'24-25 Pro shop recommends "fat skis suitable for basic skiers"

Even among basic skiers who normally strive for technical perfection, some may occasionally consider freeriding as a way to enjoy free expression. On a morning when there's plenty of fresh snow, powder skiing is sure to be a fresh experience. The advice of a pro shop, who can test ride numerous models on the snow and compare and evaluate products based on their extensive knowledge and user feedback, is persuasive. For basic skiers looking to broaden their horizons and try freeriding in the 2024-2025 season, we asked a pro shop to recommend fat skis that will help them demonstrate their technical abilities

*All prices shown include consumption tax.

ARMADA｜DECLIVITY92Ti

◆Official website: https://armadaskis.jp/

The "DECLIVITY" series is a popular carving ski series from a manufacturer that specializes in freeskiing! I highly recommend this model. I'm a little skeptical about whether it's a fat ski, but the 92mm center width is likely to feel too wide for more advanced skiers

EXTREM ｜ FORMULA 88

◆Official website: https://vinter.jp/extrem/

The waist width is 88mm, which is narrow for a fat ski, but the specs are 138-88-119mm from the top, 174cm in length, and an 11m radius, making it a unique ski shape. Just looking at the radius, it's about the same shape as a slalom ski, but the wider waist allows for greater control of the turning arc

FACTION｜DANCER series

◆Official website: https://jp.factionskis.com/

We want to create tracks that are fun and comfortable, just the way we want them! Skiers who don't just pursue a perfect shape, but also enjoy watching their skiing, are cool! Choose your favorite from a wide range of center widths to suit your preferred conditions!

DANCER1...Center 86mm, a model that combines lightness, smoothness, and stability, designed primarily for high performance on the slopes.
DANCER2...Center 96mm, a model for enjoying all-mountain freeride with versatility that can handle a variety of conditions and terrain.
DANCER3...Center 106mm, a model for chasing big lines and delivering high performance in all conditions and terrain, including powder.
DANCER4...Center 116mm, a model that provides maximum buoyancy even in deep and rough snow on wild mountains, and stability for stomping from the air even in tough conditions.
Hit the slopes with a DANCER in hand, and you'll find yourself skiing cooler than anyone else!

FACTION｜STUDIO3

◆Official website: https://jp.factionskis.com/

The reason I chose these skis is that they offer a solid ride, a little different from the impression you get from the brand image and design. And even within that, they offer a ride that truly values ​​playfulness. For these two reasons, I chose the Studio 3. These skis dare not be confined to the "form" of basic skis, but rather allow you to try over-rotating, flying, spinning, and expanding your repertoire of skiing fun

LINE｜BLADE

◆Official website: https://elevateoutdoorcollective.com/

The skis have a very tight radius, allowing you to cut through the snow when turning. The waist of the ski is wide, but once you get used to the width, I think you can ski like a beginner's ski. Also, because the waist of the ski provides buoyancy, these skis are recommended for beginner skiers interested in freeriding and powder

OGASAKA｜E-TURN10.8

◆Official website: https://www.ogasaka-ski.co.jp/

OGASAKA is synonymous with foundation skis. Blastrack, a true freeski brand, is actually a separate brand from OGASAKA. Among them is the OGASAKA brand's freeski model, the E-TURN. Its distinctly different ride feel from Blastrack, along with its grip and responsiveness on flat terrain, makes it feel like you're riding an OGASAKA foundation ski!
And that's no surprise, since it uses FLF (check the OGASAKA website). It's truly a well-made ski! Starting in the 2023-2024 season, Yamakkis (Masahiro Yamaki) of FREERIDER has joined the development team, so there's no doubt it will continue to evolve.

OGASAKA｜ET10.8X

◆Official website: https://www.ogasaka-ski.co.jp/

OGASAKA's signature fat ski, the "E-TURN," is a signature model of pro skier Masahiro Yamaki, also known as "Yamakicks." The "ET10.8X" is a limited edition model that was tested from scratch by pro skier Yamaki. Lightweight and perfectly suited to Japan's snowy mountains, it offers high maneuverability on slopes, in the backcountry, and even on tree runs. The "10.8X," the successor to the '23-'24 model, is an even more solid ski than the previous year's model!

VAN DEER-Red Bull Sports ｜FREERIDE 108

◆Official website: https://vandeer-redbull-sports.com/

This ski is one of Marcel Hirscher's favorites, and thanks to its carefully selected materials and numerous "magic" features, it maintains buoyancy in powder while offering excellent grip, maneuverability, and stability on hard snow. Just like our race skis, the wood core is made in the race room, making it an all-mountain freeride ski perfect for both off-piste skiing and on-piste freeriding

VECTORGLIDE｜POLARVE Standard

◆Official website: https://www.vectorglide-japan.com/

The metal construction provides stability when plunging into powder at top speed, and it's also great for carving on hard-packed slopes