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 specialty ski and outdoor shop, is the only ski specialty store in Kichijoji, Tokyo, and is popular for its wide selection of products and service that values the needs of each individual customer.
The first installment of the "'25-26 New Model Test Ride Event," which brings the same extensive product selection and attentive service to the snow, was held at Katashina Kogen Ski Resort from February 22nd to 23rd. Because it was during a three-day weekend, there were long lines at both the lifts and the test ride event registration.
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
Around 20 brands exhibited, including unique brands that are not usually available for test rides. Despite the continuous snowfall that obscured the surface of the boards, staff from each manufacturer diligently brushed the snow off the boards and patiently answered questions. For
brands where the representative couldn't attend due to scheduling conflicts, Mt. Peaks staff handled everything. We had heard rumors that Mt. Peaks employs professional staff trusted by major manufacturers, and our editorial team had a brief conversation with one such person, Mr. Hoshi. We were overwhelmed by his vast knowledge and passion. Talking to him made us want to try everything. Truly a top-notch advisor. Here are Mr. Hoshi's comments regarding future events.
This was our third demo event, and we had the highest number of demo bikes and visitors ever. We are grateful to our customers who use our products every day for making it possible to hold a demo event of this scale. For
next season, we have exciting news, including double BOA boots, new ARMADA boots, and for skis, major graphic changes and many manufacturers adding new models.
Why not join me on the Mt. Peaks wood deck for a chat about 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
published by STEEPthe pro shop guide, but this was the first time the editorial team had seen him at work in person. The manager himself was at the reception desk, greeting participants with a smile and even setting up bindings, and he seemed busy all day long. This test ride event was a great success, and with the next one already scheduled, we asked him for an overview of the event.
This is Tatsumi, 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 the customers who participated. Thank you very much.
For me, test ride events are not only about letting customers experience and reserve the latest equipment, but also about creating a wonderful social space where we can exchange and share information on the same field of snow, and connect with each other through communication. We
will continue to plan exciting snow events, so please look forward to them. We hope to see you on the snow!
[Information]
・Mt.Peaks
2-18-8 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino City, Tokyo Komori Building 1F
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-mura, Tone-gun, Gunma 378-0413, Japan
TEL: 0278-58-2161
Official website:https://katashinakogen.co.jp/