where you can freely ski through untouched nature, untouched by human management,,is a dream destination for anyone who has been skiing or snowboarding for a long time. Once you step into the world of backcountry, you'll be overwhelmed by its scale, your world of skiing and snowboarding will expand dramatically, and you'll become completely engrossed. So what exactly is its "charm"?
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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
Furthermore, backcountry skiing offers a sense of adventure and a heightened awareness of dangers not found on ski resorts.
This freedom adds an element of adventure to mountain climbing, driving skiers to explore new landscapes and slopes they have never seen before. Of course, there are some restrictions, such as rules and manners that must be followed to ensure the safety of oneself and one's 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 the restricted slopes of ski resorts, you can ski anywhere that looks suitable. The natural terrain offers an endless variety of slopes. There are open runs above the treeline, tree areas within forests, and breathtakingly steep inclines—every kind of slope imaginable.
The backcountry is a vast expanse of varied slopes created by nature. And in the backcountry, your choices are limitless.
4.More than just skiing,it's the comfort of surrendering yourself to the embrace 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's possible to use powered vehicles like helicopters or ski cats, a major part of backcountry skiing, and part of the fun, is climbing step by step on your own two feet towards the peaks and slopes of the mountains you want to ski. The scenery you see as you climb is different from what you see from a ski resort. You'll notice trees and snow that you wouldn't normally pay attention to, and you might make some discoveries. The feeling of climbing while treading on the snow will also be refreshing.
It's strange, but when you reach the top after a tough hike, you'll feel an indescribable sense of accomplishment. The effort you put into climbing will make you want to cherish each run you ski, making your time in the mountains incredibly 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 intimately familiar with the mountains where they conduct tours. They have the expertise and skills to support beginners and those with little experience.
For skiers making their backcountry debut, they offer courses that lecture on the necessary knowledge for the mountains, and there are also training programs that allow you to get used to fat skis and acquire the necessary skiing skills on ungroomed slopes rather than heading straight into the backcountry.
It's a good idea to first experience the backcountry in a more accessible way and gradually step up your game.
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
