Dreamgate Co., Ltd.'s new model ski test ride event for next season, specializing in powder, freeride and heel free, which is usually held during the high season, was held on the first weekend of March. The venue was Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort, which is famous for its long course, and we will report on the situation.
A 3km long ride under the blue sky!
Dreamgate Co., Ltd. operates professional ski shops based in Kanda, Tokyo, including Aspen/FJunk/Fusou & Boot Tune/Ski Shop Bail, but this test drive event was run mainly by SKI SHOP VAIL, who is particularly strong in freeriding. The exhibitors are all famous and popular brands for powder and freeride fans and telemarkers.
4FRNT/ARMADA/ATOMIC/BLACKCROWS/BLASTRACK/BLUEMORIS/BLIZZARD/CANDIDESKI/DPS/DYNAFIT/ELAN/EXTREM/FACTION/FISCHER/ICELANTIC/K2/LINE/MAJESTY/NORDICA/RMU/SALOMON/SCOTT/SEASON/SIMPLY/VOLKL/WAPAN/ZAG…
The venue was set up in the center area of Myoko Suginohara Ski Resort, and is compact in size. The entire venue has a panoramic view, making it convenient for walking around, no matter which board you take next. Just below the 3km long Suginohara Gondola platform, so when you put on the boards you will be straight to the gondola. Saturday, March 1st was a clear, cloudless sunny day, and from the gondola we also enjoyed spectacular views of Lake Nojiri and the mountains of Kitashinano.
The gondola top is at an altitude of 1,489m. You can ride a 3km long ride through the Giant course with a maximum slope of 26° and onto the Shirakaba Course. The snow quality on the nicely packed course was excellent, making it a test drive event in good condition.
Find the right model for you with advice from professional riders and staff ⁈
Many users say, "At the test drive event, you can compare different models and hear a lot of detailed information from the staff about the board they like." This time, not only the manufacturer's product managers were featured in the booths of each brand, but also several professional riders from the team. Riders are riding all the models of the brand in a variety of snow conditions.
Not only is the rich experience, but the "clever verbalization skills of skiing, the feeling of riding, and what kind of person it suits" that only professional skiers can only find are wonderful, and it also provides very helpful advice for users to understand the product and determine whether it is a ski that suits them. While picking up the actual skis, you can check the lightness, flex, and ski shapes, and the knowledge and information you can gain through communication with professional staff are valuable things you will never get from looking at the catalogue. This is the big attraction of the test drive event.
What models were you riding well? Popularity check
This test drive event was extremely popular since advance reservations were made, and the capacity slots that we had set at the beginning were not enough to fit, and we suddenly increased the number to 140 people. Pre-orders are free, but although there was a fee of 1,000 yen on Saturdays, which was particularly sunny, there were many skiers taking part on the day, making it quite exciting.
Amidst such a booming success, what kind of models were attracting attention from each brand, and have many test drives been made? The editorial staff went around the booth and asked.
K2｜LINE｜VOLKL（EOC）
Comment from Fukushima, the person in charge of the product (right of the photo).
"This time, we're going to be a test ride event hosted by SKI SHOP VAIL and F-JANCK, so we brought over 100mm centers to specialize in freeride-related skis. The skis that we often saw on test drive aircraft are the Reckoner and Mindbender. The Mindbender's 96C (women's) and 106C were well received. I think the cargo is the almighty performance and the unique carbon that makes it all the difference is why users like it."
"Sakana is the one that often appeared on LINE. It's popular for its impact and handling of the fishtail. Also, PANDORA was praised for being able to ski firmly."
SALOMON
SALOMON said that "Départ 1.0" and "QST BLANK" were overwhelmingly popular, and that skis had no time to be placed on the snow. The impressions of users who rode QST BLANK were excellent, saying, "It has a more firm feel than I expected, the slopes are slippery, and I can imagine that they can continue to put powder in like this and push the powder."
The "QST" has also been updated, with the length and visuals that are easy for women to wear are well received. It is said that many women tested it off. Many people said, "It doesn't seem like it's very strong, so it's easy to ride. There's a wide range of people who can use it," and many people said, "It's a board that's easy to get into when people who have worn boards for On-Pistezers up until now, when they're riding thicker boards in the future."
