Reasons you should (and shouldn’t) buy your next skis from Japan’s oldest ski manufacturer

Ski Asia writer Eliot Cochrane explores Ogasaka Ski's history and influences on its models for the upcoming 2025/2026 season.

For over a century, Ogasaka, Japan’s oldest ski manufacturer, has imbued that unique sensation into every ski they craft. Founded in Nagano in 1912, what began as a small operation crafting wooden skis has evolved into a symbol of Japanese monozukuri, reflecting a dedication to craftsmanship, precision, and attention to detail. Rooted in a region renowned for its snowy winters and rich mountain culture, Ogasaka has been at the forefront of Japan’s winter sports history.

The Ogasaka Ski factory in Nagano, Japan, where a century of craftsmanship takes shape. Image: Ogasaka Ski

Ogasaka’s product lineup showcases their dedication to performance and love of snow sports. Their range includes the KEO’s varied collection of skis (all under 170 cm), UNITY for “all-mountain” versatility, Triun for competitive racers, TC (Technical Competition) for their demonstration series, and E-Turn for powder enthusiasts. While they produce other specialized skis, we’ll focus on these core offerings.

If you’re seeking a unique souvenir or wanting to try something different from what’s available in your home country, Ogasaka presents an intriguing option. Unlike larger manufacturers with endless catalogs covering every category imaginable, Ogasaka’s focused collection reflects their philosophy: make fewer products, but make them exceptionally well and with clear purpose. Let’s explore some of their standout skis for the 2025-2026 season.

Notable skis in the Ogasaka line-up

E-Turn series’ catalog picture. Image: Ogasaka Ski

E-Turn Series is Ogasaka’s powder-oriented collection. Introduced in 2002, it comes in multiple widths: 85 mm, 98 mm, 108 mm, and 115 mm.

The ET-8.5 (85 mm) serves as their narrow-powder, “all-mountain” option that performs well on softer snow while still handling light powder conditions. At the other end of the spectrum, the ET-11.5 (115 mm) is designed with a powder-only mentality. The ET-9.8 (98 mm) and ET-10.8 (108 mm) fall between these extremes on the versatility scale.

The 25/26 E-Turn models, ready for deep snow on the slopes. Image: Eliot Cochrane

With their powder focus, E-Turn skis feature a softer flex, wide shovels, and significant tip splay to prevent diving in deep snow. This specialized design means they won’t have as much performance on ice or hardpack.

Ideal For: Powder hounds and those seeking maximum float and playful turns in softer, deeper snow conditions.

UNITY series’ catalog picture. Image: Ogasaka Ski

UNITY is marketed as Ogasaka’s anytime/anywhere ski series. For the upcoming 2025/2026 season, they’ve increased the width from the previous 74-77 mm range to a consistent 81 mm. They’ve also expanded available lengths up to 174 cm in 7 cm increments.

The 25/26 UNITY models, perfect for fresh groomers and light powder. Image: Eliot Cochrane

Like most Ogasaka skis, the UNITY leans toward the softer side across its range. While it can hold an edge on firm snow, you’ll feel some chatter that requires finesse to manage. Where this ski truly shines is on fresh groomers and those magical days with a light dusting of powder over a groomed base that’s easy to cut through.

Ideal For: Anyone who enjoys fresh groomers and light/moderate powder while looking for a versatile, forgiving, and comfortable ride.

Tails of various 25/26 KEO’S models on snow. Image: Eliot Cochrane

KEO’S isn’t Ogasaka’s technical discipline line, but it incorporates many of the same design principles and shapes. The extensive KEO’S lineup offers numerous models and sizes that can be difficult to distinguish beyond their topsheets and lengths. For the narrow ski enthusiast, there’s certainly something to match your style. Adding further customization, there are two binding plate options available. If you’re looking for a near-custom ski fitting experience, KEO’S offers perhaps the closest you’ll get to a fitted ski without a truly custom build.

Ideal For: Those who appreciate precision and response from a narrow ski, or those seeking a near-custom fit for their specific turn preferences and style.

Full selection of skis available from Ogasaka Ski. Image: Ogasaka Ski

Why Choose Ogasaka?

