+1 561 855 1409 What Is Backcountry: The History of Backcountry and the Essence of Riding Beyond Resorts
Every winter brings the same feeling: crowded lifts, the sound of skis on artificial snow, and the same predictable runs where every turn feels familiar. But beyond the resort boundaries lies silence, sparkling untouched snow, and endless slopes that no one has yet traversed. This is where backcountry begins — riding in the wilderness, where everything depends on your own strength, experience, and the mountain itself.
Backcountry has become synonymous with freedom and true adventure in the world of mountain sports. It’s a return to the roots, when the main tool wasn’t a lift, but instinct. There are no marked trails here — only pure snow, route choices, and responsibility for every movement. And the right gear plays a crucial role.
Why are more and more riders leaving the groomed slopes behind? What makes backcountry so much more appealing than manicured resort trails? In this article, we’ll explore what backcountry really is, how it originated, and what you need to safely conquer the wild mountains.
What Is Backcountry?
The word backcountry literally means “wilderness” or “remote area.” In mountain sports, it refers to skiing or snowboarding outside of groomed trails – without lifts, resort infrastructure, or patrols.
Backcountry is often confused with freeride or ski touring, but there are key differences:
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Freeride – riding off-piste, but usually within resort boundaries, using lifts or snowmobiles for access.
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Ski tour (or skitouring) – long-distance ascents with climbing skins, focused more on the uphill journey than the downhill ride.
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Backcountry – a blend of both: full autonomy and freedom to ride slopes that are hard to reach by any other means.
This balance between physical effort and limitless freedom is the true essence of the backcountry. There are no restrictions — but there is full responsibility: for the route, the weather, and your own safety.
The Origins of Backcountry
The roots of backcountry lie in Europe and North America. In the early 20th century, alpinists used skis to descend faster after climbs. These pioneers were the first to venture beyond resort areas into untouched snow.
In the 1970s and 1980s, with the rise of mountaineering and lightweight gear, backcountry skiing began to boom. Touring bindings, climbing skins, and avalanche backpacks appeared — everything that made it possible to explore wild terrain safely. This is when modern backcountry as a distinct discipline truly formed.
Today, backcountry is a global trend. Videos of riders conquering pristine peaks gather millions of views. For many, it’s a way to return to the primal essence of riding: snow, mountains, and freedom.
Backcountry Skiing and Backcountry Skis
The term backcountry skiing refers to the activity itself — riding beyond marked trails — while backcountry skis describes the specialized equipment designed for it.
Backcountry skis differ significantly from traditional alpine skis: they are lighter, wider, and more stable on soft snow. Touring bindings allow a free heel for climbing and lock the boot securely for descent. Modern models combine durability with mobility, letting riders venture far beyond resorts — and return comfortably.
Backcountry in Snowboarding
For snowboarders, backcountry means “a chance to be yourself, without limits or rules — pure joy, as if the mountains were made just for you,” as legendary Norwegian freerider Terje Haakonsen once said.
Unlike resort riding, where trails and lifts dictate your path, beyond the boundaries lies infinite choice — untracked lines and endless slopes.
Backcountry snowboarding is usually done on a splitboard — a snowboard that splits into two skis for the ascent and reconnects into a full board for the descent. This setup allows snowboarders to climb without snowmobiles or helicopters.
But backcountry demands more than just physical fitness — it requires knowledge of avalanche safety, weather, and navigation. Every descent is earned through effort and careful preparation.
Resort Riding vs. Backcountry — Comparison Table
|
Parameter |
Resort Riding |
Backcountry |
|
Ascent |
Lift |
On foot (ski tour / splitboard) |
|
Snow |
Groomed, compact |
Powder, untouched snow |
|
Safety |
Controlled by patrols |
Full autonomy |
|
Emotions |
Comfort, predictability |
Freedom, risk |
|
Equipment |
Standard alpine gear |
Specialized backcountry gear |
Backcountry Gear
Riding beyond resort boundaries is impossible without the right equipment. FINNTRAIL Backcountry outerwear is designed for harsh mountain conditions, providing reliable protection against wind, cold, and moisture — without restricting movement.
Clothing
Membrane suits are essential for unpredictable weather. The Backcountry suit offers full protection from moisture and wind thanks to Japanese membrane and DWR coating that prevents fabric from absorbing water, while the Backcountry combines lightness with excellent ventilation for uphill climbs. For those who value versatility, the Backcountry features sealed seams, waterproof zippers, and an ergonomic fit.
In the mountains, especially when riding off-piste, you can't do without a layer of FINNTRAIL thermal underwear — it helps endure harsh conditions when surrounded only by snow and wind. Its elastic fabric with a microfleece inner layer retains warmth and wicks away moisture, proving wrong one of the common myths about thermal layers.
To save time, consider ready-made Backcountry sets like DarkGreyLime or Graphite — these pre-matched combinations balance insulation and breathability perfectly for unpredictable mountain conditions.
Below is a checklist of essential accessories to enjoy backcountry and feel safe:
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Freeride gloves with moisture protection
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Extreme Merino thermal socks with merino wool that retains heat and wicks moisture, maintaining a feeling of dryness
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Turbobala with anatomical construction that allows comfortable wearing under a helmet.
Footwear
Snowy terrain demands stability and traction. Blizzard boots offer comfort and protection for long tracks.
Additional Equipment
Other must-have backcountry essentials:
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Avalanche transceiver
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Spare power source
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Food supply
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GPS or map
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backpack with ABS system
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First-aid kit
Conclusion
Backcountry is more than just a style of riding — it’s a state of mind. There are no queues or trails, only you, the mountains, and the snow. It’s an opportunity to test yourself, to feel the silence and power of nature. But with freedom comes responsibility — for your route, your gear, and your safety.
In the FINNTRAIL catalog, you’ll find everything you need for confident off-trail riding — from membrane suits to reliable boots and accessories. Choose your gear, assemble your setup, and head out where true adventure begins — beyond the tracks.
