Where is the best backcountry skiing?

Here’s our list of the eight best backcountry ski spots in the United States.

• Lake Tahoe, California and Nevada.
• Sawtooth Range, Idaho.
• San Juan Mountains, Colorado.
• White Mountains, New Hampshire.
• Stevens Pass, Washington.
• Hatcher Pass, Alaska.
• Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
• Central Wasatch Range, Utah.

Is backcountry skiing difficult?

You don’t need to be an elite athlete to go backcountry skiing or snowboarding, but climbing uphill in fresh snow and skiing or riding back down can be challenging, so it’s important to assess your fitness level. If you’re reasonably fit, you can most likely enjoy a moderate backcountry tour.

Is backcountry skiing the same as cross country?

The difference is, backcountry skis feel most comfortable in deep and fresh snow conditions, rather than in parallel tracks. This is the most original form of Nordic Skiing and it’s especially popular in Scandinavia. The “real cross-country skiing”: simply stepping out your door, crossing fields, valleys, and woods!

What is the Powder Highway?

The Powder Highway is a circular route through the Kootenay Rockies that passes by 8 alpine ski resorts, over 20 backcountry lodges, and numerous heli- and cat-ski operators. Not to mention the awesome little towns with unique local cultures all to themselves.

How much snow do you need to backcountry ski?

That largely depends upon what’s under the snow. In some areas, pistes (the slopes or trails that skiers follow down a mountain) cut across grassy pastures. In these areas, as little as 2-4 inches of snow may be sufficient. Other pistes, however, may traverse uneven, rocky terrain.

Where do you fly into for the Powder Highway?

Spokane International Airport
Fly into Spokane International Airport, Washington Spokane is the perfect place to start your Powder Highway ski trip.

What mountains are on the Powder Highway?

The Powder Highway carves a line through the breathtaking Purcells, Selkirks, Monashees and Rocky Mountains. The gatekeepers of these legendary slopes dwell in the ski towns that punctuate the route making the trip as much a foray into mountain town culture as it is about world class snow.

Can you use backcountry skis downhill?

Skis. Any downhill ski can theoretically be set up for use in the backcountry, but alpine touring skis designed specifically for backcountry use usually feature lighter weight designs that make hiking uphill drastically easier.

Can you use backcountry skis for downhill skiing?

Many telemark skiers use backcountry skis. You can use this gear and technique at a downhill ski resort or in the backcountry. If you choose to head into the backcountry, you need some additional equipment, such as climbing skins and avalanche safety equipment, as well as proper avalanche training.

Can backcountry skis be used for cross-country skiing?

You can choose between two major backcountry binding systems for cross country skiing. The Rottefella Super Telemark is a classic 3-pin toe binding for telemark and backcountry use. A flat bail keeps the boot firmly in the binding while offering easy entry and exit.

Can I use my backcountry skis on groomed trails?

Touring skis can be used on groomed or ungroomed trails. They are also known as “backcountry” skis because of how rugged they can be. Generally, these skis are longer, light in weight, and a little bit thicker in width to provide more stability to skiers who decide to take on ungroomed trails.

How long is the Powder Highway?

630-mile
The “Powder Highway” is the nickname given to the legendary snow-blessed route along Canada’s 95A, which consists of a 630-mile loop through interior British Columbia’s Kootenay Rockies and connects more than 60 different powder providers.

What is Powder Highway BC?

The “Powder Highway” is the nickname given to the legendary snow-blessed route along Canada’s 95A, which consists of a 630-mile loop through interior British Columbia’s Kootenay Rockies and connects more than 60 different powder providers.

How light should a backcountry ski be?

For everyday ski touring or ski mountaineering, I like to stay above 1400 grams for my skis. For me personally, 1500–1600 grams is a good target for a ski-mountaineering ski while a few hundred grams heavier tends to work well for mid-winter / powder touring.

Where is the best ski resort in Kootenay?

Nipika Mountain Resort is located 30 minutes outside of Radium Hot Springs, 14km down Settlers Road, just bordering Kootenay National Park. This hidden gem is home to 50km of groomed classic and skate ski trails as well as separately groomed fat bike and snowshoe trails.

What is the best cross country trail in the Kootenays?

Ski the biggest cross-country trail system in the Kootenays, beautifully maintained and welcoming to all abilities. UNGROOMED TERRAIN: Hundreds of kilometres of backcountry routes are located nearby, including Kimberley Nature Park and Horse Barn Valley Trail Area, Lois Creek Trails Area, Round the Mountain Trail, and Northstar Rails to Trail.

Why choose our backcountry ski tours and avalanche skills training?

Our guided ski touring/splitboarding trips and avalanche skills training courses are the best way to maximize your fun and safety in the backcountry. Our certified guides and avalanche professionals will use their expertise to make your backcountry dreams a reality.

How many protected areas are there in the Kootenays?

The Kootenays is home to 76 protected areas (608,000 hectares), including four National Parks and 75+ Provincial Parks . Get ready to roam!