Winter 25/26 Staff Gear Picks: Hot New Products We're Keen To Try

For those of you who have visited Niseko over the past few years, you’ll know that there are a few very famous landmarks around town. The first, Jagata-Kun, our skiing potato town mascot. Second, Mt. Yotei, the volcano that overlooks all of Niseko. The third? Rhythm Summit’s Themis. 

If you haven’t seen him out in the backcountry, at a local onsen or selling skis on the shop-floor, you would have undoubtedly come across him at one of the local bars or restaurants, most likely droppin’ heat on the decks or pounding down a post-apres ‘Gyudon w/ Mustard Leaf, Cod Caviar & Mayonnaise’ at Sukiya. 

And while he's a busy man to catch, we thought, who better to kick off this year’s staff gear picks and show all the newbies how to get it done than the man about town himself?

So we tracked him down during a busy opening week to find out he's keen to try out this winter. These were his thoughts:

PS: OYUKI and Armada, if you are reading this, we may have a staff member looking for a sponsorship...

Armada - Whitewalker 116 + Armada Shift2 13 Bindings

Themis' Take:

"A massive destruction weapon set up for in and out the resort.

Even with a 116 underfoot, these skis are just so playful and versatile due to their lightweight and shape.

My choice of a hybrid set up here in Hokkaido is obviously due to all the hidden gems in Hokkaido who are definitely everywhere in the backcountry, and it’s a bit of a hustle to get the chance to ride them. You gotta earn it! That’s why having a hybrid set up gives me the chance to enjoy the downhill as much as the uphill. In or out the resort, only one pair!

Sidecountry, tree runs, big open faces… you gotta catch them all!"

Available at Rhythm Summit: Whitewalkers - ¥143,000, Shift2 Bindings - ¥110,000

Phaenom - FR 01 120 Flex

Themis' Take:

"Really good hybrid model from the upcoming brand Phaenom. Quite happy to have them here in the shop with us. Designed for freeski performance, comfort, simplicity and style!

Equipped with a sick walk mode to take you off the beaten path, and engineered for a powerful downhill performance."

Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥107,800

Oakley - Line Miner L

Themis' Take:

"The classic Line Miner L by Oakley! I use it with a prizm clear lens for a maximum of shred during powder days, night ski, and foggy days. The place we live in is deffs known to be so snowy and only sometimes sunny, that’s why a clear lens will make all the difference.

Super comfy and provide an incredible downward and side to side periphery

It’s quite a large sized fit, optimized to fit most helmets and a wide variety of faces."

Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥28,820

Oakley - MODBC

Themis' Take:

"Designed for backcountry touring and ski mountaineering!

Ultralight (450g) and comfy, with some technologies like MIPS and RECCO. I definitely trust that helmet to follow and keep up with every mission here.

Also the ventilation channels optimize the airflow and goggle performance, so even if the conditions from the skin track to the peak, my head still breathes!"

Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥32,450

Oyuki - Ezo Gore-Tex Mitts

Themis' Take:

"Ah man… huge fan of mittens. Probably due to all those nice days with mates in the park but even then, I love them in any terrains or conditions!

Prob the warmest and coziest mitt on the Oyuki range, with their Primaloft Gold Insulation, Gore Tex membrane, they might be the toastiest shelter your fingers will ever know."

Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥19,900

Oyuki - Myoko Netplus 3L Anorak

Themis' Take:

"Designed for chasing pow, from the skin track to the pillow line, or for side country and nice resort ridings days.

Light shell jacket, 20k waterproof and 20k breathability, big storm hood to go over the helmet ( warm and steez are def compatible ), relaxed free ride fit, so many pockets for onigiris.

I’m quite exited to try out this brand new model for the season 2026." 

Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥74,000

Armada - team issue 2l insulated pant

Themis' Take:

"Gotta treat yourself sometimes and keep the steez up while you’re on skis!

That’s definitely the result of wearing those pants! A really nice baggy fit, shout out for the early 2000’s ski videos we all grew up with. Quite warm with a 10k waterproof 10k breathability, available on different colorway.

Sick and steez choice for park days with homies, resort shred and pow days!"

Available at Rhythm Summit: ¥44,000

Before you ask, the Armada Whitewalker's are included as part of our Premium Rental fleet. Oh, and did we mention if you pre-book your gear you'll save big with our exclusive pre-book prices....