Last month, Subaru brought back its exciting Gelande Taxi event at the Naeba ski resort in Japan, offering skiers a thrilling ride to the top of the hill in a Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid driven by pro rally drivers. This event, held for the first time since 2019, combined Subaru’s rich motorsport heritage with Japan’s love for winter sports.
A Unique Ski Experience with Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid
At the Naeba resort, located a couple of hours northeast of Tokyo, snowsports enthusiasts swapped the usual chair lift for an adrenaline-filled ride in a Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. Professional drivers skillfully maneuvered through the snow, giving passengers a memorable experience. This event highlighted Subaru’s all-wheel-drive capabilities, making it clear why the brand is so popular in snowy regions.
Parade of Vintage Subaru Wagons Steals the Show
A major highlight of the event was the parade of classic Subaru wagons that have served the Japanese Ski Federation for nearly 50 years. Leading the parade was a vibrant red Subaru Leone wagon, accompanied by three Legacy wagons, all sporting official Ski Federation liveries. These vintage Subarus offered a nostalgic glimpse into the brand’s longstanding connection with winter sports.
Ski Legend Masahiko Harada Joins the Fun
Adding to the excitement was the presence of Masahiko Harada, a Japanese Olympic gold medalist in ski jumping. Harada, known for his dramatic comeback at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, brought his infectious energy to the event. His victory at Nagano earned him the nickname “Happy Harada,” making him a beloved figure in Japanese sports history.
Rally Stars and Thrilling Rides
The event also featured rally champion Toshi Arai, who won the Group N rally series in 2005 and 2007 with a Subaru WRX STI. Arai, along with another rally driver and two SuperGT racers, ensured that every ride to the top was filled with snow-drifting action and oversteer thrills. While the vintage Subaru wagons were for display only, getting a lift from a rally champion in a Subaru Forester or WRX on winter tires was just as exciting as skiing down the slope.
Subaru’s Motorsport Legacy Shines Bright
After sunset, Subaru’s rally drivers entertained the crowd with high-speed demo runs up the hill in their race cars. The event not only showcased Subaru’s impressive vehicles but also its deep-rooted motorsport heritage. Many fans hope Subaru’s U.S. operations might take inspiration from this, recalling the brand’s sponsorship of the U.S. Ski Team in the 1980s, when the white Leone wagon with red-and-blue livery became iconic.
Organizing similar events in the U.S., featuring Foresters, Crosstreks, and WRX models at local ski resorts, could be a fantastic PR move for Subaru and a treat for fans.
FAQ
What is the Subaru Gelande Taxi event?
The Gelande Taxi is a Subaru event where skiers are driven up snowy slopes in Subaru vehicles by professional rally drivers.
Where was the 2024 Subaru Gelande Taxi held?
The event took place at the Naeba ski resort in Japan, northeast of Tokyo.
Which Subaru vehicles were used at the event?
The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid was used for the rides, with vintage Subaru Leone and Legacy wagons displayed.
Who participated in the event?
Olympic gold medalist Masahiko Harada, rally champion Toshi Arai, and other motorsport professionals participated in the event.
Could Subaru organize similar events in the U.S.?
Yes, many fans believe Subaru could recreate the Gelande Taxi event in the U.S., especially given its history with the U.S. Ski Team.