Within the last decade, advancements in gear technology, a rising cost of lift tickets, and a desire to escape crowds have resulted in a boom in backcountry skiing. But as with other outdoor activities, an increase in people hitting the backcountry has resulted in a strain on our natural resources. As backcountry skiing continues to become more popular, as it inevitably will, it makes it that much more important to take care of each other and respect the land they’re recreating on.
According to Tyler Ray, founder of Granite Backcountry Alliance, an organization that helps develop backcountry ski zones around New Hampshire and western Maine, Ski Kind is a code of ethics rooted in being a “good neighbor” and accounts for situations that backcountry skiers, regardless of experience, should recognize. As the rise in popularity of backcountry skiing continues, people like Ray hope more skiers explore the sport in an informed, respectful manner.
While “earning your turns”—a phrase commonly used to describe putting in the effort to walk uphill before skiing down—can be rewarding, there’s a lot of knowledge, skill, and preparation necessary to safely and responsibly make the transition from the resort to the backcountry. Before you head off the grid, here’s what to know about backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
This article has been updated since its original publish date.
What is backcountry skiing?
Put simply, backcountry skiing is the act of skiing in unpatrolled, unmarked, and ungroomed natural spaces. There are multiple ways to access the backcountry, such as snowmobiles, helicopters, or even lifts that provide access to out-of-bounds terrain, but many people choose the human-powered route, hiking uphill with their skis or snowboards before skiing or riding back down to their starting point.
Backcountry skiing allows skiers and riders to avoid crowds and lift lines, instead heading into often untouched terrain. Because of this, it’s important to already be comfortable with skiing moderately difficult in-bounds terrain, in addition to having basic hiking experience, a decent level of fitness, and comfort in the outdoors.
A great way to get used to the gear and hiking uphill on skis (or a split board) is to try it at a ski area before heading into the backcountry. Unlike in the backcountry, ski areas have a ski patrol on staff in case anything goes wrong, giving newer backcountry skiers a sense of security that doesn’t exist in out-of-bounds terrain. Taking every opportunity to leave the groomed terrain at ski areas, opting instead for natural wooded and ungroomed slopes is also a great way to help prepare for a backcountry adventure.
Many ski areas are recognizing an increased demand for uphill travel and are responding by designating specific uphill routes, hours, and offering uphill day passes. One non-profit organization, Uphill New England, even began working with ski areas throughout New England to offer an “uphill only” season pass for the 2023-24 ski season. And while it’s the first of its kind so far, similar passes could pop up elsewhere in the future.
Do I need a guide for backcountry skiing?
When a skier gets injured or lost in the backcountry, there’s no ski patrol ready to help at a moment’s notice. As a backcountry skier, you accept that risk as soon as you leave the trailhead. Go with an experienced guide or group for your first excursion—at the least—so you can gather the knowledge necessary to be self-sufficient in the future.