For skiing in Japan, Ogasaka skis are worth considering for how well they handle local snow and terrain. They’re purposefully designed for the Japanese market and customers who value that “Made in Japan” label. While Japanese manufacturing signals quality worldwide, within Japan itself, this pride reaches different levels entirely.

The Ogasaka Ski booth and exhibition in Sendai, proudly showcasing “Made in Japan” quality. Image: Eliot Cochrane

This purpose-driven design philosophy is especially evident in their technical skis, where you’ll find numerous options designed to suit various skiers in the sub-70mm waist range. With multiple series (TC, KEO’s, Triun) all focusing within slightly varying dimensions and constructions, it’s clear their R&D department has invested heavily in creating distinctive skis for various turn styles, ability levels, and use cases.

Factory wrapped KEO’S Ogasaka Skis, awaiting their first turns. Image: Eliot Cochrane

Bonus Point: Any Japanese skier who spots a foreigner on Ogasaka will likely start a conversation. As a well-known domestic brand, locals will be curious about your experience with them. Just as visiting another country means sampling the local cuisine, riding Ogasaka skis offers another way to experience authentic Japanese craftsmanship.

Why Avoid Ogasaka?

Being designed specifically for local market conditions could also be Ogasaka’s biggest limitation. While these skis might feel perfect for the typically lighter and older Japanese customer, international skiers might find them somewhat lacking in certain aspects. While many of Ogasaka’s models feature a softer flex that might leave aggressive skiers wanting more responsiveness on hardpack or when charging through heavy crud, it’s important to note that their race-oriented series, Triun, and technical competition series, TC, are built with considerable stiffness and precision for high-performance, expert-level skiing.

The tails of Ogasaka’s TC series, designed for nimble short turns. Image: Eliot Cochrane

If you’re seeking skis that power through heavy crud, crush steep icy groomers, or blast across wide-open bowls with confidence, some Ogasaka models might feel underpowered.

The ET-8.5 topsheet and base for the 25/26 season, designed for versatile snow conditions. Image: Eliot Cochrane

Topsheet graphics can also be hit or miss. Some models maintain a clean, classic aesthetic, while others appear somewhat dated or cater to Japanese tastes that might not resonate with international skiers. Outside Japan, finding Ogasaka skis can prove difficult. So if you fall in love with a pair, securing another set later might present a challenge. That said, if you’re skiing in Japan, they’re definitely worth trying if you have the opportunity.

Beyond the Brand: Japanese Ski Craftsmanship

What distinguishes Ogasaka from international brands isn’t just their product lineup but their connection to Japanese manufacturing tradition. The concept of monozukuri runs deep in Japanese manufacturing culture. More than just production, it represents a philosophy emphasizing craftsmanship, precision, and continuous improvement.

The meticulous process of Ogasaka ski production in Nagano, embodying the monozukuri spirit. Image: Ogasaka Ski

This monozukuri spirit is especially evident in Nagano’s winter sports manufacturing heritage, where Ogasaka has operated for over a century. While global ski brands often emphasize marketing and rapid innovation cycles, Ogasaka’s approach reflects a distinctly Japanese balance between tradition and technology.

For visitors to Japan interested in skiing culture, Ogasaka represents an authentic piece of Japanese winter sports gear. Their products embody the regional skiing heritage of Nagano, where the relationship between craftsman, equipment, and mountain environment has been cultivated for generations.

Vibrant topsheets of the ET-10.8 models, adding a pop of color to the snow. Image: Eliot Cochrane

Taking home a pair of Ogasaka skis provides both functional equipment and a tangible connection to Japan’s ski manufacturing tradition. They offer something beyond the specifications and performance metrics of mainstream brands. Ogasaka offers a window into how Japanese engineering principles and regional skiing culture have shaped a company’s approach to ski design over more than a century.

For those who want a story behind their equipment as much as its performance, Ogasaka provides an interesting alternative to the dominant international brands. These skis serve as a reminder that skiing equipment isn’t just a globally standardized product, but can also reflect distinct regional approaches to both manufacturing and the skiing experience itself.

For anyone ready to discover the perfect Ogasaka ski for their next adventure, they can browse the full 2025-2026 catalog here.