The FISCHER RANGER series, a hot topic for the global 2022-23 season,
has undergone a complete redesign!
The most talked about release from FISCHER, which is expanding globally, is undoubtedly the complete redesign of its freeride line, the RANGER series. Originating in Europe, the RANGER series was a type of freeride ski that tended to be carving-oriented and provided firm edge grip, but in response to the global shift to powder and backcountry skiing, the 2022-2023 season has seen a complete overhaul of the ski, from concept to components. The ideal ski was shaped after testing and comparing all the popular skis on the market and researching the types of skis that actual skiers prefer
The fat width models are buoyant, soft and move freely, while the 96 and 90 models, which are at the 100mm dividing line, are designed to have carving performance that allows for solid gliding on the slopes. This is where the titanium sheet called "Shaped Titanium" comes in. The wider skis are shorter, while the narrower models are longer from front to back. This allows the edges to be more effective, resulting in stability and carving performance. Each model has visible "flex cuts" in the titanium, allowing for greater control of the softness of each model
For example, the skis are designed with careful attention to detail, such as scratch-resistant surfaces and tail protectors. Based on the concept of "Ski more!", they have evolved to meet the demands of skiers. The lineup includes five models in 116, 108, 102, 96, and 90 cm, with a variety of colors
❖ Fischer official website https://www.goldwin.co.jp/fischer/
Breaking the conventional image, the 2023 season
is a consistent production of products developed while skiing.
Based on the concept of developing while skiing, which stands for R&D (Riding & Development), a new carving model was released for the 2022-2023 season. GEN is a brand that has a strong image of freestyle skiing, but two seasons ago, they asked riders, advisory staff at contracted ski schools, and general skiers to conduct repeated testing from the user's perspective, and for the first time, they designed and created a product that matches carving skis
The classic freestyle line "GENESIS 90/95" has been updated with a wire-type "Flex Wire Buckle," allowing for more flexible movement of the boots. The same goes for "BUMPS 9R." The first to use this buckle was the park-oriented "FUTURE," but it was so well-received that it was adopted for all high-end models
GEN boots have continued to evolve based on the concept of "taking into consideration close relationships with riders and feedback from shop staff, etc." All boots are developed to fit the shape of Japanese feet, achieving a comfortable and excellent Japan fit. They offer a wide range of models, from comfort models to expert rider models. "FUTURE" is a model developed together with rider Kosuke Kusakari, and is a hybrid product that combines lightness and flexibility by changing the materials used for the upper and body
All innerwear is an original thermo-inner. Until now, we have collaborated with INTUITION to release a special heat-moldable innerwear called THE CORE, but for the 2022-2023 season, we have developed a thermo-inner that can be used without baking. We plan to release "THE CORE-CLONE-AUTO FIT" innerwear in time for the season, which will gradually conform to your feet as you wear it without heat molding. This will take the fitting to another level
❖ JCreate Official Website http://jcreate-corp.co.jp/
Introducing a new color called Almond White!
No major changes to the lineup
HESTRA has always upheld the spirit of Swedish craftsmanship. With a history spanning 70 years since the first glove was made, it is a world-leading brand with a wealth of artisanal skills. Its products, which combine high-quality leather, functionality, and design, have attracted a loyal following, especially among freeride enthusiasts
The news for the 2022-2023 season is the introduction of a new color called Almond White. With a soft and stylish feel, it is likely to be popular with all demographics. The photo shows HESTRA's signature 3-finger full leather model, made from eco-friendly processed goat leather. Since two-tone colors were the norm in the 2021-2022 season, the single color is actually quite refreshing
❖ HESTRA official website https://www.full-marks.com/hestra/
MINDBENDER is leading the Japanese freeride scene
As a global trend, skiing is being recommended as a sport that avoids crowds during the COVID-19 pandemic, and K2 has been vigorously expanding its lineup even during the pandemic. Popular models have been further evolved in the 2022-23 season, and the brand-new "DISPATCH" series has been launched, showing no signs of slowing down. Last season, every collection was highly praised, and sales were extremely strong. The MINDBENDER brand has a strong image in the Japanese market, and is apparently driving K2's popularity
MINDBENDER's "Ti" gets a model change for the 2022-23 season!
The MINDBENDER offers high performance in all conditions, from powder to hard runs and spring granular snow. Within the series, the MINDBENDER C is made of carbon, while the Ti is made of titanium, but the Ti line has undergone a model change for the 2022-2023 season. The titanium is positioned slightly shorter than before, improving maneuverability without compromising the ski's stability
The highlight of the 2022-23 K2 SKI season is the debut of "DISPATCH"!
R=29mm (186cm)
The DISPATCH is a completely new category. It's positioned between the freeride MINDBENDER and the touring WAYBACK, and is categorized as a "FREE TOUR." This model was created based on the concept of "lightweight freeride." Rather than prioritizing climbing like a touring ski, the concept is to maintain excellent downhill functionality while being slightly lighter, allowing you to go further. The structure is similar to the MINDBENDER Ti, but uses titanium to achieve this lightness. Three waist widths are available: 120mm, 110mm, and 101mm. The debut of the DISPACH is likely the highlight of K2's 2022-23 season
In other series, a new waist size of 92mm has been added to "WAYBACK." The graphics of "RECKONER" have all changed, but the contents remain the same
❖ K2 Brand Official Website https://k2snow.com/ja-jp ｜ K2 JAPAN Official Website http://www.k2japan.com/
Toe piece upgraded for easier use
The toe piece for MARKER's KINGPN and ALPINIST has evolved into the "ISI Toe (Intuitive Step In)," which allows for an intuitive step-in. The contact area between the platform and the boot has been enlarged, and the shape and size of the rubber stop pad that aligns with the tip of the boot has also been changed, allowing for a smoother step-in
❖ MDV Sports Japan Official Website http://www.mdvsports.co.jp/
The 2022-2023 season
will see the birth of a new "big name" product. POC is showing momentum with three topics.
POC is popular among freestyle skiers and snowboarders who pursue style. It is a new Swedish brand whose mission is to "do everything in its power to protect athletes from serious accidents." There are three hot topics for the 2022-23 season, and we will be discussing new products in each category: backpacks, helmets, and goggles
At POC's research institute, experts from various fields, including material researchers, industrial designers, graphic designers, neurologists, and spinal injury researchers, conduct research from their own perspectives to develop excellent products.New ``big name'' products have been announced in each category, including bags, helmets, and goggles, giving a sense of the momentum of their research and development and the rapid growth of the brand
Avalanche Back Released at POC
The biggest topic for POC in the 2022-2023 season is likely the release of their avalanche bag. It's a battery-powered compressor type that uses a new standard called Albrid E2. Using both a mobile battery and dry batteries, it can be fully charged in about 20 minutes, and by pre-charging the main unit and using dry batteries, it can be used about four times. Using a mobile battery in combination with this bag will extend its useful life, allowing it to be charged three times with two dry batteries. Its capacity is 25 liters, and it's a fluorescent orange color that's highly visible on snowy mountains. Avalanche bags are still not widely used in Japan, but there's hope that POC's brand power will be the catalyst for change
A unique visor helmet was also born
POC has released its first full-shield visor helmet. Its unique shape, inspired by astronaut shields and fighter pilots, features a three-dimensional design for the lower part of the face. It's targeted at all-around users, but in Japan, I imagine it will likely be aimed at slightly older users who want to wear it over glasses
The helmet is based on the "MENINX" model released this season from 2021-2022. "Meninx" means "meninges," and it is a popular model with specs such as a lightweight PC shell, two types of shock-absorbing materials (EPS/EPP), a magnetic Fidlock® strap, removable ear pads, two adjustable ventilation holes, and a dial adjustment system at the back of the head
The shield part is called "Levator," which means the muscle that lifts the eyelid. What a unique name. The sponge under the frame has a three-layer structure, each with a different hardness, so when you lower the visor, it moves down to fit snugly against your skin. It looks flat from the outside, but the inside has a recess in the nose area, which gives it a perfect fit
New flat-type goggles "Nexal"
A new model called "Nexal" has been added to the goggle lineup, featuring a flat outrigger frame. Its unique feature is that the outrigger frame is soft, allowing it to fit comfortably around the edge of the helmet. The design is particularly distinctive. The frame protrudes slightly in the cheekbone area, creating a wider surface that fits snugly around the cheekbones, improving the fit. It also has a functional ventilation system that slides under the inner sponge to keep out the cold air. When it snows, snow can accumulate here and cause condensation, so this is an excellent product that prevents this
❖Fullmarks official website https://www.full-marks.com/
Introducing the new R-EVO SLIM: "Faster, smoother, sharper"
The new R-EVO SLIM line is a hot topic for the 2022-2023 season. The new R-EVO SLIM line features the "NEW SLIM LAST SYSTEM," which increases stiffness by 1mm, increasing the inner thickness of the lower shell. This also offsets the foot position, allowing for smoother snow contact. The increased stiffness after contact allows for stable turns. Turns are also smoother, increasing speed. The evolution of the line is based on the theme of "Faster, Smoother, Sharper." The
new Sapphire Blue color also offers a striking visual impact. At a dealer test ride, the line received rave reviews, with comments like "The gliding feel is clearly different! It's great!" The 1mm increase in the inner lower shell increases the last width to 94mm (size 26cm), but the newly designed H22 inner liner ensures a comfortable fit. In addition to the R-EVO SLIM line, the NEW SLIM LAST SYSTEM is also used in the XX-LIMITED model used by Yukimasa Horishima, who won the bronze medal in the mogul competition at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
❖ Rexxam official website https://rexxam.com/
NEW! Introducing the photochromic lens "PHOTOCHROMIC ULTRA LIGHT GRAY"
There are two major topics for the 2022-2023 season. Firstly, there's the introduction of the new photochromic lens, "PHOTOCHROMIC ULTRA LIGHT GRAY." This is an amazing all-weather lens that can change from a clear appearance to the darkness of a deep smoke lens. What's more, the gray-based lens clearly brings out the shadows on the snow surface. This means that you can get natural vision in any situation, from bright sunny days to snowy days and night skiing. It's featured in the popular "RIDGELINE," "RACAN," and "ROVO" series
Also worth checking out is the "XED Series," a model equipped with a heat lens in the "RACAN" that is compatible with large glasses. This is an excellent product with a heat-generating lens that prevents fogging even in harsh environments. It is effective when you are sweating or in bad weather, such as in the backcountry or hiking uphill. It comes with a battery, and the lens heats up when you press the switch. It can also be used on its own
A new three-hole freeride helmet is here!
