Few people can resist the temptation to constantly push their own personal boundaries and to explore their own limits even if it means being near the very edge of their own ability. With skiing or snowboarding, ski resorts themselves don't always offer this sort of playground, and as such there are those that will seek to push the boundaries in an arena far outwith the ski patrolled boundaries.

This is backcountry - the Holy Grail of the snowsports world. They can offer hidden delights to those that search for them, but at the same time are places saturated with risk and danger.

Our 'Backcountry Guide' is intended for use only by those capable of skiing on these sorts of steep, unprotected and difficult slopes. You must be aware of the risks, know what you're doing, and always be fully prepared and equipped. This is not a resource for the unprepared or unwary.

Be honest with yourself and exercise sound judgement - you should not, for instance, see a line and add it to a 'tick list' if you may not be able to descend it safely and without assistance. Be aware that mountain and snow conditions constantly change - hour to hour, day to day, week to week. If you haven't skied a particular line before, but know that you are capable of doing so and have a full understanding of the risks involved, we strongly advise that you look out more information than is provided in these pages (this is not a definitive Backcountry Guide), such as local knowledge or through local guides/instructors. You should always be fully prepared and look to make your descent with somebody who has done it before - this person should also have skied with you in the past to have an understanding of your ability.

It is recommended to first climb the route before you ski it, to both familiarise yourself with the terrain (to prevent hidden surprises) and also to assess snow conditions. If, while ascending, you find that it is out of condition or outwith your ability level, then you can about turn and start a safer descent from there.

Be aware that these pages are only to give you a rough insight into good practice for mountain safety, and should by no means be considered to be a definitive guide. You must seek other resources to gain more in depth information on particular subjects. However, more importantly, remember that no video, book or website can ever replace getting out there and getting real experience. Safety comes from a long apprenticeship of learning enough about the mountains to spot danger signs, gaining a thorough knowledge of your own capabilities, and from practicing techniques so that they can be applied quickly and without hesitation if necessary. We strongly advise that you enroll yourself on relevant courses with mountaineering/ski/winter-skills instructors in order to build a solid foundation on which you can then build experience, knowledge and sounder judgement.

Don't venture out there alone, enjoy yourself, but more importantly - be realistic with yourself about your own limits and capabilities. It can save lives. See our Legal Notice for reference.