Backcountry vs. Resort Skiing: What’s The Difference?
If you’ve been to a ski resort before, you probably think that a double-black diamond is the most dangerous type of skiing or riding you can do. But you’d be wrong.
There’s a level of downhill slope tackling that far outclassifies any traditionally-rated trail—and that involves entering the backcountry. Out-of-bounds skiing takes the concept of adventure to a whole new level—and with it, the risks. So what exactly are these risks—and how can you prepare for them? Well, in this video, we’ll go through all the important differences between backcountry skiing and in-bounds resort skiing, and why understanding these distinctions is essential before you step beyond the ropes.
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In-bounds skiing comes with marked trails, lifts, and ski patrol, but once you head into the backcountry, it’s a whole different ball game. OnX Backcountry helps you map out routes, identify terrain hazards, and steer clear of avalanche-prone zones. Plus, you can download maps to use offline, so even if you’re deep in the mountains with no signal, you’re still covered.
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The app even offers trail and terrain insights tailored to skiers and riders, not just hikers or general outdoor users, giving it a more focused edge—some of the most important ones we’ve found are real-time SNOTEL snow depths and recent imagery, which updates every 10 days to give you the most up-to-date satellite imagery of any area. These are way beyond what you’d find on a typical weather app or Google Earth.
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Backcountry ski terrain is, by definition, any skiable area outside the bounds of a patrolled ski resort.
Part 1: What is Backcountry Terrain?
The first thing we need to cover is exactly what backcountry terrain is. Backcountry terrain refers to any skiing or riding area outside the boundaries of a patrolled ski resort. The defining feature of backcountry terrain isn’t the type of skiing or riding—it’s the absence of resort infrastructure. In the backcountry, there are no groomed trails, no patrol teams, and oftentimes no lifts to enforce safety or provide assistance. If you’re not in North America, anything outside the bounds of a marked trail is often considered backcountry; in these regions, you’ll usually hear this type of terrain referred to as off-piste—so if you hear the word off-piste, know it is effectively interchangeable with backcountry.
Because of these circumstances, you don’t necessarily need to be a tenured expert in technical skiing or riding to venture into the backcountry. There are plenty of modestly-sloped areas that allow you to explore untracked snow without requiring expert-level skills. However, what matters most is not your ability to ski or ride, but your emergency and hazard preparedness.
Backcountry ski slopes range from modest slopes to extreme-level chutes—and since they are unmaintained, they can involve a range of hazards.
Part 2: Backcountry Emergencies and Hazards
So what kinds of emergencies and hazards should you be prepared for? Well, quite a few. While ski resorts carefully mark trails to ensure skiers and riders know what to expect, in the backcountry, there are no such warnings. So for things like steepness, difficulty, and even hazards like cliffs or rocks, you are totally on your own. The possibilities are endless, but so are the risks.
Terrain Technicality
One big potential hazard is the sheer gnarliness of the terrain. Backcountry skiing opens up a world of terrain far beyond what resorts can offer; you might encounter 200-foot mandatory straightlines, 10-story cliff drops, or chutes so narrow they’re nearly impassable. Some terrain is so extreme that it’s physically impossible to ski. Thinking of the wildest skiing and riding footage you’ve seen on YouTube? Chances are, it was shot in the backcountry.
But of course, with this freedom comes danger. If you accidentally drop into a line that’s too steep or technical, there’s no ski patrol to call for help. That’s why understanding your abilities and making sure your intended route is thoroughly researched is critical.
If you get stuck in a backcountry situation you can’t handle, you’re on your own to figure it out.
Lack of Sufficient Snow Cover
But the technicality of terrain is far from the only backcountry hazard out there. One of the most common issues is a lack of sufficient snow cover, particularly in early-season or low-snow conditions. Within the bounds of a resort, mountain employees do a surprising amount of work to make sure a ski slope is in good skiable shape, and a lot of these pieces of work may not be apparently obvious to the untrained eye. When it comes to the backcountry, thin snowpacks may look okay on the surface, but they may not fully conceal sharp rocks, exposed roots, or buried stumps, all of which can lead to equipment damage or injuries. In addition, without any grooming maintenance, snow coverage is often highly variable, with wind-exposed ridges or sun-facing slopes offering far less protection than shaded valleys or leeward sides. When out of bounds of a ski resort, it’s important to approach thinly covered areas cautiously and stick to zones with visibly adequate snow depth.
Open Waters
Creeks, rivers, and open water present another unique backcountry challenge. Snow bridges, which are formed when snow spans a creek or river, can appear solid—but may collapse under your weight, plunging you into icy water and posing a severe hypothermia risk. Frozen lakes and ponds are also a serious risk, especially if they’re not readily visible, and a breakthrough can turn a backcountry outing into a life-threatening situation. When navigating areas with water features, staying on higher, more stable ground is almost universally the safer bet, unless your guide advises you otherwise.
