Photo: RIKI JAPOW GUIDE
Backcountry skiing involves long walks, climbs, and skiing on untouched, natural slopes. For those who have never been there, it's an unknown world, and there are many things you don't know, even when it comes to equipment. So, we asked professional guides who have escorted many beginners on backcountry tours to share their recommended gear setup 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
A set of skis that are easy to handle even in powder and boots that are light and easy to hike with
Gear Setup Recommended for Beginner BC Skiers
SKI:K2｜MINDBENDE 99Ti
BINDINGS: MARKER｜KINGPIN10
BOOTS:K2｜MINDBENDE 120
This setup features skis that are easy to handle even in powder, lightweight bindings, and lightweight, easy-to-hike boots. The MINDBENDE 99Ti skis are not too wide and have good buoyancy in powder. They have a light swing weight, making them easy to maneuver from side to side in powder.
The KINGPIN10 bindings are highly reliable and reduce the overall weight of your feet. They provide a secure and stable heel hold while skiing.
The MINDBENDER120 boots are easy to put on and take off, even in low temperatures. They are also very light at 1675g, reducing fatigue during hikes. They have a wide range of motion of 50 degrees forward and backward, allowing for larger strides when hiking. Switching to alpine skiing is also easy with a one-touch switch. The flex of 120 provides flexibility while offering a secure altitude and stability while skiing.
Reviewer: Kazuya Igarashi, Kagura Powder Station
[Main Guide Area] All routes entering from the BC gate at the top of the 5th Romance Lift at Kagura Ski Resort / Others: Spring tours of Tateyama, Gassan, Mt. Fuji, etc.
[Qualifications Held]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
It's also perfect for enjoying the BC slopes
Gear Setup Recommended for Beginner BC Skiers
SKI: FACTION | agent3.0
BINDINGS: G3 | zed12
BOOTS: SCARPA | Maestrale
For backcountry beginners who are worried about climbing (due to limited mountaineering experience or lack of stamina), lightweight gear is recommended. Whether you're wearing skis or carrying them, your body will experience a load you don't normally encounter. Lighten your gear to reduce the handicap compared to others.
If you're worried about your skiing ability, skis that are easy to handle in any snow condition or terrain are a good choice. Lightweight skis with a center width of around 100-110cm, a length about the same as your height, and a slightly soft tail will be relatively easy to handle even in difficult snow conditions like slushy snow, and you can fully enjoy powder.
With that in mind, the setup I recommend is...
SKI: Center width of 106cm, neither too wide nor too narrow. This width is just right for feeling the float in powder while still being able to edge firmly. It's light, has just the right amount of stiffness, is easy to handle, and is designed to be just right for having fun in the backcountry like on a groomed slope.
Binding: Not only is it lightweight, but it's also simple and has few problems.
Boots: They have a wide range of motion at the ankle, making climbing easier in general, especially on steep slopes, which are often the first challenge for backcountry beginners.
Occasionally, I see beginners who are overwhelmed by handling over-specced gear, losing the ability to enjoy the backcountry itself. First, enjoy your day in the mountains with easy-to-use gear that matches your skill level.
Reviewer: Yuki Ito ( Vertical Land)
[Main guiding area] Around Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, Northern Alps
[Qualifications held]
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 Setup Recommended for Beginner BC Skiers
SKI: VÖLKL | BLAZE106
BINDINGS: G3 | ION
BOOTS: SCARPA | Maestrale
The VÖLKL BLAZE10 has a pleasantly loose feel; even if your position shifts to the back, it won't suddenly accelerate, allowing you to ski with confidence even in poor snow conditions. Even in good snow, a ski that's easy to control allows for more aggressive and enjoyable skiing. For
bindings, choose something that's easy to put on, comfortable to walk in, and reasonably lightweight. I recommend the G3 ION because I've used it in many areas for several years and feel confident in its performance. Beginners rarely notice the difference in binding performance in powder, so I think it's best to choose something with good walking performance for uphill skiing, which is often a challenge for backcountry beginners.
The same goes for boots. You can't ski without walking, so aim for boots that are easy to walk in and allow you to stand on the slope without getting tired. Unlike groomed slopes, there's no patrol to help you out, so the most important things are to avoid falling and to control your speed to about 70%. You might want to wait until you have more experience before getting stiff racing boots.
