Backcountry Guide Gear Setup '23-24 Season | Pro Picks and Reviews

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? With untouched snowfields stretching out before them, they must adapt to all kinds of slopes and snow conditions. Here, we take a look at the "reliable gear setup to accompany you through the 2023-2024 season," chosen by these pros

*For detailed information about a guide club, click on the guide club name and go to the guide club introduction page on STEEP!

BLUECLIFF｜Tomoo Takimoto

A setup that prioritizes mobility in the mountains

GEAR Setup

SKI: SNOWFLAKESKI | RMP 188cm
BINDINGS: FRITSCHI | VIPEC EVO12
BOOTS: SCARPA | 4-Quattro SL
POLE: SCOTT

The RMP188 skis are easy to ride in all conditions thanks to their large rocker shape at the top, moderate flex in the center, and sidecut.
The VIPEC EVO bindings allow for quick switching between walking and skiing without needing to remove or reattach boots. They are the only tech bindings with a release mechanism in the front piece, minimizing accidental release and offering high safety. The SCARPA 4 Quattro SL boots are incredibly lightweight, yet I think they are the ultimate boots, excelling in both skiing and walking performance.

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CIRCLE GAME guide service | Shohei Sasaki

A setup that emphasizes the balance between gliding performance and weight

GEAR Setup

SKI: Vector Glide | nadurra185
BINDINGS: Marker | KINGPIN m-werks12
BOOTS: SALOMON | SHIFT PRO 130AT
POLE: Vector Glide | v stick straight 115cm

I think this setup perfectly embodies what most users desire: a skier who doesn't want to compromise on performance but wants the lightest possible weight.

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 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, giving a sense of security. I

've been using KINGPIN for about six 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 boots, and make sure to remove all snow before changing modes, you can significantly reduce the risk of damage, just like with other brands.

This season I'm using SALOMON's SHIFT PRO boots, and they have a great balance of performance and lightness. They hold securely, and the stability at high speeds and on icy snow is fantastic. I also trust them because I've never had any trouble switching modes.

I believe that skiers don't need telescopic poles; they're lighter and offer significantly better swing balance. As a guide, I get asked "You don't use telescopic poles?" by clients three or four times a season. Please try straight poles at least once – you won't regret it!

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COLOR SPORT CLUB ｜Tomohiro Sagawa

A setup with excellent rigidity and power transmission, and excellent gliding and off-road performance

GEAR Setup

SKI:TONES SKI｜KANBA and HANDS
BINDINGS:Marker｜KINGPIN 13
BOOTS:K2｜MINDBENDER120

By using the Marker KINGPIN13 boots with the domestically produced TONES SKI, you can expect a reliable and dependable quality that never deteriorates, from the more dependable rigidity to the balanced feel of the snow surface. The excellent gliding feel, maneuverability, stability underfoot, and tail grip are all evident from the shape of the skis. Furthermore, the Marker KINGPIN13 is lightweight and offers a very direct feel when set low and close to the skis. Its tuning and balance are exquisite. The

boots themselves are also reliable, offering a dependable rigidity, a comfortable fit, and a feeling of gripping the snow surface with the entire sole of the foot, which can be expected to enhance the gliding feel of the skis.

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IDEHA |Takahiro Ishizawa

Recommended setup for telemarkers

GEAR Setup

Skis: K2 | Wayback 106 (179cm)
Bindings: 22 Design | Axel
Boots: Scott | Voodoo
Pole: K2 | Dispatch 120

I ski telemark, so I find the WAY BCACK, which is light and flexible, to be much better than a stiff, heavy board. I prefer 75mm cable bindings over NTN. While a sturdy binding with no play like NTN is not bad, I prefer a little play to allow for more freedom in powder, so I think cable is the way to go

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 Pro
POLE: Black Diamond | Laser Carbon Pro Pole

As a set of telemark skis for backcountry tours, I feel that this is the easiest combination to use 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 dead of winter to early spring when the snow has not yet hardened, so they are the skis I use the most. While it takes some getting used to the tech bindings to master the Lynx, the gliding sensation is the same as the Outlaw X. The best thing about them is that they are lightweight, which significantly reduces stress when walking