There’s no guarantee of snow cover in the backcountry, and you may face areas that do not have the cover to support skiing or riding.
Tree Wells
Tree wells are another hidden danger lurking in deep powder conditions. These can happen in resorts as well, but they still pose just as much, if not more of, a danger in the backcountry. These loose snow pockets form around the base of large trees, creating a trap that can bury or immobilize an unsuspecting skier. Falling into one is a serious hazard, as self-rescue is often difficult. When you’re in the backcountry, be sure to stay in open areas with good visibility, and always ride with a partner who can assist if you become trapped.
Animals
Another consideration in the backcountry? Animals. From wolves, to foxes, to moose, wildlife encounters can add an unexpected challenge. In some areas, you might even be in grizzly bear territory. Carrying bear spray and knowing how to react to wildlife may be just as important as other safety precautions.
Inclement Weather
Okay, so we’ve covered quite a few hazards in the backcountry so far. But these circumstances are already quite risky under the clearest and best weather conditions—and under inclement weather conditions, the consequences of venturing into the backcountry can be far worse. Whiteout conditions, high winds, and poor visibility compound nearly every other danger, making it much more difficult to spot many of the hazards we mentioned earlier. Sudden storms or fog can obscure cliffs, cornices, and crevices, making navigation treacherous and amplifying the risk of getting lost.
Natural features such as ponds, lakes, and rivers can be huge hidden risks in the backcountry. Falling into them can cause hypothermia.
Part 3: Avalanche Risks
One of the most significant differences between resort skiing and backcountry skiing is avalanche mitigation—or the lack thereof. Within the bounds of a ski resort, ski patrol teams work tirelessly to reduce the risk of avalanches through controlled blasts, snow analysis, and terrain management. Once you step into the backcountry, however, all bets are off.
In the backcountry, avalanches pose a constant threat, and recognizing these areas is a critical skill for backcountry skiers and riders. While no slope is entirely free of avalanche risk, certain factors make some terrain far more dangerous. Here’s how to identify and assess avalanche-prone areas:
When are Avalanches Most Likely to Occur?
Avalanches are most likely to occur on terrain that is pitched between 30° and 45°.
Avalanches are most likely to occur on slopes with angles between 30° and 45°. This range provides the perfect balance of steepness for a snowpack to release under stress. While steeper slopes (over 45°) can also avalanche, snow often sloughs off these pitches more regularly, preventing significant accumulation. On the other hand, slopes under 30° rarely produce avalanches unless they are below steeper avalanche-prone terrain, where debris could funnel into them.
Terrain Traps
When planning around avalanches, it’s important to understand terrain traps. These are natural features that can worsen the consequences of an avalanche, in some cases, catastrophically. Examples of terrain traps include:
Gullies and Ravines, which can funnel snow and debris, increasing the depth of burial if an avalanche occurs.
Cliffs, as being swept over a cliff by an avalanche can result in catastrophic injuries or death.
Tree Wells, as forests or large tree wells can pin or bury skiers during an avalanche.
Even if a slope seems low-risk in isolation, terrain traps can significantly raise the stakes.
Snowpack Structure
Snow stability is influenced by the structure of the snowpack. Weak layers within the snowpack, caused by factors like early-season snow that was weakened under cold conditions, are a frequent culprit in avalanches. Recognizing these conditions requires both training and experience. Digging snow pits to analyze the layers of the snowpack is standard practice for backcountry travelers, though it’s time-consuming and must be done correctly to yield useful information.
If you see avalanche slides on your backcountry route, it indicates that the snowpack is not stable.
Slope Aspect
The direction a slope faces—known as its aspect—can heavily influence avalanche risk. Sun-exposed slopes (south-facing in the Northern Hemisphere) are more likely to develop unstable snow due to rapid warming during sunny conditions. On the other hand, shady, north-facing slopes often harbor persistent weak layers due to slower snowpack consolidation. Wind can also play a role, as leeward slopes (those sheltered from the wind) tend to accumulate wind-deposited snow, which can form slabs prone to triggering.
Signs of Imminent Avalanche Danger
In addition to terrain factors, look for signs that indicate a snowpack is unstable and prone to avalanching. These include:
Shooting Cracks: Visible cracks radiating from your skis or snowboard.
Whumphing Sounds: A deep, unsettling "whump" noise that signals a collapsing weak layer in the snowpack.
Recent Avalanche Activity: If you see fresh avalanches nearby, the snowpack is unstable.
