A short report on the test ride event and more! 2021-22 New Model Ski Test Ride Schedule for March and April

Don't miss your last chance to try it out!　

Since late February, manufacturers and shops have been holding test rides of new ski models for the 2021-22 season. March is in full swing, with events taking place at a venue every weekend, but this will continue until late April. To make the most of the few remaining test ride opportunities, we'll show you what a test ride is like, share its benefits, and share feedback from participants and organizers

Alpen 2021-2022 New Model Ski Test Ride and Order Event
March 6-7 (Sat.-Sun.) at Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort

On a sunny Sunday like the one in the photo, the Alpen ski shop held a test ride and order event for new models at the Yamabiko slopes of Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort. This was the first test ride event to specialize in freeride and mountain models

The brands available for test rides were ICELANTIC, K2, LINE, ARMADA, SALOMON, BLIZZARD, BLASTRACK, DYNAFIT, DPS, BLACK CROWS, G3, and many more, all of which are popular freeride and mountain bikes.

There was a wide variety of models on offer, from new models debuting next season to current models with design changes and minor changes, but the lineup included the so-called top recommended models from each manufacturer, making it an efficient and convenient way to find out what will be selling next season and understand the functional features of popular models.

How the test drive works

For example, in order to participate in this test ride event, advance reservations must be made online, with a limit of 100 people per day on a first-come, first-served basis. Participation is free, and perhaps due to the fact that the venue is in the already popular Nozawa Onsen, the event was fully booked for two days, Saturday and Sunday, with a maximum capacity of 200 people! Doors

open from 9am on the day. You purchase your own lift ticket, and bring your boots, poles and ID to head up the mountain. After checking in at the venue, you're free to visit manufacturer booths and look around for models you'd like to try out.

It's great to be able to consult with them on the snow and try out the recommended model right away

The good thing about test rides is that you can get detailed product explanations from manufacturer staff, who you don't usually have a chance to speak to directly, and you can explain your skiing preferences and have them recommend a model that suits them. You can also get detailed advice on various matters.

With test ride time of about 30 minutes per ski, you can try out 5-6 skis in half a day. By riding them under the same conditions, it's a great way to compare the performance, features, and ride feel of the skis. If you have any questions or concerns after skiing, you can ask the staff, who will kindly explain them to you.

Even if you are buying new skis, it feels good to actually ride them and make a decision based on your own judgment, as opposed to buying them online or at a ski shop. What's more, test rides often come with special perks, which is great

We asked at the venue, "What did you think of this test drive?"

On Sunday afternoon, as the test drive was nearing an end, I asked the people at the venue, "How was this test drive?"

　DYNAFIT Sales Tomoya Takahashi

"Of course, the purpose of the test ride event is to be able to try out various skis, but I also think it's a way to enjoy the slopes. When you ride different skis on different slopes, the ride feels different and the scenery you see is different. I think it would be fun to come to the ski resort at this time of year to join the test ride event! The mountains were amazing today."

Two friends from Nagoya

"I get a rough idea of ​​what a board is based on manufacturer websites, information sites, and reviews from other people at test ride events, but buying a board without riding it is different from buying one after riding it and being satisfied with it, so I come here to check the ride feel. This time, I was looking for a model that I can enjoy whether it's snowing or not. I'm wondering whether it's SALOMON or K2." "Test ride events are great because you can ride a variety of boards. Today I was able to really feel the improvements compared to my current board."

　A working female basic skier

"I came here to see ICELANTIC. I had done some research online and on social media, and wanted to try out a few different skis. Today I rode four skis. I usually do basic skiing, but I thought that being able to ski on a variety of slopes, not just on groomed terrain, would broaden the enjoyment of skiing. I was a little worried about whether I could ride a thick board, but when I test rode it, I found it surprisingly enjoyable, and I received some good advice, so I decided on the spot and booked!"

Alpen Ski Advisor Kiyuji Okayama

"This year's event was more successful than usual, with 200 people attending over the two days. This was the only test ride event specifically for mountain skis, but it's rare to see such a large-scale test ride event in Japan where so many mountain brands come together. I hope it provided a good opportunity for fans to make a good choice. One notable event was ICELANTIC, with many users gathering together. Next time, I'd like to plan a user event in the off-season to widely spread the word about the fun and appeal of mountain skiing."

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Summary of the benefits of new model test drives

Finally, let's summarize the key points and benefits of test drives

１．By actually trying out a model that you've been interested in after reading about it online or in magazines, you can see how it performs, how it feels, how it differs from the image you had in mind, and how it suits your preferences

２．The test ride event is full of fresh topics from the ski world. You can get the latest information on the snow industry, including ski gear, information on fun mountains to ski, and events

３．You can also get detailed explanations of the products and hear about the brand directly from the staff of ski manufacturers, who you don't usually have a chance to talk to

４．By being able to compare different models, you can gain an objective and broad perspective, highlighting the features, advantages, and drawbacks of each ski, and clarify what model you want

５．You can often get some special benefits just by participating in a test drive event, and by placing an early order you can often purchase a new model at a discounted price

６．Riding a new model before anyone else is a great feeling for ski lovers and those in the know. Getting to know the staff at the manufacturer and shop makes you feel like family, which makes you feel a little proud and happy, and it's also a chance to meet new people to play with

７．It's a purely fun festival event that adds to the excitement of the snowy mountain season

So why not go and take part in a test drive event? There will be more test drive events held in various locations from now until April. Take advantage of this opportunity to find the perfect bike for next season!

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Come out and choose your next favorite car!
Test drive schedule for March and April