Are you skiing in the mountains and want to know whether you can try your hand at backcountry skiing? Then you need to learn everything about backcountry skiing so that your trip is one to remember. When you ski outside the boundaries of a resort, it is known as backcountry skiing. Essentially, you are skiing on the slopes of a mountain with no resort in sight.
In general, backcountry skiing is when you go touring to climb mountains in secluded areas of the wilderness and ski down the mountain slopes. Advanced and experienced backcountry skiers prefer venturing into wilderness areas high in the mountains from where they can ski in comfort.
There are different mountain ranges designed for backcountry skiers, and depending on their skill level, they can choose their terrain. Beginners are recommended to go for low-angle glades, while experienced backcountry skiers will prefer the wilderness areas in the high-alpines. The one thing that backcountry skiing has in common and the one thing that makes it so popular is that there are fewer people around and plenty of untracked snow for skiing down.
Why Prefer Backcountry Skiing?
There are several reasons why so many people are choosing backcountry skiing compared to skiing at a resort. The most obvious one is that they get the solitude of wilderness with fewer people around, which allows them to physically and mentally push themselves. You can form a deeper connection with nature, and you get to experience something entirely different.
If you don’t want to deal with the crowd at ski resorts and love finding fresh tracks for skiing, backcountry skiing is just the thing for you. The best thing about it is that you will build your stamina and strength and enjoy the best snow for skiing or snowboarding. There are plenty of designated areas at backcountry skiing spots, and they are becoming more popular among skiers today.
Most people love spending time in nature away from the rest of the world. You can learn and hone your skiing skills and gain more experience in the backcountry. Apart from that, there will be less noise, and you can relax and tune into your inner self when skiing on the slopes. It is a transformative experience, which is designed to help you become a better skier.
How Can You Learn Backcountry Skiing?
If you are a beginner and want to learn backcountry skiing, the best way to learn is to get in touch with other backcountry skiers. It won’t be easy, but once you find them, you can ask them to take you along with them for their next backcountry skiing adventure. They can teach you the tips and tricks for climbing mountains quickly and finding fresh tracks in the snow to ski down.
That doesn’t work for most people, and there are other ways you can try, such as signing up for a class with a friend and booking a trip with a professional guide. You can also find plenty of companies that are taking people backcountry skiing. It is an excellent experience, and more people are signing up for it today as they want to explore their inner selves.
Hiring a guide and going backcountry skiing is the most popular choice, and you will need to enroll in an avalanche class as well. Your guide will help you focus on avalanche hazards, show you where the best snow is found, and even manage your entire day. That will leave you to focus on having fun for the rest of the day, shredding snow, and figuring out your ski equipment.
What You Should Know about Backcountry Skiing
To ensure that you have a safe and transformative experience when going backcountry skiing, you must first learn the basics and essentials. Even if you have a guide with you, try to be humble and take any advice they give to you seriously. Don’t try to pull out any tricks or moves because the threat of getting injured when skiing in the backcountry is very real.
You will not want to be in a situation where you need medical attention at the top of the mountain, and since you are not at a resort, help may not arrive for a long time. Therefore, you must be careful with how you are skiing in the backcountry and try not to show off. Even the most experienced backcountry skiers know about the dangers of skiing in fresh snow tracks.
You don’t want to accidentally trigger an avalanche and endanger not only yourself but other skiers on the mountain with you. Therefore, try to be responsible and remember that you are out to spend time in nature and have fun experiencing something new. Bring all the necessary equipment with you and ski smartly and conservatively.
It is advised that you should try going backcountry skiing with an experienced group of skiers for your first couple of times. That will take the pressure off you, as they will know all the best spots and fresh snow tracks. You can then ski in peace and take in the wonders of nature at your leisure without worrying about anything else. It will be a learning experience, but once you get the hang of it and know all the precautions you need to take, it will be the best thing you do in your life.
Our Final Thoughts
Backcountry skiing is gaining in popularity, and if you want to experience it, try and learn everything you can about it. People who are bored from skiing at resorts will tell you that it is a highly pleasurable experience that will transform the way you ski and look at life.
As always, be careful and ski responsibly on the slopes so that you don’t endanger yourself and others. We hope that our article on what is backcountry skiing was helpful for you.