Reviewer: Makoto Kuroda, Kuroda Mountain Guide Office
[Main guiding area] Primarily the Joshinetsu region, but we can also guide you to your requested area.
[Qualifications held]
International Mountain Guide
, JAN Avalanche Operations Specialist Level 2
I don't want to compromise on the glide, but I want it to be as light as possible
GEAR Setup
SKI: Vector Glide | nadurra185
BINDINGS: Marker | KINGPIN m-werks12
BOOTS: K2 | MINDBENDER130
When choosing gear as a beginner in backcountry skiing, the most important thing to consider is that, while online shopping is convenient, I recommend purchasing from a ski shop whenever possible. Ski boots are a matter of personal fit, so it's best to try on as many pairs as you can that the shop staff can recommend and choose the one that feels best.
Of course, the feel of skiing differs depending on the brand and model, but with your first pair, you probably won't know what kind of skis you prefer, so within the range of a center width of around 110mm, the best choice is the ski that appeals to you the most, considering design and price.
The photo shows the setup I use, which I think is the setup that most users want: as light as possible, but without compromising on skiing performance.
The Nadurra is a wide model with a center width of 115mm, but I was able to enjoy skiing all season long with this one pair, from the deep, airy snow of Asahidake to the alpine snow of Rishiriyama and the corn snow of Tateyama. The skis have a gentle sidecut, providing excellent edge grip and a sense of security even when climbing or descending hard-packed snow. I
've been using KINGPIN for about five years now, and it's one of my most trusted pieces of gear, with no 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—things common to other brands—you can significantly reduce the risk of damage.
The MINDBENDER is wide, warm, and not too heavy, making it a great boot for everyone, allowing for both comfortable skiing and pushing. Adjust the boot flex according to your skiing level.
Reviewer: Shohei Sasaki , CIRCLE GAME guide service
[Main guiding area] All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain 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 Setup Recommended for Beginner BC Skiers
SKI:TONES SKI｜HANDS Light taste
BINDINGS:FRITSCHI｜TEKTON 13
BOOTS:K2｜MINDBENDER110
The excellent match between domestically produced TONES SKI and FRITSCH's Tecton bindings ensures reliability and quality. For your first pair of skis, it's best to choose a model with outstanding all-around performance. You need skis that can handle all snow conditions, provide buoyancy, and also perform well on groomed slopes. The HANDS Light taste offers a relatively reliable rigidity with balanced torsional function, making it excellent for turning in all situations, which is why it's recommended for backcountry beginners.
Furthermore, you'll want bindings that offer a good balance of performance against risk. FRITSCH Tecton features a well-known release function in the toe piece, making it highly safe.
K2's MINDBENDER 120 also boasts a reputation for reliable quality. Among this type of boot, it excels in balance, from the comfort of switching between walk mode and ski mode to the reliability of each component. From the feeling of putting them on to the sensation of gripping the snow surface with your entire foot, you can expect a greater sense of skiing.
When it comes to skis, bindings, and boots, you want to choose products that are highly reliable and won't wear out. If you do, they'll surely become your trusted companions for many years to come.
Reviewer: Tomohiro Tonegawa, COLOR SPORT CLUB
[Main guiding area] Hakuba VALLEY (Hakuba, Otari, Omachi) / Others: Tateyama, Senjojiki, Myoko, Mt. Fuji
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
Highly accurate, reliable and well-balanced all-rounder
Gear Setup 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 precise and reliable. Among them, I recommend the Blazer, an all-rounder that is very well balanced. With a 97mm center width, it has a basic width that can handle everything from slightly hard snow to powder, and it's not too light, so it doesn't sacrifice stability when you pick up speed.
Also, it has a wide range of lengths from 164 to 185cm, so you can choose the length that suits you without straining your feet. When it comes to boots, it's best to find ones that fit your feet. From what I've seen with guests, I think skins are very important. My recommendation for skins is the POMOCA CLIMB PRO S-GLIDE.
