Off-piste skiing and snowboarding in Canada

Off-piste skiing and snowboarding in Canada 

In Canada, the term "off-piste" is used less frequently than in Europe. The more common and relevant terms are backcountry and in-bounds off-piste. The distinction between these two is crucial for safety and liability.

In-bounds Off-Piste (or Slackcountry):

In Canada, many ski resorts have vast areas of ungroomed, natural terrain within their patrolled boundaries. This terrain is considered "off-piste" in the traditional sense, but it is still part of the resort and unlike in Europe it is patrolled. 

• Patrolled Terrain: These areas are within the resort's official boundaries, so they are subject to avalanche control and are patrolled by ski patrol.

• Marked Boundaries: The line between in-bounds and backcountry is clearly marked with signs, gates, or ropes. Crossing these boundaries puts you in the uncontrolled backcountry.

• Terrain: This can include everything from tree runs (gladed skiing) and open bowls to steep chutes and moguls that are never groomed.

• Safety: While these areas are controlled for avalanches, you still need to be a strong skier and be aware of natural hazards like tree wells, rocks, and cliffs.

Best Resort in Canada for Slackcountry (in bounds off piste):

Canada is famous for its vast, ungroomed, in-bounds terrain. This "slackcountry" is a huge draw for advanced and expert skiers. While many resorts offer great off-piste, a few stand out as being truly exceptional.

Here are some of the best resorts in Canada for slackcountry skiing:

• Revelstoke Mountain Resort, British Columbia: Often cited as the king of in-bounds off-piste. Revelstoke has the biggest lift-accessed vertical in North America, and a staggering amount of its terrain is untracked and ungroomed. 

5 alpine bowls, gladed tree runs, and steep chutes are all within the resort's patrolled boundary. It's a paradise for advanced skiers looking for a big-mountain feel with the safety net of a ski patrol.

• Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, British Columbia: Near Golden, BC, Kicking Horse has an incredible reputation for its challenging terrain. 

4   alpine bowls, countless steep chutes, and phenomenal off-piste terrain that is easily accessible from the lifts. It  feels like you're in the backcountry, even though you're safely within the resort. 

• Fernie Alpine Resort, British Columbia: Fernie is known for its legendary powder and 5 alpine bowls. This topography creates a massive amount of in-bounds off-piste terrain with countless tree runs and open bowls that hold powder for days after a storm.

• Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia: As one of North America's largest resorts, Whistler Blackcomb has an enormous amount of in-bounds off-piste terrain, from its famous alpine bowls to its extensive tree skiing. You can spend a lifetime exploring the endless lines and powder stashes within its boundaries. While some of the best terrain requires a short hike from the lifts, it's all part of the experience.