Backcountry skiing
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Backcountry skiing is skiing in a sparsely inhabited rural region over ungroomed and unmarked slopes (i.e. marked pistes are not present). More importantly, the land and the snow pack are not monitored or maintained. Fixed mechanical means of ascent (chairlifts, cable cars etc.) are often not present.
Backcountry skiing can be highly dangerous due to the avalanche risk, the exhaustion from the possible climb, and often the terrain involved. Backcountry skiing is often associated with "extreme skiing".
Often, the terms "backcountry skiing", "ski touring" and "off-piste skiing" are used interchangably. "Backcountry skiing" is more commonly used in North America while "ski touring" is more commonly used in Europe, but both describe the same activity. "Off-piste" skiing can refer to any skiing a few metres away from marked trails and slopes pistes, whereas "backcountry" skiing and "ski touring" can refer to skiing which is not near marked slopes at all, or cannot be accessed by ski-lifts, and often will require a hike beforehand. Backcountry skiing can also involve more than one day through snow camping or the use of mountain huts where available.
[edit] External links
- French off-piste skiing and snowboarding news
- Backcountry and avalanche safety information
- Good backcountry skiing equipment
