Peak Performance | Shock of Dawn | Starring Yu Sasaki

Big Triangle, one hand in the snow Hakuba, January 2019. The Big Triangle face sat at 1,720 meters with a 46-degree pitch, hard enough to punish any hesitation. Yu Sasaki dropped into the venue after earning his way in through the local qualifier and opened with a big 360 off the top air.... Read more on the Athlete page

Overview and significance Japan is a global benchmark for resort-accessible powder and night-lap culture, with two complementary ski archetypes that keep freeskiers coming back: the storm-socked island of Hokkaidō in the north and the higher, more rugged ranges of Honshū around Nagano and Niigata. Hokkaidō’s cold Siberian air streams over the Sea of Japan and drops light, forgiving snow across birch forests famous for repeated face shots. Honshū’s Japanese Alps add bigger relief, steeper valley walls, and storm cycles that build deep bases, plus a broad network of resorts and towns that hosted the Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics and still reflect that legacy.... Read more on the Location page

Brand overview and significance Atomic is one of skiing’s defining brands, founded in 1955 by Austrian craftsman Alois Rohrmoser and still engineered and manufactured in the Alps. From early race skis to today’s World Cup winners and freeride icons, Atomic has consistently blended athlete input with industrial-grade R&D. The company operates a state-of-the-art factory in Altenmarkt im Pongau, Austria, with additional production in Chepelare, Bulgaria, and belongs to the Amer Sports portfolio, ensuring global distribution and resources without losing its alpine DNA.... Read more on the Sponsor page

Brand overview and significance Peak Performance is a Scandinavian apparel brand founded in the ski town of Åre, Sweden, and built around the idea that minimalist design can still handle harsh mountain weather. For skiers, the name has become shorthand for clean styling wrapped around dependable protection, whether you live in a Nordic resort town or rack up annual trips to the Alps and Rockies. The company focuses on technical outerwear and insulating layers for on-piste, freeride, and backcountry use, along with casual pieces that transition to travel and town.... Read more on the Sponsor page

Brand overview and significance POC is a Swedish protection specialist that changed how skiers think about helmets, goggles and body armor. Founded in 2005 by Stefan Ytterborn and based in Stockholm, the brand built its identity around one clear mission: to protect lives and reduce the consequences of accidents for athletes and anyone inspired to be one. Rather than treating safety as an afterthought, POC put research, biomechanics and industrial design at the center of its product development, creating protection that feels technical, looks distinctive and is comfortable enough to wear every day on snow.... Read more on the Sponsor page

Brand overview and significance Rhythm Japan is a destination-focused ski, snowboard and bike specialist that has grown into one of Japan’s most visible mountain retailers and rental providers. Founded in Niseko in 2005 by Australian riders Matthew Hampton and Mick Klima, the company started with just two employees and a simple goal: ride as much as possible while giving visitors access to gear that actually matches Japan’s deep, often tricky snow conditions. Today, Rhythm Japan runs large multi-service stores in Niseko, Hakuba and Furano, employs hundreds of staff each winter, and operates at the heart of the country’s modern “Japow” experience.... Read more on the Sponsor page