Skiing equipment is not the only essential item for skiing. One of the essential things is the “car” that takes us to the snowy mountains.
This time, we will introduce the favorite bike of Ayana Onozuka, a bronze medalist in the women's HP event at the Sochi Olympics and currently competing in the Freeride World Tour. In order to go skiing, she has to run for a long time, on mountain roads below freezing and on bad roads covered with snow. Her partner on the ski trip is a Jeep Grand Cherokee.
We asked her why she chose this car and why she chose this car because she constantly moves from snowy mountain to snowy mountain for shooting and competitions during the ski season.
――――First of all, why are you driving a Jeep?
Originally, I was driving a domestic car, but when I was considering buying a new one, I was introduced to a Jeep by ATOMIC, which is also my support manufacturer. Even before that, I somehow thought Jeep was good, but when I actually rode it, I was hooked. It was the perfect car for my taste.
Thanks to skiing, I am able to move around on a daily basis, so for me, the car is my lifestyle.
I wanted to choose something that I could ride comfortably with peace of mind because I would be riding it every day. Even now, as a player, I travel a lot in Japan for competitions and photo shoots, and I spend a lot more time in the car compared to other people, so I am extra particular about choosing a car. In such a situation, the main reasons for choosing a Jeep are the sense of security that it is "sturdy" and "you can go anywhere" and the comfort that you won't get tired even if you drive for a long time.
In the past, when I took pictures of my car, I drove on bumpy rocky areas, sandy beaches, and other unpaved roads, but I was fine even in such places. I don't usually go to places like that. But when I was able to go, it was a fresh surprise, like, “Oh, I can go.” Also, it doesn't matter if it's snowing. The Grand Cherokee is tall, so even if the car is 3-40cm piled up when I take it out of the parking lot, I'm going to say "yeah" (laughs).
――――Why Grand Cherokee?
I also rode other models such as the Wrangler and Cherokee, but in the end I chose the Grand Cherokee because of the size of the luggage room.
The decisive factor is that even if you load skis over 180 cm, you can load them with plenty of room. Originally, I was a half-pipe player who traveled all over the world, so the number of boards and the amount of luggage involved in lodging was enormous (laughs). I think that it is very good to be able to move without worrying about the load capacity. In addition, the seats can be folded down to become fully flat, so in the summer I load up my sleeping bag and sleep in the car when I go climbing.
――――Please tell us what you want from your favorite car.
It's safe and easy to drive, it's fully flat in the back (to rest), and it has Apple CarPlay.
――――How do you use Apple CarPlay?
I listen to music, navigate, call, and check messages.
Even the navigation is always up to date with the latest maps, and I can change the music and adjust the volume with a single switch on the steering wheel, which is very helpful. I sometimes ride a Jeep on an overseas expedition, and I use Apple CarPlay well there as well. It's super convenient.
――――What is your favorite feature of Grand Cherokee?
First of all, the air suspension that changes the height of the vehicle.
When riding, the vehicle height is low, making it easy to ride, but the vehicle height increases according to speed, which improves visibility and reduces vibrations, making the ride more comfortable. It's very comfortable because you can run without worrying about a small snow mass rolling on the road. It's comfortable to carry a child on, so it's perfect for everyday use. (The Grand Cherokee has 5 levels of vehicle height, and in addition to the driving mode and high speed mode that automatically change according to the speed, it is equipped with an off-road mode that can be manually switched to increase the height.) Next, seat heaters. You can choose from 3 levels of warmth with a single switch, so this feature is very helpful in the cold winter.
――――On the contrary, is there a function that this is not enough?
I don't think so....
If you raise the grade, you will have all the necessary functions such as a steering wheel heater. (After deliberating) … I don't think so (laughs).
――――Frankly, don't you want to ride another car?
Neither is it. I'm happy with the look and functionality of this. Even now, I sometimes get to drive other models during filming, but in the end I end up thinking that my car is the best (laughs). This is the second generation Grand Cherokee. For the third generation, I would like to ride the recently announced Grand Cherokee L.
――――You like it so much (lol) Why did you replace the first generation?
The first generation had a black model, but I replaced it with the limited edition white Grand Cherokee Altitud. Unlike the regular model, the current model is partially black, such as the Jeep logo and front grille. I really like this color scheme, and since there are only a few units in circulation in Japan (only 60 units in Japan), I don't think it's the same as anyone else's. I also liked black, but I personally feel that white is more luxurious.
――――Last year, my husband bought a Wrangler, and the family became two Jeep owners. How does it compare?
Personally, I really like the look of the Wrangler, and I get to ride it occasionally. Both have their good points. The Wrangler has a higher ride height, and I feel more secure that I can go anywhere. But actually, I don't have studless tires for this car yet, so it's already snowing and I can't drive it... If I get studless tires, I feel like I want to ride a Wrangler all the time because I feel safe in winter.
And, despite its rugged appearance, it's packed with features. There are so many switches that sometimes I find something new, like, "I can do this." So I don't think Jeep has any features that you want more than this.
――――How do you use the luggage space of the Grand Cherokee?
I load 4 or 5 skis on many expeditions. I use the same board with different bindings depending on the shooting, competition, and conditions. A child seat is installed on one side of the back seat, and the skis are placed next to my son. It seems to be curious, so I often touch it.
――――I'm looking forward to the future (laughs)
Place your clothing, backcountry gear and accessories next to the board. I want to warm only the boots, so I put them under the passenger seat.
――――Do you customize the interior of the car so that it is easy to put ski gear?
That's not all.
Some people do customs. I'd like to play around with it a little more, so I'll leave it at that. However, I have a scratch-resistant rug in the luggage room, and I've been using it since I was an HP player, so it's been my favorite item for 10 years.
――――How is the parking space?
In winter, there are days when my husband is away from home for work, and I couldn't take my eyes off him while he was shoveling snow after my son was born, so I installed a carport the other day.
It saves me the trouble of shoveling snow from my car, and I only have to shovel a little snow in front of my house, so it's very easy. With this car, even if it snows a little bit, it just leaves without shoveling it. Also, it rains a lot here, doesn't it? Last year, there was a lot of snowfall in January that made the news.
――――Finally, please tell us about a restaurant that you recommend, especially since Ayana-san, who travels a lot.
First of all, Ishiuchi Maruyama is located at the central entrance at the foot of the mountain and is jointly run by my relatives and me. The set meal that goes well with homemade Koshihikari rice is exquisite! You can also see valuable items such as the bibs I wore at the Olympics and the medals I have won at the Sochi Olympics (laughs).
Next, in the Minami Uonuma area, "Kanzan Shokudo". Why don't you want to eat ramen after skating? In such a case, "Sekiyama Champon" here is recommended. I have been going there since I was little. It is close to Ishiuchi Maruyama and Maiko Snow Resort, and is easily accessible as Route 353, which connects Tsunan Town and Minamiuonuma City, crosses Route 17.
After that, "Shokudo Kirakuen" is located immediately after getting off at Toyota Iiyama IC in Nagano Prefecture. Last year when I was hungry on my way home from Hakuba, I happened to stop by and it was super delicious. I wonder if it was a ginger-grilled set meal or a yakiniku set meal. The price is 900 yen, and it comes with a lot of small bowls, so it feels like this volume. It was crowded with many other ski and snowboard customers. It looks like a beach hut and has a very rustic atmosphere. But it was really delicious, so please!
Jeep Japan official website https://www.jeep-japan.com/
Ayana Onozuka,
Sochi Olympic women's HP bronze medalist. After retiring from HP at the Pyeongchang Olympics, she is currently working to move the Freeride World Tour, an international freeride skiing competition, to the main field. She flies around the country with her son, dog and skis in a Jeep.
Interview/Photo/Written by: Daigo Onozuka