Behind the majestic beauty of nature, snowy mountains also lurk dangers. Professional guides, who ensure the safety of their guests, act appropriately, and teach the joys of backcountry skiing, are true snow mountain specialists. But what kind of gear do they use? What is the "reliable gear setup" chosen by professionals who are forced to deal with all kinds of slopes and snow conditions on the untouched snowfields that stretch out before them?
*For detailed information about a guide club, click on the guide club name and go to the guide club introduction page on STEEP!
CIRCLE GAME guide service | Shohei Sasaki
I don't want to compromise on the glide, but I want to make it as light as possible
GEAR Setup
SKI: Vector Glide | nadurra185
BINDINGS: Marker | KINGPIN m-werks12
BOOTS: K2 | MINDBENDER130
POLPOLE: Vector Glide | v stick straight 115cm
This setup, while perhaps a bit selfish for a skier, perfectly embodies what users most desire: a ski that doesn't compromise on performance but is as lightweight as possible.
The Nadurra is a wide model with a 115mm center width, but I was able to fully enjoy it throughout the season, from the deep, airy snow of Asahidake to the alpine snow of Rishiriyama and the corn snow of Tateyama. The ski's sidecut isn't too aggressive, so the edge grip is firm even when climbing or descending hard snow, providing 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, without any major problems. If you remember to keep the toe piece down (compressed spring) when not wearing the boots, and to thoroughly remove snow before changing modes, as is common with other brands, you should be able to significantly reduce the risk of damage.
The MINDBENDER is a wide, warm, and not-too-heavy boot that I would recommend to anyone, as it allows for
both skiing and pushing. I believe that skiers don't need telescopic poles; they are lighter and offer significantly better swing balance. As a guide, I get asked by customers three or four times a year during the season, "These aren't telescopic poles, are they?" Please try using straight poles at least once – you won't regret it!
Reviewer: Shohei Sasaki , CIRCLE GAME guide service
[Main Guide Area]
[Profile]
Originally from Nanae Town, Hokkaido, and based in Sapporo, he guides backcountry skiing in winter and explores Hokkaido's nature extensively in summer. He enjoys combining climbing and skiing.
[Qualifications Held]
・JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
COLOR SPORT CLUB ｜Tomohiro Sagawa
A setup with excellent rigidity and power transmission, and excellent gliding and off-road performance
GEAR Setup
Skis: Tones Ski | Kanba and Hands
Bindings: Fritsch | Tecton 13
Boots: K2 | Mindbender 120
By using FRITSCHI's Tecton bindings with domestically produced TONES SKI, you can expect a reliable and consistent level of rigidity and balanced power transfer to the snow surface. This is evident in the excellent gliding feel, maneuverability, stability underfoot, and tail grip, all of which are reflected in the unique ski shapes. The tuning and balance are exquisite. Furthermore, the Tecton bindings feature a rare
toe piece release function for tech bindings, and the heel piece provides maximum fixation, resulting in a reliable power transfer from the boot to the binding and then to the ski. The boots themselves are reliable, offering a dependable level of rigidity, a comfortable fit, and a feeling of gripping the snow surface with the entire sole of the foot, all of which are expected to enhance the skiing experience.
Reviewer: Tomohiro Tonegawa, COLOR SPORT CLUB
[Main Guide Area] Hakuba VALLEY (Hakuba, Otari, Omachi) / Others: Tateyama, Senjojiki, Myoko, Mt. Fuji
[Profile]
A pioneering figure who built the current backcountry scene. Since the early 1990s, he has looked beyond groomed slopes and pioneered the mountain skiing scene in the harsh winter. Even after achieving his signature field development throughout the Hakuba area, his pioneering work continues.
[Qualifications Held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
Epic Japan | Akiko Nakae
Its high maneuverability and stability make it suitable for women and people with small builds to enjoy BC
GEAR Setup
SKI:BLASTRACK ｜Massive116
BINDINGS:G3 ｜Zed12
BOOTS:DYNAFIT｜TLT SPEEDFIT
POLE:BLASTRACK ｜Backcountry Pole
BLASTRACK products, being domestically produced, are highly precise and reliable. The Massive 116 offers excellent performance even in deep powder, and its availability starting from 165cm makes it suitable for women and smaller individuals, providing maneuverability and stability in deep snow and technical situations, making it ideal for backcountry skiing. Backcountry boots require lightness for skin-up time and maneuverability during transitions, and the DYNAFIT TLT series strikes a superb balance between these performance aspects and skiing feel.
