Helmets, along with avalanche gear, are essential for safely enjoying backcountry skiing. Protecting your head safely is paramount, but lightweight and comfortable fit are also important. We asked backcountry guides who spend long periods of time in the snowy mountains what helmets they approve of and use
DYNAFIT | RADICAL HELMET | Kuroda Mountain Guide Office Makoto Kuroda
RADICAL HELMET
16 ventilation holes
Magnetic buckle
Weight 230g
Size: 56-62cm
Color: Lime Punch (all 3 colors)
It's light and fits well on the head
Reviewer
Kuroda Mountain Guide Office
Makoto Kuroda
[Main guide area] Centered around Joshinetsu, we will guide you to your desired area.
[Profile]
We provide private guides for small groups, supporting original mountain trips suited to each level. We value not only skiing but also the spirit of travel.
[Qualifications]
International mountain guide
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
GIRO ｜ NEO MIPS ｜ BLUECLIFF Tomoo Takimoto
NEO MIPS
・MIPS
・Dial-type Inform Fit System
・Vertical Tuning
・Thermostat Control System
・Removable ear pads and more
Size: S, M, L (S is limited color)
Color: Matte Harbor Blue (7 colors)
¥28,600
It's very lightweight and has an Asian fit, so it fits perfectly. It's compatible with GIRO goggles and has ventilation to prevent the goggles from fogging up. The MIPS structure increases the chances of your head being protected in the event of an impact, giving you a sense of security
Reviewer:
Michio Takimoto, BLUECLIFF
[Main guide area] Hakuba Otari, Northern Alps, Hokkaido
[Profile]
At the age of 19, he became interested in climbing, starting with the Mont Blanc Major Route and the North Face of the Drus. Since then, he has been active throughout the country, focusing on free climbing and backcountry snowboarding. In 2000, he moved to Hakuba Village and began working as a mountain guide.
[Qualifications]
UIAGIM
, IFMGA International Mountain Guide
GIRO ｜OWEN SPHERICAL ｜ IDEHA Takahiro Ishizawa
GRID SPHERICAL
include: MIPS
, Spherical Technology
, Inform 2 Fit System
, on-the-fly vertical tuning,
adjustable thermostat control
, thermostat-controlled ventilation
, Fidlock magnetic buckle
, antibacterial and deodorizing liner
, and removable ear pads.
Size: S, M, L
Color: Matte Black Stained (6 colors in total)
¥52,800
I'll be using the GIRO OWEN SPHERICAL this season. I use GIRO helmets because they're lightweight, breathable, and they're one of the first to incorporate the latest technologies like Mips, focusing on head protection and safety. The rate at which helmets are worn on my tours is increasing every year. In the backcountry, there are many hidden risks, such as branches and rocks hidden in the snow. If you lose your balance, you might be hit by a protruding branch, which can be quite a shock. Wearing a helmet to protect your head in the backcountry is a necessity
Reviewer
IDEHA
Takahiro Ishizawa
[Profile]
I was born and raised in a remote corner of Zao and grew up enjoying skiing in the fields and mountains from a young age. I have been guiding on Mt. Gassan for 27 years, and I never get tired of the joy of skiing in this area. I guide with the desire to share 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
, Japan Telemark Ski Association certified instructor
K2 | ROUTE | Kagura Powder Station Kazuya Igarashi
ROUTE
Boa FS360 System
, Multiple Ventilation Holes
, Weight 320g
Size: S, M, L, XL
Color: Black (all 3 colors)
¥28,600
It is extremely lightweight, weighing just 320g, so you won't get tired even if you wear it for a long time. It has good airflow and doesn't get hot, so it's comfortable.
It also has a headlamp holder, so you can use your headlamp at night or on a gas station. It can also be used on bicycles.
