Behind the majestic and beautiful nature of the snowy mountains, danger lurks. Our professional guides are snow mountain specialists who teach us how to enjoy backcountry skiing while ensuring the safety of our guests. what kind of gear do they use? What is the "reliable gear set-up" chosen by professionals who are forced to respond to all slopes and snow conditions on the untouched snowfield that spreads out in front of them?
* For detailed information on the guide club, click the guide club name and go to the guide club introduction page on STEEP!
CIRCLE GAME guide service ｜Shohei Sasaki
I don't want to compromise the slip, but I want to make it as light as possible.
GEAR Set Up
SKI: Vector Glide | nadurra185
BINDINGS: Marker | KINGPIN m-werks12
BOOTS: K2 | MINDBENDER130
POLPOLE: Vector Glide | v stick straight 115cm
I don't want to compromise on the sliding, but I want to make it as light as possible.
The nadurra is a wide model with a center of 115mm, but I was able to play with this one throughout the season, from the airy deep snow of Mt. Asahidake, the alpine snow quality of Mt.
The side curve of the ski is not too tight, so the edge grip works well even when climbing hard snow or downhill, giving you a sense of security. I've been using KINGPIN for about 5 years now, and it's one of the gears I trust without any major problems.
When you're not wearing boots, keep the toe piece down (the spring is in a contracted state), and remove the snow before changing modes. If so, the risk of breakage should be greatly reduced. MINDBENDER is wide, warm, not too heavy, and can be recommended for everyone.
If you're a skier, you don't need a telescopic pole, and it's lightweight, and your swing balance will be much better. When I'm a guide, customers tell me three or four times a year, "It's not a telescopic pole, is it?" Thinking that you were deceived, please try using a straight pole once! ︎
ReviewerCIRCLE
GAME guide
serviceShohei Sasaki
[Main guide area]
[Profile]
Based in Sapporo, from Nanae-cho, Hokkaido, he is a backcountry ski guide in winter and a wide range of nature guides in Hokkaido in summer.
He likes to combine climbing and skiing. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Climbing Guide Stage II
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
COLOR SPORT CLUB ｜Tomohiro Shakawa
A setup that has excellent rigidity and power transmission, and has excellent running feel and running performance.
GEAR Set Up
SKI: TONES SKI｜KANBA and HANDS
BINDINGS: FRITSCHI｜Tekton 13
BOOTS: K2｜MINDBENDER120
By using FRITSCHI tecton together with TONES SKI, which is a domestic ski, a more reliable sense of rigidity and a well-balanced feeling of transmission with the snow surface, and a reliable quality that does not sag. can be expected.
It can be confirmed from the shape of each ski, such as the excellent gliding feeling, the ease of handling from the running performance, the stability underfoot, and the tenacity of the tail. And the seasoning and balance are exquisite. As for Techton, the toe piece opening function is applied to the tech binding, which is rare, and the firmness of the heel piece is maximized. be. As for the boots, they are reliable boots that can be expected to increase the feeling of skiing, from the feeling of solidity that you can rely on, the feeling of putting your feet in, to the feeling of gripping the snow surface with the entire sole of your foot.
Reviewer
COLOR SPORT CLUB
Tomohiro Tonegawa
]
Hakuba VALLEY (Hakuba, Otari, Omachi) / Others: Tateyama, Senjojiki, Myoko, Mt.
Since the early 1990s, he has turned his attention to the off-piste and opened up the mountain ski scene in the midwinter. Pioneer work continues even after achieving field development throughout Hakuba, which is synonymous. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Mountain Guide Stage Ⅱ
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage Ⅱ
・JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
Epic Japan ｜Akiko Nakae
Suitable for women and small people to enjoy BC because of its high operability and stability
GEAR Set Up
SKI: BLASTRACK | Massive116
BINDINGS: G3 | Zed12
BOOTS: DYNAFIT | TLT SPEEDFIT
POLE: BLASTRACK | Backcountry Pole
BLASTRACK products are produced only in Japan, and are highly accurate and reliable.
