REPORT

This morning, two visitors from Aichi Prefecture (pictured) told me, “We always read your reports! We started today on the OGASAKA E-TURN, and just like yesterday, we’re going to try as many different skis as we can.” The “2026/27 New Model Ski & Snowboard Demo Event” (free participation), which was canceled on 4/10 (Fri.) due to bad weather, drew about 650 participants on 4/11 (Sat.), and around 500 entries by 11:00 a.m. on 4/12 (Sun.).
[Special Event Venue]

The demo lineup included more than 600 pairs of skis and over 400 snowboards. Because the models had been announced in advance, it was easy to go straight to the skis you wanted to try. At the same time, it was possible to talk with staff at each booth and choose gear based on their recommendations.
[Special Event Venue]

Each test run lasted about 20 minutes per ski, so I was able to try two per hour. Many participants rode the Yamabiko 2 Four (732 m), skied the Yamabiko D Course or E Course, and then returned to the demo area. For comparison, the official snow depth on the same date last year was 260 cm—more than three times this season’s level.
[Special Event Venue]

In addition to skis, there were booths for trying goggles and bindings, as well as a free waxing service provided by TEAM RESCUE WAX (pictured). A staff member (pictured, center) explained, “The snow surface is getting dirty from yellow dust, dirt, PM2.5, and pollen. This time of year, we recommend ‘Yukitora’ wax.” By chance, a group that included former Olympians Aiko Uemura (pictured, third from the left) and Hisashi Endo (pictured, fifth from the right) was also getting their skis waxed.
[Special Event Venue]

　
[Nozawa Onsen Details on 4/12 (Sun.)]
*OPEN Courses … Yamabiko A・B・C・D・E, Kokenashi A・B, Uenotaira, Paradise
*Operating Lifts … Nagasaka Gondola (8:10～), Yamabiko four, Yamabiko No.2 four, Uenotaira four, Paradise four
*Fees … Spring Discount from 3/30 Adult JPY5,900, 6 to 15 y/o JPY3,500, Over 60 y/o JPY4,700
　　
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reported by Snownavi