On a backcountry tour into the remote wilderness, you will face ever-changing weather and all types of terrain. For BC guides, who escort guests while ensuring their safety, comfort, and enjoyment, visibility is everything. Clearer visibility is required in snowstorms, clear skies, flat cloudy conditions, uneven slopes with poor visibility, and 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 shape of the toric lens and cutting-edge EXV+ technology provide a wide field of view that is equivalent to that seen with the naked eye. Equipped with a quick change lens system that allows you to change lenses instantly
“The contrast is clear and visibility is high”｜IDEHA Takahiro Ishizawa
I am using CONTOUR + spare lens. Visibility is high, contrast is clear, and the undulations of the snow surface can be clearly seen. The high contrast provided by the VIVID lens makes it the perfect lens for capturing the undulations of the snow surface in the backcountry. In addition, wide vision lenses that do not have an outer frame have very high visibility and reduce the risk of slipping. It's also nice to be able to easily change the lenses and it comes with one replacement lens, so you don't have to carry spare goggles and can just use the lens.
Reviewer
IDEHA
Takahiro Ishizawa
Born and raised in a corner of Zao, I grew up enjoying skiing in the mountains and fields from an early age.
It's been 27 years since I started guiding at Mt. Gassan, and I never tire of the fun of skiing in this area. I would like to convey this excitement to everyone, so I am providing a guide. In addition, as a drone pilot for Cocoheli, I am involved in searching for lost people in mountain areas, and I also carry out educational activities on safe mountain climbing.
[Qualifications]
・JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・Japan Telemark Ski Association Certified Instructor
OAKLEY ｜Fall Line L Snow Goggles
Matte Black Strap｜｜¥30,470
The Fall Line L is a fusion of the LINE Miner, an iconic Oakley goggle model with a cylindrical design, and the wide field of view of a rimless goggle. Designed to fit a wide range of faces and fit perfectly with most helmets. Oakley's Ridgelock technology makes changing lenses quick and easy, ensuring the lenses fit your face perfectly.
Click here for the official website
"Wide field of view, fit, and clarity. Perfect" | RIKI JAPOW GUIDE Chikara Nakajima
OAKLEY's "Fall Line L" and my favorite lens are Prizm Snow Rose. Wide field of view, fit, and clarity. perfection.
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
POC｜OPSIN CLARITY COMP
A racing model of OPSIN CLARITY that combines a classic frame design and clarity lenses. Instant judgment is required in severe competition scenes and in the backcountry. The lenses of the OPSIN CLARITY COMP are optimized with a special color scheme that provides bright and clear visibility, allowing you to accurately grasp the snow surface conditions that change moment by moment depending on the weather and time, and to quickly judge and move. A spare lens for cloudy weather is included.
Click here for the official website
“The fit of the goggles themselves is exceptional”｜COLOR SPORT CLUB Tomohiro Sagawa
OPSIN CLARITY COMP mainly uses Spektris Blue & Spectris Pink lenses. I always carry a spare pair of goggles with me, and only use them when skiing, such as when going into the mountains. We use a compressor type that prevents wind from entering so that it can handle wind at high speeds. I use lenses that are not too dark even on sunny days. These lenses are bright enough to accommodate age-related eye limitations. Another great feature is that the fit of the goggles themselves is exceptional.
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
POC｜Fovea
Toric lenses ensure a wide field of view. Featuring Clarity lens technology that enhances contrast and provides sharp vision in a variety of lighting conditions. The malleable frame and triple face foam provide a comfortable and secure fit for any face shape, providing flexibility and comfort even in the coldest conditions.
Click here for the official website
“An important point in choosing is the one that fits 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 various models, but I personally think that Fovea suits my face, so I often find myself using Fovea.
Reviewer
KinTouN Backcountry Guide (KinTouN)
Kenichi Minegishi
[Main guide area] Kanetsu area
[Profile]
Backcountry guide since 2003.
