Snow Peak Way East 2024: Team and Guest Stories
Snow Peak Way East 2024 brought together nature, adventure, and community in a weekend of shared experiences. The Snow Peak team curated workshops and cultural moments, while guests connected through meals, learning, and camaraderie around the fire. Together, these perspectives capture the true spirit of Snow Peak Way
Snow Peak Team Recap by Kyle Wakayama: New Ventures Manager
In mid-September, we closed our Brooklyn store for the weekend, and our team packed up a truck full of gear to go camping with our customers at our third Snow Peak Way event in the US this year. Snow Peak Way East was held in the heart of the Catskills, at Cortina Valley, a historic ski resort in Tannersville, NY, just a two-hour drive north of New York City. Throughout the weekend, autumn reminded us of its arrival with hints of auburn foliage, crisp evenings, and mornings blanketed in fog.
Snow Peak Way is a cherished tradition, originally started in Japan in the '90s, and now has four annual events in the US. This camping festival is a unique rite, focused on being in nature and gathering comfortably at camp around food and drink. We welcomed 150 guests to Snow Peak Way East and camped alongside them in a large open field at the base of the mountain. Amenities included showers, a pop-up shop, communal kitchen space, a rental program, and a café/bar.
Our campground felt like a bazaar of sorts—tents, tarps, and shelters created a cozy maze. A neighborly spirit filled this snug village, carried aloft by the aromas of delicious food. The hospitality only grew once Takibi Time began—the warmth of the fire bringing new friends together.
Over the course of the weekend, guests participated in educational workshops and programs, including mushroom foraging, shibori dyeing, and campcraft skills. The weekend was punctuated by ceremonial elements, beginning with a kanpai toast and reflections on the value of reconnecting with nature, human gathering, and gratitude for the community. The grand finale of Snow Peak Way was an competitive paper airplane contest, followed by a group photo. With full hearts, we fastidiously packed our tents and waved farewell to our campmates—until next year.
This event would not have been possible without the excitement and trust of our guests. We thank Cortina Valley for sharing their beautiful property with us, and we extend our gratitude to our generous event partners, including EcoFlow, Camp Catskill, Aunts et Uncles, JUMO, Kettl Tea, Abbottsford Road Coffee, and Yuzuco.
Camper POV By Erik Lauchie, Snow Peak Ambassador
As I began walking, the fog rolled in, casting a cozy, warm atmosphere over the camp—not in temperature, but in vibes. It was harder to see, but as I moved closer to each site, I could feel the unique setups. Everyone used similar Snow Peak tools in their own way, and one thing was clear across all sites: enjoyment—of the food and the company.
I walked further and noticed something familiar through the mist: a chess game. A father and son were finishing up and invited me to play. Without realizing how skilled the son was, I accepted. Ten minutes later, after a flawless French opening, the kid who was half my age had almost all my pieces. I managed to force a draw, and he generously shared some tips before I returned to our camp.
For our site we used a Hexa Evo Tarp for gathering, with tents facing each other. I had arrived after sunset, but my friends—Atl, Ali Star, and Big Ive—had everything ready. As the fire faded and the nearby shadow puppets went to sleep, we settled in for the night.
The next morning, I expected sunshine but was greeted with more fog, which set a serene mood. We began our typical camp routine, making coffee and cooking. The neighboring site offered us some of their Colombian pour-over, and I noticed a trend of generosity as others shared their breakfasts and coffee too. As the fog lifted, the sea of Snow Peak ivory, brown and burgundy tents came into view.
Later, we went on a foraging hike, learning about the symbiotic relationship between trees and mushrooms. Wildlife sightings and plant knowledge filled the two hours. Back at camp, activities were in full swing— t-shirt dyeing, printmaking, and laughter filled the site.
In the afternoon, I finally mastered the Takibi Tarp, thanks to Tyreek’s advice about tension, which felt like a metaphor for life. I also attended a plant-based cooking session with Auntes et Uncles. Their insights on using herbs for seasoning changed the way I view food.
By dinnertime, I realized food was more than just a meal here—it was a way to connect. This was my first Snow Peak Way, and I’m leaving grateful for the tools we use to camp that help me focus on what truly matters: people, stories, and food.
