Backcountry Skiers

Expert’s Picks: Backcountry Skiers

  • 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

  • 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 usefulness to skiers in terrain parks, many backcountry skiers enjoy the performance of twin tip skis while skiing deep powder. The… 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 our skis helps make the task a little more fun. 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

Related Backcountry Skiers 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

  • 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 so… 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

  • 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 Camping in the Canadian Rockies

    Stretching from southern Alberta to northern British Columbia, the Canadian Rocky Mountains offer campers unparalleled opportunities to bond with the natural world. Whether trekking within the boundaries of Jasper or Kootenay National… 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

  • How to Spend the Holidays in a 10th Mountain Division Hut

    Spend the holiday season in one of the 10th Mountain Division's 29 huts located in the backcountry of the Rocky Mountains. Ski hut to hut in Colorado's pristine backcountry and stay the evening in one of 10th Mountain's cozy, remote sh… 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

  • 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

  • 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 fo… 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

Backcountry Skiers Photos

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    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...

    More Backcountry Camping...
  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    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...

    More Beach Camping...
  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    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.

    More Camping Basics...

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword


Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by: