Winter 25/26 Staff Gear Picks: Mid-Season Staples
If you’ve been in Niseko smashing pow this winter, there’s a fair chance you may have come across Aki.
Raised in New Zealand with Japanese descent, Aki had always wanted to come visit her roots in Japan, and she saw the storm fronts that were coming in this winter, she thought, 'no time like the present!' 
Now in Niseko for her first ever winter season, Aki’s been living it up both on and off the slopes (word on the street is she’s a bit of a beast in her staff accommodation table tennis league), and trying to squeeze in as much reading as possible (good luck).
But when she’s not out on the town or the slopes, she’s manning the counter at our Rhythm Summit location, giving her the best opinion on what retail has been hot this winter.
So for this edition of gear picks, we got her take on all the best gear for your mid-season holidays. Here's what she thought:
Smith - Method MIPS Helmet
Aki's Take:
"A MUST HAVE, no helmet, no steeze. Perfect to protect your head from any bells that may randomly appear infront of your head (bell’s don’t move?…)"
*Unfamiliar with what Aki means by 'Bells'? Ride at Hanazono more...
| SPECS | PERKS |
Construction: Lightweight In-Mold Construction Ventilation: AirEvac™ Ventilation Fit: Self-Adjusting Lifestyle Fit System | + 8 vents, making it easy to cool down the noggin' on warm days and essential for warming it up in deep pow conditions. + Designed for Ultimate Integration with Smith Goggles for Maximum Comfort and Venting + Safety is king |
Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥31,350
Burton - Japan Pass Holder
Aki' Take:
"Great for holding your pass kit and perfect for clipping to your steezy pants/jacket (that also seem to never have practical pockets). Alternatively, I use it as a on-the-go wallet to clip to my jeans on a night out, guaranteed I don’t lose anything."
| SPECS | PERKS |
Dimensions: 4in x 5in / 9cm x 12cm Material: 600D Polyester with PU Backing Warranty: Lifetime | + Carabiner included + Lift-pass sized clear pocket + bluesign® approved materials use only safe chemicals and reduce impact on both humans and the planet during manufacturing |
Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥2,200
Korua - Pencil 153
Aki's Take:
"GOATed board. So fun to ride, glides through the powder and can carve the heck out of a groomer."
| SPECS | PERKS |
Profile: Float Camber For: Backcountry/Powder/Trees Frame: Swallowtail | + With a slight swallowtail, the Pencil offers a playful release out the back without sacrificing edge hold or torsional stability + Profile helps you stay on top in deep powder while maintaining speed throughout the turn |
Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥96,800
Smith - Throwback Cap
Aki's Take:
"Great for looking cool as hell, and for keeping the dome warm. Summit GS (Guest Services) know how cold it gets at the counter so a head accessory is an essential. Also of course, perfect for touring if you’re into that!!"
| SPECS | PERKS |
Shell: Nylon Lining: Polyfleece Size: OSFA | + Adjustable chin strap and goggle flap under the brim + Shock cord with mini-toggle back adjuster + Mid crown |
Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥8,250
Fubuki - Niseko 3.0 Low
Aki's Take:
"Favourite purchase of the season. So good in the snow, warm and light so I can pack it in my bag to take home. Big ups the Swedes xx"
| SPECS | PERKS |
Material:
Fit: Large | + Massive statement piece + Fashionable and functional + Surprisingly comfortable |
Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥22,400
Oh, and did we mention if you pre-book your gear you'll save big with our exclusive pre-book prices....