Let's hear impressions from riders about their favorite gear that they used extensively last winter.
This time, we'll hear from Ayano Suzuki, who is active mainly in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, about the skis, boots, and bindings she uses.
Rider Profile

Ayano Suzuki, 43 years old
Former member of the Japanese national alpine skiing speed team. All-Japan alpine downhill champion in two events. Alpine Ski World Junior GSL champion at age 16. Skiing experience: 34 years. Participates in competitions, technical selections, former SAJ demos, freeride, and skied three unclimbed peaks in the Himalayas. In the summer, he tours road bikes, gravel roads, MTB, and SUPs. He is a sports enthusiast in general, including weightlifting and food. He also runs ski sessions, snowy mountain ski excursions, and ski technique lessons
Instagram:@ayanosuzuki.hokkaido
Ayano Suzuki's setup
Reviewing the entire setup
What kind of places and situations is this setup intended for skating in?
Ayano SuzukiThe boots are not a dual-purpose type, so they are heavy, but the sliding sensation, ease of power transmission, and secure fit with the bindings make for a great balance of skis, bindings, and boots, making this a setup that is easy to understand and comfortable to wear anywhere
Can you tell me why you have this setup?
Ayano SuzukiThe advantage of being light is that hiking is easy and it's easy to conserve energy. The disadvantage I feel is that the lightness reduces the stability of your feet. On hard surfaces, your feet tend to slip away. The advantage of being heavy is that it gives you a sense of stability and security in a wide range of snow conditions, steep slopes, and even on hard snow. The contact between the snow and your feet as a whole feels manual, so you can always try to perform in your own way and it's easy to control your skiing. However, it is heavy lol
I've used dual-purpose boot shells for various purposes, but as someone who grew up competing in alpine skiing for many years, I value the interaction between the boots and the snow surface. I've often used a wide range of boots, from those made of the same plastic material that loses power to those that are too strong. So I choose boots that are "for this purpose, I need this level of strength, stickiness, lateral movement, and positioning of the sole of the foot. Skis that are this width and length, a sense of rebound, strength at the front and back of the tip and tail, strength and movement in the overall balance between the boot, metal fittings, and ski, and a good balance of shear movement from side to side." Boots that are this weight, strength, and bindings that allow for easy ski movement due to the sense of unity between the board and boot."
I choose tools that allow me to maximize my physical movement and performance. If I'm not too strong and can use around 70% of my strength in any situation, I have the leeway to enjoy the challenge of giving it 100%. By doing so, I feel a sense of unity with the tool, which gives me a greater sense of stability and security than ever before, and also gives me the added benefit of being able to control my freedom of movement more easily
Ski Impressions

Vector glide GENIUS Narrow | L=185cm | D=140-115-130mm | 2023-24 model
What are your impressions of the performance and ride of these skis?
Ayano SuzukiWhat else do you like about the design or special features of these skis?
Ayano SuzukiAll Vectorglide types, and even the same type, have different lengths, bindings, and boot styles, all of which create different feel. That's why you'll enjoy riding your Vectorglide for a long time, and it'll become your own unique bike! I think you'll grow attached to it and it will become a treasured piece of equipment
Who would you recommend these skis to?
Ayano SuzukiBoots impressions

What are your impressions of the performance and comfort of these boots?
Ayano SuzukiBecause there's no walk mode, the forward and backward range of motion isn't fixed, allowing you to freely find your ideal turning position. This also allows you to adjust the quality of your turn arc to suit the conditions and snow, giving you a clearer sense of grip and instantaneous feedback from the skis, allowing you to feel the snow surface directly. As a result, your movements are incredibly smooth.
While they are certainly heavier than touring boots, they lead to top-notch performance when skiing.
What else do you like about these boots, such as their design or special features?
Ayano SuzukiWho do you think these boots are recommended for?
Ayano SuzukiBinding impressions

What are your impressions of the performance and feel of this binding?
Ayano SuzukiWhat else do you like about this binding, such as its design or special features?
Ayano SuzukiWho do you think these bindings are recommended for?
Ayano SuzukiWhere should you mount your bindings and why?
Ayano Suzuki