In addition, the Massive116 has good gliding performance even in deep powder, and since it is available from 165 cm, it is suitable for women and people with small bodies, and it has operability and stability even in deep Russell and technical situations, making it very suitable for backcountry skiing. Are suitable. Backcountry boots require lightness and operability during transitions, which are necessary for skin-up that spends a lot of time, but the DYNAFIT TLT series has a wonderful balance between performance and gliding feeling. Also, I think that the BLASTRACK pole is also a T-grip, but once you use it, you can't let go of the stability when skinning up. Very convenient for hanging small items.
Reviewer
Epic Japan
Akiko NAKAE
[Main guide area] Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen, Myoko, Togakushi, Tateyama / Others: Hokkaido: Asahikawa, Furano area, Eastern Hokkaido, Niseko
[Profile] Engaged
in alpine competitions until high school, participating in inter-high school and national sports.
After that, he discovered mountain skiing and spent every weekend in the snowy mountains. In 2014, he ended his salaryman life in Tokyo and became the representative of Epic Japan. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Ski Stage II ・Climbing Guide Stage II
・Completed JAN Avalanche Operator Level I
Infield ｜Toyokazu Nakano
Telemark setup with the best balance between lightness and glide.
GEAR Set Up
SKI: Black Diamond | Heliocarbon 104
BINDINGS: 22DESIGNS | Lynx
BOOTS: SCARPA | TX
POLE: Black Diamond | Laser carbon pro pole
As a telemark ski used for backcountry tours, I feel that it is the best combination when considering the balance between light weight and gliding performance. The ski with a center width of 104 mm is the most used ski because it can be used from deep snow in the middle of winter to early spring when the snow is not yet closed.
Reviewer
Infield
Toyokazu Nakano
]
Kubiki
area, Hokushin/Others: Mt. Tateyama, Mt. Chokai, etc. Currently, he 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
Kagura Powder Station ｜Kazuya Igarashi
Use 3 different setups depending on the time and situation
GEAR Set Up
SKI: K2 | MINDBENDER 116C, DISPATCH 110, WAYBACK 106
BINDINGS: Marker | KINGPIN m-werks12, alpinist9
BOOTS: K2 | MINDBENDER 130, DISPACHI LT
POLE: BCA | SCEPTER CARBON ALUMINUM
K2 skis offer the best performance in powder, backcountry and more.
K2 boots are lightweight and have a wide range of motion, so you can increase your speed without getting tired when hiking. It maintains a firm flex when downhill and provides reliable gliding. introduce the individual setups... K2MINDBENDER 116C 186cm is set with marker Kingpin m-werks12 and used for powder from early April to deep powder.
The 116c has a very good balance of the board as a whole and has a sense of stability, and it demonstrates good operability in a wide range of areas from slopes to deep powder. Especially in powder, the top swing weight is easy to operate and the turn start is comfortable. DISPATCH 110 179cm is set with marker Kingpin m-werks12 and used for long touring and powder skiing to enjoy terrain.
The camber is not too deep, and you can enjoy hitting the terrain and sliding with a good balance. Alpinist 12 is set for WAYBACK 106 179cm, and it is used for long touring from spring snow in mid-March to Mt. Gassan, Mt. Chokai, Mt. Tate, and Mt. Fuji.
The skis and bindings are also lightweight, allowing you to climb long and steep climbs without fatigue and stability. The balance between wood and carbon fiber and the titanium plate at the foot provide a stable hold even on slope changes and ice slopes, giving you a sense of stability in a variety of situations. K2MINDBENDER 130 boots are used with K2MINDBENDER 116c skis
At that time, it is lightweight and easy to climb, and gives a firm flex when gliding, allowing you to ski alpine elements with peace of mind. DISPATCH LT is used when using DISPATCH 110 and WAYBACK106. It is super lightweight and has a wide range of motion of 60 degrees, so you won't get tired even during long touring. Especially in the mix (rocks, ice, steps), the Vibram sole holds firmly and you can climb as stable as climbing shoes. You can slide steadily with a firm flex even when downhill.
Reviewer
Kagura Powder Station
Kazuya Igarashi
:
Tateyama, Gassan, Mt. Raise Shigaraki, Miura, Tsukeda, and Hara.
