Planning a backcountry skiing trip? Whether you are new to backcountry skiing or a pro, it is essential to pack an extensive list of gear. Although an enjoyable pastime, skiing locations can boast brutal weather conditions so it’s best to ensure that you are fully prepared to face the elements and have a fun experience!

Clothing

Base Layers: To keep yourself comfortable, be sure to selection the appropriate top and bottom base layers. These are the clothes that will be in contact with your skin so don’t wear heavyweight clothing that will collect too much sweat. Instead, wear lightweight synthetic or wool apparel.

Second Layer Top: Wearing a lightweight fleece or wind shirt will help you stay warm while hitting the trails. Wearing one with a pocket can be especially handy.

Outer Jacket & Pants: Since these items will be your first defense against the elements, be sure to purchase a comfortable and resilient jacket and pants. Make sure these both are waterproof, lightweight, and have a soft shell insert. Wearing clothing that is flexible to meet your needs is important and can give you a better overall experience. If it isn’t too wet and it’s a warmer day, ditch the waterproof covers and just sport the soft shells. Run into nasty weather and you’ll be prepared to stay warm and dry with your full layering. Don’t forget to pick a jacket that has a hood and several chest pockets as well.

Gloves: You are going to be gripping ski poles throughout your trip so be sure that these gloves are not only dexterous, but insulated enough to keep your hands warm.

Hat: Don’t let all your heat escape through your head by not wearing a hat. Make sure it is thick and warm. Hats made of fleece, wool, or windstopper work best. You could also consider wearing a balaclava.

Socks: Always make sure you have two pairs of socks for a day hike. Many skiers also like to wear a thin liner sock underneath the thicker wool or synthetic sock.

Buff: A skiing buff is another useful item to bring that can protect your neck and lower part of your face from the cold.

Extras: Always ensure to bring additional insulating clothing in case you need it. Also, if you are going on more than just a day trip, you’ll want to consider an extra jacket that is a heavier weight to fight off inclement weather.

Equipment

Ski Boots: It is extremely important to purchase a pair of boots that are both snug and warm. Make sure they are also flexible and that you’ve taken the time to break them in before taking them on a long trip.

Skis: When backcountry skiing it is better to bring softer, more flexible skis. Stiffer skis are more for hard packed snow.

Ski Poles: Standard ski poles are acceptable but adjustable poles can also be nice to have. Just make sure you get poles that are the correct height so you are not hunched over during the trip.

Helmet: Your helmet will keep you safe in the event of a crash (which are very common in backcountry skiing). Wear one, you won’t regret it!

Ski Pack: The most important thing to remember about your ski pack is that it should fit well and not shift when skiing downhill or make quick cuts through the snow. A loose or wobbly pack can throw off your balance. Select a pack that is waterproof and has sufficient straps to secure your gear.

Shovel/Multi Tool: You’ll never regret bringing a foldable shovel and multi tool on a backcountry skiing trip. It is helpful for adjusting gear, for building shelter in cases of an avalanche or snowstorm, or even if you want to carve a seat out of the snow for yourself.

Avalanche Beacon: It is not recommended to go backcountry skiing without an avalanche beacon. Be sure to know how to use and that it has been tested before you go out too far from your starting point.

Essentials

Food: Skiing can be exhausting and you don’t want to be stuck in the middle of nowhere without any way to get food if you are hungry. Bring lightweight, protein rich items such as energy bars to conserve space.

Water: For a day trip you should plan on bringing at least 2 liters of water. If it is a colder day, your camelbaks or water bladder will need a insulating jacket to keep it from freezing.

Personal Medical Kit: Accidents happen, and when they do it is better to be prepared. At least bring medical equipment to treat cuts, blisters, scrapes, and you can never go wrong with duct tape or sunscreen (including lip balm).

Sunglasses/Goggles: It is recommended that you have both of these when on a trip, because goggles are really only necessary for windier, snowy weather. Make sure that they are polarized and offer UV protection.

