Exploring the backcountry or “side country” through the open boundary gates at the ski area has become more popular than ever, but experts warn “If you don’t know, don’t go.”
The Steamboat Ski Patrol recently made headlines in the Denver Post for their new policy regarding skiing out of bounds. According to the “fine print” on the trail map, anyone who requires a rescue from the backcountry accessed from the open boundary gates in the ski resort will be fined $500 by the Steamboat Ski Patrol.
Wait, what?It’s true that the backcountry is National Forest Land and therefore open to anyone who chooses to enter at their own risk. Not so if they access the backcountry or “side country” through the ski resort.
While the popularity of backcountry skiing is the fastest growing niche in the sport, easy access to the backcountry via the ski resort, also known as “side country” has been a major contributing factor to the exponential growth of skiers venturing out into the backcountry. In Steamboat, backcountry gates provide access to Fish Creek Canyon, a vast area where cliff bands, avalanche hazards and tricky route-finding have resulted in a growing number of skiers who have needed to be rescued.
New this year, the Ski Patrol hopes this policy will deter inexperienced skiers from going into the backcountry, and reported to the Denver Post that they estimate that around 500 people go through the gates each day. Ski Patrol Director John Kohnke’s philosophy is simple: “If you don’t know, don’t go.”
Backcountry skiing has become more popular than ever. That’s due to a number of factors, according to Kent Vertrees of Steamboat Powder Cats, Steamboat’s premier snowcat skiing operation, which takes skiers of all abilities into Steamboat’s backcountry on Buffalo Pass in the Routt National Forest. “It’s really becoming the key niche of skiing right now, and that’s why so many resorts have opened their gates to backcountry skiing.”
Vertrees says the explosion of the sport is mostly attributed to new alpine touring gear that’s lighter and easier to use. There’s also the inspiration provided by popular ski movies that feature backcountry skiing. But it’s also those ski resort gates that make it easy for skiers to access the backcountry.
“We don’t even like to use the term ‘side country’ because it’s misleading,” Vertrees says. “It provides a false sense of security for people because it’s next to the ski area. But it’s not the ski area. It’s the backcountry with all the risks; there are cliff bands, there are avalanche paths, there are lines to nowhere. People get lost all the time. If you don’t know where you’re going, you shouldn’t be out there, period.”
Fish Creek Canyon has “a big mountain feel,” according to Vertrees, with true expert terrain and a lot of variables that can put skiers at risk, especially when people follow tracks and end up stranded over a cliff. One rescue two years ago required 14 Ski Patrollers to use ropes and lower 12 skiers to safety.
The best way to experience backcountry skiing is with a certified guide who can properly mitigate all the risks, is well-versed in route-finding and knows where they are going. An outfit like Steamboat Powder Cats has access to over 5,000 skiable acres with three snow cats a day and professional guides who match skiers by ability level. “We have a super loyal staff, some who have been here for 25-plus years,” Vertrees says. “A lot of our guests come back every year, so it’s like skiing with old friends.”
And if you want powder, they’ve got plenty of it. “Buffalo Pass gets the most snow in the state. It’s super dry, light powder. And the terrain is perfect for snow cat skiing,” Vertrees says. It’s also the safest way to experience the backcountry. “Safety is our number one concern. We’re monitoring and skiing this terrain every single day. We provide all the necessary backcountry equipment for our guests, including a shovel, probe and beacon. Since 1983 we have never had to do an avalanche search.”
When it comes to getting fresh tracks, that’s a pretty good track record.
Know Before You Go: 7 Rules to follow before entering the backcountry:
- Bring the proper equipment and know how to use it: shovel, probe, beacon.
- Check the local snow report from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
- Take an avalanche safety course with Steamboat Powder Cats.
- Familiarize yourself with your route using Google Maps and local topographical maps. Be aware of cliff bands and other hazards.
- Always tell someone where you are going and what time to expect you back anytime you head into the backcountry.
- Dress properly and bring extra, dry layers in your backpack.
- Stay hydrated & fueled – bring water and energy snacks such as Honey Stinger packs or protein bars.
For more information on Steamboat Powder Cats, visit their web site.
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