This time, we spoke to them about blackcrows, a core brand with a strong message that originated in Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France, at the SNOW SPORTS Joint Exhibition (held February 14-15 at Pacifico Yokohama) and the 2023-2024 New Model Test Ride event hosted by Dream Gate (held March 18-19 at Naeba)
Rediscovering the roots of Blackcrows
blackcrows is a freeski brand founded in Chamonix, France in 2006 by professional skiers Camille Jaccoux and Bruno Compagnet, and ski industry luminary C. Villemin
Julien Vigouroux, who was visiting from the French headquarters at the exhibition venue, revealed that founder C. Villemin was the man who invented the espresso cartridge for the famous coffee brand NESCAFE. Thanks to the founders, who are both great businessmen and passionate skiers, blackcrows is proud to be the only ski company that has been run completely independently without any outside capital
As befitting its origins in Chamonix, the kingdom of alpinists, blackcrows is committed to hardcore manufacturing based on its own unique values, with the themes of "skis that perform well in all mountain conditions," "authentic products supported by local ski guides and the mountain community," and "pursuing the joys of life and making everyone smile."
These values are symbolized by the "flock of birds" in the brand logo, where each bird is free and independent, but always flies together with its companions. (By the way, the birds are apparently black crows with yellow beaks that live in Chamonix.)
The big mountain series has completely new graphics!
Blackcrows' main big mountain category has undergone a complete redesign for the 2023-2024 season. The distinctive feature of the Blackcrows bird flock graphic is that, depending on the model, it grows larger from top to bottom, or from bottom to top. Highly rated and popular models in this category include the Nocta and Corvus
The Freebird series in the mountain touring category is skis for touring. Given the typical physique of Japanese people, many of the skis are a bit stiff and heavy. The graphics will remain the same for the 2023-2024 season
What is your recommended model for Japanese users next season?
Among the Freebird series, the models that have garnered high praise from Japanese users are the red "Camox Freebird" skis and the yellow-green "Navis Freebird." There is also a series for women called "Birdie," which is also popular
In Japan, Birdy is often purchased by men. For the mega-sized big mountains like the European Alps, or for the mountains in Japan where there are few long tour routes, Birdy may be just the right specs. Also, the Blackcrows brand has recently been moving towards a gender-neutral approach, and it seems that an increasing number of men are using the women's models
Hasco Enterprises, the distributor of blackcrows in Japan, recommends four models for powder and backcountry enthusiasts for the 2023-2024 season: the ladies' "Captis Birdie," "Camox Birdie," "Atris Birdie," and "Mirus Cor."
captis birdie
This 90mm waist double rocker ski was released in the 2022-2023 season and proved popular. While it offers high maneuverability and control, giving it a strong freestyle feel, it also offers great carving. This all-terrain model is suitable for any type of skiing, as well as any snow conditions throughout the season
camox birdie
This 97mm waist double rocker ski is renowned for its flexible flex and long effective edge, providing excellent maneuverability and snow grip at high speeds. It also incorporates the essence of freestyle skiing, making it a popular ski for dexterity and freedom of movement
Atris Birdie
This popular model has been available since 2014 and features a 105mm waist and double rocker. It offers excellent buoyancy in powder and a good balance of stiffness and maneuverability for stability at high speeds. It's an all-mountain ski that can handle a variety of conditions
mirus cor
The "mirus cor" model, which has been available since last season's 2021-2022 season, continues to be a recommended model. With a distinctive tail shape, a narrow waist width of 87mm, and a radius of 13m, it offers excellent maneuverability, making it a versatile board for a wide range of activities, from the slopes to side country and tree runs. Its fairly soft flex allows for cruising, especially on the slopes, and allows for a sticky, snow-clinging motion
The narrow waist and thick tip and tail make it great for powder, allowing for slush and buttery moves, as well as fun on banks. Whether you're a slope user or a powder user, this is the perfect board for you. Another great feature is the swallowtail, which creates a large spray that creates a great impact
mirus cor｜D=134-87-123 (178.0cm)｜R=13m(178.0cm)｜L=168,173,178,184cm
▼Explanatory video of mirus cor
Official website: https://www.hasco.co.jp/black-crows/