Are you looking for some new places to ski backcountry this season? We’ve got you covered! The US is home to a wide selection of great places to experience backcountry skiing, from western locations such as the Lake Tahoe area and Utah to New England on the east coast. If you’ve been stuck trying to decide the best spot to visit next and are in need of some new ideas of places to backcountry ski, keep reading!
Gear You’ll Need
Backcountry skiing requires specific gear, so make sure all of your current gear is still in great shape and be sure to replace anything that’s damaged or worn out! Here’s a list to help you out when it comes to the basics of what you need for backcountry skiing:
Best Places for Backcountry Skiing
Lake Tahoe Area Backcountry Skiing
Mount Rose
Mount Rose has some of the highest elevation you’ll find for
Tahoe backcountry skiing! It offers a wide variety of different peaks to explore if you’re looking for something a little less intense than the entirety of its 7 miles round trip and 2,800 feet of vertical gain. However, for those looking for more of a challenge, Mount Rose is a great option for Tahoe backcountry skiing!
Jake’s Peak
You can’t go wrong with Jake’s peak when looking for places to backcountry ski in Tahoe! It’s 2-3 miles round trip and has 2,350 feet of vertical gain. With stunning views of Lake Tahoe and
powder that tends to stay fresher longer, you’ll find yourself in a backcountry skier’s paradise.
Rubicon Peak
Topping off our list of best places for Tahoe backcountry skiing is Rubicon Peak. This is a favorite location of many. It takes you through snow-covered trees as you enjoy views of Lake Tahoe on the way down. It’s around 2,200 feet of vertical gain and fairly easy compared to many of the other options.
Utah Backcountry Skiing
Mount Superior
If you’re looking for a great place for backcountry skiing in Utah, Mount Superior should be your first choice! This mountain is skiable on all sides and fairly steep, so keep that in mind before venturing out. However, the fresh powder is hard to beat and will tempt just about anyone! This mountain is best skied from January through March.
Hogum Fork
This mountain is not for the faint of heart! With plenty of diverse terrain on this steep mountain, you will not get bored easily. This Utah backcountry skiing destination is definitely a challenge, though, and will have you worn out by the time you get to the bottom. It’s recommended only for advanced or expert backcountry skiers.
Mill D North Fork
Last on our list of Utah backcountry skiing is Mill D North Fork—an option that is better suited for
beginner or
intermediate backcountry skiers. It offers superb tree
skiing and is diverse enough that even advanced skiers won’t easily get bored. January through March are the best months to ski this option as well.
New England Backcountry Skiing
Mount Cardigan – New Hampshire
The first New England backcountry skiing destination that’s worth visiting is Mount Cardigan in New Hampshire. Many people love this spot because it’s not hard to get to and is a good choice for beginner to intermediate skiers. While it offers 2 different designated ski areas, you can still do a bit of exploring on your own as well.
Mount Greylock – Massachusetts
Next on our list of New England backcountry skiing destinations is Mount Greylock, home of the Thunderbolt Ski Trail. This twisting, winding, steep trail offers some stunning views of the scenery below while taking you through forest. It is 4 miles round trip and was a widely popular trail back in the 1930s and 1940s!
Mount Mansfield – Vermont
Last of all, we have the Teardrop Trail on Mount Mansfield. This is a classic run that most backcountry skiers in Vermont have either already skied or are planning to ski. Sharp turns combined with some steep descents make this an exciting trail and one that’s best for intermediate-
advanced skiers in New England. You won’t want to miss these views, so it’s definitely one worth checking out!
While the Tahoe area, the state of Utah, and New England all have some amazing backcountry skiing worth experiencing, it’s also important to note that many other states and areas in the US have some incredible backcountry as well, such as
Colorado and
Idaho, these just happen to be our favorites!
If you’re looking for an option closer to you, do a bit of research and see if your state has anything to offer, or find a local guide who can escort you! Otherwise, check out one of these top mountains/trails around Tahoe, Utah, and New England! They won’t disappoint!