Explore the Canadian mountains with a back-country skiing adventure

Back-country skiing combines the thrill of downhill skiing with the fun of cross-country. There's also the added bonus of exploring where other skiers won't go. Instead of using crowded downhill runs, back-country skiing allows the skier to explore deep snow areas where other skiers can't go.

• Back-country skis are generally shorter and a bit wider than downhill skis, but the boots and bindings are similar.
• That makes the skis a bit more affordable than downhill counterparts while the boots, bindings and poles generally cost about the same.
• As with downhill skiing, a good, lightweight helmet also is advised, particularly since the areas of activity typically are not patrolled or have many, if any, other skiers in the area.
• They may have hidden surprises, like a boulder or downed tree buried by heavy snow.
• The shorter and wider skis enable skiers to get through deep snow and turn better, particularly around trees and other obstacles.

• When taking part in back-country skiing, skiers can explore the many untamed and often times more challenging areas that downhill skiers and cross-country skiers can't use or explore.
• Many exciting filmed footage of skiers working their way down a steep mountainside through deep, virgin snow are examples of back-country skiing experts enjoying their chosen pursuit.
• That doesn't mean everyone who engages in back-country skiing needs to find a steep mountain with dangerous drop offs to find fun and have a thrilling experience.
• Most people can choose to go exploring in provincial parks and rural areas where few skiers go to enjoy the beauty and relative seclusion of the great outdoor near where they live.

• One of the best aspects of back-country skiing is the wide variance in skill levels in people who practice.
• Beginners can have fun exploring their favourite local areas with some hills and generally tame mountains that don't hold major surprises.

Taking a camera for stunning landscape and nature photography while having fun with friends and family is a great way for novices and medium-skilled back-country skiers to enjoy the sport. Those who are experts often times have fun doing the types of extreme mountainside skiing that makes for thrilling footage.