Backcountry
Backcountry Legends: North America’s Epic Resort-Access Off-Piste provide the skier a paradise of clean lines and fresh powder. Despite the proximity to the resorts, they harbor the same dangers of any other backcountry excursion. When the lure of the powder calls you far off the beaten track, be sure to bring the requisite safety gear and the know-how to make use of it, if needed.
Jackson Hole
“Jackson Hole was one of the first resorts in the United States to have an “open gates” policy, and the terrain around it serves up some of the best lift-serviced backcountry in the country.”
“From puckering steeps to playful pillows, there’s just about every sort of adventure a rider could ask for, just a short traverse and bootpack from the tram. When the conditions are right, all that’s standing between riders and heli-quality terrain is an access gate.”
Griffin Post, Backcountry
Alta, UT
“Sometimes on a good snow day, it’s best to let the resort folks keep to it while you go in search of something a little different. The glories of Catherine’s Pass, Grizzly Gulch, and Dry Fork are all a stone’s throw away from the resort bustle.”
Whistler Blackcomb, BC
“Whistler Blackcomb is also your gateway to a vast area of unmarked and unpatrolled backcountry access in the Garibaldi Provincial Park.”
Snowbird, UT
“Snowbird guided backcountry tours are tailored to the clients’ goals and focus on safe route finding and quality experience. All participants should be advanced skiers in physical condition for a high altitude exertion in variable snow and weather conditions. ”
Snowbird Backcountry Tours
Silverton, CO
“Get ready for a unique lift-served ski adventure! Silverton Mountain skiing is similar to a cross of heli-skiing experience, snow cat skiing, and resort skiing but really unlike anything else in the country. You will be accessing up to 1,819 acres of backcountry type terrain via chairlift and without the big crowds signature to other ski areas.”
“There are no groomed runs, no cut trails, just loads of nature’s finest black diamond skiing in the U.S.A.”
Silverton Mountain
Grand Targhee, WY
“Grand Targhee neither encourages nor discourages backcountry touring. Backcountry users are essentially “on their own”, and accept their own risks. Make sure you read all signs before entering. Backcountry users need to make their own decisions about avalanche conditions and if the terrain is skiable. Once riders leave this boundary, it is not patrolled.”
Telluride, CO
“There’s a reason Bear Creek Basin is Telluride’s classic sidecountry spot. It encompasses all that backcountry skiing has to offer—from easy and safe (relatively speaking) to extreme and high-consequence. Backcountry gates leading off the ski resort are located at the top of the Plunge (Lift 9), along the Gold Hill ridge and at the top of Palmyra Peak creating easy access from the resort.”
WagnerSkis
Park City, Utah
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Mt. Baker, WA
“What You Need: Mt. Baker is a haven for side and backcountry skiers due to its progressive backcountry policy. At Baker you can generally leave the resort’s boundaries anywhere on the mountain. The only requirement is that riders carry an avalanche transceiver and shovel, and always travel with a partner.”
Big Sky Resort, MT
“Beehive is one of the most popular locations for backcountry skiers and snowboarders in the Big Sky area. Starting at nearly 8000′, skiers and riders of all abilities will enjoy the terrain accessed from the Beehive Trailhead. It’s a classic destination that provides easy access to stunning terrain.”
