Backcountry Skiing in North America: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Combined, the United States and Canada boast more backcountry skiing opportunities than could possibly be experienced in a lifetime. From the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States to the Alaska Range on the edge of the Arctic Circle, there are plenty of incredible options.

For those looking to learn the sport and try put backcountry skiing for the first time, heading to New York’s Adirondack Mountains and Vermont’s Green Mountains is the perfect way to get used to off-piste skiing in terrain that is more manageable.

Once you’ve graduated from these slopes the North American west is your oyster! Mount Baker, in Washington’s Cascade Range is a particular treat. Due to its unique location, the peak receives copious amounts of high-quality snow, making it one of the best backcountry spots on earth!

For those looking to avoid the crowds, heading to Yoho National Park and Banff National Park are great ways to unplug from the daily grind and forget about life for awhile. Boasting hundreds of pristine square kilometres, it’s easy enough to head out on your backcountry skis and enjoy nature in all of its glory.

Stunning scenery

North America is an incredibly beautiful continent. From the Rocky Mountains in Colorado to the Coast Range in British Columbia, there is so much incredible wintertime scenery to see and explore. Enjoy immaculate views over the Pacific Ocean, of snow-capped peaks that look like they belong on a postcard and valleys blanketed in verdant evergreen forests.

Get off the beaten path

Due to its immense size, it is pretty easy to head out into the backcountry in North America and have what feels like the whole world to yourself. Many trips, especially in the Canadian Rockies, take you far away from civilization and allow you to unwind and enjoy nature, far away from the distractions and problems of everyday life. So get off the grid next winter and head out on some backcountry skis!

Plenty of diversity

No two backcountry skiing spots in North America are quite alike. From the snow conditions to the scenery, there is plenty of diversity for backcountry skiers to experience. For example, while the Wasatch Range in Utah is covered in snow, the surrounding will not be, providing an incredible contrast in views. Meanwhile, Squamish will be a sea of white as far as the eye can see.

During the winter, North America tends to experience cold temperatures and humid conditions. This means plenty of snowfall and, overall, ideal backcountry skiing conditions.

January to April. In Alaska and northern Canada, the ski touring season is from March to May.