In the late 1950's, after combatting during World War II, Yukio Yamai was back home in Niigata, Japan. Inspired by his hometown and the majesty of the mountains sourrounding, Yukio found solace in the nature and started exploring the rugged peaks of Niigata. While strengthening his mountainering skills, he realized the lack of equipment offered to the climbers, so he started placing special orders to local metalworkers to create his own gears and shared them with friends. This is how, in 1958, Snow Peak was born as an innovative crampons company leveraging the skilled metal craftsman Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata - Japan. Metal craftsmanship remained foundational as Snow Peak evolved from a climbing gear company to a camping brand. But more importantly, Yukio's belief in the power of nature continues to be Snow Peak's guiding focus.