Backcountry Skier

Expert’s Picks: Backcountry Skier

How to Avoid Pulmonary Edema at High Elevation

Pulmonary edema is caused by excess fluid in the lungs. Every time you take a breath, the air sacs in your lungs take in oxygen while releasing carbon dioxide. In most cases, this exchange of gases is not problematic. However, under some circumstances the increased pressure in your blood vessels will force excess fluid into your lungs.This prevents your lung… read more
About Backcountry Ski Equipment

Backcountry skiing is enjoyed worldwide by skiers who like to experience fresh powder and unchartered terrain. Having the right equipment is essential to having a safe backcountry skiing experience. read more
What Are Backcountry Downhill Skis?

Backcountry skiing is an exhilarating form of skiing that combines cross-country skiing with downhill skiing. Backcountry skiers climb slopes outside of ski-resort boundaries to access untouched terrain. The backcountry skier uses randonee or telemark skis, rather than traditional alpine ski equipment. read more
Climbing Skin Review

Climbing skins allow the backcountry skier to move forward, if rather slowly, and prevent backward movement of the skis. They are used to traverse especially steep or icy slopes with safety and control. read more
The Best Adjustable Ski Poles

For backcountry skiers, adjustable length ski poles are a must. Adjustable poles let a skier extend the pole for additional stability while climbing uphill, when they will often be in a standing position, and shorten the pole length for downhill skiing, when they will be in a crouched position. Even regular alpine skiers can benefit from adjustable poles, us… read more

Related Backcountry Skier Articles & Videos

Facts About Ski Poles

The ski pole is a piece of ski equipment that has evolved through the centuries. In Sweden, archaeologists have discovered ancient rock carvings, which depict men on skis, using a single pole. It is believed that the ancient ski pole e… read more
Skiing Tips

Ask someone about their skiing tips for a great backcountry trip, and you are likely to hear about locations and also special starting spots for some excellent powder. Lost in translation are the skiing tips that could quite possibly s… read more
Fun Skiing & Snow Resorts

Finding some great fun skiing and snow resorts is quite easy. That's true if you tally the needs of the winter sports aficionados in your party. Snowboarders have different needs than beginning skiers, and those with a need for adaptiv… read more
About Backcountry Vacations

Backcountry vacations involve stepping off the beaten path, and may be conducted in grand style or rustic simplicity. You can plan a backcountry vacation on your own, or rely on local guides that are familiar with the terrain, climate… read more
Definition of Backcountry

Backcountry is a loosely used term that refers to land that is isolated, undeveloped, remote and difficult to access. The most important means of travel in the backcountry is that which is human powered. Most wild areas that fall under… read more
Best Twin Tip Skis

Twin tip skis, which have raised tips at both the front and back of the ski, facilitate skiing backwards and doing trick maneuvers. Twin tip sales have skyrocketed, becoming the leading ski category in 2008. In addition to their useful… read more
How to Backcountry Ski

Backcountry skiing is also known as Alpine touring or mountaineering. Backcountry skiing combines cross-country with ascents and descents away from the commercial trails favored by ski resorts. In this way, the backcountry skier is awa… read more
Wilderness & Outdoor Survival Book List

After putting together the 10 essentials, you've realized that you don't really know how to use all of the equipment and aren't quite prepared to face a survival situation in the wilderness. Prior to your trip, take the time to familia… read more
Why Do You Need to Wax Skis?

With the exception of no-wax cross country skis, skiers can find themselves juggling wax and knowledge. Having the right wax for the right temperature and conditions becomes as much art as technique. Understanding why we have to wax ou… read more
The Best Backcountry Skiing in the Rockies

Pristine, untracked slopes await the experienced backcountry skier out to explore the hidden powder of the Rocky Mountains. Reserve one of Colorado's 10th Mountain Division Huts and spend the night in the backcountry or visit Utah's Wa… read more
What Length Ski Poles Do I Need?

Ski poles are used by downhill skiers to initiate turns, and by cross-country skiers to help propel them forward. Depending on the type of skiing you do, you will need a different length pole. read more
Speed Snowshoes Vs. Cross Country Skis

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing originated as a means of travel in snowy terrain in the winter. The sports have both evolved over the years. Modern snowshoes are lightweight and easy to use and work with almost any type of boot; s… read more
Yosemite Park RV Campgrounds

Yosemite National Park in California is one of the true wonders of the National Park System. Rock climbers from all over the world flock to Yosemite to challenge themselves on the towering walls of El Capitan and Half Dome. Backcountry… read more
Snowshoes That Work With Ski Boots

While snowshoeing is commonly done with pack books like Sorels, or with hiking boots, it is possible to use ski boots, especially more flexible ski boots such as telemark boots, with snowshoes. Using alpine boots can also be done, and… read more
The Best Snow Skis

Finding the best skis is an individualized process that involves matching your own skiing style and terrain preferences. Variations of skis include those that are built for all-mountain, backcountry or telemark skiing. Many different t… read more

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Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
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Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
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Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
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