"The First Layer project began back in 2015 to showcase the talent Vans Snow has across Europe.
This year we invited the team across the globe to make them focus on one specific region…the land of the Rising Sun.
Each year, snowboarders are constantly searching for the best snow, and venturing to Japan seemed like the perfect choice. The plane was loaded with a unique squad of Vans European riders, mixing eclectic riding styles and approaches, heading on a journey through deep powder and endless urban riding opportunities. Riders Nils Arvidsson, Valérian Ducourtil, Markus Keller and DBK went on a crazy powder mission to the northern island of Hokkaido. Meanwhile, a crew consisting of Sami Luhtanen, Will Smith, Cees Wille and Benny Urban explored the main island and looked to discover what the exciting street spots had to offer. Street & powder is what it’s all about.
The man responsible behind the lens once more is Pirmin Juffinger, whilst Tim Schiphorst from the European video production group “Portland Theory” covered the urban side. On top of that rad lineup, we were really stoked to extend our collaboration with French photographer Matt Georges. The result with Matt is a limited edition photo-book & newspaper."
This year we invited the team across the globe to make them focus on one specific region…the land of the Rising Sun.
Each year, snowboarders are constantly searching for the best snow, and venturing to Japan seemed like the perfect choice. The plane was loaded with a unique squad of Vans European riders, mixing eclectic riding styles and approaches, heading on a journey through deep powder and endless urban riding opportunities. Riders Nils Arvidsson, Valérian Ducourtil, Markus Keller and DBK went on a crazy powder mission to the northern island of Hokkaido. Meanwhile, a crew consisting of Sami Luhtanen, Will Smith, Cees Wille and Benny Urban explored the main island and looked to discover what the exciting street spots had to offer. Street & powder is what it’s all about.
The man responsible behind the lens once more is Pirmin Juffinger, whilst Tim Schiphorst from the European video production group “Portland Theory” covered the urban side. On top of that rad lineup, we were really stoked to extend our collaboration with French photographer Matt Georges. The result with Matt is a limited edition photo-book & newspaper."