Backcountry Skiing, Jobs & Companies

• rec.skiing.backcountry FAQs - Backcountry skiing FAQs compiled and maintained by the rec.skiing.backcountry forum.

• Skiing Index - Guide to skiing on and off-piste in the French Three Valleys and Val d'Isere

• The Telemark Ski Company - Offering vacations and instruction in free-heel, telemark, nordic and cross country skiing and ski mountaineering in France, Italy, the USA, Scotland and Norway.

• 10th Mountain Division Hut Association - Colorado Backcountry Huts for skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, cyclists and hikers.

• Wild Snow - Provides backcountry guides, articles, and tips written or compiled by Louis Dawson, ski mountaineer.

Avalanche

• Alpinism and Ski - Mountain guiding company based in Wanaka, New Zealand. Mountaineering, ski touring and avalanche course details.

• American Avalanche Association - Professional society of avalanche workers.

• Avalanche Awareness - Chauvin Guides International offers avalanche training courses for skiers and climbers.

• Avalanche Book Reviews and On-Line Ordering - Reviews of current avalanche books by Faerthen Felix, professional avalanche forecaster

• Canadian Avalanche Association - Represents avalanche professionals working in Canada. Promotes scientific and technical knowledge, standards and communications and offers training to avalanche workers. Includes course description, current avalanche bulletins, accidents and statistics, and FAQs.

• Central Sierra Avalanche - A regularly updated forecast of the potential avalanche hazard in the US Central Sierra, from Yuba Pass south to Sonora Pass.

• Colorado Avalanche Information Center - Snow avalanche forecasting and education center for the State of Colorado.

• Crested Butte Mountain Guides - Offers AIARE qualified avalanche safety courses throughout Colorado for skiers, snowmobiliers and snowboarders.

• Cyberspace Snow and Avalanche Center - Provides comprehensive global avalanche and snow information including conditions, educational information, and incident reports.

• Forest Service National Avalanche Center - Provides a list of US avalanche centers and current reports, information on skiiers, snowboarders, and snowmobiler avalanche basics and statistics, and links.

• Italian Avalanche Service - As part of the Italian Alpine Club, the service promotes avalanche accident prevention and is active in avalanche training and instruction. Includes history of the service and information about its organization.

• New Zealand Snow Safety Institute - Mountaineering and mountain safety courses including: avalanche awareness, explosives for avalanche control, backcountry ski and snowboarding courses.

• Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center - Provides daily mountain weather and avalanche forecasts for the US Northwest, mountain weather data, accident reports and statistics, and weather and avalanche glossaries.

• Scottish Avalanche Service - Provides winter conditions and forecast, reporting form, and information about avalanches.

• Snow Gear Reviews - GearReview.com - Reviews of snow equipment, including avalanche beacons and other equipment

• Swiss Federal Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research - Provides snow and avalanche information for Switzerland. Includes an overview of the institution's organization.

• This is Your Brain in the Backcountry - Some basic advice for winter backcountry users - don't leave your brain in the sock drawer!

• USNWS Salt Lake City Snow and Avalanche Information - Snow and avalanche observations for the Wasatch Mountains in Utah.

• Utah Avalanche Center - USDA Forest Service avalanche information for Utah

• Utah Avalanche Classes - Listing of avalanche classes available in Utah, kept current by the author.

• Westwide Avalanche Network - Westwide Avalanche Network is your one stop shop for current avalanche information around the world.

Guides and Tours

• Callaghan Backcountry Lodge - Deluxe wilderness lodge near Whistler, BC, accessible by snowmobile, snow coach or helicopter. Guided backcountry skiing, cross country skiing and snowshoeing available.

• Chugach Powder Guides - Offers winter deep powder helicopter and snowcat guided skiing and snowboarding and summer guided fishing, corn-snow heli-skiing, and whitewater rafting in the western Chugach mountain range. Provides information about the company, the area, what is included in the tours, and reservations.

• Cumbres Nordic Adventures, LLP - Offer yurt rentals in the San Jaun Mountains. Includes rental prices, photos, and snow conditions. Guided ski tours upon request. Based in Chama, New Mexico.