Reviewer: Akiko Nakae, Epic Japan
[Main guiding areas] Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Togakushi, Tateyama / Others: Hokkaido: Asahikawa, Furano area, Eastern Hokkaido, Niseko
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Ski Stage II, Mountain Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level I completed
Recommended setup for those who want to switch from alpine to telemark skiing
Gear Setup Recommended for Beginner BC Skiers
SKI: Black Diamond | Helio Recon 95
BINDINGS: 22DESIGNS | 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
Review
by
Toyokazu Nakano
[Main guiding area] Myoko/Kubiki area, Northern Shinshu / Others: Tateyama, Chokaisan, etc.
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
First of all, I want you to have a well-balanced set that is light and well-rounded
Gear Setup Recommended for Beginner BC Skiers
SKI: VÖLKL | BLAZE106
BINDINGS: MARKER | KINGPIN 10
BOOTS: DALBELLO | LUPO AX120
For guests new to backcountry skiing, the first set I recommend is an all-around, well-balanced set that's lightweight and suitable for various backcountry situations. This setup can handle everything from powder to granular snow or groomed slopes.
I use different types of skis myself, but this is by far the one I use most often. If you usually use skis with a 60 to 70mm center width on groomed slopes, a 106mm center width might seem extremely wide, but if you want to go backcountry skiing during the peak season, I think this much buoyancy is necessary.
As an entry-level model for women, I also recommend the VÖLKL BLAZE106 W. The reason is the same as for the men's model: its excellent balance regardless of conditions and its ease of use regardless of skiing skill level.
Having used VÖLKL skis for a long time, I feel that VÖLKL's ski-making concept is to challenge the question: "Can a ski that satisfies advanced skiers but is difficult for beginners and intermediate skiers to handle, or a ski that is easy for beginners and intermediate skiers but doesn't satisfy advanced skiers, really be called a good ski?" It feels like they are challenging themselves to develop products that address this question. So, even though it's a high-end model, it's not a difficult model to handle at all. Even though it's a "W (Women's)" model, the specifications are almost the same as the men's model, and you can choose based on the size range and your preferred graphic,
Please don't misunderstand: you can enjoy backcountry skiing even without backcountry gear. Gear specifically developed for backcountry skiing will make it easier and more enjoyable, but actually experiencing backcountry skiing is more important than buying gear. At LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE, we offer rentals of the above sets, including skins, as well as touring binding sets that can be used with your current boots, so please feel free to use them.
Reviewer:
LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE
, Kazuya Furuse
[Main Guide Area] Hakuba Area
[Qualifications Held]
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche Operations Personnel Level 2
A setup that is light, easy to operate, and has excellent sliding sensitivity
Gear Setup Recommended for Beginner BC Skiers
SKI:ROSSIGNOL｜ESCAPER97 NANO
BINDINGS:DYNAFIT｜ST Rotarion
BOOTS:ROSSIGNOL｜All TRACK110
For skis, the length should be about your height and the width around 100cm. The ESCAPER97 NANO (Rossignol) is lightweight and good without sacrificing maneuverability. For bindings, I personally recommend the TLT type, but the ST Rotarion (Dynafit) offers a sense of security and ease of use.
For boots, if you're not very strong, I recommend lighter ones. My top recommendation is the All TRACK110 (Rossignol). It has a wide last, making it comfortable to wear for long periods. It offers excellent lightness while also providing superb skiing sensitivity.
Reviewer:
RIKI JAPOW GUIDE
: Riki Nakajima
[Main guiding areas] Tomamu area, Furano area, Asahikawa area / Others: Niseko, Rusutsu, Nozawa Onsen
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
A recommended setup for your first lens, with a center of 100mm
Gear Setup Recommended for Beginner BC Skiers
SKI:ATOMIC｜BACKLAND100
BINDINGS:ATOMIC｜SHIFT
BOOTS:ATOMIC｜HAWX URTLA XTD110
For your first pair of skis, a center width of around 100mm is recommended, as it can handle everything from the start of the season through the peak powder season and into the spring season. Even when you buy your second or third pair of skis, a 100mm ski will be a valuable all-rounder.
For bindings, SHIFT. is recommended. When hiking, the bindings don't stick to your feet like tech bindings, so they feel light, and the pivot point for walking is closer to your toes, making it easier. When skiing, they become step-in bindings, so they have forward pressure, and their responsiveness and safety are excellent, making them highly recommended.
Hawks boots are not only lightweight, but the inner boot is thick, and they have a great fit. If you're only considering powder, you don't need skis with a very stiff flex at first.
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
