It's now 2026, and we're finally entering the peak season. Ski manufacturers and pro shops have begun holding test rides of the latest models for the 2026-2027 season. Test rides of new ski models are a valuable opportunity to try out new gear early on. Here's a summary of the test ride events that have been announced so far. We'll introduce them in order of most recent
STEEP | Ski test ride event "SKI DIG"
"STEEP" is holding its first ski test ride event, called "SKI DIG." Experience the joy of choosing from a wide variety of brands, testing them out on the snow, and finding the perfect pair that resonates with your body and senses. Just like digging up your favorite record at a record store, you'll have plenty of time to discover and enjoy a pair of skis. "SKI DIG" is
a new ski . A total of 45 brands will be gathered, offering not only hard gear like skis, boots, and bindings, but also soft goods like goggles and backcountry gear. In addition to the '26-27 NEW MODEL test ride exhibition and test ride event, there will also be original SKI DIG merchandise for sale.
Be sure to check out the event's official social media! https://www.instagram.com/ski.dig
"SKI DIG" Event Details
・Participation fee: ¥1,500 with priority entry *1 hour from 9:00-10:00 / Limited to 50 people, advance
reservation ¥1,000 / on the day ¥1,500
*A separate system usage fee of ¥200 will be charged for each ticket.
| Event schedule | time | venue |
|---|---|---|
| March 7th (Sat) – 8th (Sun), 2026 | 10:00-16:00 *Priority admission is limited to 50 people between 9:00 and 10:00 | Kashimayari Ski Resort Family Park, Nagano Prefecture |
◆For details and applications,
please visit https://skidig.peatix.com/view
◆List of exhibiting brands
*Alphabetical order
ARMADA ｜DEMO TOUR 2026
This season, the schedule for ARMADA test ride events has been announced at eight locations across the country, from Sapporo in Hokkaido to Hyogo. Some dates and locations are blessed with powder snow every year, so you can enter on the day depending on the conditions. Advance registration is required online, and signing up for ARMADA's email newsletter is a prerequisite. The latest information will be posted on Instagram and Facebook
"ARMADA DEMO TOUR 2026" Event Details
・Participation fee: Free
・Participation conditions: Online entry & bring ID
・Last rental is 30 minutes before closing time
| Event schedule | time | venue |
|---|---|---|
| January 17th (Sat) - 18th (Sun), 2026 | 10:00-15:00 | Hokkaido Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort |
| January 24th (Sat) - 25th (Sun), 2026 | 10:00-15:00 | Iwate Prefecture Appi Kogen Ski Resort |
| Saturday, January 31, 2026 - Sunday, February 1, 2026 | 10:00-15:00 | Iwate Prefecture Natsuyu Kogen Ski Resort |
| February 7th (Sat) - 8th (Sun), 2026 | 10:00-15:00 | Hachi Kogen Ski Resort, Hyogo Prefecture |
| February 14th (Sat) - 15th (Sun), 2026 | 10:00-15:00 | Gifu Prefecture Takasu Snow Park |
| February 21st (Sat) - 22nd (Sun), 2026 | 10:00-15:00 | Niigata Prefecture Kandatsu Snow Resort |
| February 28, 2026 (Sat) - March 1, 2026 (Sun) | 10:00-15:00 | Gunma Prefecture Kawaba Ski Resort |
| March 7th (Sat) - 8th (Sun), 2026 | 10:00-15:00 | Nagano Prefecture Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort |
◆Details and application
https://armadaskis.jp/index.php/demotour/
FACTION｜2026 DEMO DAYS
The January FACTION test ride schedule has been published on @factionskis_japan. This year, many test ride events are planned to be held in Hokkaido. Details will be updated sequentially, so keep an eye on Instagram
2026 DEMO DAYS
| Event schedule | time | venue |
|---|---|---|
| January 17th (Sat) - 18th (Sun), 2026 | Kashimayari Ski Resort Family Park, Nagano Prefecture Kiroro Resort, Hokkaido | |
| January 24th (Sat) – 25th (Sun), 2026 | Nagano Prefecture Hakuba Happoone Ski Resort |
◆Details
@factionskis_japan
2026-27 SALOMON SKI EXPERIENCE TOUR
The schedule for the "SALOMON SKI EXPERIENCE TOUR," a test ride event for new ski models, which will give you an early chance to experience the 2026-2027 season models, has been announced. The official website describes it as follows:
"This year's test ride event has a special meaning even more than usual. The Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo Winter Olympics, for which Salomon is a premium partner, are finally about to begin. To coincide with this major milestone, Salomon has completely revamped its racing products. They feature a variety of innovative technologies developed with an eye on the world's highest stage. Your heart will start beating the moment you touch the skis, and the moment they hit the snow, you will be astounded by their overwhelming gliding performance. Every time you ski down the slopes, you will discover a new you. Be the first to experience the excitement and thrills worthy of an Olympic year on the snow."