Before heading out, always check avalanche forecasts for the area you plan to explore. These reports provide vital information on snow stability and recent activity. But even with a low-risk forecast, the conditions can change rapidly. That’s why carrying avalanche safety gear and knowing how to use it is non-negotiable.
You’ll be in the best shape consulting topographical maps and GPS tools to pre-plan your route. You can use these to mark potential danger zones like steep slopes, terrain traps, and known avalanche paths.
In the backcountry, a sparsely-tracked route could indicate danger.
Part 4: Choosing Backcountry Routes Safely
Okay, so now you know of the many risks but also thrilling opportunities that come with an excursion into backcountry terrain. So how do you make sure to choose a safe and manageable route? Well, while tools like OnX Backcountry are pretty incredible, they can’t solve for all of the route-tracking puzzles that the backcountry throws at you in the immediate moment—and they are not substitutes for a general common-sense knowledge of what to do. If you see a slope with only a few tracks—or even just one or two—you should think twice before dropping in, especially if you’re not with a guide.
A sparsely tracked slope can be a red flag. It could mean that those who attempted the line before you encountered serious trouble. Perhaps they had to hike out of an unpassable route, such as one blocked by a cliff band or a debris field. Or worse, they might have completed the line only by doing something extreme, like parachute skiing—jumping off a cliff with a parachute to slow their descent. While these feats make for thrilling videos, they’re far from realistic or safe for most skiers and riders.
On the flip side, routes with multiple tracks are usually more promising. They suggest that the terrain is navigable and has been successfully skied by others. Of course, this doesn’t eliminate all risk—you’ll still need to assess snow stability, steepness, and terrain traps—but a slope that sees regular traffic is generally a safer bet than one with only a handful of lines.
In the backcountry, ski tracks do not indicate avalanche stability—and a slide can occur even if multiple people have gone down a slope. But sure to check avalanche conditions before following tracks.
When in doubt, always prioritize safety. If a line looks questionable, resist the urge to "test it out." Backcountry skiing is about calculated risks, and choosing well-traveled routes can significantly reduce the chance of finding yourself in an unmanageable situation.
Also, it is important to note that ski tracks do not indicate avalanche stability. Sometimes, it can be the fourth, fifth, or even tenth person down that triggers a slide—so you will need to do your own homework. When in unfamiliar terrain, the safest option is to hire a guide who knows the area and can lead you through routes suited to your ability level.
Here’s perhaps the biggest rule of thumb for backcountry skiing: never go alone. A partner can literally save your life in the event of an avalanche, injury, or gear failure. Whereas ski patrol is trained to respond quickly to injuries, sweep slopes for lost skiers, and deal with emergencies, these services do not exist in the backcountry. This means there’s no one to come to your aid unless you’ve planned ahead. If you’re unfamiliar with the terrain or backcountry skiing in general, consider hiring a guide who knows the terrain and understands the risks. Guides can provide invaluable expertise, from choosing safe routes to teaching avalanche safety.
Safety tools such an avalanche beacon, shovel, crampons, and a rope may be crucial in the backcountry.
Part 5: Backcountry Gear Needs
Backcountry skiing requires much more than your standard resort gear. At a minimum, you’ll need avalanche safety equipment: a beacon, shovel, and probe. These tools are essential for finding and rescuing a buried skier in the event of an avalanche. But owning the gear isn’t enough—you need to know how to use it. Avalanche safety courses are a must for anyone venturing into the backcountry.
If you’re planning to hike uphill, you’ll also need specialized touring gear. Skis with touring bindings, splitboards, or climbing skins allow you to ascend slopes efficiently. A lightweight, durable backpack is crucial for carrying your gear, water, food, and extra layers. Depending on the conditions, crampons, an ice axe, or a rope might also be necessary.
Backcountry skiing and riding comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes that do not confirm to the bounds of a ski resort.
Part 6: The Flexibility of Backcountry Terrain
So we’ve talked about the dangers and precautions needed in backcountry terrain—but what are the other differences versus in-bounds skiing and riding? Well, one of the biggest definitional differences of backcountry skiing is its limitless potential. You’re not restricted by resort boundaries or lift schedules for the type of slopes you can hit, with much more flexible hours, distances, and elevations.
A big thing to note is that entering the backcountry doesn’t necessarily have to be a huge commitment. For skiers and riders looking to dip their toes into backcountry terrain, lift-accessed areas near resorts offer a great starting point. Many ski resorts provide gates that lead to out-of-bounds terrain, allowing you to explore untracked powder without hiking for hours. However, once you cross those gates, you’re on your own—so treat this terrain with the same respect as more remote areas.
For particularly experienced adventurers, the backcountry can take you far from the reach of civilization. You might hike for hours or even days to reach your destination. Multi-day ski touring trips, complete with overnight camping, are the ultimate test of endurance and wilderness skills. But the farther you go, the more you’ll need to prepare for every possible scenario.