The new model for the 2023 season in SWANS' freeride helmet line is the "HSF-190." It features three holes above the forehead. It is designed to be compatible with snow goggles for ventilation, allowing for effective ventilation at the same time. This lightweight model for freestyle riding is available in five different colors, including a collaboration color with HAKUBA VALLEY. The price is also quite reasonable
❖ Yamamoto Kogaku official website https://www.swans.co.jp/product/snowgoggle/
"REVOLT 84 & REVOLT 90" make sensational world debut;
VÖLKL athletes perform at the 2022 Beijing Olympics
The new REVOLT 84 and REVOLT 90 models have been added to the freestyle REVOLT series! This is the biggest news for VÖLKL as a whole for the 2022-2023 season. Many VÖLKL athletes have been active in the world competition scene this season, including the recent Beijing Winter Olympics, and their skills are making waves around the world
The REVOLT 84 and REVOLT 90 feature lightweight tips and tails, with the center of gravity set at the feet, the center of the ski, to balance the swing weight. The REVOLT 84 features full camber, maximizing its performance when riding in half-pipes. The REVOLT 90 features rocker on the tips and tails, resulting in a light swing weight and soft tips and tails that are easy to handle. While designed with slopestyle skiing in mind, it's a versatile ski that can be enjoyed in many different ways
Watch the video to learn from the staff of MDV Sports Japan
The REVOLT collection changes designers for each collection, and this year they have chosen an artist with a background in the cultures of both China and Austria. The collection features graphics with a slightly Chinese feel, created using ingenious techniques. For example, "REVOLT121" is made by painting black over gold and scratching the area. "REVOLT104" is made by dripping oil onto water and then photographing it. The beauty of the pieces makes them perfect for display as art
"KENDO88" undergoes a full model change and evolves further
In the freeride lineup, which is heavily influenced by metal and typified by the "MANTRA," the "KENDO88" has undergone a full model change for the 2022-2023 season. The top features a "Tailored Carbon Placement" specification, which uses a Taylor Carbon tip woven with carbon, and the frame structure is an even more advanced "Tailored Titanal Frame." The frame has a more complex shape than previous models, making it lighter
Rather than simply shortening the length of the metal depending on the length of the skis, the amount of metal is adjusted to take into account the balance, analyzing the users who ride that length and taking into account their characteristics. The "Tailored" comes from Taylor Made, which means "individually tailored," and expresses a truly special custom feeling. Four lengths are available: 163, 170, 177, and 184 cm
In addition to this, the "MANTRA102" in the freeride line has also been redesigned, with improved torsion balance at the top, giving a greater sense of security when entering turns
❖ MDV Sports Japan Official Website https://www.mdvsports.co.jp
"PROPIPE" used by the Canadian team at the Beijing Olympics
ZUMA SKIS is a freeski brand launched in 2015 by SWALLOW SKI, a Japanese brand boasting a long history. Its high quality is proven by the fact that riders both in Japan and overseas are using it and are active on the world stage
The ZUMA model to watch for the 2022-2023 season is undoubtedly the "PROPIPE," the model used by most of the Canadian halfpipe team at the Beijing Olympics. Developed with feedback from the Canadian team, this specialized model for pipe skiing offers strong rebound and is built for solid flight in pipe. The "FLAGEA" was chosen by the Chinese national team for slopestyle and big air at the Beijing Olympics. The excellent grip on the snow, unique to the camber, allows for stable landings from jumps. This model offers excellent response performance, allowing you to quickly adapt to your next movement from the moment you land
The "PROGENE" is soft and easy to handle for general use. For all-around use in the park and on groomed snow, the full twin tip "KRUZ" is the most popular
❖ Swarovski official website https://swallow-ski.com/brand/