Photo: POC snow goggles (Photo provided by Fullmarks)
Backcountry tours into the wilderness involve facing ever-changing weather and a wide range of terrain. Visibility is everything to backcountry guides who escort their guests while ensuring their safety and comfort. Whether it's a blizzard, clear skies, flat, cloudy skies, uneven slopes with poor visibility, or through dense trees, what goggles do pros use to ensure clearer vision, instantly grasp the situation, and move safely on the snowy mountains?
OAKLEY ｜Fall Line L
and Matte Black straps | | ¥22,770
The Fall Line L combines the cylindrical design of Oakley's iconic LINE Miner goggle with the wide field of view of a rimless goggle. It's designed to fit a wide range of faces and is perfectly compatible with most helmets. Oakley's Ridgelock technology allows for quick and easy lens changes, ensuring a perfect fit for your face
◆Official website is here
"Wide field of view, comfortable fit, and clear vision. Perfect." - Chikara Nakajima
I love OAKLEY's "Fall Line L" with Prizm Snow Rose lenses. The wide field of view, the fit, and the clarity are perfect
Reviewer
RIKI JAPOW GUIDE
Riki 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
POC ｜FOVEA CLARITY
The lenses were developed in collaboration with Carl Zeiss. They are designed to enhance contrast and brightness for maximum visibility. The face foam is made up of multiple layers for a soft, comfortable fit. The lenses are also treated with a dirt-resistant and waterproof coating, anti-scratch treatment to prevent scratches on the lens surface, and anti-fog treatment on the inside to reduce fogging. This makes it easier to see the unevenness of the slopes, ensuring greater safety and more comfortable, enjoyable skiing
◆Official website is here
"It fits perfectly and the fine powder from Hokkaido doesn't get in." - Satoshi Tsukahara
The visibility is not bad, but the best thing about this is that it fits perfectly. This is the only model that doesn't let in the fine powder from Hokkaido
Reviewer:
Satoshi Tsukahara of Hokkaido Backcountry Guides
[Main guiding areas] Kiroro, Niseko, Akaigawa area / Other: All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, Director of the Hokkaido Mountain Guides Association
POC | OPSIN CLARITY COMP
the OPSIN combines a classic frame design with Clarity lenses . In the rigorous competition and backcountry skiing scenes, split-second decision-making is essential. The OPSIN CLARITY COMP lenses are optimized with a special color scheme that provides bright, clear vision, allowing you to accurately grasp snow conditions that change with the weather and time of day, and make quick decisions and move. One spare lens is included for cloudy days.
◆Official website is here
"The fit of the goggles themselves is exceptional" Tomohiro Shagawa
I mainly use OPSIN CLARITY COMP with Spektris Blue & Spectris Pink lenses. I carry a spare pair of goggles and only use them when skiing, such as when I'm in the mountains. I use a wind-proof comp type so I can handle speed and wind. I use lenses that aren't too dark even on sunny days. They're
just the right brightness to accommodate age-related eye limitations. Another great thing about these goggles is that they fit exceptionally well.
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
SMITH｜Squad MAG
The Squad MAG is an iconic SMITH model equipped with a MAG lens change stem. It features SMITH's proprietary ChromaPop lens technology, which controls the three primary colors of light to provide a clearer field of view. It has been highly praised for its exceptional clarity of even the smallest details. It comes standard with two ChromaPop lenses, one for sunny days and one for cloudy days (excluding photochromic models)
◆Official website is here
"Easy to put on and take off the lenses!" Ryuta Asahi
I like flat lenses and love the Squad MAG Black. I use dark lenses, Sun Black or Sun Platinum Mirror. I carry a slightly brighter spare. The lenses are easy to attach and remove!
Reviewer:
Rhythm Works (Rhythm Works)
Ryuta Asahi
[Main guide areas] Shirakawa-go, Tateyama, Hakuba, Hirayu, Hoki Daisen *Mainly the Hida Mountains and Ryohaku Mountains
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
SMITH | 4D MAG
The 4D MAG goggles' lens design extends to the bottom of the goggles, providing a wide field of view forward and a clear view down to your feet. The quality and ease of use of the goggles are becoming increasingly reliable. The SMITH MAG Lens Change System allows for safe and easy lens attachment and detachment, allowing you to instantly change lenses to suit changing weather or conditions. The AirEvac™ function ensures an excellent fit with your helmet
◆Official website is here
"Easy lens replacement and easy to use in the mountains" - Hiroki Ito
The 4D MAG lenses use Sun Black. They are less likely to fog up and have a wide field of view. Lens replacement is easy, making them ideal for use in the mountains. I use Sun Black Gold Mirror and Storm Rose Flash as spare lenses
Reviewer:
Yuki Ito Vertical Land
[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)
"Includes two spare ChromaPop lenses!" Kazuya Igarashi
The 4D MAG comes with two spare ChromaPop lenses. They offer a wide field of view, are easy to see, and are less likely to fog up!
