Backcountry tours into the wilderness involve constantly changing weather and a wide range of terrain. Visibility is everything to backcountry guides, who escort guests while ensuring their safety, comfort, and enjoyment. Clearer vision is essential in blizzards, sunny skies, flat, cloudy skies, uneven slopes with poor visibility, and in dense trees. What are the goggles that professionals use to instantly grasp the situation and move safely on snowy mountains?
GIRO | CONTOUR
The sleek, unconventional toric lens and cutting-edge EXV+ technology provide a wide field of view comparable to that seen with the naked eye. The quick-change lens system allows for instant lens changes
"The contrast is clear and the visibility is high" | IDEHA Takahiro Ishizawa
I use CONTOUR+ spare lenses. They offer high visibility and sharp contrast, making it easy to see the undulations of the snow surface. The high contrast of the VIVID lenses makes them ideal for capturing the undulations of the snow surface in the backcountry. In addition, the wide vision lenses, which do not have an outer frame, provide excellent visibility and reduce the risk of slipping. The lenses are easy to replace and come with one spare lens, so it's great that you only need the lens and don't need to carry a spare pair of goggles
Reviewer
IDEHA
Takahiro Ishizawa
Born and raised in a corner of Zao, I grew up enjoying skiing in the fields and mountains from an early age. I have been guiding at Gassan for 27 years, and I never get tired of the joy of skiing in this area. I guide with the hope of sharing this excitement with everyone.
I also work as a drone pilot for Cocoheli, helping to search for lost people in mountain areas and promoting safe mountain climbing.
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, Certified Instructor of the Japan Telemark Ski Association
OAKLEY ｜Fall Line L Snow Goggles
Matte Black Strap | | ¥30,470
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." | RIKI JAPOW GUIDE Riki 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] Around Tomamu, around Furano, around Asahikawa / Others: Niseko, Rusutsu, Nozawa Onsen
[Profile]
Obtained CSIA instructor qualification in Whistler, Canada, and became the first Japanese to be certified as a CFSA freeski instructor. After participating in numerous freeski competitions, he expanded his activities to the backcountry. He currently provides guides and lessons based at Hoshino Resort Tomamu Ski Resort.
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountaineering Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
POC | OPSIN CLARITY COMP
This racing model from the OPSIN CLARITY combines a classic frame design with a Clarity lens. In the rigorous competition and backcountry skiing scenes, split-second decision-making is essential. The OPSIN CLARITY COMP lens is 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 Shakawa
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 guiding areas] Hakuba Valley (Hakuba, Otari, Omachi) / Others: Tateyama, Senjojiki, Myoko, Mt. Fuji
[Profile]
A pioneer who built the backcountry scene that continues to this day. Since the early 90s, he has turned his attention to areas outside the slopes, pioneering the mountain ski scene in the harsh winter. Even after achieving the development of the entire Hakuba area, which is synonymous with his name, his pioneering work continues.
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
POC｜Fovea
Toric lenses provide a wide field of view. Clarity lens technology enhances contrast for sharp vision in a variety of lighting conditions. The malleable frame and triple-layered face foam provide a comfortable, secure fit for any face shape, ensuring flexible comfort even in the coldest conditions
◆Official website is here
"The key to choosing skis is making sure they fit your face" | KinTouN Backcountry Guide Kenichi Minegishi
I like the pink lenses because they make it easy to see even on cloudy days with little light.
I use a variety of models, but I personally find that Fovea suits my face, so I often find myself using Fovea.
Reviewer
KinTouN Backcountry Guide (Kintoun)
Minegishi Kenichi
[Main guide area] Kanetsu area
[Profile]
Backcountry guide since 2003. Organizes a members-only club, "Valley of the Wind," an old-style campsite in Yamakita Town in the western part of Kanagawa Prefecture. Together with members he has connected through backcountry skiing, he has built campsites and play areas in the mountains using DIY methods. "Just like skiing on the waves, which are the energy of nature, I want to ski on natural snow-capped mountains, climb the mountain on my own two feet, and ski as I please. It is precisely because there is risk that I feel a sense of freedom."
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
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
"The lenses are easy to attach and remove!" | Rhythm Works 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
[Profile]
Climbing mountains throughout the four seasons in tune with the rhythm of nature. A multi-talented mountain guide who conveys the charm of a wide range of mountains, from general traverses to variation routes, from river climbing to backcountry riding.
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
SMITH | 4D MAG
◆Official website is here
"Includes two spare Chroma Pop lenses!" | Kazuya Igarashi, Kagura Powder Station
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 summit of the 5th Romance Lift at Kagura Ski Resort / Other: Spring tours to Mt. Tateyama, Mt. Gassan, Mt. Fuji, etc.
[Profile]
After being the All-Japan Mogul Champion, he participated in the W-CAP and served as a national team coach, training Satoya, Miura, Tsukuda, Hara, and others. He worked for Yuichiro Miura and was active with Snow Dolphin. He climbed Everest with Miura in 2008. He currently supports Kagura Powder Station as a BC ski and mountain guide.
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage I
, JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
I also love using 4D MAG | Natures Shinya Nakagawa
The wide field of view is very useful.
I choose brighter lenses throughout the season to deal with sudden changes in weather and changes in light when moving from an open field to a wooded area.
