Backcountry Guide Gear Setup '24-25 Season | Pro Picks and Reviews

For guides who explore snowfields without set paths, their gear is like their own limbs. What is the "reliable gear setup that will accompany you all season" that the pros have chosen to provide their guests with a safe and wonderful experience while dealing with the various slopes and snow conditions of Mother Nature?

*For detailed information on the guide club, click on the guide club name

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 telemark ski set for backcountry tours, I feel this is the most user-friendly combination in terms of balance between weight reduction and skiing performance. The 104mm center width skis can handle everything from deep snow in the dead of winter to early spring when the snow isn't yet fully packed, making them my most frequently used skis.

While mastering the "Lynx" bindings requires some getting used to tech bindings, the skiing feel is the same as the "Outlaw X." Above all, the lightweight design significantly reduces stress when walking, which is a major advantage.

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KinTouN Backcountry Guide | Kenichi Minegishi

The focus is on keeping the overall weight low without compromising on glide

GEAR Setup

SKI: FOON SKIS | MAVERIC 182 Custom
BINDINGS: FRITSCHI | Tecton 13
BOOTS: SCARPA | Quattro Pro
POLE: BLACK DIAMOND | Viper Carbon

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. I've upgraded my boots from "Quattro XT" to "Quattro Pro," and my poles are the lightest in their class, the "Viper Carbon." They're surprisingly light.

Kuroda Mountain Guide Office | Kuroda Makoto

It's not too strong, so it can be used in any situation

GEAR Setup

SKI: ATOMIC | bent 100 188cm
BINDINGS: G3 | zed
BOOTS: SCARPA | Maestrale RS
POLE: Black Diamond | Laser Carbon Pro Pole

I just bought the "Bent 100" skis, so I don't know how they feel to use yet. I chose them because they're not too stiff and seem like they'll be able to handle any situation. I'm continuing to use the same boots and poles as last year, and I like them because they're easy to walk in and I rarely have any

problems with them. I don't have much trouble skiing with any boots, but boots that are difficult to walk in are physically demanding and can lead to blisters and knee pain, so I choose them carefully.

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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, I can turn easily without putting weight on it. It excels on steep slopes and crusted slopes. The 4LOCK system comes with "POMOCA FreePro 2.0" skins. The FreePro 2.0 is the number one compact skin, achieving weight reduction and offering exceptional maneuverability. It's a reliable system recommended for those who have trouble with the tail hooks of their skins coming off.

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

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RIKI JAPOW GUIDE｜Riki Nakajima

Buoyancy, stability, lightness, everything is just as expected

GEAR Setup

SKI: Rossignol | Super 7 HD
BINDINGS: Look | HM Rotation 12
BOOTS: Rossignol | AlltrakPro130 GW
POLE: Rossignol | Escaper Telescopic safety

The buoyancy, stability, and lightness are all ideal. The boots are designed for hiking without compromising gliding performance, so they can be used in the mountains

If you are looking for a route with less climbing and walking, click here

GEAR Setup

SKI: Rossignol | Sender Free110
BINDINGS: Look | CAST Freetour 1.0 Pivot 15
BOOTS: Rossignol | Alltrak 130 HV GW
POLE: Rossignol | Escaper telescopic safety

It has overwhelming stability, maneuverability, and maneuverability. It's a little heavy, but the satisfaction of skiing is unmatched, so if you're going on a trip that doesn't involve much walking, this setup is the one to go for, even if it's a little heavy

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Masaaki Sato

To be able to respond to various conditions in Hakuba

GEAR Setup

SKI: A 148-122-135 190cm | B 136-105-120 181cm　
BOOTS: DYNAFIT | RIDGE PRO
BINDINGS: DYNAFIT | ST ROTATION14
POLE: POLEFREAK | TITAN

Hakuba has a variety of snow conditions, so with skis with a 122mm center, you can enjoy pack snow and deep, wet snow. Because I walk for long periods of time, both for work and leisure (private), I choose boots that are light on my feet, allow a wide range of motion, and provide a good sliding feel and maneuverability. Boots are the most important because they have the greatest impact on sliding and climbing

Spur Akita Mountain Guide Service | Mariko Sato

Can you walk comfortably without compromising on glide?