From tree-lined moguls to large bowls, North American ski resorts offer some of the world’s most varied skiing terrains. This article will profile some of North America’s top ski resorts, ranging from Alaska to California and other incredibly beautiful states with amazing mountains.

Sun Valley, Idaho

With many claims to fame (including being the home of the world’s first chairlift), Sun Valley is a destination that every avid skier has to visit at some point. With the challenging Bald Mountain and the tamer Dollar Mountain, it has something for everyone. The Sun Valley resort itself is very high class, complete with luxury resort hotels, ice rinks with regular shows, and other attractions.

Aside from the skiing, Sun Valley is well known for being a home of the rich and famous. Ever since it was brought to the public eye by Ernest Hemingway, it has increasingly seen celebrities such as Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger purchase homes and spend time there. During the summer the area is also incredible, with great outdoor recreation, world class golf courses, and the famous annual Allen and Co conference.

Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is a cozy town nestled into the mountains of Colorado. It has varying ski challenges for all ages, from steep and nearly vertical runs for the experienced skiers to more gentle slopes for those who desire a more stable run. Telluride features an adorable downtown featuring many bars and restaurants that serve up hot beverages during all hours of the day.

Vail, Colorado

Vail Mountain is the largest ski mountain in America and second biggest (to Whistler Blackcomb) in all of North America. On an average day, there are only approximately two skiers per acre of terrain among the Vail trails. There’s an abundance of ski runs such that you never have to ski the same terrain twice. The mountain is separated into three distinct sections, each one a different style of terrain. This enables Vail to offer a unique skiing experience according to your abilities. In addition to the snow-covered mountain, Vail also offers a great nightlife experience in the town.

Alta (and Snowbird), Utah

It’s definitely not a widely known ski resort in Utah as far as being one of its top destinations, but Alta is starting to gain a reputation as a hidden jewel among knowledgeable skiers. It is regarded as a place where skiers can venture off the beaten path as long as they aren’t bothered by having to navigate among the trees. If you don’t like ski paths with trees, you can instead hop onto one of Alta’s more open ski paths.

This resort is nestled into the breathtaking Cottonwood Canyon area of Utah. The fact that Alta and Snowbird are connected make it feel like a large European resort. Pro skiers go here for the number of good powder days it offers. The Alta ski resort in Utah averages approximately 500 inches of snow a year. The snow is not very dense (the locals call it Utah blower pound), which makes it quite easy to ski.

There’s also a range of dining facilities scattered throughout both resorts. You can take a quick detour to one of the ski lodges, have breakfast in the morning with coffee, and then head back out to ski the slopes.

There’s a shared ridgeline separating Alta and Snowbird. The favorite way for locals to ski to Snowbird from Alta is through they Keyhole path. There’s also another connection that starts at Sunnyside going on up through the Sugar Loaf mountain. The added benefit is that there’s free skiing on the Sunnyside in the late afternoons among its various intermediate ski paths.

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

Utah ski resorts gained a large upswell in popularity after the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. The Utah license plate proudly displays a skier plowing through the greatest snow on earth. The snow is abundant throughout the state. Park City is the center for the region’s three main ski resorts (The Canyons and Deer Valley are the other two besides Park City Mountain Resort). The world-renowned Deer Valley ski resort is often considered the best resort in all of the United States. The Sundance Film Festival also helps bring out the Hollywood stars, which is definitely another tourist attraction.

Mammoth Mountain, California

This West Coast mountain ski resort is an ideal destination for those who want to have options among varied ski paths. Mammoth Mountain features acres of ski runs with varying difficulties. The scenic setting also makes a nice respite from the urban jungle of Los Angeles. Although it’s not as frequented as Lake Tahoe, it’s also a less crowded travel destination.

