Photo: RIKI JAPOW GUIDE
Backcountry with long walks, climbs and gliding on pristine slopes. For those who have never been there, it is an unknown world, and there are many things that they do not know what to do with even a single tool. So, let's ask professional guides who have escorted many beginners on backcountry tours to tell us about their recommended gear setups for backcountry beginners.
*The term "BC beginner" here refers to a beginner with little or no experience with BC, but is assumed to be a skier whose skiing skills on the slopes are at a level where they can somehow control their skis and descend any slope
Set up skis that are easy to operate even in powder and boots that are light and easy to hike
GEAR Set Up recommended for beginner BC skiers
SKI: K2｜MINDBENDE 99Ti
BINDINGS: MARKER｜KINGPIN10
BOOTS: K2｜MINDBENDER 120
It is a setup with light bindings on a board that is easy to operate even in powder, and boots that are light and easy to hike.
The MINDBENDE 99Ti skis are not too fat and are buoyant in powder. The swing weight is also light, and it is easy to operate left and right even in powder. The KINGPIN10 is also highly reliable and reduces the overall weight underfoot.
There is a sense of security and stability of the heel hold at the time of gliding. The MINDBENDER120 boots are easy to put on and take off even at low temperatures. The weight is also very light at 1675g, which reduces fatigue during hiking. The range of motion is as wide as 50 degrees back and forth, allowing you to take a big step when hiking. In addition, it is easy to switch to alpine gliding with one touch. Flex 120 is also the hardness when gliding, giving you a supple yet secure altitude and stability.
Reviewer
Kagura Powder Station
Kazuya Igarashi
[Main guide area] All directions entering from the BC gate at the top of the mountain with the 5th Romance Lift at Kagura Ski Resort / Other: Spring tours of Mt. Tateyama, Mt. Gassan, Mt. Fuji, etc.
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
It's also perfect for enjoying the BC slopes
GEAR Set Up recommended for beginner BC skiers
Skis: FACTION | agent3.0
Bindings: G3 | zed12
Boots: SCARPA | Maestrale
For beginners to backcountry skiing who are nervous about climbing (those with little mountaineering experience or lack of stamina), we recommend lightweight gear. Whether wearing skis or carrying them, your body will be subjected to stresses you don't normally experience. Lightweight gear will reduce your disadvantage compared to others. If
you're nervous about skiing, I recommend skis that are easy to handle in any snow condition and terrain. Lightweight skis, about 100-110cm in center, with a length roughly equivalent to your height, and a slightly softer tail, will make them relatively easy to handle even in bad snow like monaka snow, and they'll also be great for enjoying powder.
With that in mind, we recommend the following setup:
Ski: 106cm in center, neither too wide nor too narrow. This width is just right, allowing you to feel the floating sensation in powder while still providing solid edging. Lightweight with just the right amount of tension, they're easy to handle, and designed to be just right for enjoying backcountry skiing like you're enjoying the slopes.
Binding: Not only are they lightweight, but they're also simple and trouble-free.
Boots: They allow a wide range of ankle movement, making climbing easier, even on steep slopes where backcountry skiing beginners often struggle.
We occasionally see beginners who are overwhelmed by the hassle of over-spec gear and lose the ability to enjoy the backcountry itself. Start with easy-to-use gear that suits your level and enjoy your day in the mountains.
Reviewer
Vertical Land
Yuki Ito
[Main guiding area] Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, Northern Alps
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, CAA Operation Level 1 (CAA: Canadian Avalanche Association)
BC covers areas that beginners are weak at. First, set up so you can control it and not fall
GEAR Set Up recommended for beginner BC skiers
Ski: VÖLKL | BLAZE106
Bindings: G3 | ION
Boots: SCARPA | Maestrale
The VÖLKL BLAZE10 has a nice, loose feel, and even if you're positioned far back, it doesn't suddenly lurch, allowing you to ski with confidence even in bad snow. Even on good snow, boards that are easy to control allow you to ski boldly and enjoyably. When
it comes to bindings, choose ones that are easy to put on, walk in, and reasonably lightweight. I recommend the G3 ION, having used them in many areas for several years and feeling confident in them. Beginners rarely notice the difference in binding performance in powder, so I recommend ones with good walking performance for climbing, which is difficult for beginners.
The same goes for boots. You can't ski without walking, so wear boots that are easy to walk in and aim to get to the top of the slope without getting tired. Unlike on the slopes, there are no patrols to help you, so the first priority is to avoid falling and control your speed about 70% of the time. It might be better to wait until you've gained more experience before using stiffer boots for racing.