• Haute Route Ski Tour - Chauvin Guides International offers an eight day guided traverse of this famous European ski tour.

• Hellroaring Ski Adventures - Montana backcountry skiing and riding in the Centennial Mountains near West Yellowstone, the most exciting new hut access terrain in the Rockies.

• High Sky Adventures - Heli and cat skiing options in British Columbia. Includes package details, photos, and contact information.

• Ice Creek Lodge - Ski touring and mountaineering trips from a helicopter-accessed lodge in British Columbia's Valhalla range. Provides rates, availability, photos and video.

• On The Loose Expeditions - Guided backcounry skiing trips in the Grand Tetons of Wyoming. Improve your telemark skiing and learn backcountry avalanche safety techniques.

• Park City Powder Cats and Heli-Ski - Backcountry snowcat and heli-skiing and boarding in Utah's Uinta mountains, close to Park City Resort.

• Peter Cliff Mountain guide - Courses and guided trips in the Alps and Scotland - Ski Tours including the Haute Route and Mont Blanc.

• Rendezvous Ski and Snowboard Tours - Yurt-based backcountry skiing and snowboarding in Wyoming's Teton Range. Guide service and instruction for telemark, randonee, cross country skiing and snowboarding.

• Snofari Expeditions - Offers adventures in Chile, guided tours to the High Cordillera of Chile, Lake District or Patagonia, Southern Volcanoes of Chile and the Andes.

• SnowLegend International Freeride Camp - Offers skiing, snowboarding, and telemarking sessions based out of La Meije-La Grave, France. Includes prices, accommodation information, requirements, and contact information.

• Sorcerer Lodge - Backcountry skiing and mountaineering in a remote glaciated area, accessed by helicopter only, in the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia, Canada. Provides package information, rates, and dates, photos, menu, information about the lodge and the terrain, and FAQs.

• Whistle Tours - Rossland, BC, Canada. Offers backcountry ski touring for the intermediate skier in the West Kootenays. Tours, photographs, contacts, and links.

• Whistler Ski Guides - Backcountry ski tours and private guiding in Whistler, Canada for all levels, from extreme skiers to families with local ACMG certified ski guides.

• Yurtski - Offers a guided backcountry ski trip in Montana, with lodging in the Morrell Mountain Yurt. Terrain, rates, photographs, reservations, and contacts.

Heli-Skiing

• Backcountry Helicopters - Single day, multi-day and charter trips available in Wanaka, New Zealand. Includes prices, FAQ, photos, snow report, and contact information.

• Backcountry Helicopters NZ - Daily and chartered helicopter skiing tours in Mount Aspiring National Park. Based in Lake Wanaka, New Zealand.

• Bella Coola Heli Sports - Heliskiing in Bella Coola, British Columbia, Canada. Includes package information, maps, media quotes, pricing, newsletters and special events.

• Crescent Spur Heli-Skiing - Multi-day tours and lodging near Prince George, British Columbia. Includes skiing and lodging information, rates and tour dates, photo gallery, travel information and newsletters.

• Diamond Peaks Heli Ski Adventures - Daily packages based in the Wasatch mountains near Ogden, Utah. Includes company information, guides, reservations, photos, terrain, FAQs, and prices.

• Dream Catcher Heliskiing - Single and multi-day packages in the Bella Coola Valley of western British Columbia. Includes package descriptions, rates and availability, and booking information.

• Great Canadian Heli-skiing - Skiing tours in Golden, BC with a small group policy of 4 guests per guide. Guests stay at on-mountain lodge. Includes company information, packages and booking.

• Harris Mountains Heli-Ski - Skiing and snowboarding from Queenstown and Wanaka in New Zealand's Southern Alps. Includes booking, special charters, safety, guide, and company information.

• Heli Canada Adventures - Powder skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding tours in Canada. Provides package information, prices, dates, what to bring, and reservations.

• Heli-ski in Russia - Seven and ten day packages in Kamchatka and the Caucasus. Includes pricing, availability, photos, safety and booking information.

• Heliski Valgrisenche - Offers guided heliski programs near Valgrisenche, on the Italian/French border. Includes description of the tours, prices, and accommodations. In English, French, Italian, and German.

