On a weekday morning in January in New Hampshire’s White Mountain National Forest, the base of the gladed Maple Villa backcountry ski zone could have been mistaken for a Walmart parking lot on Black Friday. Some skiers sat anxiously in their cars, waiting for a spot to open up, while others parked at the nearby Ledge Brewing Company and walked the mile up the road with their skis slung over their shoulders. After a slow start to the season in New England, there was finally enough snowpack to abandon the groomers for backcountry terrain.
It wasn’t always like this. Unlike the West, backcountry skiing on the East Coast has distinct challenges. The amount of private property in the region is staggering only 4 percent of land east of Mississippi is public, compared with 47 percent in the West and access to it is hindered by a complex web of private landowners, trusts, and federal and public managers, not to mention dense new-growth forests. “Historically, because
JACKSON — Backcountry skiing is having a moment. Throughout Northern New Hampshire in western Maine, outdoor lovers are heading to the glades away from the crowds and “earning their turns”
How to venture out into the backcountry safely
With COVID-19, thereâs been a major influx of outdoor enthusiasts. But if you donât have experience in a winter wilderness environment, you may not realize the risks involved. Hereâs some advice from the experts on how to stay safe.
By Kari Bodnarchuk Globe Correspondent,Updated December 24, 2020, 12:00 p.m.
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Venturing into the backcountry for skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoe adventures may be the perfect winter activity this year, due to the pandemic, but also brings inherent risks. Consider taking a certified avalanche safety course or hire a guide before you head into the wilderness. Here, 10-year-old Grace Wright (left) is guided by Jamie Selda of Extremely Canadian on a backcountry ski tour in the Spearhead Range just outside Whistler, British Columbia.Kari Bodnarchuk
The Ski Kind Backcountry Responsibility Code is for everyone recreating outside this winter, promoting responsible recreation and tips for keeping the backcountry open, accessible, inclusive and protected.
, which is a set of guidelines to promote responsible winter recreation this season.
Backcountry participation numbers are increasing due to resort restrictions and people looking for COVID-safe activities, and there will be a dramatic growth in the number of backcountry snowshoers, skiers, snowboarders, cross country skiers, and other users getting outside.
With the onset of COVID-19 this past winter, people have been taking solace in the outdoors and outdoor recreation.
It began with the resorts closing early last March and people buying backcountry gear to skin up the slopes and continued through the summer with increased trail and water recreation throughout the country.