GEAR Setup

SKI：FACTION｜ agent4 179cm／ gent3 172cm
BOOTS：ATOMIC｜ HAWX ULTRA XTD 115
BINDINGS：ATOMIC｜ SHIFT² 10 MN
POLE：Black Diamond ｜RAZOR CARBON PRO

When choosing snowboards, I don't want to compromise on the riding feel, and I also want to be able to trust them to handle various situations for work. I look for boards with a feel I like, and ideally, a color and design that makes my heart flutter. If I feel like I can become friends with a board the moment I encounter it and start riding, then that board is my partner. Weight is

also important for boards; when I'm pushing through bushes, I'm usually holding them with one hand, and if they're too heavy, they're difficult to carry. No matter how sturdy the board and binding set is, if it's too heavy, it's not practical for movement, and carrying it is physically draining, so I also prioritize whether I can hold it with one hand. The

"agent3 172cm" is a board I can enjoy throughout the season, from getting used to the slopes in December to the powder in the high season and even Mt. Chokai in May, and I can rely on it with confidence. I like the just-right stiffness of the tail, and how it follows along firmly in the latter half of the turn.
While the length might sometimes feel insufficient, considering overall safety and maneuverability on both open slopes and wooded areas, this length seems to suit me best if safety is a slight advantage. The

"agent4" has a slightly different feel from the agent3, offering greater freedom, skillfully absorbing the rebound transmitted to the soles of the feet, making it easy to handle and incredibly fun. Despite its width, it doesn't feel as wide as the numbers suggest, making it a versatile companion for skiing anywhere and for tours.

As for bindings, after trying several others, I've settled on the "Shift12." As with any equipment, understanding its characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages allows me to enjoy the season comfortably without compromising my skiing or hindering my walking, so I don't experience any particular problems or stress.
I think it's especially important to handle bindings carefully and take your time when changing modes, ensuring you have enough time to check that they are functioning correctly.

I use ATOMIC "HAWX ULTRA XTD 115" boots, and I really like the ankle support. Plus, I haven't gotten any blisters since I started wearing these boots, so I think they're a good fit. For

trekking poles, I also use Black Diamond poles when hiking. They're durable, I haven't had any major problems, and they offer parts replacement and repair services, so I use them with confidence.

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TERUI DAICHI | Daichi Terui

Lightness, rigidity, and ease of handling are harmoniously combined

GEAR Setup

SKI: ATOMC | BACKLAND102 (Winter) / BACKLAND85 (Spring)
BINDINGS: ATOMIC | SHIFT
BOOTS: ATOMIC | BACKLAND XTD　

I chose a 102mm center width because I wanted one board that could handle any situation. I chose the 85mm width for spring because it's good for hiking and doesn't get lost in granular snow. I also like to climb, so I prefer boards that aren't too long for my height. I chose the ATOMIC "BACKLAND Carbon XTD" boots. They're not only light, but also have good hold. The last is 100mm, so it's a medium last, not the narrow last that's common with light boots. I think many skiers can use them

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Kagura Powder Station | Kazuya Igarashi

Lightweight so you won't get tired climbing. Boots are set up quickly and reliably with BOA technology

GEAR Setup

SKI: K2｜MINDBENDER 116C, MINDBENDER 106C 　
BINDINGS: Marker｜KINGPIN 13, CRUISE 12
BOOTS: K2｜MINDBENDER140 BOA　
POLE: BCA｜ SCEPTER CARBON ALUMINUM

I've paired the K2 "MINDBENDER106C 176cm" with the "CRUISE 12" bindings and use them mainly for long tours, from mid-March spring snow to mountains like Mt. Gassan, Mt. Chokai, Mt. Tateyama, and Mt. Fuji. The lightweight skis and bindings allow for stable climbing without fatigue, even on long or steep ascents. The good balance of wood and carbon fiber provides a firm hold on varying slopes and icy patches, offering stability in a variety of conditions.

With the "MINDBENDER140 BOA" bindings, simply turning the dial on the BOA boot allows for precise hold that wraps around the entire foot, resulting in quicker and more reliable turn initiation. Fine adjustments can be made by turning the dial in the opposite direction. When hiking up, the buckles don't hit the snow wall, and when setting up to ski, there's no need to tighten or adjust buckles; simply tightening the BOA system allows for quick and reliable setup.