2026-27 SALOMON SKI EXPERIENCE TOUR Event Details
・Participation fee: Free
・Participation conditions: S/PLUS members (free) only
*If you are already an S/PLUS member or a member of the online store in the past, you will need to log in with your email address and password.
*If you are not registered, you can create an account for free by clicking "Create an Account"
*Guests cannot enter
*Certificates such as driver's license and insurance card must be presented.
| Event schedule | time | venue |
|---|---|---|
| January 24th (Sat) - 25th (Sun), 2026 | 10:00-15:00 | Gunma Prefecture White World Oze Iwakura |
| Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 10:00-15:00 | Hokkaido Kamui Ski Links |
| Sunday, February 8, 2026 | 10:00-15:00 | Sapporo Teine Olympia, Hokkaido |
| February 14th (Sat) - 15th (Sun), 2026 | 10:00-15:00 | Sugadaira Ski Resort, Nagano Prefecture (hosted by JSP) |
| Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 10:00-15:00 | Washigatake Ski Resort, Gifu Prefecture (SKI FORUM ONSNOW, hosted by JSP) |
◆Details and applications
: https://salomon.jp/a/archives/columns/8768
JSP SKI FORUM ON SNOW 2025 | New model test drive
This annual test ride event for next season's models is organized by the Japan Ski Industry Promotion Association (JSP). Many manufacturers and brands gather here during the peak season. You can compare models from various brands, and since it's held during the peak season, it's the perfect opportunity to try them out in good conditions. This season, the event will be held at the traditional Sugadaira venue and Washigatake Ski Resort in Gifu Prefecture. Advance registration is required, so don't forget to make a reservation! Advance registration is available through ski shops such as Alpen and Victoria (until February 13th), and through Asoview
JSP SKI FORUM ON SNOW 2026 New Model Test Ride Event Event Details
・Participation fee: 1,500 yen (2,000 yen on the day)
・Participation conditions: Must present proof of driver's license, insurance card, etc.
・Reception will close when capacity is reached
| Event schedule | time | venue |
|---|---|---|
| February 14th (Sat) – 15th (Sun), 2026 | 9:00-15:00 (Reception starts at 8:30) | Nagano Prefecture Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort Urataro Family Slope |
| Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 9:00-15:00 (Reception starts at 8:30) | Gifu Prefecture Washigatake Ski Resort HOTEL Rainbow Mae |
◆Details and application
https://ski-jsp.jp/
Ishii Sports | 2026-2027 New Model Ski Test Ride
Ishii Sports' annual nationwide test ride event for new models begins at Hyonosen International Ski Resort on February 21st and continues at eight locations nationwide this season. The lineup features a wide variety of new ski models, including racing, demo, and freeride. Test ride models will be announced as soon as they are finalized.
In addition to skis, you can also try out boots, goggles, and helmets in the field. Discount tickets will be distributed at the venue, but it's best to use them on the day of the test ride. If you make a reservation on the spot, you'll receive an additional discount on top of the special early booking price, allowing you to get the new model at the lowest price of the year. Advance registration for the test ride is now being accepted in-store or online!
2026-2027 New Model Ski Test Ride Event Event Details
・Participation fee: Advance application 1,100 yen | Same-day application 2,500 yen (Sugadaira venue only Advance application 2,750 yen | Same-day application 3,500 yen)
・Participation conditions: Must present proof of driver's license, insurance card, etc.
