In order to enjoy backcountry skiing safely, a helmet is an essential item along with avalanche gear. The first requirement is that the head is safely protected, and lightness and comfort are also important. Ask backcountry guides who spend long hours on snowy mountains what kind of 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 your head.
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
GIRO ｜NEO MIPS ｜ BLUECLIFF Michio Takimoto
NEO MIPS
・Equipped with MIPS
・Dial type inform fit system
・Equipped with vertical tuning
・Thermostatic control system
・Removable ear pads, etc.
Size: S, M, L (S is color limited)
Color: Matte Harbor Blue (7 colors in total)
¥28,600
It's very lightweight and has an Asian fit for a great fit. It goes well with GIRO goggles, and has ventilation that prevents the goggles from fogging up. Because it has a MIPS structure, there is a greater possibility that your head will be protected in the event of an impact, giving you a great sense of security.
Reviewer
BLUECLIFF
Michio Takimoto
[Main guide area] Hakuba Otari, Northern Alps, Hokkaido
[Profile]
At the age of 19, he became interested in climbing, including the Mont Blanc Major route and the North Face of Dru.
Since then, he has been active all over the country, focusing on free climbing and backcountry snowboarding. In 2000 he moved to Hakuba Village and started mountain guiding activities. [Qualifications held]
・UIAGIM
・IFMGA International Mountain Guide
GIRO ｜OWEN SPHERICAL ｜ IDEHA Takahiro Ishizawa
GRID SPHERICAL
・Equipped with MIPS
・Spherical technology
・Inform 2 fit system
・On-the-fly vertical tuning
・Adjustable thermostat
Ventilation with thermostat control
・Fidlock magnetic buckle
・Antibacterial and odor resistant inner
・Removable ear pads, etc.
Size: S, M, L
Color: Matte Black Stained (6 colors in total)
¥52,800
I will be using GIRO's OWEN SPHERICAL this season. The reason we use GIRO helmets is because of their light weight, breathability, and the fact that we are quick to introduce the latest technology such as Mips to ensure safety and protect the head. Even on my tours, the percentage of people wearing helmets has been increasing year by year. In the backcountry, there are many hidden risks such as branches and rocks hidden in the snow. When you lose your balance, there are times when you get a close call because there is something like a protruding branch. It is essential to wear a helmet to protect your head in the backcountry.
Reviewer
IDEHA
Takahiro Ishizawa
[Profile]
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
K2 ｜ROUTE ｜ Kagura Powder Station Kazuya Igarashi
ROUTE
・Boa FS360 system
・Many ventilation holes
・Weight 320g
Size: S, M, L, XL
Color: Black (all 3 colors)
¥28,600
It weighs only 320g, so you won't feel tired even if you wear it for a long time.
It is comfortable with good airflow and heat. There is also a headlamp holder, so you can use your headlamp reliably at night or even in gas. Bicycles can also be used.
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
POC ｜OBEX BC MIPS ｜ KinTouN Backcountry Guide Kenichi Minegishi
OBEX BC MIPS
, NFC medical ID chip
, RECCO reflector
, adjustable opening/closing ventilation
, removable ear pads, etc.
Size: XS-S, ML, XL-XXL
Color: Argentite Silver Matt (all 4 colors)
¥36,300
I think it suits the shape of the Japanese head. I like it because it fits my head. It goes perfectly with POC goggles, and the forehead part fits perfectly, so there is no gap. The ventilation lever on the top of the head is also easy to use.
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 like skiing on the waves that are the energy of nature, and I want to climb the mountain with my own feet and ski the way I want.It's because of the risk that I felt freedom.''
[Qualifications]
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
SMITH | MAZE | Telemark School & Ski Guide Izumiya AK.T Kenji Akutsu
MAZE
・Airflow climate control system
・Equipped with 9 ventilation holes
・Equipped with self-adjusting lifestyle fit system
・AirEvac ventilation system
・Removable ear pads
・Removable goggle lock, etc.