BLASTRACK poles, which I believe were pioneers of T-grip technology, offer incredible stability during skin-up time—once you've used them, you won't want to go back. They're also very convenient for hooking small items.
Reviewer: Akiko Nakae, Epic Japan
[Main guiding areas] Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Togakushi, Tateyama / Others: Hokkaido: Asahikawa, Furano area, Eastern Hokkaido, Niseko
[Profile]
Until high school, I was involved in alpine skiing, participating in the Inter-High School Championships and the National Sports Festival. After that, I discovered backcountry skiing and began spending every weekend in the snowy mountains. In 2014, I ended my life as a salaryman in Tokyo and began working as the representative of Epic Japan.
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Ski Stage II, Mountain Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Handling Personnel Level I completed
Infield ｜Toyo Nakano
A telemark setup that offers the best balance of lightness and gliding performance
GEAR Setup
SKI: Black Diamond | Heliocarbon 104
BINDINGS: 22DESIGNS | Lynx
BOOTS: SCARPA | TX
POLE: Black Diamond | Laser Carbon Pro Pole
As a telemark ski for backcountry tours, I feel that it is the best combination when considering the balance between light weight and smooth gliding. Skis with a center width of 104mm are suitable for everything from deep snow in the harsh winter to early spring when the snow has not yet hardened, so they are the skis I use most often
Review
by
Toyokazu Nakano
[Main guiding area] Myoko/Kubiki area, Northern Shinshu / Others: Tateyama, Chokaisan, etc.
[Profile]
After 10 years of experience after moving to Myoko Kogen, I started "Infield" in 2006. Currently, I work as a backcountry tour guide and telemark ski instructor in winter, and as a mountain climbing/trekking guide and sea kayak guide in summer.
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
Kagura Powder Station | Kazuya Igarashi
Use three different setups depending on the time and situation
GEAR Setup
SKI: K2｜MINDBENDER 116C, DISPATCH 110, WAYBACK 106
BINDINGS: Marker｜KINGPIN m-werks12, alpinist9
BOOTS: K2｜MINDBENDER 130, DISPACHI LT
POLE: BCA｜ SCEPTER CARBON ALUMINUM
K2 skis deliver top performance in a variety of conditions, including powder and backcountry. K2 boots are lightweight and offer a wide range of motion, allowing for faster hiking without fatigue. They maintain a firm flex during descents, providing reliable performance. To give you a glimpse into my individual setups... I use
the K2 MINDBENDER 116C 186cm with Marker Kingpin m-werks12 boots from the start of the season until early April for powder and deep powder. The 116c has excellent overall balance and stability, providing great maneuverability across a wide range of conditions, from groomed slopes to deep powder. In particular, the tip's swing weight is easy to control in powder, making turn initiation very comfortable. I
use the DISPATCH 110 179cm with Marker Kingpin m-werks12 boots for long tours and when enjoying the terrain in powder. The skis are lightweight, so I don't get tired even on long tours. The camber isn't too deep, allowing for a good balance of cornering and sliding.
I use the WAYBACK106 179cm with alpinist 12 bindings, and I use it for spring snow from mid-March to long tours on mountains like Gassan, Chokaisan, Tateyama, and Fuji. The skis and bindings are lightweight, so I don't get tired even on long climbs or steep inclines, and I can climb stably. The good balance of wood and carbon fiber, along with the titanium plate underfoot, provides a firm hold on changing slopes and icy patches, giving me stability in various conditions. I
use the K2 MINDBENDER 130 boots when using the K2 MINDBENDER 116c skis. They are lightweight and easy to climb with, and they provide a firm flex when skiing, allowing for confident alpine skiing.
I use the DISPACHI LT when using the DISPATCH 110 or WAYBACK106. They are ultra-lightweight and have a wide 60-degree range of motion, so I don't get tired even on long tours. In particular, the Vibram sole provides a firm hold on mixed terrain (rocks, ice, and steps), allowing me to climb as stably as a mountaineering boot. The skis offer excellent flexibility and stability even when skiing downhill.
Reviewer: Kazuya Igarashi, Kagura Powder Station
[Main Guide Area] Various routes entering from the BC gate at the summit of the 5th Romance Lift at Kagura Ski Resort / Others: Spring tours of Tateyama, Gassan, Mt. Fuji, etc.