He worked with Yuichiro Miura and was active in Snow Dolphin. In 2008 he climbed Mount Everest with Mr. Currently supports the Kagura Powder Station as a BC ski and mountaineering guide. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche
Kuroda Mountain Guide Office ｜Makoto Kuroda
Thinking about carrying a guest's board, my gear should be light
GEAR Set Up
SKI: VÖLKL｜BLAZE94 Spring
ATOMIC｜BACKLAND100 Winter
Banya Craft Original Ski
BINDINGS: FRITSHI｜Zenic/ VIPEC EVO 12
POLE: Black Diamond｜ Laser Carbon Pro Pole
Since I am a guide, I sometimes carry the customer's board, so I use a lightweight one so that my own board does not get in the way. Fritschi's genic is lightweight yet sturdy, and it opens properly, so you can rest assured. In general, you don't need to use bindings that hold down your heels because you don't overdo it on difficult snow.
Reviewer
Makoto Kuroda Kuroda Mountain Guide Office
[Main guide area] Focusing on Joshinetsu, to the area of your choice
[Profile]
A private guide with a small number of people, supporting a mountain trip full of originality that suits each level.
We provide services that value not only skiing but also the spirit of travel. [Qualifications]
・International mountain guide
・JAN avalanche operator Level 2
locus guide service ｜Kazuya Furuse
I like the balance of good gliding performance and light weight.
GEAR Set Up
SKI: VÖLKL | BLAZE106
BINDINGS: Marker | KINGPIN 13
BOOTS: DALBELLO | LUPO PRO HD
POLE: VÖLKL | TOURISTICK CC
I like the balance between being able to glide enough to enjoy sliding and being lightweight.
The BLAZE106 is a really multi-purpose ski, and it's perfect for conditions in the BC area where conditions are uncertain.
From deep powder in the high season to carving on slopes with coarse snow in the spring, it is light yet has buoyancy and turning performance including carving. There are many boards that float more, are lighter, and run faster, but the most attractive thing is the balance. As for KINGPIN, the product concept is the same as skis, so matching is the best.
Safety performance is the most important factor when choosing bindings, followed by gliding performance, and finally lightness. What I'm not very conscious of is the ease of wearing (because I get used to it as I use it). Safety performance is only demonstrated in an emergency, so it is difficult to notice it even when actually using it, so many people may have the exact opposite priority, but safety performance and reliability are the most important. It is important. In addition to LUPO, I also use KRYPTON 130 TIID , and I often use LUPO with a walk mode function during guiding.
It's a different story than the shell hardness values announced by the manufacturer, but since the rigidity of the lower shell is stronger than other dual-use shoes, power is transmitted directly to the ski. The biggest reason why I like these 3-piece boots is that the lower shell doesn't collapse and the shape doesn't change even if you put on the boots and bend your knees forward. What I am conscious of when choosing gears for skis, boots, and bindings is to align the three gear concepts. If this is disjointed, the performance of each other's gears will not be demonstrated, so I think that is the most important thing. If you prioritize gliding performance, choose all three with gliding performance, and if you prioritize lightness, choose all three with emphasis on lightness. My set is somewhere in the middle, and I chose it with an emphasis on balance between enjoyable gliding performance and satisfying lightness.
Reviewer
LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE
Kazuya Furuse
[Main guide area] Hakuba area
[Profile]
As a result of pursuing skiing, the field has changed from a ski resort to a backcountry, and I have accumulated experience as a skier and a guide.
[Qualifications]
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche
Mountain Guide Coyote ｜Ryuta Furuichi
It is very light to handle and can turn smoothly. Easy to walk even on climbs.
GEAR Set Up
SKI: SALOMON｜QST BLANK
BINDINGS: ROTTEFELLA ｜Freedom
BOOTS: SCARPA｜TX PRO
Salomon QST BLANK is very light to handle in fresh snow and can start turns smoothly. It also provides firm support for your feet, even under heavy pressure. The center width is wide at 112mm, but you can get good edging even on icy snow. Even when climbing with a sticker on, it naturally floats on the surface of the snow from deep snow, making it very easy to walk and less strain on the body.
Reviewer
Mountain Guide Coyote
Ryuta Furuichi
[Main guide area] Hokkaido (Niseko, Mt. Yotei, Kiroro, Mt. Daisetsu, Furano area)
[Profile]
Interested in the environment and food. Entered the company.