• Icefield Helicopter Tours - Offers various types of trips. Includes booking, tour details, and directions. Based in Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada and flying out of the Cline River Heliport.

• James Orr Heli-Ski - Booking agent who can help you craft a custom vacation appropriate for your skiing ability, complete with lodging and insurance.

• Jerry's Heli Ski Alaska - Offers guiding services for heliskiing or snowboarding in Alaska's Chugach Range. Includes summary of services and contact information.

• Klondike Heliskiing - Heliskiing in Atlin, British Columbia, Canada. Provides information on the guides, the aircraft, safety precautions, schedules and rates, registration and booking, and photo gallery.

• Last Frontier Heliskiing - Helicopter skiing and snowboarding in a remote area of British Columbia.

• Mica Heli Guides - Tours based out of a backcountry lodge on the Western Slope of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Multi-day packages are available, as well as ski touring and summer trips.

• Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing - Heliskiing out of Blue River, British Columbia, Canada.

• Monterosa Italian Paradise - Heliskiing and off-piste skiing on virgin snow in three valleys: Champoluc, Gressoney and Alagna. Facility to book conferences, 2 day heliskiing tours and customised tours.

• New Zealand Adventure Specialists Ltd - Heliskiing within the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Include tour summary, prices, what to bring, and contact information.

• North Cascade Heli-Skiing - Helicopter skiing and hut touring trips in northeastern Washington state.

• Northern BC Rockies Heli-Skiing Vacations - Heliskiing vacation programs, located in the Northern Rockies of B.C. Canada. Luxury lodge, small groups, certified guides.

• Northern Escape Heli-Skiing - Offers packages in British Columbia. Includes package information and a gallery.

• Pantheon Heli Sports - Located in British Columbia's Coast Range between Whistler and Bella Coola. Terrain available for skiers of all ability levels. Packages are available for traditional heli-skiing, as well as ski touring.

• Planete Montagne - Heliskiing tours available in Chile, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Turkey. Includes package descriptions, travel information and prices for each location.

• Points North Heliskiing - Operating at the southeastern side of the Chugach mountains of Alaska.

• Powder South Heliski Guides - Heliskiing in the heart of the Central Andes of Chile.

• Purcell Helicopter Skiing Ltd. - Heliskiing near Golden, British Columbia, Canada. Includes summary of services, prices, sample waiver form, mountain conditions, and related links of local interest.

• Robson Helimagic - Heliskiing in the Canadian Rockies at Valemount, British Columbia, Canada. Includes tour summaries, rates, sample waiver, photo and video gallery, FAQ, and related links.

• Ruby Mountain Helicopter Skiing - Heliskiing in the Ruby Mountains of northern Nevada.

• Russia Heliboarding Club - Caucasus, Kamchatka, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. Photographs and contacts.

• Selkirk Tangiers Helicopter Skiing - Heliskiing in the Interior Mountains of Revelstoke, British Columbia. Rates, location, and contact information.

• Sun Valley Heli-Ski - Heliskiing in Idaho.

• Telluride Heli-Trax - Heliskiing in Colorado.

• TLH Heliskiing - Heliskiing in British Columbia, Canada. Includes a tour of a virtual day of heliskiing.

• Tulsequah Heli-Skiing - Heliskiing in Altin, British Columbia, Canada. Includes information about the company, what to bring, prices and dates, airline tips, and booking.

• Valdez Heli-Camps - Heliskiing in the Chugach Mountains of Valdez, Alaska. Includes tour summaries, lodging packages, guide profiles, rates, photos, videos, and reservation details.

• Valdez Heli-Ski Guides - Heliskiing in the Chugach Mountains of Valdez, Alaska. Founded in 1993 by Doug Coombs, this operation is based at the Tsaina Lodge.

• Valdez H2O Heli-Adventures - Heliskiing in the Chugach Mountains of Valdez, Alaska. Includes package summaries, rates, photos, booking information, and related links.

• Whistler Heli-Skiing - Heliskiing near Whistler, British Columbia, Canada.

• Yak and Yeti - Heliskiing in Caucasus, Russia.