Alyeska, Alaska

This is a nice chance to experience Alaskan snow while not paying a huge price. Although flights to the far northwest state of Alaska must be factored into your itinerary, Alyeska is worth the plane ticket if you’re looking for mountains that aren’t very crowded. If you’re a more experienced skier, take a chopper and jump off into the mountain’s backcountry for an opportunity to tread some pristine powder.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in Wyoming features some of North America’s most challenging ski terrain. Known for steep backcountry terrain and deep light powder, Jackson Hole is appropriate for all skill levels. Jackson Hole is especially conducive to skilled skiers as they are very tolerant to out of bounds skiing. There are also groomed runs and open bowls for beginner skiers to practice upon.

This resort tends to see fewer crowds compared to the resorts in neighboring states. With that said, Jackson Hole is a bit more challenging compared to most other ski resorts.

Whether you’re a beginner or advanced skier, you need to have a protective helmet. Most deadly skiing accidents are the result of a rider not wearing a helmet.

Choosing the best ski helmet is important for stylistic purposes, but it’s even more important for safety. A high-quality helmet will protect your head, deliver great comfort and improve your performance.

Since there are hundreds of different helmets to choose from, you need to know how to sort through the inferior products and find the best product for your needs. To accomplish this task, you must know what to look for in a high-quality helmet.

Hard and Softshell Helmets

Ski helmets are made of several different materials, but there are two major types. You can choose between hard and softshell helmets. However, you’ll find that most products are made with a hard plastic shell. Most entry-level helmets are created from thick ABS plastic.

The ABS is a great material for new and intermediate skiers, and it has no trouble handling hard bumps and drops. Since it’s a heavier material, ABS plastic is more likely to crack during a huge impact. If you’re looking for a superior helmet, consider products made from polycarbonate.

Helmets made from polycarbonate are lighter, thinner and stronger than ABS plastic. Although they’re quite a bit thinner, they’re very effective at crunching during a major impact, so the foam inside of the helmet receives most of the impact energy.

Helmets that are made with a polycarbonate shell tend to be more expensive, but they’re lightweight, reliable and stylish products. Softshell helmets are still somewhat new, and they have their fair share of skeptics. Softshell helmets are made with flexible ABS plastic, which is molded with a vinyl nitrile liner.

These helmets are primarily used for freestyle snowboarding and skiing and can withstand several tough impacts. If you’re looking for something that will conform to your head and deliver a low-profile style, softshell helmets are where it’s at.

Helmet Construction Types

To find the best ski helmet, you need to understand helmet construction types. There are three major types to be aware of. The first is the traditional ABS helmet. It has a hard plastic shell, and a foam liner is glued to the inside of the helmet.

This construction style is tough and has no problem absorbing strong impacts. The only downside is the excessive weight. The simple two-piece construction also doesn’t provide the best ventilation. However, ABS ski helmets tend to be very affordable.

You can find many ABS helmets for half the cost of the high-end products. The second construction type is called an in-mold helmet. Most mid to high-end helmets have an in-mold style. These helmets are made with a thin polycarbonate shell and EPS foam liner.

These two pieces are molded together, so you end up with a strong, lightweight design, which also offers great ventilation. The third major type is a hybrid of in-mold and ABS helmets. Manufacturers are always looking for ways to keep safety high while improving performance, so the hybrid in-mold ski helmets have become quite popular.

These products are made with an in-mold design and have panels of hard ABS plastic. If you want one of the strongest ski helmets available, consider getting something with a double-wall design. The exterior is a hard shell, and it wraps around an in-mold shell. The end result is a very strong, well-ventilated helmet.

The Importance of Ventilation

When searching for the best ski helmet, ventilation is crucial. A helmet should have good ventilation, so it can be versatile enough to use for all ski conditions. However, proper ventilation consists of more than a few holes in a helmet.

The air that you encounter while skiing is cold enough to give you a brain freeze. Some of the newest helmets have excellent ventilation, so they can direct air through multiple channels and keep your head cool. There are some products that have as many as 21 different air vents.