Reviewer
Makoto Kuroda Kuroda Mountain Guide Office
[Main guide area] Centered around Joshinetsu, to the area of your choice
[Qualifications]
International mountain guide
, JAN avalanche worker Level 2
A selfish setup that doesn't want to compromise on sliding, but wants to be as light as possible
GEAR Set Up
SKI: Vector Glide | nadurra185
BINDINGS: Marker | KINGPIN m-werks12
BOOTS: K2 | MINDBENDER130
As for the important points and points to keep in mind when choosing gear for beginner BCs, first of all, while online shopping is convenient, I recommend purchasing in person whenever possible. Ski boots inevitably have to fit your feet well, so it's best to try on every pair of boots the store staff recommends and choose the one that feels the most comfortable. While
each brand and model of skis offers different ski feel, your first pair won't tell you what kind of skis you'll like, so the best choice is to choose skis that appeal to you most, including design and price, within the 110mm center width range.
The photo shows the setup I use, and I think it best suits users who want as light a setup as possible without compromising on skiability.
The Nadurra is a wide model with a center width of 115mm, but I was able to enjoy everything from the deep, airy snow of Mt. Asahi to the alpine snow of Mt. Rishiri to the corn snow of Mt. Tateyama all season long with just this one ski. The skis' side curve is not too sharp, so they provide excellent edge grip even when climbing or descending on hard snow, giving you a sense of security. I
've been using KINGPIN for about five years now, and it's one of my most trusted pieces of gear, with no major issues. By following the same rules as other companies' products, such as keeping the toe piece down (spring compressed) when not wearing the boots and thoroughly removing snow before changing modes, you should be able to significantly reduce the risk of damage.
The MINDBENDER is a wide, warm, not too heavy boot that can push the snow and is recommended for everyone. Lower the boot flex depending on your skiing level.
ReviewerCIRCLE
GAME guide
serviceShohei Sasaki
[Main guide area] All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountaineering Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
The first thing you should get is a model with excellent all-around performance
GEAR Set Up recommended for beginner BC skiers
SKI:TONES SKI｜HANDS Light taste
BINDINGS:FRITSCHI｜TEKTON 13
BOOTS:K2｜MINDBENDER110
The perfect match between the Japanese-made TONES SKI and FRITSCH TECTON skis ensures reliable quality. For your first pair of skis, choose a model with excellent all-around performance. You'll want a model that provides buoyancy in all snow conditions and also excels on groomed runs. The HANDS Light Taste offers a relatively reliable rigidity with balanced torsion, providing excellent rotation in any situation, making it a recommended choice for beginners to backcountry skiing. You'll
also want to ensure balance against risk with your bindings. The FRITSCH TECTON features the well-known release function on the toe piece, providing high safety.
The K2 MINDBENDER 120 also boasts reliable quality. Among boots of this type, these offer excellent balance, from comfort when transitioning from walk mode to ski mode to reliable performance in each component. From the sensation of putting on your foot to the feeling of your entire foot gripping the snow, you can expect an enhanced skiing experience.
Whether you're choosing skis, bindings or boots, you want to choose products that are reliable and will last, so they'll be your companion for years to come.
Reviewer
COLOR SPORT CLUB
Tomohiro Tonegawa
[Main guide area] Hakuba Valley (Hakuba, Otari, Omachi) / Other: Tateyama, Senjojiki, Myoko, Mt. Fuji
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
Highly accurate, reliable and well-balanced all-rounder
GEAR Set Up recommended for beginner BC skiers
SKI: Blastrack | Blazer / NA
BINDINGS: G3 | ZED12
SKIN: POMOCA | CLIMB PRO S-GLIDE
Blastrack products are made in Japan, so they are highly reliable and of high quality. Among them, I recommend the Blazer, a well-balanced all-rounder. With a center width of 97mm, it's the perfect width for everything from slightly hard snow to powder, and it's not too light, so it doesn't sacrifice stability at high speeds. It
also comes in a wide range of lengths, from 164-185cm, so you can choose the length that's right for you without overdoing it. The best thing about boots is finding the perfect fit for your feet. Watching our guests, I think stickers are very important. My recommendation for stickers is the POMOCA CLIMB PRO S-GLIDE.
