After fresh snowfall, even groomed slopes transform into a playground for enjoying the soft, untouched powder snow. However, most skis on the market are designed for groomed runs, which can lead to challenges like skis sinking or struggling to turn smoothly in the soft powder, making them less than ideal for such conditions.

To address this, Hoshino Resorts has partnered with the Japanese brand VECTOR GLIDE, known for its skis and snowboards tailored for powder snow and backcountry adventures. We’ve opened VECTOR GLIDE demo centers at three of our ski resorts across Japan, offering an easy and accessible way to try out these specialized models.

These opportunities are rare, making this a unique chance to experience gear designed for powder skiing. Each of the three Hoshino Resorts ski locations is blessed with abundant snowfall, making them perfect destinations for skiers and snowboarders seeking premium powder conditions. We invite you to take this opportunity to discover the unparalleled thrill of powder skiing.

VECTOR GLIDE skis and snowboards are celebrated for their remarkable floatation in powder, turning performance, and stability. However, their greatest appeal lies in their design, which is meticulously optimized for Japan’s diverse snow conditions. Japan’s snow isn’t limited to light, fluffy powder; it includes heavier, moisture-rich snow, and granular spring slush. These conditions vary greatly depending on the region, weather, and season, making versatility essential. VECTOR GLIDE gear is crafted to handle a wide range of snow types with ease, delivering exceptional performance.

VECTOR GLIDE: Crafted by Experience, Designed for Japan’s Snow

VECTOR GLIDE skis and snowboards are built to handle Japan’s diverse snow conditions—a testament to the expertise of the brand’s founder, Masuyuki Akiba. As a professional skier who has conquered ski resorts and backcountry terrains across Japan, Akiba founded VECTOR GLIDE with the vision of creating skis that maximize the enjoyment of Japan’s unique snow. Drawing from his extensive experience as a skier, Akiba is deeply involved in every step of the process, from product planning and design to fine-tuning the ride quality.

Most powder skis are designed to be wide for extra floatation and thick for enhanced stability. At first glance, they may feel wider, heavier, and stiffer compared to standard skis. The width ensures buoyancy in deep snow, while the weight and stiffness provide stability across various snow conditions. The stiffness also allows for smooth, controlled turns without being overpowered by the surface. In short, the weight and stiffness aren’t just features—they’re essential specs for conquering powder and diverse snow terrains.

Soft, lightweight skis may lack stability on rough snow surfaces, often fluttering or getting deflected at high speeds. While the weight and stiffness of powder skis are sometimes seen as drawbacks, they are actually key advantages. These features deliver unmatched stability and a smooth ride, which we invite you to experience firsthand by trying VECTOR GLIDE skis.

“Many people think of VECTOR GLIDE as a hardcore ski brand, but I see this as a misunderstanding,” says founder Masuyuki Akiba. “When you choose the right ski model and length to suit you, there are plenty of options that anyone can enjoy. Once you try them, you’ll barely notice the weight.”

VECTOR GLIDE’s Demo Centers are now open at three premier ski resorts: Tomamu Ski Resort (Hokkaido), Nekoma Mountain (Fukushima), and Mt.T (Gunma). Each demo center offers a lineup of skis and snowboards, carefully selected to suit the groomed runs and surrounding backcountry conditions of each location. We invite you to try them out after a fresh snowfall and experience the performance that VECTOR GLIDE is known for.