Sno-Cat Skiing

• Baldface Lodge Snowcat Skiing - Multi-day packages in Nelson, British Columbia. Includes prices and availability, travel planning guide, merchandise catalog, photos and video, and service descriptions.

• Big Red Cats - Guided snow cat skiing near Rossland, BC offering all levels of terrain, accommodations, meals, and powder skiing lessons.

• Blomidon Cat Skiing, Ltd. - Offers daily and multi-day skiing packages and sightseeing excursions in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Includes travel information, rates and photo gallery.

• Cat Powder Skiing - Multi-day cat skiing tours based out of Revelstoke, British Columbia.

• Cat Skiing Canada - Provides cat skiing industry information and resources, including discussion forums, company directory, newsletter and photo gallery.

• Chatter Creek Mountain Lodges - Multi-day tours near Golden, British Columbia. Includes rates and availability, photo gallery, and travel and safety information.

• El Diablo Alpine Guides - Single day tours near Silverton, Colorado. Includes individual and private cat rates, travel information, snow conditions and photos.

• Great Northern Snowcat Skiing - Multi-day skiing packages in the Selkirk Mountains near the town of Trout Lake, British Columbia. Includes weekly snow reports, travel information, booking dates and prices, and skiing and lodging details.

• Highland Powder Skiing - Multi-day tours and accommodations available near Meadow Creek, British Columbia. Includes booking policies and inquiry form, frequently asked questions and photo gallery.

• Monashee Powder Adventures - Multi-day packages near Chase, British Columbia with on-mountain accommodations. Includes description of terrain, availability and rates, and photo gallery.

• Powder Mountain - Offers daily tours near Whistler, British Columbia for skiers and snowboarders. Includes trip details, reservation information, photo gallery, videos etc.

• Retallack Alpine Adventures - Offers customized tour packages in New Denver, British Columbia. Includes booking availability and policies, travel information, on-site accommodations, daily schedule and summer activities.

• San Juan Ski Company - Offers single-day trips near Silverton, Colorado. Includes rates, package description, area lodging, snow report and photo gallery.

• Selkirk Powder Company - Daily guided tours available from Idaho's Schweitzer Mountain ski resort.

• Selkirk Wilderness Skiing, Ltd. - Provides multi-day tours and on-site lodging near Meadow Creek, British Columbia. Includes snow report, package rates, rental ski equipment, lodge services and travel information.

• Steamboat Powdercats - Offers daily packages and moonlight skiing near Steamboat, Colorado. Includes availability calendar, ability levels, local information and activities, and videos.

• Vail Snowcat Skiing - Single day skiing trips operating at Ptarmigan pass between Vail and Summit County, Colorado. Site contains a brief overview and contact information.

• Valhalla Powdercats - Offers single, three and four day tours in Nelson, British Columbia. Includes rates, local lodging information, description of terrain, ability levels and safety, and photo gallery.

• White Grizzly Adventures - Provides single and multi-day packages near Meadow Creek, British Columbia. Includes daily schedule, description of on-site lodge, availability and reservation form, rental equipment, video and photos.

• Wildhorse Cat Skiing - Offers single and multi-day tour packages in Nelson, British Columbia. Includes local and on-mountain accommodations, travel information and terrain descriptions.

Instruction

• Alpine Adventures - Offer courses in rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, and backcountry skiing. Includes course dates and prices. Located in Keene, New York.

• Babes in the Backcountry - Women empowering women to feel more confident in backcountry telemark skiing, avalanche awareness and outdoor skills.

• Exum Mountain Guides - Offer guided expeditions in western US and Alaska some international locations. Trips include mountaineering, climbing and canyoneering, ice climbing, backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Mountaineering, ski and snowboard mountaineering camps, glacier and avalanche training are also offered. Based in Wyoming.

• New Zealand Adventure Specialists - New Zealand Snow Safety Institute backcountry ski and snowboarding courses. These courses are held at Temple Basin Ski Area, regarded as one of the best snowboarding areas in the world.

Shopping

• The Backcountry - online retailer of backcountry touring skis, split boards, backcountry safety equipment and accessories.

• Facewest Backcountry - Avalanche safety products and backcountry gear for snowboarders and skiers.

• Tahoe Mountain Sports - Online store sells backcountry gear such as telemark bindings, climbing skins and avalanche safety accessories.