FACTION
FACTION was the most popular user base. I got the impression that people never stopped moving all day. The "Agent Series" was particularly popular. It is lightweight, all-round, and has metal, so it can be driven well, so it has attracted a lot of attention from turn fans. The staff recommended "Prodigy" for beginners, and "Studio" for speedy and advanced intermediate users.
ICELANTIC
The popular model was the Nomad 100. According to ICELANTIC staff,
"It seems that many users have already owned a variety of boards and would like to try wearing different boards next time. I'm sure the demand for thicker boards is increasing due to heavy snow this year. What we'd like to promote as a brand in the future is the Nomad and Maiden series, which were renewed last year. We haven't yet made it to deliver the '25-26 season models yet, but we'll be in there after this. Stay tuned for the next test drive event."
"There are many users who look forward to this catalog every year and collect it," he said. It might be a good idea to go to a test drive to get a luxurious catalog.
BLASTRACK
The highlight of the 25-26 season is the limited production model "VA-DT" with a uniquely shaped dual tail, and the test drive event will be full rotation all day long.
The two new models are also attracting attention: the IMPROVE90, the first fully remodeled model in the series, and the fastest model "E" of the ELIXIR and the lightest model "L". The "ELIXIR" was often test-driven, including telemarkers. However, BLASTRACK's classic model, "FARTHER," is still very popular. The 2025-26 season has been adopted with a new mold and flex balance, improving off-road performance, stability and operability.
DPS
The top recommendation of rider Shinoda Ryuichiro, who attended the booth all day, is the all-mountain free ride version here. A new hybrid carbon structure has been adopted, further improving operability and stability, and has been completely renewed.
atomic
All ATOMIC powder-freeride skis have undergone graphics changes during the 2025-26 seasons. Freeride models can be divided into three major categories: the MAVERICK, an on-piste style with a strong thickness, the BENT family, which is full of playfulness from powder to park rides, and the BACKLAND, which is good at hiking and perfect for backcountry, but ATOMIC skis are extremely easy to choose for users with a clear skiing orientation.
At this test drive event, we could see that users with clear intentions came to ride the event in an effort to see it, but the most popular item was "BENT." The graphics are also one of the reasons why they are so popular, but the staff said this:
"The BENT series has the operability of a typical ski, but is slippery and versatile among powders, making it versatile. And yet it's overwhelmingly light. I think this is highly praised by users. I think BENT has now become a classic road."
SIMPLY
SIMPLY, a brand originating in Switzerland and is now in its third year, has entered Japan since the 2024-25 season. The 2025-26 season will be available in three models, with the main focus being "recreation".
An all-round model with a center of 100mm. It features a unique shape called asymmetrical fishtails, making it particularly eye-catching. At first glance, it looks tough, but surprisingly soft. The flex is fully usable even from the tail, making it easy to enjoy on any terrain. It was also very popular at this test drive event, perhaps due to its cool look and novelty. There are no interruptions to the number of users who want to test drive one after another. There were a wide variety of sizes available, but it was impressive that it was carried by people of all ages and genders.
RMUs
When I spoke to the RMU staff, I heard
that "Professor's 101 and 111 were particularly popular this time. Overall, all-round models ranging from 100 to 111 were popular and were often driven. RMU is produced in the same factory as the Extrem, so I think it's also attractive that it can be offered at a reasonable price despite its high quality. Women also liked the fashionable design graphics."
The "Professor 101" is a new model that was released in the 2025-26 season. (The fourth shot from the right in the photo above) and the unisex all-mountain skis, "VALHALLA97" and "VALHALLA107" (two shots from the right) have been updated with pink and light purple graphics.
EXTREM
EXTREM, from Sweden, is a carefully crafted brand that is dedicated to connoisseurs, creating high-quality products at Swedish factories while valuing environmental considerations. The 2025-26 season has undergone graphics changes depending on the model, giving it a stylish finish that gives it a Swedish feel.
The most popular model this time was the "FACTORY102." It is advertised as a versatile "perfect" freeride model, from powder to grooming burn, and is very popular in Japan. And the fat "FINAL OPINION" for deep powder, which says, "Legolas, from Vinter, which sells EXTREM in Japan, was unexpectedly attracting attention, and many people wanted to ride it.