| Event schedule | time | venue |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 9:00-15:00 | Hyogo Prefecture Hyanoyama International Ski Resort |
| Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 9:00-15:00 | Niigata Prefecture Tainai Ski Resort |
| Sunday, March 1, 2026 | 9:00-15:00 | Niigata Prefecture Grape Snow Resort |
| March 7th (Sat) - 8th (Sun), 2026 | 9:00-15:00 | Nagano Prefecture Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort |
| March 14th (Sat) - 15th (Sun), 2026 | 9:00-15:00 | Geto Plateau, Iwate Prefecture |
| March 28th (Sat) - 29th (Sun), 2026 | 9:00-15:00 | Nagano Prefecture Sugadaira Kogen Snow Resort |
| April 4th (Sat) - 5th (Sun), 2026 | 9:00-15:00 | Hokkaido Sapporo Teine |
| April 11th (Sat) - 12th (Sun), 2026 | 9:00-15:00 | Hokkaido Kiroro Snow World |
◆For details and applications
, please visit https://www.ishii-sports.com/wintersports/customfair/ski_newmodel/
ATOMIC TEST DRIVE 2026
This is a test ride event where you can experience various Atomic skis on an actual snowy mountain. The attraction is that highly specialized staff, including top athletes who are guests, will give you advice on the settings that suit your skiing technique and preferences. In addition, product seminars will be held twice a day (from 12:30 and 14:00) exclusively at the Sugadaira venue. Gate tests will also be held at the Sugadaira and Asarigawa venues
ATOMIC TEST DRIVE 2026 Event Details
・Participation fee: 1,000 yen per person per day (lift ticket not included)
・Registration: From 8:30
・Please bring your boots, clothing, helmet, goggles, poles, etc. and gather at the meeting point on the day.
| Event schedule | time | venue |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday, February 5, 2026 - Sunday, February 8, 2026 | 9:00-14:30 | Sugadaira Kogen Ski Resort, Nagano Prefecture |
| Wednesday, February 11th – Saturday, February 14th, 2026 | 9:00-14:30 | Hokkaido Asarigawa Onsen Ski Resort |
| Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 9:00-14:30 | Hokkaido Asahikawa Kamui Ski Links |
| February 20th (Friday) - 21st (Saturday), 2026 | 9:00-14:30 | Iwate Prefecture Appi Kogen Ski Resort |
| Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 9:00-14:30 | Iwate Prefecture Shizukuishi Ski Resort |
| February 23, 2026 (Monday holiday) | 9:00-14:30 | Iwate Prefecture Iwate Kogen Snow Park |
Click here for details and application
VECTOR GLIDE GLIDE ON GROOVE
This season's VECTOR GLIDE DEMO TOUR "GLIDE ON GROOVE" will be held at three venues across the country. The official website describes it as "a test ride event where you can try out skis and snowboards that are made with uncompromising craftsmanship and pursue turning performance. With the theme of "enjoy gliding like the groove of music," we will deliver a new riding experience along with soothing music in collaboration with JAZZY SPORT."
Advance registration is required to avoid overcrowding.
VECTOR GLIDE GLIDE ON GROOVE Event Details
・Participation fee: Free
・Participation conditions: Advance online entry & ID such as driver's license required
・Last rental is 30 minutes before closing time
| Event schedule | time | venue |
|---|---|---|
| January 9th (Friday) - January 11th (Sunday), 2026 | 9:30-14:00 | Hokkaido Kiroro Resort |
| Saturday, January 31, 2026 - Sunday, February 1, 2026 | 9:30-14:00 | Fukushima Prefecture Nekoma Mountain by Hoshino Resorts |
| Saturday, March 7th to Sunday, March 8th, 2025 | 9:30-14:00 | Nagano Prefecture Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort |
Click here for details and application
VECTOR GLIDE TESTRIDE
VECTOR GLIDE TEST RIDE is a test ride event held at ski resorts across Japan. A lineup of models is selected to suit the area characteristics and field conditions of each location, allowing participants to experience the matching of the ski's individual characteristics with the snow quality and terrain
・Participation fee: Free
・Participation conditions: Advance online entry & ID such as driver's license required
・Last rental is 30 minutes before closing time
| Event schedule | time | venue |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday, February 21, 2026 - Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 9:30-14:00 | Togakushi Ski Resort, Nagano Prefecture |
Click here for details and application
Nekoma Mountain | NEKOMA MOUNTAIN FEST 2026
"NEKOMA MOUNTAIN FEST 2026" is a winter festival at Nekoma Mountain. It's a packed event with activities, including a ski and snowboard test ride event, "THE UNINVITED 2026" being held for the first time in Japan, as well as booths and night events. This year's lively event will be held again from February 6th (Fri) to 8th (Sun) during the peak season
A popular event at NEKOMA MOUNTAIN FEST, the largest test ride event for the latest skis and snowboards in the Tohoku region, will be held again this year. Famous snowboard and ski brands will be gathered together in one place. Be sure to take advantage of this lucky opportunity to try out a variety of items all at once
NEKOMA MOUNTAIN FEST 2026 Overview
Details will be announced at a later date
| Event schedule | time | venue |
|---|---|---|
| February 6th (Friday) – February 8th (Sunday), 2026 | To be announced at a later date | Hoshino Resorts Nekoma Mountain, Fukushima Prefecture |
◆ Details and application
https://www.nekoma.co.jp/event/60048/