• Telemark-Pyrenees.com - On-line shop specialised in telemark, backcountry skiing and mountaineering equipment.

• Telemarkski.com - A virtual telemark specialty shop from Crested Butte, Colorado.

Telemark

• Telemark Tips and Instruction - An online telemark skiing magazine featuring articles, lesson pages, gear reviews, free mpeg movies, and the most active telemark discussion forum on the web.

• Appalachian Telemark Association - Confederation of free heel skiers in the Appalachian, Allegheny and Laurel Mountains. Regional events, photos, and links.

• FIS Telemark Committee - Group working towards the goal of making Telemark an olympic event.

• Off-Piste Magazine - Backcountry and telemark ski site featuring articles, photos, and tips.

• Sierra Nevada Ski Trips - Information for the backcountry skier and boarder wishing to explore the mountains of California.

• Ski.MountainZone.com - Coverage of telemark and backcountry skiing events and expeditions.

• Swiss Telemark - Information on the Swiss Telemark Association and racing team and includes a photo gallery.

• Telemark Skiing Injury Study - General injury information, demographics, knee injuries, equipment and injury, and backcountry hut survey summary. Also provides a photo gallery and related links.

• Telemarkski.com - A telemark site from Crested Butte, CO featuring reviews, advice, tips, events, information and gear.

• TelemarkSki.org - FIS and Norweigan Cup race-calendars and results. Links to national telemark organizations.

• Telemarkslauget Orwad - An organization of volunteers devoted to telemark skiing who have created a village for telemarkers with articles, discussions and other things that may interest telemark skiers of any kind.

• United States Telemark Ski Association - Topics include information about the association, racing, events and schedules, results, bylaws, free skiing, and points. Provides a message board, photo gallery, links, and contact information.

Manufactures

• Asnes Ski - Norwegian ski factory specialized in touring, mountain and telemark skis.

• K2 Telemark Skis - Manufacturer of ski, pole, helmet, goggle, bags and accessories.

• Karhu USA - Manufactures and distributes a full range of cross country ski gear- telemark, touring, backcountry-skis, boots, poles, bindings and accessories.

• Madshus - Manufacturer of equipment such as skis, boots, apparel and accessories. Norway.

• ScottyBob's Skis - Colorado, US manufacturer of innovative asymmetric telemark-specific skis.

• Voile Mountain Surf - Voile's backcountry ski line.

• Asnes Ski - Norwegian ski factory specialized in touring, mountain and telemark skis.

• K2 Telemark Skis - Manufacturer of ski, pole, helmet, goggle, bags and accessories.

• Karhu USA - Manufactures and distributes a full range of cross country ski gear- telemark, touring, backcountry-skis, boots, poles, bindings and accessories.

• Madshus - Manufacturer of equipment such as skis, boots, apparel and accessories. Norway.

• ScottyBob's Skis - Colorado, US manufacturer of innovative asymmetric telemark-specific skis.

• Voile Mountain Surf - Voile's backcountry ski line.

• Black Diamond Equipment - Manufacturer of the O2 telemark binding line.

• Bomber Telemark - Makers of the Bomber Bishop plate binding.

• Burnt Mtn. Designs - Developers of the Bulldog step-in telemark ski binding.

• G3 Genuine Guide Gear - Makers of the G3 Targa telemark binding.

• Linken Binding - Norwegian manufacturer of a step-in plate telemark binding.

• TwentyTwo Designs - Makers of the HammerHead telemark ski binding.

• Voile Bindings - Manufacturer of classic cable bindings, the flexible plate VP-II, and release kits for telemark bindings.

• The Backcountry - online retailer of backcountry touring skis, split boards, backcountry safety equipment and accessories.

• Facewest Backcountry - Avalanche safety products and backcountry gear for snowboarders and skiers.

• Tahoe Mountain Sports - Online store sells backcountry gear such as telemark bindings, climbing skins and avalanche safety accessories.

• Telemark-Pyrenees.com - On-line shop specialised in telemark, backcountry skiing and mountaineering equipment.

• Telemarkski.com - A virtual telemark specialty shop from Crested Butte, Colorado.