Out-of-bounds skiers and riders at British Columbia's Hudson Bay Mountain Resort can get more vertical this winter. A new egress will amp up safety and provide a better return to the lift.

The resort has improved a ski back track to help out-of-bounds skiers and riders get back to the bottom of the Skyline Lift easier. Construction is currently underway on the new North Face Low Traverse, which is expected to be finished by the end of October.

Several out-of-bounds runs by numbers contain several chutes and slots that have required various routes to cut back within resort boundaries in order to avoid cliffs or hiking. The new egress sits lower on the mountain, allowing skiers and riders to avoid the cliffs and adding 70 meters (230 feet) more of vertical. The new track also will permit any out-of-bounds skier or rider to hit the chutes beyond 7.0—not just those who know the way out.

 The new egress is shown in red. Image Courtesy of Hudson Bay Mountain Resort.

The new egress track is being designed to increase safety. Trees will be signed to mark the route, and the ski patrol can access the route with a rescue toboggan.

"This egress is for safety, allowing skiers and boarders a safe passage back to the resort from well known and enjoyed out-of-bounds riding," General Manager Nancy Treiber said. "Without this egress, rescue becomes extremely risky for riders and our snow patrol."

Out-of-bounds snowboarders in particular also are getting a bonus with the trail. The new egress maintains a 12 percent slope to provide momentum to reach the Skyline Chair.

The out-of-bounds area flanks a northeast slope reached from the top of the Skyline Chair. With the addition of the new track, the out-of-bounds terrain covers about 110 hectares.

A skier hits powder in the trees at Hudson Bay Mountain. Photo Courtesy of Hudson Bay Mountain Resort. 

Hudson Bay Mountain Resort defines the out-of-bounds area as suitable for advanced intermediates and experts. However, all skiers and riders heading out-of-bounds should be knowledgeable about conditions, route-finding and the danger of tree wells.

Hudson Bay Mountain Resort plans to open Nov. 25 for the season.