Information on backcountry skiing, including equipment, gear, and ski tips for backcountry skiers.
From rolling hills to jagged high peaks, skiers seek out backcountry terrain for solitude, freedom and untracked powder. There has been a recent surge in the popularity of backcountry skiing due to open-gate policies at ski resorts, Big Mountain Freestyle Ski Films, rising lift ticket prices and advances in ski equipment.
While backcountry skiers can avoid crowds and access fresh powder, skiing in an uncontrolled environment means that you are solely responsible for assessing risk and managing emergency situations.
Pictures of backcountry skiing in Killington, Vermont.
Backcountry skiing is skiing on terrain that isn't marked, mapped, or groomed. It offers skiers a chance to brave more challenging terrain in a more natural setting, and sometimes even make the first tracks in fresh powder.
I have often mentioned the availability of avalanche safety clinics, for skiers venturing into the backcountry. Now, the more I look into the necessity of knowing as much as possible about staying safe in avalanche prone off piste areas the more useful products and materials I am finding, such as a Snow Crystal Card by Brooks-Range Mountaineering Equipment Company.
Top backcountry extreme ski experiences from About.com Guide to Adventure Travel Lois Friedland.
