Backcountry skiing can be an exhilarating and adventurous excursion. Skiing the backcountry means going slightly off the beaten path of traditional ski slopes and areas. Backcountry skiing lets you see areas that are remote and desolate. There are many areas where backcountry skiing is prohibited, so you need to make sure you have permission first. There are risks involved with backcountry skiing and you should be fully prepared before you consider taking to the slopes.
Significance
Backcountry skiing involves taking your best skiing skills and outdoor experience to the slopes. Backcountry skiing isn't recommended for inexperienced skiers or outdoorsmen. It involves having an understanding of the uncertainty of terrain and also being quick on your feet to handle drop-offs, steep slopes and outdoor obstacles. You should never ski the backcountry alone; you should at least have one partner who skis with you. It is important to tell someone who is not skiing your approximate mapping coordinates. This will give someone a general idea where you are, should you get lost or injured, explains the Backcountry website.
Equipment
Make sure you have the right equipment for your backcountry ski trip. This starts with your skis. Choose pipe or alpine skis that can handle a bump or two down the slopes, such as fiberglass skis with reinforced centers. Titanium or aluminum alloy ski poles with leather grips assure that you can rely on them for support around objects without breaking or losing the poles. The last thing you need is for one of your skis to snap when you are traveling through a desolate area. Wear protective goggles and skiwear that is comfortable, breathable and warm. Make sure your boots are waterproof and rugged. Your equipment may differ slightly from your average alpine or cross-country ski gear. Additionally you should bring a compass, avalanche beacon and a topographical map.
Locations
Map out, in advance, a general idea of where you will be skiing. This is important because you want to know what the terrain of the area is and if there are any old objects there, such as barns, fenced areas or utility poles. A topographic map gives you a closer look at the terrain differences in an area and exactly how far man-made and natural objects are from one another. Using contour lines, a topographic map helps you identify important boundaries before you ski, explains the U.S. Geological Survey website.
Safety
Skiing in itself can be a dangerous sport. When you combine the possibility of injuring yourself while skiing in a remote area with the increased risk of wild animal attacks, avalanches and hidden rocks or trees, you need to be prepared. If you are planning on skiing in a remote and uncharted area, consider carrying a small backpack containing lightweight survival essentials such as water, snacks, a two-way radio, first aid kit, recovery beacon and matches.
Warning
One thing that every skier fears is the risk of an avalanche. An avalanche is a cluster of rocks, mountainside, terrain, ice or snow that falls from the top of a slope. An avalanche brings down more snow and terrain as it makes it way to the bottom, leaving everything in its path covered in several feet of snow, ice, rock or rubble. Be prepared, especially when you disrupt fresh powder in uncharted territory. Avalanches can travel at speeds up to 120 miles per hour, explains ABC-of-Snowboarding. Always check out your local weather or avalanche reports for the vicinity you will be skiing.
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