Backcountry skiing

Backcountry skiing is skiing in a sparsely inhabited rural region over ungroomed and unmarked slopes or pistes, including skiing in unmarked or unpatrolled areas either within the ski resort's boundaries or in the backcountry, frequently amongst trees ("glade skiing"), usually in pursuit of fresh fallen snow, known as powder.

More importantly, the land and the snow pack are not monitored, patrolled, or maintained. Fixed mechanical means of ascent such as ski lifts are typically not present, but may be used to gain initial altitude.

Backcountry skiing, ski touring or ski mountaineering can involve single or multi-day trips through snow camping or the use of mountain huts where available.

Terminology

The terms "backcountry skiing", "Randonnée", "ski touring", and "off-piste skiing" are often used interchangeably; however, "backcountry skiing" and "off-piste skiing" are terms which specify where the skiing occurs, while "ski touring", "ski mountaineering", "Randonnée", and "extreme skiing" are terms which describe what type of skiing is being done.

The catch-all term "backcountry skiing" is more commonly used in North America, while "ski touring", "Randonnée" & "ski mountaineering" are more commonly used in Europe.

"Off-piste skiing" typically refers to any skiing a few metres away from or between controlled trails and slopes, whereas ski touring", "ski mountaineering" & "Randonnée" refer to skiing which is not near marked slopes at all, or cannot be accessed by ski-lifts.

"Off-piste" is a British term. Only the marked runs (pistes) in European ski resorts are controlled, with the "off-piste" areas between & beside these runs often holding dangerous backcountry conditions. Since all terrain within U.S. ski resort boundaries is controlled--including the areas between & beside runs--the terms "Slackcountry" or "Mid-country" are often used instead of "off-piste", & refer to skiing that occurs by crossing ski resort boundary ropes to make turns, then returning to the resort to ride the lifts.

Heli skiing does take place in the backcountry away from ski resorts, but a helicopter is used to effectively replace the ski lift, so the uphill travel generally associated with backcountry skiing is not required & standard alpine skiing equipment can be used rather than backcountry gear.

Legality

In most countries where skiing is popular - Austria, France, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Canada- off-piste skiing is permitted. While in the United States, off-piste skiing is not permitted at some resorts, in Iran, off-piste skiing is not permitted at any resorts. Regulations vary by ski area; many ski resorts prohibit it outright and some simply post warning signs that skiers are leaving the patrolled ski area boundaries.

In all regions, randonnée skiing is perfectly legal, provided the skier has not skied from a designated ski area after buying a ticket. Some areas do allow departure from the ski area while on skis, others do not. Normally, skiing out of bounds results in loss of the lift ticket and banishment from the ski area. On the other hand, skiing in a closed area is illegal and likely to land a skier in jail. In Europe and Canada randonnée skiing and skiing out of bounds as well as off-piste skiing and departing from/returning to ski areas is generally allowed. However, lost or overdue backcountry travellers are usually held responsible for the cost of search-and-rescue service if uninsured. Backcountry skiers traveling in steep terrain prone to avalanches are encouraged to take avalanche training, travel with other experienced people, and carry special equipment for self-rescue.

Hazards

Backcountry skiing can be highly dangerous due to avalanche danger, exhaustion & mountain weather. Other hazards include cliffs, rock fall and tree wells.

External links

Terminology

Legality

Hazards

See also

External links