[Profile]
After becoming the All Japan Mogul Champion, he participated in the W-CAP and served as a national team coach, training skiers such as Satoya, Miura, Tsukida, and Hara. He worked under Yuichiro Miura and was active in Snow Dolphin. In 2008, he climbed Mt. Everest with him. Currently, he supports Kagura Powder Station as a BC ski and mountaineering guide.
[Qualifications Held]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Operations Personnel Level 2
Kuroda Mountain Guide Office | Kuroda Makoto
Considering that I will be carrying the guests' skis, I decided to bring lightweight gear
GEAR Setup
SKI: VÖLKL | BLAZE94 (Spring)
ATOMIC | BACKLAND100 (Winter)
Banyacraft Original Skis
BINDINGS: FRITSCHI | ZENIC / VIPEC EVO 12
POLE: Black Diamond | Laser Carbon Pro Poles
As a guide, I sometimes have to carry my clients' skis as well, so I use lightweight ones so they don't get in the way. FRITSCHI's Genic is lightweight but sturdy, and it releases properly, so I feel safe. I generally don't push myself too hard on tricky snow, so I don't need bindings that hold down the heel
Reviewer: Makoto Kuroda, Kuroda Mountain Guide Office
[Main Guiding Area] Primarily the Joshinetsu region, but also available in areas of your choice.
[Profile]
I offer small-group private guiding services, supporting unique mountain expeditions tailored to each individual's skill level. I value not only skiing but also the spirit of travel in my service.
[Qualifications]
International Mountain Guide
, JAN Avalanche Operations Specialist Level 2
Locus guide service ｜ Furuse Kazuya
I like the balance between the excellent gliding performance and the lightweight design
GEAR Setup
SKI: VÖLKL | BLAZE106
BINDINGS: Marker | KINGPIN 13
BOOTS: DALBELLO | LUPO PRO HD
POLE: VÖLKL | TOURISTICK CC
I like the balance between its excellent gliding performance, which is great for enjoying skiing, and its lightweight design.
The BLAZE106 is a truly versatile ski that performs well in unpredictable conditions in backcountry areas. From deep powder in the high season to carving on groomed slopes in spring slush conditions, it's light while still offering buoyancy and turning performance, including carving. There are plenty of skis that float more, are lighter, or are faster, but its greatest appeal is its balance.
As for the KINGPIN, the product concept is the same as the ski, so it's the best match. When choosing bindings, my top priorities are safety, then gliding performance, and finally lightness. I don't pay much attention to ease of putting them on (you get used to them over time). Safety performance is something that only really shows when you need it, so it's hard to notice even when you're actually using them. Many people might have the opposite priorities, but safety and reliability are paramount.
both LUPO boots and KRYPTON 130 TIIDboots, but I mostly use the LUPO boots with their walk mode function when guiding. Regardless of the manufacturer's stated shell stiffness rating, the lower shell has stronger rigidity compared to other all-purpose boots, allowing for more direct power transfer to the skis. The fact that the lower shell doesn't collapse or deform even when leaning forward with the boots on is the biggest reason I like these three-piece boots.
When choosing skis, boots, and bindings, I focus on aligning the concepts of all three pieces of gear. If these concepts are mismatched, the performance of each piece of gear won't be fully realized, so I think that's the most important thing. If you prioritize skiing performance, choose all three pieces that prioritize skiing performance; if you prioritize lightness, choose all three pieces that prioritize lightness. My set is somewhere in between, prioritizing a balance between enjoyable skiing performance and a satisfying level of lightness.
Reviewer:
LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE
, Kazuya Furuse
[Main Guide Area] Hakuba Area
[Profile]
As a result of pursuing the art of skiing, my field of activity shifted from ski resorts to the backcountry, and I have gained experience as both a skier and a guide.
[Qualifications Held]
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche Operations Personnel Level 2
Mountain Guide Coyote | Ryuta Furuichi
It is very easy to handle and turns smoothly. It is also easy to walk on when climbing
GEAR Setup
SKI: SALOMON | QST BLANK
BINDINGS:ROTTEFELLA| Freedom
BOOTS: SCARPA | TX PRO
The Salomon QST BLANK is extremely easy to handle in fresh snow, allowing for smooth initiation of turns. At the same time, it provides firm support for your feet even under heavy pressure. The wide 112mm center width allows for solid edging even in icy snow. Even when climbing with skis, the skis naturally lift you from deep snow to the surface, making it very easy to walk in and putting less strain on your body
Reviewer:
Mountain Guide Coyote
Ryuta Furuichi
[Main guiding area] Hokkaido (Niseko, Mt. Yotei, Kiroro, Daisetsuzan, Furano area)
[Profile]
Interested in the environment and food, after graduating from the Faculty of Agriculture at Meiji University, he joined a company in Hokkaido in order to live in the magnificent Hokkaido. To feel closer to nature and practice a lifestyle that does not have an impact on the environment, he established Mountain Guide Coyote. He loves skiing in the snowy mountains using telemark skiing.