Hosts a members-only club and camp in an old folk house called Kaze no Tani in Yamakita Town in western Kanagawa Prefecture. Together with members connected through the backcountry, they are building campsites and playgrounds in the mountains using DIY methods. ``I want to ski on a natural snowy mountain just as I ski on waves, which are the energy of nature, and I want to climb a mountain with my own feet and ski as I want.It's because of the risk that I felt freedom.'' [Qualifications]
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
SMITH｜Squad MAG
Squad MAG equipped with a MAG lens change stem on SMITH's icon model Squad. Equipped with "Chromapop lens" by SMITH's original technology that brings more vivid vision by controlling the three primary colors of light. It is very highly evaluated for its outstanding clarity of fine unevenness. It comes standard with two chromapop lenses with different colors for fine weather and cloudy weather. (Except dimming model)
Click here for the official website
“Easy to put on and take off the lens!”｜Rhythm Works Tatsuta Asahi
I like flat lenses and love using Squad MAG Black. Her lenses are dark lenses, Sun Black or Sun Platinum Mirror. Her spare carry something a little brighter. Easy attachment and detachment of the lens!
ReviewerRhythm
Works
Ryuta Asahi
[Main guide area] Shirakawago, Tateyama, Hakuba, Hirayu, Hoki Daisen *Mainly Hida Mountains and Ryohaku Mountains
[Profile]
Climb the mountains throughout the four seasons according to the rhythm of nature.
A multi-purpose mountain guide who conveys the appeal of a wide range of mountains, from general traverses to variation routes, mountain climbing to backcountry riding. [Qualifications held]
・JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche Worker Level 2
SMITH｜4D MAG
Click here for the official website
“Comes with 2 spare ChromaPop lenses!” | Kagura Powder Station Kazuya Igarashi
4D MAG comes with two Chromapop spare lenses. The field of view is wide and easy to see, and it is hard to fog!
Reviewer
Kagura Powder Station
Kazuya Igarashi
[Main guide area] Entry from the BC gate at the top of Kagura Ski Resort No. 5 Romance Lift / Other areas: Spring Tateyama, Gassan
,
Mt. Trained by Satoya, Miura, Tsukuda, and Hara.
He worked with Yuichiro Miura and was active in Snow Dolphin. In 2008, he climbed Mount Everest with Mr. Currently supporting Kagura Powder Station as a BC ski/climbing guide. [Qualifications held]
・JMGA Ski Guide His Stage I
・JMGA Climbing Guide Stage II
I also love 4D MAG｜Natures Shinya Nakagawa
It is useful because it has a wide field of view.
Choose bright lenses throughout the season. In order to respond to sudden changes in weather or changes in light when moving from an open barn to a wooded area, etc.
Reviewer
Natures
Shinya Nakagawa
[Main guide area] Northern Hokkaido area near Asahikawa
[Profile]
Started snowboarding at the age of 14 and obtained the official professional qualification from the JSBA (Japan Snowboard Association) in 2000.
Fascinated by the world of the backcountry, he shifted his focus to video and photography. He felt the joy and charm of mountains and nature, and wanted to provide safe and enjoyable mountain trips, so he decided to work as a guide. He started ``Natures'' in 2011 after working as a nature conservation monitor for Mt. Asahidake. [Qualifications held]
・JMGA Climbing Guide Stage II
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
“I use SMITH’s SQUAD MAG and 4DMAG differently | LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE Kazuya Furuse
I use QUAD MAG and 4DMAG. I like the field of view of the flat lens and the overall lightness of the SQUAD MAG, so I mainly use it when skiing on the slopes, and in BC where I often work on my chest, the wide field of view of the 4D MAG is very useful, so I use it differently. . The lens is a ChromaPop photochromic lens, and its best feature is its brightness, which can handle both heavy snowy days and sunny skies at high altitudes, and I can definitely say that it's the best lens I've ever used.
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
SWANS｜RIDGELINE Dimming ULTRA model
Click here for the official website
“Photochromic lenses are convenient” | Vertical Land Hiroki Ito
Photochromic lenses are convenient and useful because you don't have to change them depending on the weather. Ventilation systems can be useful in preventing fogging if used properly.
