Japan

The first generation of the Shift revolutionized touring. With the Shift² 16 MN, Atomic now promises the ultimate upgrade: revised weak points, more metal and a completely new heel construction should make the binding stronger and enable a Z-value of up to 16. Is it really the perfect solution for freeriders? I chased it through Japow and boarded it over hard slopes to answer this question.

Piper Kunst steals the show. Armada's Team Movie makes history, Snowboard Heaven unfolds in Riksgränsen, the Japan Team Movie celebrates its 20th anniversary, a Nasa station appears in the Pyrenees - and finally there's a comedy hit.

First we go to France, where it gets steep and crazy - mountaineering and steep skiing. Next up is a trip to Japan and the world of carving tricks on a snowboard. There are also two behind-the-scenes videos of the X Games. Finally, we show a mogul video and take a new look at 2027: Gator Lock as a competitor to BOA.

The Videos of the Week are back. Happy, if somewhat belated, 2026! The last few weeks have been busy: Sammy's new masterpiece has been released, K2 has presented a backcountry team film and Jacob Callaghan, my favorite filmmaker and rider, is back with a new video for Season EQPT. Enjoy the week and, like Drew Peterson, let skiing or snowboarding be a means to mental health!

Survived Christmas, said hello to the whole family in love and stress - or hid somewhere in the snow or on the beach? I'm using this space this week to draw attention to a website: the Freeski Museum. Eric Iberg has been working for years on creating a platform that brings together all ski films, all ski pro models, all podcasts, etc. It's finally online and still a long way from being finished - but wow, so cool. Thanks for that.

This week's selection is made up of eight current films, including Pops by Sam Kuch, a heart-warming short film about becoming a father, as well as some classics that are perfect for the Christmas season. Let yourself be surprised, enjoy the holidays and end the year in peace. We take a journey through time from the 1980s to the 2020s and ask the question: Which ski or snowboard film was formative for its decade and was at the center of an entire era?

Many people dream of a white Christmas. In our SnowChase Xmas Special, we take a closer look: Where does it snow under the Christmas tree, where does it stay green and where is it at least sugared?

This week, Chris Rubens takes us to his organic farm and gives us an insight into his life as a farmer alongside his skiing career. We also travel to Uzbekistan with Arthur Longo and meet Mike Hornbeck, who shows us the special bond between father and son while skiing.

This week's highlights: Max Palm's new short film, which impresses with its versatility and cinematic style. The K2 team trip to Japan takes us to endless powder slopes and stylish park moments. And the Five Blind Mice venture into the absolute wilderness while snow camping in Alaska - six days, two tents, pure thirst for adventure. Finally, the recap of the Jossi Wells Invitational is also out and brings the incomparable spirit of the park directly to the screens

We start with a funny short film project about the lunch break, then visit Patagonia and crazy French people, watch splitboarders ride across the meadow and take a look at the freeski scene in Japan, which is a little disconnected from the rest of the world. This week's contest is the SLVSH Cup, and the History Lesson is all about Parker White.

This week I'm launching a new sub-category: the History Lesson, in which I show must-watch videos from the past. It starts with a snowboard film that even inspired Candide. There's also a really nice project from Arc'teryx and a dose of style from Henrik and Phil aka B & E.

Welcome to February, dear friends of snow sports! Snowfall brings joy to the whole world again after a dry January. Time to get inspired - with creative comp skiing, short films that capture the emotions of snow sports and a bit of learning material to round things off.