Reviewer
Nature
Shinya Nakagawa
[Main guiding area] Northern Hokkaido area near Asahikawa
[Profile]
Started snowboarding at age 14, and obtained professional certification from the JSBA (Japan Snowboard Association) in 2000. Fascinated by the world of backcountry, he shifted the focus of his activities to filming and photography. Feeling the joy and charm of mountains and nature, he wanted to provide safe and enjoyable mountain trips, so he decided to become a guide. After working as a Mount Asahidake Nature Conservation Warden, he launched "Natures" in 2011.
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountaineering Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
"I use SMITH's SQUAD MAG and 4DMAG separately | LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE Furuse Kazuya
I use QUAD MAG and 4DMAG. I like the SQUAD MAG's flat lens field of view and overall lightness, so I use it mainly when skiing on the slopes, and the 4D MAG's wide field of view is very useful when I'm at a backcountry ski resort, where I do a lot of work near my chest, so I use both. My only choice of lens is the ChromaPop photochromic lens, and its greatest feature is its brightness, which is suitable for both heavy snow days and sunny days at high altitudes. I can confidently say that it is the best lens I have ever used
Reviewer
LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE
Kazuya Furuse
[Main guide area] Hakuba area
[Profile]
As a result of pursuing skiing, the field changed from ski resorts to backcountry, and he gained experience as a skier and guide.
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
SWANS | RIDGELINE Photochromic ULTRA Model
◆Official website is here
"Photochromic lenses are convenient" | Vertical Land Hiroki Ito
The photochromic lenses are convenient and useful as they do not need to be changed depending on the weather. The ventilation system is useful for preventing fogging if used properly
Reviewer:
Yuki Ito Vertical Land
[Main guiding area] 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 ski culture and developed an interest in mountain skiing. After graduating from Yamnuska Mountaineering School, he returned to Japan and opened his own business in January 2020. His guiding concept is "More mountains in your life."
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, CAA Operation Level 1 (CAA: Canadian Avalanche Association)
SWANS | OUTBACK Photochromic ULTRA Model
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
"We've been waiting for this! Breathable goggles with flat lenses" | Ryuta Furuichi
"I've been waiting for this! Breathable goggles with flat lenses." I've been using SWANS' breathable goggles for a long time. You can operate the lever with one touch, even while wearing gloves, without removing the goggles, and it instantly clears the fogging inside the goggles.
And now, for the 2023-2024 season, breathable goggles with flat lenses have been released! Spherical lenses are good for visibility, but if you hit a small branch or something, the lens gets scratched. With flat lenses, this problem is solved. These are goggles I'm looking forward to!
Reviewer
Mountain Guide Coyote
Ryuta Furuichi
[Main guide 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 to live in the magnificent Hokkaido. He started Mountain Guide Coyote to feel closer to nature and practice a lifestyle that does not impact the environment. He loves to ski down snowy mountains on telemark skis.
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
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
Reliable goggles with all three features | Shohei Sasaki
These reliable goggles offer a wide field of view, clear lenses, and a comfortable fit
Reviewer
CIRCLE GAME guide service
Shohei Sasaki
[Main guide area] Hokkaido
[Profile]
Born in Nanae Town, Hokkaido. Based in Sapporo, he guides backcountry skiing in the winter and guides a wide range of Hokkaido's natural scenery in the summer. He likes to combine climbing and skiing.
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountaineering Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
I also love Sweet Protection's Clockwork
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 / Other: Mt. Tateyama, Mt. Chokai, etc.
[Profile]
After moving to Myoko Kogen and gaining 10 years of experience, he started "Infield" in 2006. He currently works as a backcountry tour guide and telemark ski instructor in the winter, and as a mountaineering/trekking guide and sea kayak guide in the summer.
[Qualifications]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
I also love Sweet Protection's Clockwork
The field of view is wide and easy to see. It is durable and gives a sense of security as if your face is protected
Reviewer
JUNRINA mountain service
Jun Nagai
[Main guide areas] Kagura BC, Echigo Yuzawa BC, Tateyama BC
[Profile]
After quitting his job and working at Tateyama Raichoso while undergoing guide training, he started working as JUNRINA mountain service in 2010. He has many experiences on overseas backcountry trips. In summer and autumn, he works as a mountain guide mainly in the Alps and Joshinetsu, and in winter and spring as a backcountry ski guide.
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage III
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
I also love Sweet Protection's Clockwork
ATOMIC ｜REDSTER HD WC
This is ATOMIC's most high-end goggle model. Designed to protect your eyes on sunny days and in all glare conditions, it features lenses optimized for even the brightest days on the slopes. These versatile goggles ensure clear vision in any lighting conditions
◆Official website is here
"It's the ATOMIC brand, but it's no less than an eyewear brand" | DAICHI TERUI
The contrast is clear and easy to see. It's comparable to goggle manufacturers!
Reviewer
Daichi Terui
[Main guide area] All of Hokkaido
[Profile]
Aspiring to become a mountain guide while attending university, he studied under international mountain guide Hirofumi Ishizaka. Upon graduating from university, he became a certified guide of the Japan Mountain Guides Association and began guiding. As part of his own activities, he has experienced heli-ski guide training in Northern Europe, mountaineering in the European Alps, and ski touring since his early twenties.
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, and JAN Avalanche Worker Level I.
