What is Backcountry Skiing and Snowboarding?

Backcountry skiing takes place outside of groomed, controlled ski areas (like ski resorts). Instead of chairlifts, marked trails, and avalanche control, backcountry skiers travel into natural, undeveloped terrain— in the backcountry you learn how to read snow conditions to navigate the best lines.

Key features:

• No ski lifts: Skiers climb the mountain themselves (using skins, splitboards, or boot-packing).

• Ungroomed snow: Terrain is untouched—deep powder, trees, steep chutes, open bowls.

• Avalanche risk: Because the area isn’t controlled, skiers must have avalanche safety training (like AIARE 1 certification we provide) and carry essential safety gear (beacon, probe, shovel).

• Adventure & solitude: Backcountry skiing gives access to quiet, beautiful places far from crowds and supplies an environment built for small group connection.

• Rigor: often called “Type 2 Fun”—hard in the moment, but deeply rewarding afterward