Backcountry skiing has continued to grow in popularity in recent years, appealing to everyone from the big mountain skier to the hobbyist who wants to ditch the lift lines for touring. Alpine touring, ski touring, ski mountaineering (skimo), uphilling, splitboarding, and backcountry skiing, while each having their own nuances, are all essentially different terms for the same thing — hiking up to ski downhill. Whether you’re an avid hiker, want more of a workout, or simply want more untracked stashes of powder, you’ll find it with this alternative to traditional alpine skiing.
Nevertheless, backcountry skiing requires a whole different level of planning and skillset. The skills and gear you’ll need for a day of backcountry or sidecountry skiing is completely different than what you need skiing groomed trails. Continue reading as we share some of what you should know before you go backcountry skiing.
Get Educated
Once you’re beyond the bounds of a ski resort, you’re at the mercy of nature. And before you even think about your first backcountry trip, there are considerations and knowledge you’ll need to have about the backcountry, winter weather, safety, avalanches, and more. Therefore it’s essential to get education on the backcountry before you head out on your first ski mountaineering adventure. But we’re not talking education in the way of YouTube videos, but rather certified backcountry and avalanche education.
A good starting place is the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE), a nonprofit developed to promote avalanche education, research, and safety training. The AIARE has created the foremost educational model for backcountry users, and offers a variety of courses, including Avalanche Rescue, AIARE 1, and AIARE 2. It’s highly recommended that even the most casual backcountry adventurer take an AIARE course in order to ensure proper use of equipment, build strong decision-making skills, and promote best safety practices in the backcountry. Visit the AIARE website for more information about course offerings.
The American Avalanche Association is another great resource. You can look up American Avalanche Association-endorsed course providers by state on its website for both recreational and professional training.
After your training, a backcountry guided tour is a great way to get introduced to backcountry skiing and riding. Backcountry guides have the proper safety training and terrain knowledge to make your first experience on skins just a bit easier. The American Alpine Institute is a group that offers skills clinics and introductory to advanced guided tours and courses for every type of climber. Northeast Mountaineering is a New England equivalent for those looking for guided touring options, particularly in New Hampshire. You can also look into outdoor brands like REI or your local ski shop, which often offer backcountry trips during the winter.
Backcountry Gear
For starters, backcountry skiing requires slightly different ski gear than regular resort skiing. The gear you go resort skiing with isn’t what you’ll want to take backcountry skiing. You’ll need gear that maximizes uphill and downhill performance and adapts to varying snow conditions. Lightweight backcountry skis and backcountry ski boots with a walk mode are recommended for an easier time on the hike up. Under your touring skis, you’re going to want skins that stick to your bases and have a texture that allows you to glide across the snow with ease. Your skis will also require some sort of pin or tech bindings that allow you to lift your heel uphill, but also keep it locked in for the downhill. Particularly during the spring, you’ll want to carry ski crampons, which can be a lifesaver when dealing with firm or icy conditions.
Avalanche safety gear, including a beacon (aka avalanche transceiver), shovel, and probe, is a must when backcountry skiing. These are the big three essential items to help you survive or to rescue your friends, in case of an avalanche. However, there’s other gear that can come in handy. Backcountry.com has a great breakdown of essential backcountry skiing and touring gear.
Uphill Skiing In New England
Uphill skiing is a wonderful gateway and introduction to backcountry skiing. Resorts across North America have uphill programs that let skiers tour either during select hours or for a reduced pass price. In New England, for example, at Sugarbush‘s Lincoln Peak, uphill travel is permitted in the evening after the lifts stop spinning. Specific trails are designated for skinning, while uphill travel is permitted at all hours on specific routes of Mt. Ellen. At Sunday River, uphill travel is included with your season pass, or you can purchase a separate day ticket for $19. As one of the snowiest mountains in the East, Jay Peak is a prime ski area for back or sidecountry lovers to discover hidden pow, with uphill season passes available for just $50. Uphill travel is permitted only during operation hours.