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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 K2 "WAY BACK" skis, which are lighter and more flexible than stiff, heavy boards, to be very comfortable. I use a 106mm center during powder season, and switch to a 98mm center from late March when the snow settles. I prefer to use 75mm cable bindings instead of NTN. While sturdy bindings with no play like NTN are not bad, I prefer a little play to allow for more freedom in powder, so I think cable is the way to go. The simple structure of the "22DESIGN Accelerator" means it has fewer malfunctions, which is another reason for my choice

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Mountain Guide Coyote | Ryuta Furuichi

Set up for enjoying powder in Niseko's backcountry

GEAR Setup

SKI: tesma ski | Flipper 193
BINDINGS: 22DESIGNS | Lynx
BOOTS: K2 | SCARPA | TX Pro

We're skiing in the backcountry area of ​​Niseko, hoping for fresh snow!　

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｜NINJA -Black Edition-.｜HANDS｜KANBA
BINDINGS:Marker｜KINGPIN 13
BOOTS:K2｜MINDBENDER120

TONES SKI is a Japanese-made ski brand. Its superb gliding feel, maneuverability, ease of handling, stability underfoot, and tail grip are all evident in its shape. For the '24-25 season, TONES SKI released its third model, "NINJA." Its name is, quite literally, derived from the ninja. This black version, "NINJA -Black Edition-," showcases its functional beauty.

On technical mountain slopes, it moves with a sticky, almost clinging feel, and its rhythmic turns are reminiscent of a gecko. Its movement and diverse capabilities even exude elegance, making it incredibly enjoyable to ride.

And the Marker "KINGPIN13" is excellent due to its lightweight design and the direct feel provided by its lower, closer-to-the-ski setting. Its tuning and balance are exquisite. By using the Marker KINGPIN13 with TONES SKI, you can expect a reliable sense of rigidity, a balanced connection with the snow

surface, and a consistent, high-quality feel that will never deteriorate. The MINDBENDER120 boots are also reliable boots that can be expected to enhance the skiing experience, from their reliable rigidity and the feel of putting them on to the sensation of gripping the snow surface with the entire sole of the foot.

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JUNRINA mountain service|Jun Nagai

A versatile setup for a variety of mountain conditions

GEAR Setup

SKI: VECTOR GLIDE｜GENIUS narrow185
BINDINGS: MARKER｜Kingpin13
BOOTS: ATOMIC｜HAWX ULTRA XTD 130 BOA GW
POLE: VECTOR GLIDE｜V STICK Straight

This is the narrow version of the popular GENIUS fat ski. With just the right weight and flexibility, it's perfect for turns in a wide range of conditions, from deep powder to packed snow. Its versatile skis are perfect for when mountain conditions are unpredictable

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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 | INTIMACY SE 188
DYNAFIT | ST rotation14
BOOTS: DYNAFIT | TIGARD110
POLE: VECTOR GLIDE | v stick straight 115cm

This ski lets you fully enjoy the snow and terrain from the mountains to groomed slopes throughout the season.
The setup minimizes weight without sacrificing performance.

The "INTIMACY" excels not only in powder but also in carving. The binding mounting position is quite centered, which may surprise you at first, but once you start skiing, the feeling of the ski flexing smoothly from the middle is incredibly satisfying and addictive. The twin-tip shape makes it easy to control even in challenging mountain snow conditions with minimal catching, and the shorter front of the binding's toe piece allows the tip to easily lift during kick turns. The ski's strength and responsiveness are its main attractions. The

"ST RATATION14" is a highly refined binding in every aspect, from the ease of switching to walk mode to the ease of attaching the toe piece and raising and lowering the heel lifter.

The "TIGARD110" is a four-buckle boot equipped with the Hoji Lock system. This feature is exceptional, allowing you to switch modes at least 30 seconds faster than typical competitor products. For those unfamiliar with its use,

this feature might make a difference of about a minute in a single transition. It will be a great help in strong winds, blizzards, or when your hands are numb from the cold. Loosening only the third buckle in walk mode further increases the range of motion. Loosening the fourth buckle completely diminishes the benefits of the Hoji Lock, and since I didn't notice much difference in range of motion, I recommend loosening only the third buckle.

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