"FORMURA88" is something I would definitely recommend trying at future test drive events. The Radius is 11.5m, and the extremely strong side curve creates outstanding mobility, making it extremely fun to maneuver at the grooming burn.
WAPAN
WAPAN skiing was an exceptionally gorgeous presence at the venue. Since its launch, as the name suggests, it has gained popularity for its bold graphics that are inspired by the Japanese style, but three new graphics have been released in the 2025-26 season, with WAPAN's unique style, allowing you to choose your favorite graphics based on each model and size, such as "I", "R", and "Ha". The ski structure and materials continue to change from 2024-25.
The graphic image is first "Homura" (right in the photo above). It is said to have been inspired by the flames on Fudo Myo-o's back. It looks somewhat spiritual and very strong, and is sure to look great in the snow. And then there is a egret graphic (next to the left of the flame). The graphics are designed by a female snowboarder from Zao local Zao, and the soft, feminine brush touch gives it a gentle, elegant look. And then there is a sparrow graphic (next to the left of the egret). It is said to be a work by a designer who runs a snowboard shop in Okope Town, East Hokkaido. The sparrow is seen as a symbol of Japan, and the designer's local Ainu patterns are combined with the design.
BLACK CROWS
The model that the skier in the photo is holding is the "sato" that has been attracting attention from the 2025-26 season. This model is unusual for BLACKCROWS, with a focus on leveling and resorts, with a waist of 90mm. Perfect for resort skiers who want to cruise the slopes lightly and freely. This time, the "sato" was often test-driven. In addition, the mirus cor carving machine with a waist of 87mm and the all-mountain model with a waist of 100mm were also active.
According to staff, the full lineup will be brought with them to the next Dreamgate test drive event at Naeba (3/22-23), so they would like to see other freeride models such as the Atris, Corvus, and Anima.
ARMADA
When I asked the staff at the ARMADA booth about the trends of users at this test drive event, they explained this:
"As for ARMADA, the classic line is the ARV. Many people who wear ARMADA for the first time come in from here. The cosmetics of ARVs are attractive every year, and they are well-known for their ease of riding. Test drive aircraft were always on this one. However, since the ZERO series was released, I feel that they have become more popular as well.
The JJ has also been overwhelmingly popular in Japan. Many people come to the test drive event with the aim of asking, "Can I ride a JJ?" This time, the White Walker has been test drives for a long time. Many ARMADA users do a lot of freeriding. Big kickers and people who enter the park will love White Walker from the start. It's light and easy to move in a variety of situations.
The rest is the Diclivity Series. When wearing thick skis for the first time, many people have opted for The Twin Tip, but recently many people have been evaluating skis that are relatively flat and have a strong edge up until the second half of the tail, with excellent carving turn performance at On Piste. "Declivity-X" is a stylish carving turn, and it was also popular at this test drive event."
STEEP is implementing these initiatives!
In addition to reporting on the new model test drive event, the editorial department began interviewing this time was a major mission. The goal was to "gather honest test drive impressions from ordinary users without any prejudice." It is still a secret how we will cook this in the future, but we asked the users at the venue to write about their performance and ride quality, as well as impressions.
The editorial department's collection of user impressions will continue at the next test drive event hosted by DreamGate (3/22-23). Next time I would like to test drive a new model that I'm interested in and give my impressions! If you think this is the case, I would definitely recommend you as a reporter.
Finally, a message from Manager Ikeda of "SKI SHOP VAIL"
"On the first day, the weather was nice and many customers came. This time, I got the impression that any type of brand model was moving evenly. After testing, I was able to narrow down the board I wanted, so many people went to the store to make a reservation.
This time, the capacity to 100 people per day was quickly exceeded, so we increased the number of slots and actually received nearly 150 people on Saturday. However, if we increase the number too much, the boards that you want to ride will be overwhelmed, which is not good for us to wait, so we would like to do some effort to make everyone happy.
We would like to continue to be a store where customers can always be of great help so that users can choose happy gear.
Be sure to come to our next test drive event at Naeba! ”
The next test drive event by DreamGate will be held soon!
3/22 (Sat)-23 (Sun) @Naeba Ski Resort
Next time, you can test drive new models in a wider range of genres, including racing/demo. Why not visit this extremely popular test drive event, where many brands gather?
◆Details
https://www.instagram.com/p/DGXEW5PyrYv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
◆Apply to participate
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