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)
SWANS｜OUTBACK dimming ULTRA model
Without removing the goggles from your face, simply push up the lever at the bottom of the frame to easily ventilate and quickly eliminate fogging on the lenses. PHOTOCHROMIC (photochromic = dimming) technology changes the brightness of the lens in response to ultraviolet rays, and automatically adjusts the brightness of the lens in any weather, making it extremely versatile. The MIT (Mirror Insert Technology) lens is also excellent because there is no color unevenness in the field of view.
Click here for the official website
“I’ve been waiting! Breathing goggles with flat lenses” | Ryuta Furuichi
"I've been waiting! Breathing goggles with flat lenses."
I have been using SWANS breathing goggles for a long time. You can operate the lever with one touch even with gloves on without removing the goggles, and clear the fog inside the goggles with one click. And for the 2023-24 season, a breathing Google with a flat lens was released! Spherical lenses are good for visibility, but if you hit something like a small branch, the lens will get scratched. A flat lens would solve this problem. These are the goggles you've been looking forward to!
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
Sweet Protection｜Clockwork [+Bonus Lens]
"Clockwork" features high strength and RIG lens unique to Sweet Protection. RIG lenses are excellent because they minimize color distortion with excellent contrast and reduce eye fatigue. Equipped with a 2.8 mm thick premium toric scalp lens with overwhelming impact resistance, it has a compact shape that fits snugly with low volume while ensuring a wide field of view. The double lens is equipped with GORE® Protective Vents, which prevent the inner lens from deforming due to changes in air pressure and provide the optimum environment for your eyes.
Click here for the official website
Reliable goggles with all the essentials | Shohei Sasaki
Wide field of view, easy-to-see lenses, and a comfortable fit. These goggles are reliable and have all the features you need.
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 nature in the summer.
He likes to combine climbing and skiing. [Qualifications held]
・JMGA Climbing Guide Stage II
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
I also love Sweet Protection's Clockwork.
Of all the goggles I've ever used, they have the clearest vision and easy to see slopes. The Japanese model has a foam pad for Japanese people, so there is very little space between the nose and the pad, preventing snow from entering inside. The design is also cool. I don't carry a spare lens because the lens doesn't fog up.
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
I also love Sweet Protection's Clockwork.
The field of view is wide and easy to see. It's durable and gives you a sense of security as if your face is protected.
Reviewer
JUNRINA mountain serviceJun
Nagai
[Main guide area] Kagura BC, Echigo Yuzawa BC, Tateyama BC
[Profile]
After quitting my job and working at Tateyama Raichoso, I went through guide training and started working as JUNRINA mountain service in 2010.
He has many overseas backcountry trips. In the summer and fall, he works as a mountain climbing guide mainly in the Alps and Joshinetsu, and in the winter and spring he works as a backcountry ski guide. [Qualifications]
・JMGA Mountaineering Guide Stage III
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
I also love Sweet Protection's Clockwork.
ATOMIC ｜REDSTER HD WC
The most high-end model among the goggles produced by ATOMIC. Designed to protect your eyes on sunny days and in all bright conditions, the lenses are perfect for even the brightest days on the slopes. Versatile goggles that ensure clear vision under any lighting conditions.
Click here for the official website
“That ATOMIC brand is as good as any eyewear brand” | DAICHI TERUI Daichi Terui
The contrast is clear and easy to see. Not inferior to goggle-specific manufacturers!
Reviewer
Daichi Terui
[Main guide area] All of Hokkaido
[Profile]
While attending university, he aspired to become a mountain guide and studied under international mountain guide Hirofumi Ishizaka.
Upon graduating from university, he became a certified guide by the Japan Mountain Guide Association and started guiding. As for his own activities, since his early 20s he has experienced heli-skiing guide training in Northern Europe, mountain climbing in the European Alps, and ski touring. [Qualifications held]
- JMGA Mountain Guide Stage I
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, JAN Avalanche Worker Level I completed
