What is Backcountry Skiing?
What makes this sport all the more exciting is that the slopes are mostly unpatrolled and unmarked. Because these slopes are found in the backcountry, skiers can expect to find many trees and many layers of fresh snow. Many skiers prefer this type of environment in much the same way camping can be far more exhilarating than a motel stay. When one goes backcountry skiing many of the niceties of mainstream skiing resorts like ski lifts are usually sacrificed. Backcountry skiing can be exciting to skiers that want to blaze their own trail outside of the family-oriented ski resorts. Theres no question that snowy hillsides and deserted downhill runs can inspire a skier who is burnt out from too much predictability. There are two major types of backcountry skiing to be considered: Alpine Touring, also called Randonnee (alternate spelling Randonee), and telemark skiing. Randonnee takes place in very steep terrain, and, therefore, requires special Alpine Touring equipment. This type of gear ha
Backcountry skiing or ungroomed skiing is a type of skiing which some athletes find more enjoyable and fulfilling than conventional skiing. In a simple form, backcountry skiing refers to skiing away from carefully marked out and groomed ski areas. Most extreme skiers engage in backcountry skiing, which is viewed as more challenging than traditional skiing. A growing number of ski resorts support backcountry skiing as the sport has grown in popularity. Conventional skiing at a resort involves following carefully marked out trails, called pistes. A piste is an area of densely packed snow, rather than loose powder. Ski resorts groom their ski trails to keep their snow in good shape and eliminate hazards. One form of backcountry skiing is called off piste skiing, which simply refers to skiing alongside but not actually on the piste. For skiers interested in experiencing more varied snow conditions, off piste skiing is an alternative to the potentially more dangerous backcountry skiing. Usu
Imagine pointing your skis down the face of mountain covered with pure, untouched virgin snow. It is that very feeling that draws experienced skiiers into the sparsely populated backcountry. In backcountry skiing, snow packs aren’t groomed by anyone other than Mother Nature, and the land is untouched by human hands. There are no runs, no trails, no ski patrol, no lift. Simply the backcountry skiier and the mountain. Backcountry skiing is an extreme winter sport, and it can be dangerous. There is the risk of avalanche, communication may be limited in extremely remote areas, and skiiers may experience some level of exhaustion from the climb. The reward, however, is skiing where no one has gone before, and the sheer beauty of the outdoors. Backcountry Skiing Gear List Here is a list of gear commonly used by backcountry skiiers.