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Operator Level 2
TERUI DAICHI | Daichi Terui
Lightness, rigidity, and ease of handling are harmoniously combined
GEAR Setup
SKI: ATOMC｜BACKLAND107
BINDINGS:ATOMIC｜SHIFT
BOOTS:ATOMIC｜HAWX ULTRA XTD130
It combines the three elements of lightness, rigidity, and ease of handling at a high level, and is suitable for all conditions
Reviewer:
Daichi Trui
[Main guiding area] All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level I
Tyrol | Iwao Saeki
This combination of tools you can trust in any situation
GEAR Setup
SKI: K2 | MINDBENDER 116c
BINDINGS: Marker | KINGPIN
BOOTS: K2 | MINDBENDER TEAM
POLE: K2 | Freeride 18
As a guide and rider, I need to be able to ski in all conditions. Sometimes I over-spec my gear, and sometimes I want something lighter, but this combination is what I can trust in all situations
Reviewer:
Iwao
Saeki
[Profile]
Competed in competitive skiing during junior and senior high school, participating in the Inter-High School Championships and other events. Afterwards, he devoted himself to competitive canoeing. He returned to the mountaineering world after winning an award at the National Sports Festival. He is most skilled as a mountain ski guide. He supported the filming of the movie "Tsurugidake: Ten no Ki" as a mountain guide.
[Main guiding area] Toyama Prefecture, Tateyama / Others: Tateyama, Tsurugidake, Hakuba, Myoko
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
RIKI JAPOW GUIDE｜Riki Nakajima
Buoyancy, stability, and lightness are all ideal
GEAR Setup
SKI: Rossignol | Super7
BINDINGS: Look | HM Rotation
BOOTS: Rossignol | All trak pro130gw
POLE: Rossignol | Escaper telescopic safety
The buoyancy, stability, and lightness are all ideal. The boots are also designed for hiking without compromising gliding performance, so they can be used in the mountains
Reviewer:
RIKI JAPOW GUIDE
: Riki Nakajima
[Main guiding areas] Tomamu area, Furano area, Asahikawa area / Others: Niseko, Rusutsu, Nozawa Onsen
[Profile]
Obtained CSIA instructor certification in Whistler, Canada, and the first Japanese person to obtain CFSA freeski instructor certification. Expanded his activities from participating in numerous freeski competitions to backcountry skiing. Currently based at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Ski Resort, he provides guiding and lessons.
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
Vertical Land ｜Yuki Ito
A great board for enjoying the mountains all year round! Perfect for enjoying the natural terrain
GEAR Setup
SKI: FACTION | AGENT3.0
BINDINGS: G3 | Zed
BOOTS: NORDICA | STRAIDER130
POLE: Black Diamond | Laser Carbon
The Agent 3.0 is perfect for having fun on natural terrain, with its moderate tail stiffness, overall flex, and sidecut. It offers stable control even on slightly rough snow surfaces, and the board moves exactly as you want it to in powder. If you're playing in the mountains, this is a board you can use all season long!
The G3 Zed is a well-balanced product, offering lightness and durability. This is the one to choose for the powder season in Hakuba. The STRAIDER 130 has the feel of an alpine boot and is recommended for those who want to ski down the mountains at high speeds. The Black Diamond Laser Carbon poles were given to me by a senior and I've had them for three years now. They're retractable but haven't broken. A reliable piece of equipment. The simple design with only the essentials makes them easy to use in the mountains.
Reviewer: Yuki Ito ( Vertical Land)
[Main guiding area] Around Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, Northern Alps
[Profile]
At the age of 21, he moved to Canada and began skiing seriously. He was influenced by North American skiing culture and at the same time became interested in mountain skiing. After completing the Yamnuska Mountaineering School, he returned to Japan and became independent and started his own business in January 2020. His guiding concept is "More mountains in your life."
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, CAA Operation Level 1 (CAA: Canadian Avalanche Association)
