We asked riders to share their impressions of the gear they used to the fullest last winter.
This time, we looked at the skis, boots, and bindings used by Yusuke Fukazawa, who runs Hotel Bell Heart and is based in Hakuba and Tsugaike.
Rider Profile
Yusuke Fukasawa, 45,
is from Tsugaike Kogen. He devoted himself to alpine skiing from childhood through university, and was a front-runner in the DH and SG at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. After graduating, he competed in the Technical Championships 10 times from 2002, with his highest finish being 13th (2006).
Certified as a national demonstrator in 2008. While teaching basic skiing at Tsugaike Ski School, he also skis in the mountains of Tateyama, Tsugaike, and Hakuba. He is also the CEO of Hotel Bell Heart
Yusuke Fukasawa's setup
Reviewing the entire setup
What kind of places and situations is this setup intended for skating in?
Yusuke FukasawaBC/Slopes
Can you tell me why you have this setup?
Yusuke FukasawaThe skis are a certain length and by selecting the right skis, you can ski even in bad conditions
Ski Impressions
OGASAKA ET-10.8 | L=188cm | D=140-108-126mm | 2023-24 model
What are your impressions of the performance and ride of these skis?
Yusuke FukasawaThese skis, with a center 108 R20.2, are set up to be enjoyable in backcountry areas (powder and granular rock), but also offer a great feel for carving turns on groomed runs. They offer the ease of riding and turning that is characteristic of Ogasaka skis. They have the maneuverability of a basic ski, but are also flexible on uneven surfaces, making them highly refined
What else do you like about the design or special features of these skis?
Yusuke FukasawaIt's cool that the logo from when they first succeeded in researching and developing plywood skis in Japan in 1943 and began production is printed on the tail!
Who would you recommend these skis to?
Yusuke FukasawaIntermediate and advanced skiers, and those who don't go to the BC area, can enjoy it throughout the season
Boots impressions
What are your impressions of the performance and comfort of these boots?
Yusuke FukasawaThe excellent ankle support keeps your upper body from lagging behind during the latter half of a turn. It also has a racing-boot-like grip, making it ideal for those who want to make firm turns. With a 61° range of motion, it's light and easy to use when hiking, and weighs just 1500g for a size 27cm
What else do you like about these boots, such as their design or special features?
Yusuke FukasawaThese boots are supervised by former alpine skier Bode Miller, so they are recommended for those who are serious about alpine skiing or basic skiing
Binding impressions
What are your impressions of the performance and feel of this binding?
Yusuke FukasawaI use them because they give me the same feeling as skiing with alpine bindings
What else do you like about this binding, such as its design or special features?
Yusuke FukasawaI find the fact that the toe piece can be removed when hiking and that they are lightweight makes them easy to use
Who do you think these bindings are recommended for?
Yusuke FukasawaRecommended for intermediate to advanced players!
Where should you mount your bindings and why?
Yusuke FukasawaThe installation is based on the center specified by the ski manufacturer