| Factor | Resort (Piste) Skiing | Backcountry / Off-Piste |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Lifts | Climb under own power (skinning) |
| Terrain | Groomed, patrolled | Ungroomed, unpatrolled |
| Avalanche risk | Controlled | Real — training essential |
| Equipment | Standard ski kit | Touring kit + avi safety gear |
| Skill required | All levels | Experienced only |
| Crowds | Can be busy | Solitude |
| Risk level | Low | High |
Choose Resort (Piste) Skiing when…
You want convenience, lift-served descents, groomed runs, on-mountain facilities, avalanche-controlled safety, or are still developing your skiing.
Choose Backcountry / Off-Piste when…
You're an experienced skier with avalanche training, want untracked powder and solitude, are willing to climb for your descents, and accept the serious risks of unpatrolled terrain.
Gear for both
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FAQ
What equipment do I need for backcountry skiing?
Beyond touring skis, bindings and skins, you need essential avalanche safety equipment: a transceiver (beacon), probe and shovel — and crucially, the training to use them. Avalanche awareness courses are strongly recommended before any backcountry travel. Backcountry skiing without this knowledge and gear is extremely dangerous.
What avalanche safety equipment do backcountry skiers need?
The three essentials for backcountry skiing are: an avalanche transceiver (beacon) worn on the body, a probe pole (for locating a buried person precisely), and a shovel (for extraction). These must be carried by every member of the group and everyone must know how to use them. Additional equipment includes an avalanche airbag pack (which can keep a buried person near the surface in an avalanche) and appropriate training — an Avalanche Skills Training (AST) course is the recommended minimum.
Is helicopter skiing the same as backcountry skiing?
Heli-skiing is a form of guided backcountry skiing where a helicopter provides access to remote, ungroomed terrain rather than hiking or using a snowcat. It is the most expensive and most accessible form of backcountry skiing for those without touring skills — guides manage avalanche assessment and route-finding. Traditional backcountry skiing requires climbing skins to ascend slopes under your own power. Heli-skiing is available at specialist operators in Canada, Alaska, Switzerland, and other mountainous regions.