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
"The field of vision is so wide. It doesn't get cloudy." - Yuu Takeo
The field of view is very wide. Also, the anti-fog function is strong so it doesn't fog up
Reviewer
Bantei ~bamboo tail~ (Bantei)
Yu TAKEO
[Main Guide Area] Hakuba area
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski and Snowboard Guide Stage II
, Mountaineering Guide Stage II
"Except at high altitudes during snowy seasons, this photochromic lens is all you need and you won't need a spare lens." - Kazuya Furuse
The lenses used are CP photochromic rose flash. The frameless design provides a wide field of view, making it particularly easy to see downwards, making it extremely easy to do tasks around the chest, such as fastening the chest strap buckle on a backpack. Except at high altitudes during periods of remaining snow, this single photochromic lens can be used in a wide range of conditions, from sunny to snowy, without the need for a spare lens
Reviewer
LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE
Kazuya Furuse
[Main Guide Area] Hakuba Area
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
Smith | I/O Mag S
The I/O MAG S is a women's model that is a more compact version of the I/O MAG. It retains all the features and functionality of the I/O MAG, but is designed with a height and width that makes it easier to fit users with smaller faces, women, and children. It's compatible with helmets, preventing gaps between the helmet and goggles. It features a unique magnetic system and lens security system, as well as SMITH's proprietary ChromaPop lens and 5X anti-fog technology. Two spare lenses and a Googlesoc are included
◆Official website is here
"Attaching and removing the lenses with magnets is stress-free." Tomoko Nakae
They offer excellent visibility and the now-standard magnetic lens attachment and detachment method makes them hassle-free. Another important factor is that they are compatible with helmets
Reviewer:
Akiko Nakae, Epic Japan
[Main guiding areas] Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Togakushi, Tateyama / Other: Hokkaido: Asahikawa, Furano area, Eastern Hokkaido, Niseko
[Profile]
Until high school, he was involved in alpine skiing, competing in the National Junior High School Championships, Inter-High School Championships, and National Athletic Meet. He then discovered mountain skiing and began spending every weekend in the snowy mountains during the snowy season. In 2014, he put an end to his life as a foreign company employee in Tokyo, and has since worked as a representative of Epic Japan.
[Qualifications]
- JMGA Ski Stage II, Mountain Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level I qualification completed
SWANS | ROVO-MDH-CMIT-BL PIN MIT Mirror Photochromic Lens
These goggles offer easy ventilation and quick lens defogging with a single push of the lever at the bottom of the frame, without removing the goggles from your face. Photochromic (photochromic) technology automatically adjusts the lens brightness in response to UV rays, making them extremely versatile for all weather conditions. Another great feature is the MIT (Mirror Insert Technology) lens, which eliminates color variations in your field of vision
◆Official website is here
"Breathing goggles don't fog up" - Ryuta Furuichi
Good visibility. These breathable goggles allow the lenses to be slightly raised from the frame, so they don't fog up
Reviewer
Mountain Guide Coyote
Ryuta Furuichi
[Main guide area] Hokkaido (Niseko, Mt. Yotei, Kiroro, Daisetsuzan, Furano area)
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
Use Sweet Protection, SMITH, and SHRED
I use Sweet, Smith, and Shred lenses. I usually use light pink lenses, but I also carry darker lenses as backups
Reviewer
Tyrol
Iwao Saeki
[Main guiding area] Toyama Prefecture, Mt. Tateyama / Other: Mt. Tateyama, Mt. Tsurugi, Hakuba, Myoko
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
Sweet Protection｜Clockwork [+Bonus Lens]
The Clockwork features high strength and Sweet Protection's signature RIG lens. The RIG lens minimizes color distortion and reduces eye fatigue with excellent contrast. The 2.8mm thick premium toric sculpted lens provides exceptional impact resistance, ensuring a wide field of view while maintaining a low volume and snug fit in a compact design. The double lens is equipped with GORE® Protective Vents, which prevent deformation of the inner lens due to changes in air pressure, creating an optimal environment for your eyes
◆Official website is here
"The clearest view I've ever used, making it easier to see the slopes." - Toyokazu Nakano
These goggles have the clearest field of view and the easiest lenses to see the slopes. The Japanese model has foam padding designed for Japanese people, so there is very little space between the nose and the padding, preventing snow from getting inside. The design is also cool. The lenses never fog up, so I don't carry spare lenses
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
UVEX ｜Athletic CV
The athletic CV features a single lens design with a large lens for a wide field of view. Its uvex colorvision® technology delivers vibrant color perception and enhanced contrast with four colorvision® filters—amber, smoke, brown, and green—for a clearer view of the field. This is especially useful in the backcountry, where the snow surface stretches out endlessly and unevenness on the slopes can be difficult to see. It also offers reliable anti-fog protection. And it's a very reasonable price
◆Official website is here
"It's suitable for a style like backcountry, where you climb for a few hours and then ski for 2-3 minutes." - Daichi Terui
By choosing a single lens, we were able to improve portability and achieve a wide field of view without distortion like sunglasses. Single lenses also prevent fogging between the lenses like double lenses do. We think they're ideal for backcountry skiing, where you climb for a few hours and then ski for 2-3 minutes
Reviewer
Daichi Terui
[Main guide area] All of Hokkaido [Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level I
