Backcountry Skiing
Into telemark skiing? And looking for something "far from the madding crowd"? Then explore Montana's backcountry for superb telemark skiing. There's so much in Montana to make your backcountry skiing dreams come true. Montana has the backcountry terrain of your telemarking dreams.
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Bell Lake Backcountry YURT ski tours
Located in the Tobacco Root mountains, 90 minutes from Big Sky, awaits an incredible skiing adventure for those who love skiing untracked powder and warm accommodations.
(406) 995-3880
Backcountry means off the beaten track, so how do you get to Montana's
backcountry? If you're an extremist, then you'll set off under your own power
from Montana's many hundreds of trailheads toward a snow-covered crag. However,
this is not a decision to be taken lightly – the terrain can be dangerous if you
are inexperienced or ill-prepared. [scroll to end for PRECAUTIONS]. But, proper
equipment and local knowledge can mean experiencing absolute solitude, untouched
powder, and the vision of your tracks being the first.
Boldly go where no one has gone.
SKI SOME OF THE MOST CHALLENGING AND BEAUTIFUL TERRAIN IN THE WORLD
Of course, you can let someone else do the hard work while you enjoy the view
before telemark skiing new powder. With some of the most challenging and
beautiful terrain in the world, guided helicopter, snowcat and snowmobile tours
are available throughout Montana. All of these put you into backcountry areas
quickly, with snowcats, in particular, presenting the advantage of being instant
lifts when you're done with a run. Essentially, you're either working for it, or
paying for it.
Regardless, exploring the raw, untamed world of Montana's backcountry is unlike
anything else in skiing. You will have a new sense of complete emptiness and
quiet when you behold the peaks, lakes, rocks, and trees blanketed in at least
20 feet of snow. Really, it's a two-in-one delight for the backcountry skier -
discovery of self, and discovery of the surrounding wilderness.
Discover yourself in the raw, untamed world of Montana's backcountry.
FREEDOM AND DIVERSITY WITH TELEMARK SKIING
Telemark skiing originated in Norway. Due to its long winters, skiing became a
natural mode of travel in Norway. The telemark turn was first demonstrated in
1868 by Sondre Norheim.
Allowing the mid-foot to flex and the heel to lift, telemark skiing will
revitalize your interest in skiing because it imparts such a tremendous feeling
of freedom. Indeed, if and when you return to alpine skis, you may find that you
can't wait to unclip the heels!
There's diversity, too. With telemarking you can cope with 'shredding' on-piste
at any level, including moguls, and extreme off-piste descents. But the real joy
in telemark skiing is traveling across untracked snow in search of adventure and
snow-covered hills to carve long turns. And the place to do it is in Montana's
backcountry!
Free the heels and free the mind!
PRECAUTIONS:
- The evening before your planned backcountry trip, call for a regional avalanche report. Know the basics of avalanche safety and avalanche rescue. The best way to learn is to enroll in a course on avalanche safety.
- Ski with someone else. Backcountry skiing alone is an almost certain recipe for disaster. Two (or preferably more) skiers increase the odds of survival if one of you is caught in an avalanche.
- Don't 'group up' while skiing. Try to stay 100 yards apart, especially on steeper, less stable slopes. This decreases the chances of your entire group being caught in one avalanche. Carry the right equipment for avalanche rescue, including transceivers, probe poles and shovels.
Other pages you might find helpful:
Backcountry Snowmobiling in Montana
Backcountry snowmobiling for West Yellowstone, Montana.
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