Backcountry skiing, also known as off-piste or out-of-bounds skiing, refers to skiing in unmarked, unpatrolled areas beyond the boundaries of a ski resort. This type of skiing involves skiing in natural, ungroomed snow in sparsely populated areas, often requiring human power for access and ascent.
What are the Terrain Characteristics of Backcountry Skiing?
Backcountry skiing typically takes place outside designated ski resorts, where the terrain is not controlled or maintained. This terrain can include mountains, valleys, and other areas with natural snow coverage. The snow conditions can vary greatly, ranging from deep powder to chattery ice and corn snow. The terrain can be steep, with slopes exceeding 32 degrees, and may involve navigating through trees, rocks, and other obstacles.
What Gear is Required for Backcountry Skiing?
Essential gear for backcountry skiing includes:
Gear | Description |
---|---|
Skis | Lightweight, wide skis with a good floatation capacity are ideal for backcountry skiing. |
Bindings | Alpine touring (AT) bindings are designed for both climbing and descending. |
Boots | Boots should be comfortable, waterproof, and provide good ankle support. |
Avalanche Safety Equipment | – Avalanche Beacon: An electronic device that helps locate avalanche victims. – Avalanche Probe: A collapsible rod used to probe through avalanche debris. – Shovel: A lightweight shovel for digging out avalanche victims. – Airbag: A backpack with an inflatable balloon that increases the odds of survival in an avalanche. |
Clothing | Waterproof and breathable clothing, including a base layer, mid-layer, and outer shell, is necessary for backcountry skiing. |
The cost of purchasing or renting backcountry skiing gear can vary greatly, depending on the quality and brand of the equipment. The approximate cost ranges are:
- Skis: $500-$1,500
- Bindings: $200-$800
- Boots: $300-$1,000
- Avalanche Safety Equipment: $500-$2,000
- Clothing: $500-$2,000
How Difficult is Backcountry Skiing?
Backcountry skiing is generally more challenging than traditional skiing due to the variable snow conditions, steep terrain, and need for self-reliance. Skiers should have advanced skiing skills, including the ability to navigate through challenging terrain, manage their speed, and make quick decisions in response to changing conditions.
Additionally, backcountry skiers should have knowledge of avalanche safety, including how to use avalanche safety equipment, read avalanche forecasts, and recognize potential avalanche risks. Many skiers choose to take avalanche safety courses, such as the AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) Level 1 course, to gain the necessary skills and knowledge.
What Certifications are Available for Backcountry Skiing?
While certifications are not mandatory for backcountry skiing, they can be beneficial in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Some popular certifications include:
- AIARE Level 1: A basic avalanche safety course that teaches skiers how to recognize and respond to avalanche risks.
- AIARE Level 2: An advanced avalanche safety course that focuses on decision-making and risk management.
- IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations) Certification: A comprehensive certification for mountain guides that includes training in avalanche safety, crevasse rescue, and other advanced skills.
References
- Ski Glossary by Ski.com
- Backcountry Skiing Answers by InTheCompanyOfGuides.com
- Definition of Backcountry, Frontcountry, Sidecountry and Slackcountry Skiing by TetonAT.com