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
POC | OBEX BC MIPS | KinTouN Backcountry Guide Kenichi Minegishi
OBEX BC MIPS
, NFC medical ID chip
, RECCO reflector
, adjustable ventilation
, removable ear pads, and more
Size: XS-S, ML, XL-XXL
Color: Argentite Silver Matt (all 4 colors)
¥36,300
I think it fits the shape of Japanese heads. I like how it fits my head. It's a perfect match with POC goggles, and the forehead area fits snugly, so there are no gaps. The ventilation lever on the top of the head is also easy to use
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 ｜MAZE｜Telemark School & Ski Guide Izumiya AK.T Kenji Akutsu
MAZE
Airflow climate control system
, 9 ventilation holes
, self-adjusting lifestyle fit system
, AirEvac ventilation system
, removable ear pads
, removable goggle lock, and more
Size: S, M, L
Color: Matte Sandstorm / Black
￥24,200
It's incredibly light for a snow helmet. Its Asian fit fits my typical Japanese head perfectly. I've never grown tired of the design and shape, and I've been using it for over four seasons
Review by
Telemark School & Ski Guide Izumiya AK.T
Kenji Akutsu
[Main guiding area] Fukushima Prefecture: Minamiaizu, Hinoemata area
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountaineering Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, TAJ Telemark Ski Instructor
I also use
SMITH | MAZE | Natures Shinya Nakagawa
It fits well and weighs only 400g, making it easy to carry. It also fits well with goggles, so it stays in place and I love using it
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
SMITH｜SUMMIT｜Rythm Works Ryuta Asahi
SUMMIT
・Aerocore construction using Koroyd material ・
Hybrid shell structure
・33 ventilation holes
・MIPS
・SMITH x BOA fit system
・Vapor Fit fit system
・Deodorizing liner
・AirEvac ventilation system
・Headlight band holder
Size: M, L
Color: Matte Sandstorm / Black (3 colors available)
¥47,850
I've been using Cord until now, but I'm thinking of switching to Summit from this season onwards. Summit meets the safety standards of the International Mountaineering Federation and is a lightweight model that is balanced not only for riding but also for climbing in mountainous areas. Not only does it go perfectly with SMITH goggles, but it's also designed for mountaineering, with a simple design without ear pads and the ability to fix the headrest, so it will be useful for people like me who are active in mountainous areas
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
I also use it regularly | LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE Kazuya Furuse
It's easy to use, designed for BC, and the soft, adjustable straps feel great. I like the safety and lightness of it
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 | HSF-190 P1 SND | Mountain Guide Coyote Ryuta Furuichi
HSF-190 P1 SND
A-BLOW system
, 3 air intake holes
, anti-vibration mesh
, lightweight shell
, size adjuster dial
, detachable ear pads
, Fidlock snap helmet buckle, and more
Size: M, L
Color: Sand
¥20,900
The key point is that the helmet and goggles fit perfectly! At the same time, the three ventilation holes on the front of the helmet allow air to pass through, blowing away moisture inside the goggles. The most attractive feature is that they are less likely to fog up and have good visibility. Also, because they are small despite being lightweight, they have a sleek silhouette
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 | Igniter 2vi MIPS | CIRCLEGAME GUIDE SERVICE Shohei Sasaki
Igniter 2vi MIPS
Features include: MIPS system
, integrated impact shield
, full pre-preg carbon fiber shell
, 10 large vent ports
, magnetic Fidlock buckle
, removable snap-in lining
, turn-dial Oxigrid fit system
, adjustable STACC ventilation
, internal goggle garage
, high-density impact-absorbing liner, and more.
Size: SM, ML, LXL
Color: Metallic (8 colors in total)
¥39,600
I like the fact that it is relatively lightweight among Sweet Protection's products. It goes well with goggles and has good ventilation, so it doesn't get too hot when you're climbing
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
Sweet Protection | Switcher MIPS | Jun Nagai, JUNRINA mountain service
Switcher MIPS
Features:
Variable Elasticity Advanced Hybrid Shell
, 22 ventilation holes
, quick-release snap-in lining
, turn-dial Oxigrid fit system
, freely adjustable STACC ventilation
, geometrically structured high-density shock-absorbing liner
, removable ear pads
, magnetic buckle, and more.
Size: SM, ML, LXL, XXL
Color: Matte Sea Metallic (6 colors in total)
¥44,000
Durable and stylish
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