Reviewer
Epic Japan
Akiko NAKAE
[Main guide areas] Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Togakushi, Tateyama / Other: Hokkaido: Asahikawa, Furano area, Eastern Hokkaido, Niseko
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Stage II, Mountaineering Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level I
Recommended setup for those who want to switch from alpine to telemark skiing
GEAR Set Up recommended for beginner BC skiers
Skis: Blackdiamond | Helio Recon 95
Bindings: 22 Designs | Outlaw X
Boots: Scarpa | TX Pro
This setup has a center width that is easy to handle even for beginner telemark skiers, and prioritizes ease of use over lightness for both the skis and bindings. This setup is recommended for those who can ski anywhere on the slopes with alpine skis but want to start telemark skiing
Reviewer
Infield
Toyokazu Nakano
[Main guide areas] Myoko, Kubiki area, Hokushin area / Other: Mt. Tateyama, Mt. Chokai, etc.
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
First of all, I want you to have a well-balanced all-around set including lightness
GEAR Set Up recommended for beginner BC skiers
SKI: VÖLKL | BLAZE106
BINDINGS: MARKER | KINGPIN 10
BOOTS: DALBELLO | LUPO AX120
The first set I recommend for guests new to backcountry skiing is a well-balanced, all-around setup that's lightweight enough for a variety of situations. This setup covers everything from powder to granular or packed slopes.
I use a variety of types, but this is by far the one I use most often. For those who typically use skis with a center of 60-70mm on the slopes, a center of 106mm may seem extra thick, but if you plan to go backcountry even in the peak season, this level of buoyancy is desirable.
For women, I also recommend the VÖLKL BLAZE106 W as an entry-level model. The reasons are the same as for the men's model: its well-balanced design, regardless of conditions, and its ease of use for all skiing skill levels.
As a long-time VÖLKL skier, I've felt that their ski-making philosophy is based on the idea that "skis that are satisfying for advanced skiers but difficult for beginners and intermediates" and "skis that are easy for beginners and intermediates to use but not satisfying for advanced skiers can really be called good skis." I feel that they are challenging themselves with product development that challenges these questions. So, while they are high-end models, they are by no means difficult to use. Although they are labeled "W (women's)," the specs are nearly identical to those of men's skis, and regardless of gender, you can choose them based on the size range and your preferred graphics.
Please don't get me wrong: you can enjoy backcountry skiing without backcountry gear. Gear specifically designed for backcountry skiing makes the experience easier and more fulfilling. However, the most important thing is to actually try backcountry skiing, rather than buying the gear. At LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE, we offer rentals of the above sets, including seals, as well as tour binding sets that can be used with your current boots. Please take advantage of these rental options.
Reviewer
LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE
Kazuya Furuse
[Main guide area] Hakuba area
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
Excellent setup for lightness, operability, and slip sensitivity
GEAR Set Up recommended for beginner BC skiers
SKI: ROSSIGNOL | ESCAPER97 NANO
BINDINGS: DYNAFIT | ST Rotarion
BOOTS: ROSSIGNOL | All TRACK110
The length of the ski is about my height and the width is about 100cm.
For bindings, I personally recommend the TLT type, but I think the ST Rotarion (Dynafit) is more secure and easier to use. I think light boots are good for people who don't have physical strength. The best recommendation is All TRACK110 (Rossignol). The last width is wide, so you can wear it for a long time. The slip sensitivity is outstanding while providing lightness.
Reviewer
RIKI JAPOW GUIDERiki
NakajimaRiki Nakajima
[Main guide areas] Around Tomamu, around Furano, around Asahikawa / Other: Niseko, Rusutsu, Nozawa Onsen
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountaineering Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
The setup of the center 100mm level which is recommended as the first one
GEAR Set Up recommended for beginner BC skiers
SKI: ATOMIC | BACKLAND100
BINDINGS: ATOMIC | SHIFT
BOOTS: ATOMIC | HAWX URTLA XTD110
We recommend skis with a center 100mm range as the first ski, and can be used from the beginning of the season to the powder high season and the spring season.
Even if you buy a second or third board, the 100mm board will come in handy as an all-rounder. The binding is SHIFT. Unlike tech bindings, the binding doesn't stick to your feet when hiking, so it feels light, and the fulcrum is close to your toes, so it's easy.
When you slide, it becomes a step-in binding, so it has forward pressure and is highly recommended for tracking and safety. Hawks boots are not only light but also have thick inner boots and a high fit. Considering only the powder, I think that the flex does not have to be so hard at first.
ReviewerDaichi
Trui _
[Main guide area] All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications]
・JMGA mountain guide stage I
・JMGA ski guide stage II
・JAN avalanche worker level I
