'24-25 Pro Shop Recommends "Fat Skis 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/

Want to carve your own tracks with fun and ease? It's not just about chasing the perfect style; skiers who look like they're having fun are cool! Choose your favorite from our wide range of center widths to suit your preferred conditions!

DANCER1…86mm center, a model designed for high performance on groomed slopes, offering agility, smoothness, and stability.
DANCER2…96mm center, a versatile model for all-mountain freeride, capable of handling various conditions and terrains.
DANCER3…106mm center, a model for chasing big lines, delivering high performance in powder and all other conditions and terrains.
DANCER4…116mm center, a model that provides maximum buoyancy even in wild mountain deep snow and rough conditions, and offers stability for jumping from air to stomp even in tough situations. Grab a
DANCER and head to the slopes – before you know it, you'll be skiing more stylishly 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 practically synonymous with basic skiing! In fact, "BLASTRACK," a full-fledged freeski brand, is also a separate brand of OGASAKA. Among them, the "E-TURN" is OGASAKA's own freeski model. The riding feel is distinctly different from BLASTRACK, and the grip and responsiveness on groomed slopes are just like riding an OGASAKA basic ski!
That's because it uses FLF (check OGASAKA's website for details). It's a really well-made ski! From the '23-24 season, Yamaki Kicks (Masahiro Yamaki) of FREERIDER has joined the development team, so it's sure to evolve even further in the future.

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