For those New England locals who go uphill skiing frequently, we recommend the Uphill New England Pass. Uphill New England has created one of the first multi-mountain uphill passes. For $215 skiers and riders get access to 18 mountains invested in providing uphill enthusiasts with a safe space to recreate. They hail themselves as a group that is “building a community of engaged, responsible, and empowered uphill enthusiasts.” The pass works with the organization’s mobile app to help users check-in, sign resort waivers, and track their vertical. They also support local events and host group tours to help foster backcountry community spirit. This is a great gateway to backcountry skiing.
Check out our full Uphill New England Pass Buyer’s Guide here.
Uphill Skiing at West Coast Ski Resorts
Utah boasts ‘The Greatest Snow on Earth’, making it a prime destination for backcountry skiers and riders. Uphill travel is popular at Alta before and after the resort opens for the season. Many locals will explore the backcountry area around the resort during the off-season in November or late April/May. However, uphill travel is not permitted during ski season. At the neighboring Brighton Resort, uphill travel is allowed in select areas only and guests are urged to follow proper safety precautions and to have the right gear. At Solitude, uphill travel is permitted in a specific zone after the lifts close at 4:30 p.m. Make sure you double-check the uphill policies before arriving. Snowbird, like Alta, does not allow any uphill resort travel during the winter season.
In California, Mammoth Mountain allows uphill travel during operational hours on specified trails as long as visitors have the proper pass. Uphill passes can be purchased at the ticket window, while Ikon Pass holders can secure one for free. The same goes for Steamboat and Copper in Colorado in terms of passes, however, Steamboat only offers uphill travel outside of operating hours and Copper has different routes before, during, and after operational hours. Every resort has different uphill policies, so be sure to read up on mountain policies before you go.
Get Started Skiing In The Backcountry
There are various organizations across the U.S. that create maps and guides for pre-cut trails to explore off resort. These include the Granite Backcountry Alliance in New Hampshire and the Catamount Trail Association in Vermont. The Utah Avalanche Center is a great resource for weather and trail condition updates, and the Wasatch Backcountry Skiing Map is a popular program for residents to use to find new trails to explore the Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons. For California, California Ski Guides maps out some of the most-well known descents across the state. Wherever you plan on going backcountry skiing, you’ll find a community, ski partners, and people willing to help you get your feet wet.
There are also a number of great apps that can benefit backcountry skiers of all abilities. Gaia GPS, Avalanche Forecasts, and onX Backcountry are among the top apps. Just remember that in many cases you’ll want to do your research and download necessary maps and info before going out into the backcountry where service is limited.
Nevertheless, it can all be a little overwhelming as a new backcountry skier. Tyler Ray, Founder and Director of Granite Backcountry Alliance, shares the following advice:
“For folks new to backcountry skiing and uphill touring, my advice is to get involved in the vibrant and interconnected uphill community. Utilize resources like Granite Backcountry Alliance and Uphill New England, which put out weekly newsletters about uphill happenings. Attend events, like the Mt. Washington Backcountry Ski Festival, to develop your skills, learn from professional guides, and meet new touring partners. Become a steward of the backcountry by pitching in to help maintain backcountry ski zones in the fall.”
Final Word About Backcountry Skiing
Backcountry skiing is ideal for those looking for more of a challenge than what the groomed trails of a ski resort provide. It’s a leg burner, as you swap the ease of a chairlift for hiking all day. But while backcountry skiing is decidedly more difficult, it also unlocks tons of new terrain. This terrain is more rugged, tends to be steeper, and is far more untracked than what you’d find at a ski resort. One of the biggest benefits, especially in contrast to ski resorts, is that there are no lift lines or crowded slopes. However, safety and preparation is of the utmost importance. We can’t stress enough the importance of taking a safety course before going backcountry skiing, or going with someone who is rescue and safety certified, especially as you’re starting out. There’s no ski patrol in the backcountry.
No matter where you decide to go, backcountry skiing opens the door to a whole new world for winter enthusiasts to explore. With proper gear, training and safety measures in place, it can be a great way to strengthen your ski skills and connect with growing communities of backcountry skiers and riders. Now you’re a little bit more prepared to become a backcountry skier.
January 12, 2025
