The 15 Best Backcountry Ski Zones for Beginners
Take it easy in these 15 accessible, mellow areas for some of the best backcountry skiing in the Lower 48.
skiing
Chairlift to Heaven
Copper Mountain’s new Three Bears lift accesses some of Colorado’s steepest and deepest inbounds terrain—delivering you to this powder playground in exactly seven minutes.
Editors' Choice Snow 2015: Marker KINGPIN
Resort or backcountry gear? With the KINGPIN ski binding, you don't have to choose.
Labor of Love: British Columbia's Mallard Mountain Lodge
The McManus family built British Columbia's Mallard Mountain Lodge from the ground up, and our editors were among the first to visit.
Editors' Choice Snow: Scarpa F1 Evo
An insta-change alpine touring boot that almost has a mind of its own.
Editors' Choice Snow: Dynafit Radical Speed Turn
A bargain all-terrain binding that doesn't skimp on quality.
Gear Review Black Diamond Factor MX Ski Boots
A bona fide touring boot with solid downhill performance.
Flylow Lab Coat
A breathable fortress that's perfect for powder hounds.
Mountain Hardwear Grub Glove
These convertibles combine the best of mittens and gloves.
Gear Review: Oakley Airbrake Snow Goggles
Oakley’s Switchlock Technology makes swapping lenses a cinch–even while wearing gloves.
Leadville, CO: Vance's Hut – Winter Route
A dark, cozy cabin overlooking the Holy Cross Wilderness is your reward for this winter 2.75-mile trek. Ski- or snowshoe-appropriate grades and easy access from Tennessee Pass make this a great novice 10th Mountain Division hut trip.
Editors' Choice Snow Award 2012: Sierra Designs Ymir 55 Pack
Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter reviews the ski-specific, multi-day Ymir 55 pack from Sierra Designs
Editors' Choice Snow Awards 2012: Cabela's E.C.W.C.S. Thermal Zone Baselayer
Staff Photographer Ben Fullerton raves about Cabela's Thermal Zone Baselayers.
Editors' Choice Snow Award 2012: Black Diamond Carbon Megawatt Skis
Editor-in-Chief Dennis Lewon reviews Black Diamond's killer Carbon Megawatt Skis
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Quintic 28 Backpack
Ski tester Crystal Sagan shows the Arc'teryx Quintic 28 backpack
Backcountry Ski Setups
Skiing in the backcountry generally requires different skis, boots, and bindings than skiing at a resort. Tracy Ross walks you through the basics.