Once upon a time, backcountry skiing was a niche sport enjoyed by a select group of skiers viewed as “hardcore” or “extreme.” But that’s no longer the case. Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, backcountry skiing saw a boost in interest with gear sales shooting through the roof in 2020. The frenzy has tempered a bit, but backcountry skiing is still far more popular than it was before the world shut down.
And it’s easy to understand why. Backcountry skiing — skiing uphill and downhill in unpatrolled and unmitigated terrain — combines the best of both worlds. You earn your turns while touring uphill and you still get an adrenaline boost while slaying powder on the downhill. The scenery is epic too. I’ve been a backcountry skier for a decade, and my favorite part is touring through the forest of trees glistening with snow, the crunch of my boots the only sound around.
Of course, skiing in unpatrolled terrain increases the risk. Backcountry skiing is inherently dangerous and avalanches are always a possibility, especially in a state like Colorado that has some of the most volatile snow in the country. That’s why your backcountry skiing gear is so important. Unlike resort skiing, you are reliant completely on yourself. You need quality gear that will keep you warm, dry and safe from the elements so you can enjoy your day in the backcountry.
“Modern gear allows me to do what I do in the mountains with a safety margin with which I’m comfortable,” says Brody Leven, a Fischer athlete and ski team captain for Protect Our Winters.
If you’re headed into the backcountry this winter and want to upgrade your kit, we’ve got you covered. Here’s the best backcountry skiing gear of the season.
Backcountry skiing apparel
Ski socks
You can’t go skiing in any old socks. First, you need ski-specific socks, a style that is tall enough to protect your skin against the height of a rigid ski boot. They also have varying levels of cushioning in the shin, heel and ball of your foot.
This sock is a favorite of Leven who pays extra attention to his feet after getting frostbite while backcountry skiing in Svalbard in 2014. He notes that he favors the RFL socks due to their thin construction; they’ve been in his rotation for 10 years.
This blend of merino wool and nylon is strong enough to handle long days of touring but soft and warm enough to keep your toes safe. Plus, the reinforced heel adds durability so they are less likely to fall apart.
I’m a big fan of Smartwool’s ski socks, but I especially like the brand’s new, fun prints. This Ski Day print is a favorite for, well, ski days, even if it does give a nod to the chairlift. Like Leven, I prefer minimal cushioning to reduce bulk in my ski boots, so I love that these are thin and have zero padding.
Redesigned for the 2023-24 season, Le Bent’s Cody Townsend and Elyse Saugstad’s Pro Series of ski socks have seen a major overhaul. Our fave feature: silicone strips around the Achilles and upper cuff to help keep the sock in place. These wool-and-bamboo socks have zero cushion and have vents along the top of the feet so you can air-dry as you climb.
Base layers
Quality base layers are always important in the winter because they wick sweat away from your skin. This means that you won’t get wet and cold, which helps prevent scary conditions like hypothermia. In backcountry skiing, this is exceptionally important because you spend a lot of time skiing — and sweating — uphill. When you transition to the downhill, you’ll get really cold if you’re stuck wearing wet layers.
Pro tip: Save these for the most frigid of days. The Ortovox Swisswool Hybrid Short Pants for women are lined with merino fleece, so they’re a lot warmer than your standard base layer. But they regulate temperature like a champion, thanks to the hybrid wool-polyester construction. Plus, they end at the top of your shin, which is roughly where your ski socks begin. You’ll never have to worry about bunched-up leggings in your ski boots again.
Based in New Hampshire, Minus 33 specializes in American-made wool base layers, and the Chocorua is a prime example.The top is made from 100% Australian wool with UPF 50, so it dries quickly and is easy to care for.
Just like the men’s version, the women’s Ossipee is machine-washable and can be tumble dried. But the real magic behind Minus33 is the price point. Unlike other wool items, the Chocorua rings in at a price typically only seen in synthetic layers.
Sorry, guys. This one is just for the ladies. Former Norwegian Olympic freestyle skier Kari Traa set out to create a company with cute yet functional ski apparel for women. The Julianne Wool Long-Sleeve Base Layer does just that with 100% wool construction and a fun pattern that helps it stand out against the sea of black-and-gray base layers. Fit note: Kari Traa runs slim, so size up if you’re in the middle.
If your budget or personal beliefs keep you away from wool, reach for the Lifa Active Crew base layer by Helly Hansen. The Lifa Active Crew wicks sweat incredibly well, and it’s the most affordable base layer in this guide.
Made with synthetic fibers, this top is 66% recycled polyester that comes from plastic found within 30 miles of a coastline in regions where waste has been mismanaged. It’s a lightweight layer, so this one is best for moderate weather.