One of the most compelling aspects of backcountry skiing is its extended season, which far surpasses the constraints of traditional resort skiing. While resorts are bound by operational costs, staffing needs, and the limits of skiable terrain within their boundaries, the backcountry offers a playground that’s open as long as there’s snow on the ground. This means that with the right conditions and access, you can enjoy turns long before resorts spin their lifts in the fall and well into the spring—or even summer—once the resorts have closed.
Late-season skiing is where the backcountry truly shines. Long after resorts have shut down for the season, high alpine zones, glaciers, and north-facing slopes can still hold snow well into May, June, or even July. Spring corn snow—created by the daily freeze-thaw cycle—is a favorite for many backcountry enthusiasts, offering smooth, forgiving turns in stable conditions. With no resort closures to worry about, the only limit is how far you’re willing to hike or skin to reach the snow.
In the early season, backcountry skiing becomes possible as soon as the first significant snowfall blankets the mountains. High-elevation zones and shady aspects often hold snow earlier than lower-elevation resort slopes, making these areas the go-to spots for powder seekers eager to get an early start. However, as we mentioned earlier, early-season terrain comes with its own challenges, especially thin snowpacks that expose rocks and roots.
And finally, we have to cover what’s arguably the biggest circumstance drawing people into the backcountry: the snow. While the conditions out of bounds can be incredibly dangerous, once you make sure the terrain is safe, the snow stays untouched exponentially longer than in bounds, especially if it takes some effort to reach. On a powder day, the rush of floating down the mountain feels like pure magic. It’s the kind of experience you’ll only replicate in-bounds about once in a decade, and for powder hounds, it’s more than enough reason to venture beyond the ropes.
Increasing crowds and lift lines have pushed more and more skiers and riders to head into the backcountry in recent years.
Part 7: Why Backcountry Skiing is Growing in Popularity
Backcountry skiing and riding have been around for basically as long as the sport. So why did we decide to make this video now? Well, the art of earning turns out of bounds has exploded in popularity in recent years, and we’d argue there are several reasons why.
One major factor is the increasing crowds at resorts, particularly during weekends and holidays, which can make the experience feel less like a getaway and more like a battle for parking spots, lift lines, and fresh tracks. Even under the best of natural conditions, it can feel like too much effort for what it’s worth to get a good run in.
Another major driver is the rising cost of lift tickets and season passes. With single-day lift tickets at major resorts often exceeding $200 and even season passes becoming increasingly expensive, the backcountry presents a more cost-effective alternative for those willing to invest in the right equipment and education.
Finally, COVID-19 played a huge role in the backcountry boom. In March 2020, many ski resorts were forced to close weeks before they intended to, leaving those who wanted to ski or ride with no other choice than to work for it. Even during the height of the pandemic, resorts were shutting down early, limiting capacity, or requiring reservations just to get on the lifts. For a lot of skiers and riders, this made resort days feel like more of a hassle than a getaway, even more so in certain cases than the circumstances today. So where did they turn? The backcountry. With its endless space and zero restrictions, it offered an escape where you didn’t have to worry about lift lines, capacity limits, or social distancing.
But the pandemic didn’t just push people to the backcountry temporarily—it created a permanent shift. Many of those who ventured out beyond the ropes during COVID discovered the thrill of skiing or riding untouched powder terrain, and despite the work it required, they weren’t planning on going back to crowded slopes anytime soon. Add this to the other reasons backcountry skiing is growing, and it’s no surprise the sport has taken off in such a big way. COVID was just the catalyst that turned a niche pursuit into a mainstream movement.
While it involves countless dangers, backcountry skiing and riding offer a level of freedom that’s hard for many winter sports enthusiasts to give up once they’ve had a taste.
Final Thoughts
Backcountry skiing offers unparalleled freedom and the chance to experience nature in its purest form. But with this freedom comes responsibility. Unlike resort skiing, where infrastructure and patrol teams mitigate risks, the backcountry demands self-reliance, preparation, and respect for the mountains.
If you’re considering venturing beyond the ropes, start by educating yourself. Take an avalanche safety course, invest in the right gear, and consider going with an experienced guide. With the proper preparation, the backcountry can offer some of the most rewarding skiing experiences of your life. But without it, you’re putting yourself—and your partners—in serious danger.
So before you leave the resort boundaries, ask yourself: Are you ready for the challenges and responsibilities that come with backcountry skiing? If the answer is yes, get ready for an adventure like no other. But if you’re not sure, there’s no shame in sticking to the double blacks—for now.
Thanks again to OnX Backcountry for sponsoring this article! Click the link to get a 7-day free trial and 20% off the premium versions.
