Backcountry skiing is the free-skiing experience in untouched, untamed nature that is not managed by humans . It is a field that anyone who has been skiing or snowboarding for a long time dreams of, and one that they hope to experience someday. Once you step into the world of backcountry skiing, you will be overwhelmed by its scale, your interest in skiing and snowboarding will expand, and you will become addicted. But what exactly is its appeal?
INDEX
Five points of appeal for backcountry skiing
1. You gain freedom and a sense of adventure
Location: Hakuba
When you ask avid backcountry skiers and snowboarders about the appeal of the sport, many of them say, "The freedom is great." Backcountry is truly free in the sense that it's not managed by humans like ski resorts
Backcountry also awakens a sense of danger and adventure that cannot be experienced at ski resorts.
This freedom gives mountaineering an adventurous essence, driving skiers to explore new scenery and slopes they have never seen before. Of course, there are some restrictions, such as rules and etiquette that must be observed to ensure your own safety and that of your companions, and to protect the natural environment of the mountains.
2. The entire mountain is a field
Location : Hakkoda Photo by KinTone
Unlike slopes groomed by snowmobiles, the real thrill of backcountry skiing is skiing through untouched nature. There's a wide variety of snow, including powder, spring corn snow, hard-packed ice, and crumbly, slushy snow. Powder skiing is probably the most popular activity in backcountry areas, but it's also fun to tackle the various snow conditions in their natural state
3. The slope variations are endless
Location : Hokkaido Powder belt Photo by RIKI JAPOW GUIDE
Unlike ski resort slopes, which are restricted by courses, you can ski anywhere that looks like it's possible. The natural terrain means that the slopes are endlessly varied. There are open runs above the tree line, tree-lined areas in the forest, breathtakingly steep slopes, and all sorts of other slopes. The backcountry is an
endless expanse of varied slopes brought about by the terrain created by nature. In the backcountry, you have the freedom to choose.
4. It's not just about skiing, it's about the comfort of immersing yourself in the bosom of nature.
Location : Hokkaido Photo by Trive Mountain Guides Hokkaido
Before your eyes is a vast expanse of silvery land, a vast sky, and beautiful nature. The mountains are enveloped in silence, free of any man-made objects or noise. One of the great attractions of the backcountry is being able to savor a moment of tranquility in front of the majestic scenery of the snow-capped mountains. What a pleasant feeling it is to leave the hustle and bustle of the city and the everyday worries in the back of your mind and surrender yourself to nature
5. Climbing the mountain yourself can make a run that much more fulfilling
Location: Myoko Photo by InField
While it is possible to use powered vehicles such as helicopters and cat skis, a major element of backcountry skiing is climbing step by step on your own two feet to the peak or slope of the mountain you want to ski, and that is also part of the fun. The scenery you see as you climb is different to what you see from the ski resort. You'll notice trees and snow that you normally wouldn't notice, and you'll likely make some discoveries, and the feeling of climbing while stepping on the snow will surely be a new experience.
It's amazing how, even if it's a tough hike, you'll feel an indescribable sense of accomplishment when you finally reach the top. The effort you put into climbing will make you want to cherish each and every run, making your time in the mountains very fulfilling.
+α Increased interest in the natural environment
Being in the snowy mountains makes you realize that humans are part of the natural world and that we coexist with nature. One of the benefits of the backcountry is that entering the backcountry can spark an interest in environmental issues and foster a sense of appreciation for nature
Location : Hokkaido Photo by Hokkaido Backcountry Guides
How to get started in backcountry skiing for beginners
Backcountry skiing is full of attractions, but if you're an interested skier or snowboarder, where should you start? First, assuming you'll be taking a guided tour, you should know what equipment you need, prepare as much as possible, and acquire at least some basic knowledge
Take a guided tour
Location: Photo by JUNRINA
Beginners in backcountry skiing should never venture out alone. Even if you have sufficient skiing skills, it is best to start out by joining a tour organized by a guide club and being led by a professional guide to avoid risks
Guide clubs are extremely knowledgeable about the mountains where they hold tours. They have the expertise and skills to support first-timers and those with little experience.
For those making their backcountry debut, there are courses that provide necessary mountain knowledge, and there are also training programs that help you get used to fat skiing on ungroomed slopes on the slopes and acquire the necessary skiing skills, rather than heading straight into the backcountry. It
's also a good idea to experience the backcountry up close first and gradually improve your skills.
To ensure safety and comfort in rapidly changing natural conditions, you need more items than you would on a slope. The first step into the backcountry is to know what equipment you need. Click here for more details
●Learn the basic equipment needed for backcountry skiing
Learn about dangers, how to avoid them, and etiquette
Many dangers lurk in the untouched snowy mountains. You never know when or how these dangers might strike, such as whiteouts caused by sudden changes in the weather, getting lost or stranded, avalanches, injuries from hitting trees or rocks, or equipment problems. There are things you should know to reduce the risks as much as possible. There are also rules of etiquette that should be observed so that everyone can enjoy the mountains comfortably
Backcountry guide club with beginner-friendly tours
Photo by Shoji Matsumoto
Among the many backcountry guide clubs, we will introduce some that offer programs and tours especially for backcountry beginners