Many of the cheaper models are made with no more than a handful of vents, but they can still be great products to consider. When you’re an active skier, more ventilation is almost always better, so you might want to consider choosing a helmet that has plenty of air vents.

Interior Liners

No ski helmet would be complete without interior liners. When searching for the best ski helmet, it’s very important to pay attention to the liners. The liner should be comfortable because there is a good chance that you’ll be skiing for several hours.

Many helmets are made with cheap liners, and although they might feel good for the first 15 minutes, you’ll quickly realize that you should’ve chosen a high-quality liner. Some of the best liner materials feel less abrasive and plusher than inferior materials.

They provide exceptional comfort and can be washed easily. If you’ve ever owned a ski helmet, you can appreciate the ability to wash the liners because they can become extremely soiled and stinky.

A high-quality liner can deliver excellent comfort, but it’s also important for optimal safety. A decent liner should conform to your head and deliver plenty of warmth.

Helmet Weight

Many consumers end up buying a heavier helmet, and once they start using it in the real world, they quickly realize that it’s too heavy and negatively impacts performance. If you choose a helmet that is too bulky, you might that it’s difficult to have fun on the mountain.

However, on the flipside, choosing a helmet that is too light could jeopardize safety and comfort. Many of the heavier helmets come with luxurious padding and provide excellent coverage. Ultralight helmets tend to work best for backcountry skiers.

Although everyone is different, most people prefer a helmet in the range of 14 to 19 ounces. Helmets that weigh more than 20 ounces can feel excessively bulky.

Reviews of the Best Ski Helmets

There are hundreds of different helmets to choose from, so the thought of finding the best product can feel overwhelming. Since it can be a difficult task, we’ve selected a few of the best products, so you can choose from a list of helmets that meet the requirements that we discussed.

Lucky Bums Snow Sport Helmet with Fleece Liner

Here is a top pick. This Lucky Bums helmet has an external cap that is made of ABS material. The supporting outer shell is made of EPS material, so you get the additional strength that you need to stay safe. Before buying this product, you can choose from five different sizes, and it has a padded chin strap for easy adjustments.

If you’re looking for a great fit and decent comfort, this is a top helmet to consider. The padding inside of the Lucky Bums snow helmet has anti-bacterial and hypo-allergenic properties.

It has fleece padded liner, and you can make adjustments using a built-in control wheel, which is located in the back of the helmet.

This particular helmet has ear covers, and since they allow plenty of sound to pass through, you should have no trouble hearing while wearing it. The Lucky Bums snow helmet meets most of the needs for adults and children.

POC Receptor BUG Adjustable 2.0 Ski Helmet

Another top product is the POC Receptor Bug adjustable helmet. It features hybrid double shell construction and has a weight of 18.3 ounces. Some of its best highlights are excellent impact resistance and great style.

If you’re looking for a ski helmet that offers some of the best impact resistance available, this product is worth considering. It’s ideal for anyone who enjoys pushing their limits.

Although most helmets featuring this type of construction aren’t great for ventilation, this particular model is the exception. Since it has large air vents, it efficiently directs air through both shells. Aside from the incredible protection, this helmet also offers plenty of style.

One of the only disadvantages of the POC Receptor Bug adjustable helmet is the thin padding that it comes with. However, depending on your preferences, this might not even matter.

Smith Vantage Unisex Adult Snow Helmet

If you’re not on a tight budget and want one of the best ski helmets that money can buy, consider the Smith Vantage. This helmet is made with several modern materials and features the latest technology.

It features hybrid in-mold construction and delivers low-profile style. When compared with helmets that have standard EPS foam, the Smith Vantage performs significantly better. It has a whopping 21 air vents, which are slider regulated.

You can adjust the air vents depending on the type of weather you’re skiing in. This helmet uses Boa technology, so it can be quickly adjusted while sliding down the slopes.

The Smith Vantage has several other remarkable features, but we’ll let them surprise you. This is one of the best ski helmets on the market, but if you want high-quality materials and features, you must be prepared to pay for them.