Mid-layers
A mid-layer — the layer that goes between your base layer and your shell — is what keeps you warm. In backcountry skiing, you’ll often throw this on when transitioning to the downhill, but you’ll occasionally wear it on the uphill during extra-cold days.
This is my favorite “crisis puffy,” that jacket you always keep with you in the backcountry in case of emergency. At less than 9 ounces, the Mythic G has a mind-boggling warmth-to-weight ratio. I’ve literally never worn a jacket this warm and this light.
The secret: 1,000-fill-power down combined with a reflective heat lining that reduces heat loss without any added weight. Plus, it packs up small enough that it almost disappears inside my backpack.
While it’s not the lightest puffy jacket out there, the Routeburn Pro offers a fair bit of warmth at a good price. Like most European brands, the jacket has a trim fit, so it fits nicely beneath your ski shell on the downhill.
Made almost entirely from recycled polyester, the Routeburn has fleecy stretch panels beneath the arms that add a lot of mobility should you end up skinning in your puffy. Three pockets give you plenty of storage for small items like snacks or lip balm.
If you’re looking for active insulation — a layer of warmth to wear on the uphill that won’t cook you out — the Deviator Hoodie is a top choice. While this isn’t going to be a next-level crisis puffy like the Rab Mythic G, it’s a solid choice when you need a bit more warmth on the climbs.
Updated this season, the Deviator uses a type of synthetic insulation that both encourages breathability and warmth, and discourages weight. It’s packed into where you most need it — the front panels, shoulders, sleeves and hood.
Ski jackets
Backcountry ski jackets need to be a handful of things — light and packable enough to carry yet windproof and waterproof enough to be useful in thigh-deep powder. Beyond that, there are a number of features and materials available based on your preferences.
New for the 2023-24 season, the Patagonia Untracked is one of the first three-layer ski shells to be made with the new Gore-Tex expanded polyethylene (ePE). A three-layer construction is the gold standard for backcountry skiing since it’s lighter, more durable and more breathable than two-layer constructions.
The new ePE construction means the Untracked Jacket is made from 100% recycled materials and has zero “forever chemicals,” commonly referred to as PFAs. Plus, it’s bomber in the backcountry with a relaxed fit and plenty of mobility.
The Haldigrat earns major style points, making it a favorite of Aspen-based skier Emily Banks, who logs 100 days of skiing each season. “The quality of the materials is what sets the Haldigrat apart,” says Banks. “It’s soft and comfortable and breathable and moves with you in a seamless way.”
The Haldigrat HS checks all the boxes: light enough for the uphills but rugged enough for the descent. The outer fabric feels soft to the touch too, so you don’t have any crunchy fabric chafing your face while you shred.
This lesser-known Norwegian brand doubles down on sustainability in a big way. Like the Patagonia Untracked, the Tamok Jacket is one of the few three-layer ski shells using the new Gore-Tex ePE alongside other recycled fibers. (It’s also available in a heavier yet more affordable two-layer construction.)
It has a longer cut with a freeride style, making it a great choice if you want to use it in and out of bounds. While it is a touch heavier, the Tamok is impenetrable and we loved the lower cargo pockets — lots of room for snacks.
It’s slim, it’s trim and it’s the lightest shell we’ve included. The Odin Backcountry Infinity Shell weighs just a hair over a pound and prioritizes mobility and packability; all rolled up, it’s smaller than your water bottle.
The Odin fits snugly so it works well beneath a pack, and we really love the offset zipper that moves the harshness of the metal farther away from your chin. For the women, the jacket weighs a touch less than a pound.
Ski pants
Unlike resort ski pants, backcountry skiers typically don’t want any insulation. Instead, the focus is on mobility and breathability to make those long climbs tolerable.
The Skytour AscentShell Bibs have been on the market for a couple of years, but they’re still a perennial favorite among backcountry skiers. These bibs shine on the uphill when overheating is the norm.
While they don’t have any of the eco-friendly fabrics or initiatives behind them, they are more breathable than your average shell pant thanks to the brand’s proprietary fabric that is air permeable, super stretchy, and still waterproof.
Jackson-based adventure photographer and Backcountry.com athlete Elise Sterck spends a lot of time skiing, both in front of the camera and behind it. Her go-to pants are the Peak Performance Vislights due to their accurate sizing — a rarity in women’s ski gear — and the features. “I like [the Peak Performance pants] because they have full side zips and really large front pockets on both legs,” says Sterck.
A zippered pocket with a beacon loop gives backcountry skiers an easy place to stash their avalanche transceiver. And the adjustable waist accommodates sizing differences on the go, especially if you’re trying to tuck a couple of shirts into your pants.
