Backcountry skiing

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Backcountry skiing or off-piste skiing is skiing in a sparsely inhabited rural region over ungroomed and unmarked slopes (i.e. marked pistes are not present). 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".

Although the terms "backcountry skiing" and "off-piste skiing" can be synonymous, sometimes their meaning can also be slightly different; "off-piste" skiing can refer to any skiing a few metres away from marked trails and slopes pistes, whereas "backcountry" skiing 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.