On the weekend of February 22nd and 23rd, Mt.Peaks held an early test ride event for the 2025-2026 season for skiers who eagerly await the release of new models every year. Here is a report on the test ride event run by a pro shop that prides itself on providing the best hospitality and service
Record number of participants
Mt.Peaks, a ski and outdoor specialty store, is the only ski specialty store in Kichijoji, Tokyo, and has gained popularity for its wide selection of products and service that values the individual needs of each customer.
The first of the "'25-26 New Model Test Ride Events," an event that brought the wide selection of products and attentive service directly to the snow, was held at Katashina Kogen Ski Resort from February 22nd to 23rd. As it was during a three-day weekend, there were long lines at the lifts and at the reception for the test ride.
Check out the video to see what happened on the day!
Here's a photo of the event posted on Mt.Peaks' official Instagram, which gives a sense of the excitement at the venue
What makes Mt.Peaks test rides different?
What makes this event more appealing than other test ride events is not only the wide selection that only a pro shop can offer, but also the fact that it is held in the latter half of February, allowing visitors to fully check the true performance of the skis by test riding them on snow conditions in the peak season. The event is held at Katashina Kogen Ski Resort in Gunma Prefecture, which is easily accessible from central Tokyo. As a skier-only ski resort, it offers a sense of security where a wide range of skiers, from families to seniors, can ski with peace of mind, and there is a warm, community-like atmosphere where people share the same passion for the sport. Staff are also on hand to answer any questions you may have about the skis, so you will feel very satisfied when making your selection
Despite this, the test drive was very smooth and comfortable. We glided briskly down the course and came to a sudden, stylish halt in front of each manufacturer's booth. We were greeted by the staff with "Welcome back!", and then quickly switched to another model and sent off with a "Have a great trip!" The streamlined flow was just like an F1 pit stop at a car race. I walked around the venue trying not to get in the way, and spoke to a few people
These two are father and son, and the son invited his father to this test ride event. The father looked happy as he listened to his son's recommendations for models. It was clear to see how skiing has been passed down through generations and styles
Ace-level staff who lead the store
There were around 20 brands exhibiting, including some unique brands that you don't usually get a chance to test ride. Despite the snow falling so hard that the surface of the skis was obscured, the staff from each manufacturer diligently brushed the snow off the skis and carefully responded to inquiries.
For brands whose representatives were unable to attend due to overlapping dates, Mt.Peaks staff handled the situation. We had heard rumors that Mt.Peaks has professional staff who can be trusted even by major manufacturers, and our editorial team was able to chat briefly with one of them, Mr. Hoshi, and we were overwhelmed by his knowledge and enthusiasm. As we talked, we wanted to try everything. He is truly a first-class advisor. Here are Mr. Hoshi's comments on future events.
This was the third test ride event we've held, and the number of test rides and visitors was the highest ever. We're grateful to our customers who use our services every day, making it possible to hold a test ride event of this scale.
Next season, we'll be introducing double BOA boots and new ARMADA boots. For skis, we'll be making major changes to the graphics, and many manufacturers will be adding new models, so there's plenty of useful information to look forward to.
Why not join me on the wooden deck at Mt. Peaks to discuss next season's skiing?
I stayed at the same inn as the people involved in the test ride event, and had a chance to talk to them at length. I learned that although they normally work in jobs unrelated to skiing, many staff members come to help out at each event due to the manager's personality. It was impressive to see them running around the venue, working hard to help out. I also got a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes aspects of running the test ride event, such as preparations that begin early in the morning
Manager Tatsumi's thoughts
the Pro Shop Guide published by STEEP , but this was the first time our editorial team saw him at work. The manager himself was at the reception desk, welcoming participants with a smile and even setting up their bindings, and seemed busy all day. This test ride was a great success, and with the next one coming up soon after the first one, we were asked to give a summary of the event.
This is Tachimi, the manager of Mt. Peaks.
This was our third new model test ride event, and we had the highest number of participants ever. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our customers who participated. Thank you very much.
For me, a test ride event is not only important for customers to experience and make reservations for the latest materials, but also a great social occasion where we can exchange and share information with customers on the same field, the snow, and connect with each other through communication.
We will continue to plan exciting snow events, so please look forward to them. I look forward to seeing you on the snow!
[Information]
・Mt.Peaks
1F Komori Building, 2-18-8 Kichijoji Honmachi, Musashino City, Tokyo
TEL: 0422-27-2035
Official website: https://www.arigaen.co.jp/mtpeaks.html
Official SNS: Instagram │ Facebook │ X
・Katashina Kogen Ski Resort
2990 Koshimoto, Katashina Village, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture, 378-0413
TEL: 0278-58-2161
Official website: https://katashinakogen.co.jp/