Leven’s choice — the Lyngen Flex1 pants — are a good option for dry snow conditions. “I want gear that allows me to stay warm while transitioning to downhill mode on top of a climb and look like the downhill skier I am at heart,” says Leven. “The durable softshell material is almost always water-resistant enough for a day of skiing.”
The Flex1 pants have minimal pockets but maximum venting, which makes them a top pick if your days involve a lot of climbing. The stretchy fabric also means the Lyngens can transition to other sports like mountaineering where mobility is required.
Bottom line: The men’s-only Sabre Pant is a classic. These ski pants have been around for a while and that’s because there is a lot to love: three-layer construction, bombproof durability and a thin fleece lining that adds both comfort and warmth (since they’re not insulated). Long side vents dump heat, but we really like the inseam options; they’re available in short, regular and tall. Arc’teryx recently changed the pant’s fit, and it feels a bit shorter in the crotch; consider that when choosing your size.
Ski gloves
Most backcountry skiers bring two pairs of gloves when they head out: a pair of liners to wear on the uphill and a warm ski glove or mitten for the downhill.
As the winner of the best overall ski glove in our test, we have a lot of good things to say about the 4-Season Gloves. Not only are they completely impermeable to water but they are quite warm — especially for gloves. But dexterity doesn’t suffer, so you can still easily grip your ski poles or manage your jacket zipper. Since they are leather, break-in time is a factor; definitely take a look at the Give’r oven method.
Hestra’s craftmanship is incomparable, as we learned in our testing when the Fall Line Mitts took the award for the best short-cuff mitten. While they aren’t fully waterproof, they are one of the warmest mittens out there — and our tests proved it. But you still get a fair bit of dexterity, considering it’s a mitten, thanks to a five-finger removable liner.
If you’re backcountry skiing in frigid temperatures or just have terrible circulation, these Gordini Forge Heated Gloves may be the best thing to warm your fingers. Fully waterproof, windproof and packed with synthetic insulation, the Forge gloves are warm on their own. But they go a step beyond with Clim8 technology, a smart heating system that warms your hands when you need it and shuts off when you don’t. The battery pack is annoying, but it’s much better than numb hands.
Liner gloves aren’t known for their warmth, but the Passion Gloves level up with a wool exterior and fleece interior. Not only does this make them cozier than the average liner glove but it adds natural water repellency.
Backcountry skiing equipment
Backcountry skis
Contrary to popular belief, your backcountry skis are nowhere near as important as your boots or bindings. But if you want to score some sweet skis, these are a few favorites.
As Leven’s go-to pair of skis for all-things backcountry, the Transalp 98 CTI is a versatile ski. “It’s the pair of skis I grab every day, with the exception being the rare outlier — extremely deep snow or wildly steep terrain,” says Leven. The 98-milimeter waist is in that sweet spot for those wanting a one-ski quiver: fat enough for powder but thin enough to be weight-efficient on the climbs.
Colorado skier and adventure photographer Ann Driggers goes ski touring every week and she always brings her unmistakably orange Hyperchargers. They’re fatter than Leven’s Transalp ski — 104 to 108 milimeters, depending on the length — but they’re also lighter, making them a great choice for long tours in the backcountry and powdery descents. And with a combination of carbon fiber and paulownia wood in the core of the skis, the Hyperchargers will happily play on pretty much any terrain.
I can’t quit my DPS skis on backcountry days. I first tested the Pagoda Tours when they launched in 2020, and I immediately fell in love. It was unrequited until last season, but they were worth the wait. They crush on the downhill, smoothly cruising through variable terrain while still floating in the powdery drifts. And on the uphill, I barely know they’re on my feet. I’m the sort of skier who enjoys the uphill more than the down, and these featherweights take a load off.
Ski boots
Backcountry skiing boots are different from resort boots because they have two modes: uphill and downhill. On the uphill, they bend at the ankle so you can comfortably walk uphill, and on the downhill, they’re just as stiff as resort boots.
More and more backcountry skiers like Banks are opting for a single ski boot that can handle in-bounds and backcountry terrain. If this is you, take a gander at the Atomic Hawx Ultra XTD with GripWalk, a type of sole-binding system that’s becoming more popular. Designed with a 115 flex or a 130 flex (flex is the stiffness of the boot), the narrow-fitting Hawx Ultra doesn’t rely on the traditional buckles. Instead, it uses new BOA technology to snug up the lower half, virtually guaranteeing a precise fit. “This boot is the holy grail,” says Banks. “It’s powerful, stiff and precise, but also so comfortable and lightweight that you’ll never want to take [it] off.”
