2024 may go down as one of the most lackluster snow seasons Australia has ever seen, but that only meant one thing: having top-tier gear was more essential than ever.

The season kicked off with a sprinkling of classic Aussie pow—snow that stays light and fluffy for all of 15 minutes before transforming into something akin to mashed potatoes. Down under, if you want to make the most of it, the sweet spot for skiing is smack dab in the middle of a snowstorm.

My FUBUKIs were put through their paces this year. The early morning ritual of shoveling the car is not so bad when your feet are cozy and warm, and feel lighter than a pair of sneakers. While others were Bambi-on-ice in the parking lot, my boot switch was safe and sound, thanks to the great grip of my boots.

Fast forward to the 2pm après: the Niseko Lows were in their element. Whilst ankle-deep puddles swallowed lesser footwear and ski boots stayed on for most, I swapped out to my FUBUKIs. And, as the afternoon sun gave way to Aperol Spritzes, these boots didn’t just survive—they thrived. Practical, yes, but stylish enough to still turn heads at après!

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Emer Sparkes - 2024