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JUNRINA mountain service|Jun Nagai

Setup for enjoying a variety of snow conditions

GEAR Setup

SKI: Vectorglide｜Polarve Standard (186cm)
BINDINGS: Marker｜KINGPIN m-werks12
BOOTS: ATOMIC｜HAWX ULTRA XTD 130GW
POLE: Vectorglide｜V-stick

In Joshinetsu, where the activities are centered, the snow quality changes drastically due to the influence of sunlight, wind, the difference in altitude between the top and bottom, and the temperature, and we often encounter bad snow. In order to enjoy the diverse snow conditions, you need solid skis. I really like the Polarve's solid edge grip when turning

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Kagura Powder Station | Kazuya Igarashi

Use different setups depending on the time and situation

GEAR Setup

SKI: K2｜MINDBENDER 116C, WAYBACK 106 　
BINDINGS: Marker｜KINGPIN m-werks12, alpinist9
BOOTS: K2｜MINDBENDER130 BOA　
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 bindings 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 WAYBACK 106 179cm with alpinist 12 bindings, from mid-March for spring snow to long touring trips to mountains like Gassan, Chokaisan, Tateyama, and Fuji. The lightweight skis and bindings allow for stable climbing without fatigue, even on long ascents and steep slopes. The excellent balance of wood and carbon fiber, along with the titanium plate underfoot, provides a firm hold on varying slopes and icy patches, ensuring stability in a variety of conditions.

With the MINDBENDER 130 BOA, simply turning the dial on the BOA boot allows for precise, full-foot support, resulting in faster and more reliable turn initiation. Fine adjustments can be made by turning the dial in the opposite direction. When hiking uphill, the buckles won't hit the snow wall, and when setting up for skiing, there's no need to tighten or adjust buckles; simply tighten the BOA system for a quick and reliable setup.

KinTouN Backcountry Guide | Kenichi Minegishi

A lightweight setup that doesn't compromise on glide

GEAR Setup

SKI: FOON SKIS | MAVERIC Original Custom 182
BINDINGS: FRITSCHI | Tecton 13
BOOTS: SCARPA | 4-Quattro XT, Maestrale XT, Maestrale RS
POLE: BLACK DIAMOND | Laser Carbon Pro

Overall, I'm aiming for a setup that's lightweight yet doesn't compromise on performance.
For the FOON SKIS, I chose the surfy MAVERIC template and had it customized to my personal preference for a more flexible flex, creating a one-of-a-kind original. This setup truly shines in freeriding using the terrain rather than speed.

For bindings, I've been using the FRITSCHI Tecton 13 for the past few years. It's lightweight, and despite being a pin-tech system, the toe piece absorbs vibrations, giving it an alpine-like smooth ride. For

boots, I use the 4-Quattro XT with a flex of 130, which I think pairs very well with the FOON SKIS MAVERIC. During the powder season when I frequently use the lifts, I use the Quattro XT, and in spring when hikes are longer, I often use the more flexible and easy-to-walk-in Maestrale XT or RS. For
poles, I've been using the Laser Carbon for many years, and I like its good balance.

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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 | BLAZE106 186cm
BINDINGS: FRITSCHI | VIPEC EVO 12　
BOOTS: SCARPA | Maestrale RS
POLE: Black Diamond | Laser Carbon Pro Pole

The BLAZE106 is moderately light and sturdy, making it easy to adapt to a variety of situations. Perhaps the boots could have been a little softer? Since they don't have laces, they don't need to be too stiff. The hinge is positioned low, so it moves well and doesn't cause blistering

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Niseko Mecca| Hisataka Tanaka

A set-up that pursues ease of movement with HOJI's 4LOCK system

GEAR Setup

SKI: 4FRNT | HOJI184cm 4LOCK
BINDINGS: Dynafit | ST ROTATION
BOOTS: TECNICA | ZERO G TOUR PRO
POLE: 4FRNT | UPTRACK POLE

I use the 4LOCK system from 4FRNT's HOJI series. Because it's a full rocker ski, turns are easy even without applying weight. It excels on steep and crusted slopes. The 4LOCK system comes with POMOCA FreePro 2.0 skins. The FreePro 2.0 is the number one compact skin, achieving lightweight construction and offering exceptional maneuverability. It's a reliable system recommended for those who have trouble with their skins' tail hooks coming undone.

