In snowboarding, what does "back country" actually mean?

Question

like, "i hit the back country"

Answer 1

Id say it means NOT a resort. UNcharted territory so-to-speek. Like in the mountains somewhere, and it usually refers to big drops and clifs.  And pow pow pow pow pow.

Answer 2

Backcountry is basically out-of-bounds riding.  Some resorts offer great backcountry, like Whistler.  

Usually you will either hike or snowmobile to backcountry.  

There isn't skipatrol in backcountry, so you want to go with people who know what they are doing.  You also want to have some avalanche training.  I would suggest at least level one or equivalent training for real backcountry.  You also need to be comfortable riding in all conditions, because it can change from powder to ice and you need to know how to ride it.  You need to be prepared.  

Backcountry is some of the best riding out there.  I prefer it to all other riding.  But I always go with a group of people who are knowledgable and experianced riders.  I also have avalanche training, and am an experianced rider comfortable with all conditions.

Answer 3

he nailed it. anyone who does back country is d**n good, its really hard to do and really easy to get hurt doing if inexperienced

Answer 4

Back country refers to riding on un-prepared slopes.  That means rocks, trees, no set trail to follow, no grooming, chance for deep powder and avalanche threats.  It is usually steep and deep, with drops and chutes, and tree runs when you get below the tree line.

Some resorts also offer "back country" terrain.  For instance, Sunshine Village (Banff, AB) has lots of Backcountry terrain, some of it is officially open and other parts are un-official.  

Check these links:

http://www.skibanff.com/the_mountain/ext...

http://www.skibanff.com/media/news_detai...

They are not kidding about the safety requirements.  This is serious extreme free-riding!