The unisex Tigard is also a hybrid boot but it claims a massive 70 degrees of cuff movement in walk mode, making it ultra comfortable on the skin track. Still, it’s a stiff boot and it skis like one, easily driving through choppy conditions and questionable terrain. The Tigard doesn’t use BOA — it’s a traditional four-buckle boot — but it is compatible with GripWalk and Pintech bindings. While these boots aren’t the absolute lightest out there, they certainly get the job done — and then some.
Redesigned for this season, the Maestrale RS is still a top choice for backcountry skiers who spend a lot of time on the skin track. It’s lighter than both the Atomic and Dynafit boots, and has 61 degrees of cuff rotation, placing it squarely in the middle of the pack. The 125 flex is tough enough to slay a variety of terrain, and the new Vibram sole helps out during spicy rock scrambles. Bonus: The shell is made from a more eco-friendly plastic that produces less carbon emissions than other boot shells.
Bindings, skins and poles
If you’re snagging your first backcountry setup or want one ski quiver to rule them all, take a gander at the heavy yet versatile Shift 10 bindings. These bindings use a traditional tech pin binding for the toe piece on the uphills, but once it’s time to drop, the Shifts lock in your toe and heel just like an alpine binding, giving you bomber control to charge through any backcountry terrain. Bonus: If you want to use ’em in the resort, go ahead. Unlike traditional tech bindings, you won’t notice a difference — I use mine skiing inbounds at Aspen Snowmass all the time.
Consider these your daily driver. The Radicals have been around for years, constantly a mainstay for backcountry skiers due to their solid and consistent performance. They aren’t flashy and they don’t excel in any one category, but they are reliable with three riser levels, a simple design and a lifetime guarantee by Dynafit. If you’re a backcountry skier who wants a mainstay workhorse more than the latest and greatest technology, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more dependable binding.
Climbing skins need to do a handful of things: grip on the climbs, glide on the downhills, stick to your skis when needed and easily rip when it’s time to shred. The Pomoca Climb Pro S skins balance these requests with ease thanks to a solid blend of 70% mohair (for glide) and 30% nylon (for grip). They aren’t the lightest or most packable, but their performance more than makes up for the loss of space in your backpack.
If they’re good enough for pro ski mountaineer Caroline Gleich, they’re good enough for me. The Guide Lite 2 adjustable poles are Gleich’s choice for fast-and-light ski touring, thanks to the hybrid aluminum-carbon shaft that cuts weight while maintaining durability. Bonus: They’re cozy. The fleece-lined neoprene strap is shockingly comfortable and super durable.
Safety equipment
Rated for both inbounds and backcountry use, this featherweight helmet has been my go-to brain bucket for the last couple of years. It weighs practically nothing (14 ounces) yet it has plenty of features like tons of ventilation cutouts, a merino wool lining and an adjustable dial fit. Plus, it’s triple-norm certified; it meets standards for alpine, mountaineering and biking. Tradeoff: It doesn’t come with MIPS protection.
You’ll never go into the backcountry without an avalanche beacon, so make it a good one. The Diract Voice changed the game in 2021 by introducing the first-ever avalanche transceiver to use voice navigation along with the usual visual prompts on screen. Setup takes more work than traditional beacons, but I’m a big fan of the verbal directions. While they may not make a rescue scenario faster for the top 1% of expert backcountry skiers, the voice guidance provides a lot more confidence for the rest of us should the worst happen.
Probes are unassuming at first glance, but these long, skinny tools are essential when searching for anyone buried beneath the snow. “Avalanche debris is generally deeper than the snowpack from where it is released,” says Leven. “For this reason, I carry a long avalanche probe even in shallow snowpack.” Because of this, he recommends the BCA Stealth 300; it’s just shy of 10 feet when extended.
Every second matters when your ski partner is buried in the snow. The Alugator Pro Light has a longer length (over 35 inches) that minimizes your fatigue while digging, helping you go faster and harder. The straight blade is great for cutting snow profiles and the telescopic shaft is a gem when you’re trying to assemble the shovel in a hurry.
While an avalanche backpack doesn’t replace quality avalanche education, it can increase your chance of survival in a slide from 31% to 85%. Those are big odds, and the new Alproof Tour backpack is one of the lightest in its class. This women’s fit version has as shorter back length to accommodate women’s shorter backs. The men's version can be found here. Instead of using CO2 cartridges to inflate the airbag, the Deuter pack is electrically powered with a USB port and lithium batteries. This means you can deploy the airbag multiple times to give yourself plenty of practice and travel on an airplane with it (since CO2 cartridges cannot fly).