In addition, he founded his Mountain Guides Coyote to feel close to nature and practice low impact living. He loves telemark skiing down snowy mountains. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche
TERUI DAICHI
The three elements of lightness, rigidity, and ease of handling are harmonized at a high level.
GEAR Set Up
SKI: ATOMC | BACKLAND107
BINDINGS: ATOMIC | SHIFT
BOOTS: ATOMIC | HAWX ULTRA XTD130
The three elements of lightness, rigidity, and ease of handling are high-dimensional. And it is suitable for all conditions.
ReviewerDaichi
Trui _
[Main guide area] All of Hokkaido
[Qualifications]
・JMGA mountain guide stage I
・JMGA ski guide stage II
・JAN avalanche worker level I
Tyrol｜Iwao Saeki
This combination is the tool you can rely on in every situation.
GEAR Set Up
SKI: K2 | MINDBENDER116c
BINDINGS: Marker | KINGPIN
BOOTS: K2 | MINDBENDER TEAM
POLE: K2 | Freeride 18
As a guide and a rider, you have to be able to ski in any conditions. Sometimes it's over-spec and sometimes I want something lighter, but this combination is a tool I can rely on in every situation.
Iwao
Saeki
[Profile]
Participated in inter-school competitions in junior high and high school and competitive skiing.
After that, he devoted himself to competitive canoeing. After winning the national polity, he returned to the mountaineering world. He specializes in mountain ski guides. He supported the filming of the movie "Mt. Tsurugidake: Ten no Ki" as a mountain guide. [Main guide area] Mt. Tateyama / Others: Mt. Tateyama, Mt. Tsurugi, Hakuba, Myoko
[Qualifications]
JMGA mountain guide stage II
, JMGA ski guide stage II
RIKI JAPOW GUIDE｜Riki Nakajima
Buoyancy, stability, and lightness are ideal
GEAR Set Up
SKI: Rossignol | Super7
BINDINGS: Look | HM Rotation
BOOTS: Rossignol | All trak pro130gw
POLE: Rossignol | Escaper telescopic safety
Buoyancy, stability, and lightness are ideal. Hiking is also taken into account to the extent that the boots do not impair the gliding performance, so they can be used firmly even in the mountains.
Reviewer
RIKI JAPOW GUIDERiki
NakajimaRiki Nakajima
[Main guide area] Around Tomamu, Around Furano, Around Asahikawa / Others: Niseko, Rusutsu, Nozawa Onsen
[Profile]
Qualified as a CSIA instructor in Whistler, Canada and the first Japanese CFSA free ski instructor.
From participating in numerous free ski competitions, he expanded his field of activities to the backcountry. Currently, Hoshino Resort's Tomamu ski resort is the base, and he is developing guides and lessons. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Climbing Guide Stage Ⅱ
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage Ⅱ
・JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
Vertical Land ｜Yuki Ito
One that can be played in the mountains throughout the season! Great for enjoying natural terrain
GEAR Set Up
SKI: FACTION | AGENT3.0
BINDINGS: G3 | zed
BOOTS: NORDICA | STRAIDER130
POLE: Black Diamond | Laser carbon
The Agent 3.0 is perfect for playing on natural terrain, from just the right amount of firmness in the tail to overall flex and sidecut.
I can control it stably even on a slightly rough snow surface, and the board moves as I expected even in powder. One that can be played throughout the season if you play in the mountains! G3 zed is a well-balanced product with light weight and toughness. If it's the powder season in Hakuba's mountains, this is it. The STRAIDER130 is comfortable like alpine boots and is recommended for those who want to ski mountains at high speed. Paul's Black Diamond laser carbon is a gift from a senior, and it's been 3 years this year. Although it has a telescopic function, it does not break. safe tool. The design is simple and only what you need is easy to use in the mountains.
Reviewer
Vertical Land
Yuki Ito
[Main guide area] Around Hakuba Village, Nagano Prefecture, Northern Alps
[Profile]
At the age of 21, he moved to Canada and started skiing in earnest.
He was influenced by North American ski culture, and at the same time he became interested in mountain skiing. After completing the Yamnuska Mountaineering School, he returned to Japan and opened his own business in January 2020. His guiding concept is “More mountains in life. [Qualifications]
JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
CAA Operation Level 1 (CAA: Canadian Avalanche Association)