Size: S, M, L
Color: Matte Sandstorm / Black
￥24,200
It's pretty light for a snow helmet. It's an Asian fit, so I fit in well with my typical Japanese head. The design and shape never get old and I've been using it for over 4 seasons.
Reviewer
Telemark School & Ski Guide Izumiya AK.T
Kenji Akutsu
[Main guide area] Fukushima Prefecture: Minamiaizu/Hinoemata area
[Qualifications]
JMGA Climbing Guide Stage II
, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
, TAJ Telemark Ski Instructor
I also love
SMITH｜MAZE｜Natures Shinya Nakagawa
It fits well and is lightweight at 400g, making it highly portable. It goes well with goggles, so I love using it without it slipping off.
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
SMITH｜SUMMIT｜Rythm Works Tatsuta Asahi
SUMMIT
- Aero core construction using Koroyd material - Hybrid
shell structure
- Equipped with 33 ventilation holes
- Equipped with MIPS
- SMITH x BOA fit system
- Equipped with Vapor Fit fit system
- Adopts a liner with deodorizing effect
- AirEvac ventilation system
- Headlight band holder
Size: M, L
Color: Matte Sandstorm / Black (all 3 colors)
¥47,850
I've been using the cord so far, but I'm thinking of using the summit from this season onwards. The Summit is a lightweight model that meets the safety standards of the International Mountaineering Federation and is designed to be used not only for riding but also for climbing in mountain areas. Not only are they extremely compatible with SMITH goggles, but they are also made to be suitable for mountain climbing, such as the simple construction without ear pads and the ability to fix the head ride, making them suitable for people like me who work in mountain areas. will come in handy.
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
I also love it ｜ LOCUS GUIDE SERVICE Kazuya Furuse
It is easy to use and designed for BC, and the soft adjuster part has a nice foot feel. I like the safety as well as the 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
SWANS | HSF-190 P1 SND | Mountain Guide Coyote Ryuta Furuichi
HSF-190 P1 SND
・A-BLOW system
・3 air intake holes
・Equipped with anti-vibration mesh
・Lightweight shell
・Size adjuster dial
・Removable ear pads
・Fidlock snap helmet buckle, etc.
Size: M, L
Color: Sand
￥20,900
The key is that the helmet and goggles fit perfectly! However, the three ventilation holes on the front of the helmet allow the wind to escape, blowing away the moisture inside the goggles. The most attractive thing about it is that it's not cloudy and visibility is good. In addition, because it is lightweight and small in size, it has a sleek silhouette that is attractive.
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 ｜Igniter 2vi MIPS｜CIRCLEGAME GUIDE SERVICE Shohei Sasaki
Igniter 2vi MIPS
・
Integrated impact shield
・Full prepreg carbon fiber shell
・10 large vent ports
・Magnetic fidlock buckle
・Removable snap-in lining
・Turn-dial oxygrid fit system
・Adjustable STACC ventilation
・Internal goggle garage
・High-density shock absorbing liner, etc.
Size: SM, ML, LXL
Color: Metallic (8 colors in total)
¥39,600
I use Sweet Protection because I like it because it is relatively lightweight. It goes well with goggles and has good ventilation, so you won't get too hot when using it while 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 nature in the summer.
He likes to combine climbing and skiing. [Qualifications held]
・JMGA Climbing Guide Stage II
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
Sweet Protection｜Switcher MIPS｜JUNRINA mountain service Jun Nagai
Switcher MIPS
Features:
- Variable Elasticity Advanced Hybrid Shell
- 22 vents
- Quick release snap-in lining
- Turn-dial Oxigrid fit system
-
Fully adjustable STACC ventilation
- High-density shock absorbing liner with geometry structure Removable ear pads , magnets, buckles, etc.
Size: SM, ML, LXL, XXL
Color: Matte Sea Metallic (6 colors)
¥44,000
Durable and stylish.
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
