STEEP × yukiyama app "STEEP SHOWDOWN with SAIMON FUJITA" Grand Prize Winners Interview

This photo contest was held in collaboration with the "yukiyama app," an app that enriches snowy mountain life through snowboarding, skiing, and other activities, and enables communication and information sharing at ski resorts. This year, Simon Fujita was invited as a guest judge, and three winners were carefully selected. We will introduce the winners of the prestigious Grand Prize in more detail

The first winner is "Yaichin"

[Guest Judge: Simon Fujita's Comment]
This time, there were especially many submissions of mobile suit cosplay, and I thought it was wonderful to see such a unique way of having fun. The selection was based entirely on the quality of the photos. It was a perfect Dom, after all. (laughs)　

--Please introduce yourself

I've been skiing for over 40 years and have been a member of the GP Team (Gundam Performance Team) for two seasons

──What does skiing mean to you? In one word

Have fun with friends!

──What made you start the yukiyama app?

When I was a GP troop fan, I started looking for GP troop members at ski resorts

──Please tell us how you use the yukiyama app

It's convenient for finding friends when you get separated. I check "RIDE OUT" for information on the day's ski runs and when the season is over, to look back on the season

──Please tell us your favorite ski gear

Skiboards around 100cm

──The off-season is coming up, so what off-season training do you recommend?

Eat lots of delicious food and get fat

──Finally, please give us some comments!

As I got older and started thinking about retiring from skiing, I discovered the GP team and now I ski more than I did when I was younger!

The second winner is "Shoko"

[Guest Judge: Simon Fujita's Comments]
Looking back on the season, it's great to enjoy seeing yourself gradually improve. I think it's a wonderful way to use the app to keep a record of that improvement for your own enjoyment. I used to keep a record of my own progress in writing on Mixi myself. Looking back later, you can make some unexpected discoveries, which is really interesting.　

--Please introduce yourself

I started practicing freestyle skiing two seasons ago. During the season, I ski almost every weekend!

──What does skiing mean to you? In one word

It's not too late to start the challenge

──What made you start the yukiyama app?

I started it after a friend recommended it to me

──Please tell us how you use the yukiyama app

I use it to check the distance, speed, and route I took, record what I learned when I went to school, and also to ask a friend to check my location if I drop my smartphone (this has helped me twice this season)

──Please tell us your favorite ski gear

ARMADA ARV84! I bought the shorter one on purpose, but it made it easier to turn and helped me drive a little better

──The off-season is coming up, so what off-season training do you recommend?

I started practicing trampolining last season, and I thought it was great because I was able to practice using my body in the air. After practicing on the trampoline, I'd like to practice jumping on water jumps or actually gliding on grass

──Finally, please give us some comments!

I was surprised and didn't expect to be selected, but I'm very happy! Thank you very much. If you see any tiny female freeskiers on the slopes, please keep an eye on them!

The third winner is "Mob"

[Guest Judge: Simon Fujita's Comment]
This is a moment where you're enjoying the best moment with your friends. It's the best feeling when you overcome a riding challenge that you might not have had the courage to do alone, with the support of friends who push you and film it. I could imagine that story.　

--Please introduce yourself

I'm Mob, and I mainly fly parks and terrain at Nekoma Mountain! I'm a weekend skier

──What does skiing mean to you? In one word

It's a battle with yourself!

──What made you start the yukiyama app?

I learned about it on the internet and started to think that skiing could be more fun

──Please tell us how you use the yukiyama app

I use it to measure the speed needed when jumping off kickers and to plan my top speed attacks!
I also make notes of anything I notice while skating.

──Please tell us your favorite ski gear

I use the Volkl Bash 86 (now the Revolt 86). I like it because it has a strong rocker, is hard and doesn't catch on the edges, and gives a stable landing!

──The off-season is coming up, so what off-season training do you recommend?

I go to water jumps and mat jumps. I think jumping on different platforms at different facilities is a great way to practice!

──Finally, please give us some comments!

Thank you so much for selecting me for the STEEP Editor-in-Chief Award. I'm incredibly happy. I'll continue to use the yukiyama app to enjoy the snowy mountains!
Also, this year, thanks to the help of Natsuki Endo, the lessons at Kandatsu Freeski School, and many friends and seniors, I was able to have a satisfying run and successfully finish the season. Thank you so much. I look forward to your continued support from off-season training next season!

Comment from guest judge Simon Fujita

I'm Simon Fujita, and I served as a judge this time.
Thank you so much for all your submissions. I was particularly impressed by how many people used yukiyama to reflect on the season. It's surprising how many people
don't take the time to look back on their riding this season. I hope that this reflection will serve as a catalyst or motivation for the next season.
As for the selection process, I chose "how to enjoy" as one of the themes. There are countless ways to enjoy it, but I selected those that I particularly resonated with or found impressive.
There were many other fascinating submissions, and it was very difficult to choose, but I have selected these three. Whether you share how you enjoy the extraordinary experience of the snowy mountains or use it as a personal record, everyone uses the app in their own way. I hope this will be an opportunity for you to find the way to enjoy yukiyama that suits you.

SPECIAL THANKS

Simon Fujita