Backcountry Spring Skiing

In an effort to get in as many turns as possible as we slide further into spring, it’s time to look on the other side of the ski slope. Look in the woods, where the trees keep the sun off the snow, and where the warm wind doesn't open zipper lines of grass and mud as it does on exposed slopes.

If you ask a ski area manager, he will tell you he can handle warm daytime temps, but the warm wind is really the scissors that cuts open the snow cover. Snowmaking is out of the question this time of year - besides dealing with fickle temperatures, the expense can’t be gambled against a payback when lowlanders are polishing golf clubs.

If you live near a mountain range or even hilly areas, as most of us do, there is definitely snowpack in there. It may be hidden, but if you cry and emote hard enough someone at the local mountaineering or ski shop might take pity, and point you to some reachable snowfields. It may not be powder, but if you can slide and turn on it you’ll appreciate the hike in.

Keep in mind, storms across the country have brought ski resorts some great snow – and resorts are extending their closing dates. Before you head out check SnoCountry Mountain Reports for accurate resort info and for last minute deals, Liftopia.com is continuing to grow its resort partner base.

This photo gallery shows some logging road touring I got in with a friend – somewhere “east of the Bugaboos and west of Nova Scotia” on my friend’s compass.

_{Images © Mike Doyle}