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: Makoto Kuroda, Kuroda Mountain Guide Office
[Main Guiding Area] Primarily the Joshinetsu region, but also available in areas of your choice.
[Profile]
I offer small-group private guiding services, supporting unique mountain expeditions tailored to each individual's skill level. I value not only skiing but also the spirit of travel in my service.
[Qualifications]
International Mountain Guide
, JAN Avalanche Operations Specialist Level 2
GIRO ｜ NEO MIPS ｜ BLUECLIFF Tomoo Takimoto
NEO MIPS
include: MIPS technology
, dial-type InformFit system
, vertical tuning,
thermostat control system
, removable ear pads, and more.
Size: S, M, L (S is limited to certain colors)
Color: Matte Harbor Blue (7 colors total)
¥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 devoted to climbing, including the Mont Blanc Major Route and the North Face of the Drus. After that, he was active throughout Japan, mainly in free climbing and backcountry snowboarding. In 2000, he moved to Hakuba Village and began working as a mountain guide.
[Qualifications Held]
UIAGIM
, IFMGA International Mountain Guide
GIRO ｜OWEN SPHERICAL ｜ IDEHA Takahiro Ishizawa
GRID SPHERICAL
Features include: MIPS technology
, Spherical Technology
, In Form 2 Fit System
, On-the-fly Vertical Tuning,
Adjustable Thermostat Control,
Thermostat-controlled Ventilation
, Fidlock Magnetic Buckle
, Antimicrobial and
Deodorizing Liner, Removable Earpads, and more.
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 corner of Zao, and grew up enjoying skiing in the mountains and fields from a young age. I've been guiding on Mt. Gassan for 27 years, and I never tire of the joy of skiing in this area. I guide because I want to share this exhilarating experience with everyone.
I also participate in search and rescue operations for missing persons in mountainous areas as a drone pilot for CocoHeli, and I am involved in activities to promote safe mountaineering.
[Qualifications Held]
- 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
, numerous ventilation holes
, weight 320g
Size: S, M, L, XL
Color: Black (all 3 colors)
¥28,600
Weighing only 320g, it's incredibly lightweight and comfortable even when worn for extended periods. Excellent airflow prevents heat buildup, ensuring comfort.
It also features a headlamp mounting holder, allowing for reliable headlamp use at night or in foggy conditions. Suitable for cycling.
Reviewer: Kazuya Igarashi, Kagura Powder Station
[Main Guide Area] Various routes accessible from the BC gate at the summit of the 5th Romance Lift at Kagura Ski Resort / Others: Spring tours of Tateyama, Gassan, Mt. Fuji, etc.
[Profile]
After becoming the All Japan Mogul Champion, he participated in the W-CAP and served as a national team coach, training skiers such as Satoya, Miura, Tsukida, and Hara. He worked under Yuichiro Miura and was active in Snow Dolphin. In 2008, he climbed Mt. Everest with him. Currently, he supports Kagura Powder Station as a BC ski and mountaineering guide.
[Qualifications Held]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage I
, JMGA Mountaineering 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 GuideKenichi
Minegishi
[Main Guide Area] Kanto-Etsu Area
[Profile]
guide since 2003. Runs a members-only club and renovated traditional Japanese house camp "Kaze no Tani" in Yamakita Town, western Kanagawa Prefecture. Together with members he connected with through backcountry skiing, he is DIYing campsites and playgrounds in the mountains.
"I wanted to ski on natural snow-covered mountains, just like riding the waves, which are the energy of nature. I wanted to climb the mountains on my own two feet and ski as I pleased. I felt freedom precisely because there was risk."
[Qualifications Held]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
SMITH ｜MAZE｜Telemark School & Ski Guide Izumiya AK.T Kenji Akutsu
MAZE
: Airflow Climate Control System
, 9 ventilation holes
, automatic lifestyle fit system
, AirEvac ventilation system
, removable ear pads
, detachable 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
Reviewer
Telemark School & Ski Guide Izumiya AK.T
Kenji Akutsu
[Main guiding area] Fukushima Prefecture: Minamiaizu and Hinoemata area
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, TAJ Telemark Ski Instructor
I also use it regularly.
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: Shinya Nakagawa, Nature
[Main Guide Area] Northern Hokkaido area near Asahikawa
[Profile]
Started snowboarding at the age of 14, and obtained a JSBA (Japan Snowboard Association) certified professional qualification in 2000. Fascinated by the world of backcountry, he shifted his focus to filming and photography. Feeling the joy and charm of mountains and nature, he decided to pursue a career as a guide to provide safe and enjoyable mountain trips. After serving as an Asahidake Nature Conservation Monitor, he established "Natures" in 2011.
[Qualifications Held]
・JMGA Mountain 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 equipped
• SMITH x BOA fit system
• Vapor Fit fit system
• Odor-eliminating liner
• AirEvac ventilation system
• Headlight band holder
Size: M, L
Color: Matte Sandstorm / Black (3 colors total)
¥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 (Ryuta
Asahi
[Main guide areas] Shirakawa-go, Tateyama, Hakuba, Hirayu, Hoki-Daisen *Mainly the Hida Mountains and Ryohaku Mountains
[Profile]
I climb mountains throughout the four seasons, in harmony with the rhythm of nature. I am a versatile mountain guide who conveys the wide range of mountain attractions, from general traverses to challenging routes, from canyoning to backcountry riding.
[Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
I use it too! | 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 the art of skiing, my field of activity shifted from ski resorts to the backcountry, and I have gained experience as both a skier and a guide.
[Qualifications Held]
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche Operations Personnel Level 2
SWANS |HSF-190 P1 SND| Mountain Guide Coyote Ryuta Furuichi
HSF-190 P1 SND
: A-BLOW system
, three air intake holes
, anti-vibration mesh
, lightweight shell
, size adjuster dial
, removable 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 guiding 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 in order to live in the magnificent Hokkaido. To feel closer to nature and practice a lifestyle that does not have an impact on the environment, he established Mountain Guide Coyote. He loves skiing in the snowy mountains using telemark skiing.
[Qualifications held]
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Operator Level 2
Sweet Protection | Igniter 2vi MIPS | CIRCLEGAME GUIDE SERVICE Shohei Sasaki
Igniter 2vi MIPS
Features include: MIPS system
, integrated impact shield
, full prepreg carbon fiber shell
, 10 large vent ports
, magnetic Fidlock buckle
, removable and selectable 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: Shohei Sasaki, CIRCLE GAME guide service
[Main Guiding Area] Hokkaido
[Profile]
Originally from Nanae Town, Hokkaido, and based in Sapporo, he guides backcountry skiing in winter and explores Hokkaido's nature extensively in summer. He enjoys combining climbing and skiing.
[Qualifications Held]
JMGA Mountain 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 vents
, quick-release snap-in lining
, turn-dial Oxigrid Fit System
, freely adjustable STACC ventilation
, high-density shock-absorbing liner with geometric structure,
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: Jun Nagai, JUNRINA mountain service
[Main Guide Areas] Kagura BC, Echigo Yuzawa BC, Tateyama BC
[Profile]
After leaving her corporate job, she worked at Tateyama Raichoso while undergoing guide training, and started working as JUNRINA mountain service in 2010. She has extensive experience on overseas backcountry trips. In summer and autumn, she works as a mountain guide mainly in the Alps and Joshinetsu region, and in winter and spring, she works as a backcountry ski guide.
[Qualifications Held]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage III
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