I use lightweight skis and boots. The Tecnica Zero-G Tour Pro is lightweight yet offers high performance. The bindings are
Dynafit's "ST Rotation 12," which have fewer plastic parts and high rigidity, resulting in fewer problems in the mountains.

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Locus guide service ｜ Furuse Kazuya

I like the balance between the excellent gliding performance and the lightweight design

GEAR Setup

SKI: VÖLKL | BLAZE106 (186cm)
BINDINGS: Marker | KINGPIN 13
BOOTS: DALBELLO | CABRIO LV FREE 130 3DWRAP ★
POLE: VÖLKL | TOURISTICK CC

I love 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.

When choosing skis, boots, and bindings, I make sure that the concepts of all three pieces of gear are aligned. If they're 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 gliding performance, choose all three pieces that prioritize gliding performance; if you prioritize lightness, choose all three pieces that prioritize lightness. My set is somewhere in between, and I chose it with a focus on a balance between enjoyable gliding performance and a weight that I'm happy with. I'm

always trying to find the limit of lightness that can be achieved without sacrificing gliding performance when choosing my gear. The BLAZE series offers excellent gliding performance, including carving capabilities, while the KINGPIN provides superior retention and reliability. The direct gliding feel derived from the composite lower shell, which can only be achieved with a three-piece boot construction, combined with the fact that the three gear concepts are perfectly matched, thanks to repeated prototyping and testing within the same group, further enhancing the strengths of each piece of gear.

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POWERZONE Hakuba | Mamoru Takahashi

A playful setup in a good way

GEAR Setup

SKI: ZAG | SLAP112 (176cm)
BINDINGS: Blackdiamond | O2　
BOOTS: SCARPA | T2 eco　

I like the firm flex of my skis, which allows me to carve on the slopes even with a 112cm waist. I use 75mm Norm bindings because I think they are simpler and more reliable than the NTN standard that has recently become mainstream. My boots are 75mm to match the bindings! Telemark skis are more fun when they have some "play" in a good way!

TERUI DAICHI | Daichi Terui

Lightness, rigidity, and ease of handling are harmoniously combined

GEAR Setup

SKI: ATOMC｜BACKLAND100 (180cm)
BINDINGS:ATOMIC｜SHIFT
BOOTS:ATOMIC｜BACKLAND XTD　

I prefer skis with a 100mm center so that I can ski easily in any situation. I also like skis that are not too long for my height, with climbing in mind. For boots, I use the ATOMIC BACKLAND Carbon XTD, which was released this season. Not only is it light, but it also has a good hold. The last is also 100mm, so it's a medium last rather than the narrow last that is common in light boots. I think it will be suitable for many skiers

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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

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Vertical Land ｜Yuki Ito

A great board for enjoying the mountains all year round! Perfect for enjoying the natural terrain

GEAR Setup

SKI: FACTION | LA MACHINE 4 MASSIVE (185cm)
BINDINGS: G3 | zed12
BOOTS: LANG | XT3 tour pro　
POLE: Black Diamond | Laser Carbon Pro

FACTION's LA MACHINE 4 has a reverse camber that makes it easy to handle in any snow condition. It's especially helpful in heavy, slushy snow. G3's ZED12 bindings are easy to put on when putting on the skis, and they have few malfunctions. LANG XT3 Tour Pro boots are lightweight and have rubber soles, yet they feel like alpine boots. I also recommend them because not many people use them. I've had my

Black Diamond Laser Carbon poles for four years now, inherited from a senior. They're reliable and durable despite having an extendable function. The simple design with only the essentials makes them easy to use in the mountains.

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