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
Matte Black Strap | | ¥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
"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 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
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
"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:
Hokkaido Backcountry Guys
Satoshi Tsukahara,
[Main guiding area] Kiroro, Niseko, Akaigawa area / Others: All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, Board Member of Hokkaido Mountain Guide Association
POC | OPSIN CLARITY COMP
combines a classic frame design with clarity lensesThe OPSIN . In demanding competition and backcountry environments, split-second decision-making is crucial. The OPSIN CLARITY COMP lenses are optimized with a special color scheme that provides bright, clear vision, allowing you to accurately perceive and quickly react to ever-changing snow conditions depending on the weather and time of day. One spare lens for cloudy conditions is included.
"The fit of the goggles themselves is exceptional."- Tomohiro Shakawa
I primarily use OPSIN CLARITY COMP goggles with Spektris Blue and Spectris Pink lenses. I always carry a spare pair of goggles and only use the CLARITY COMP when skiing or snowboarding, such as when I'm in the mountains. I use a windproof COMP type to cope with the wind at speed. The lenses aren't too dark even on sunny days. The
brightness of the lenses is just right to accommodate the limitations of my eyes due to my age. The exceptional fit of the goggles themselves is another great feature.
Reviewer:
COLOR SPORT CLUB
Tomohiro Tonegawa,
[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
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)
"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 (Ryuta
Asahi
[Main guiding areas] Shirakawa-go, Tateyama, Hakuba, Hirayu, Hoki-Daisen *Mainly the Hida Mountains and Ryohaku Mountains
[Qualifications held]
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
"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:
Vertical Land)
Yuki Ito (
[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)
"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:
Powder Station
Kazuya Igarashi, Kagura
[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
"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 Held]
JMGA Ski and Snowboard Guide Stage II
, Mountain 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 Held]
・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
"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:
Epic Japan
Akiko Nakae,
[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 national junior high school championships, interscholastic championships, and national sports festivals. After that, I discovered mountain skiing and spent every weekend in the snowy mountains during the snowy season. In 2014, I ended my life as a foreign company employee in Tokyo and have been working as the representative of Epic Japan ever since.
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Ski Stage II, Mountain Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Handling Personnel Level I 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
"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 guiding area] Hokkaido (Niseko, Mt. Yotei, Kiroro, Daisetsuzan, Furano area)
[Qualifications held]
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:
Iwao
Saeki
[Main guiding area] Toyama Prefecture, Tateyama / Others: Tateyama, Tsurugidake, Hakuba, Myoko
[Qualifications held]
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
"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
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
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
"It's well-suited to a style of play like backcountry skiing, where you climb for several 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 Trui
[Main guiding area] All of Hokkaido [Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level I
