Backcountry skiing is skiing in a sparsely inhabited rural region over ungroomed and unmarked slopes or pistes. More importantly, the land and the snow pack are not monitored, patrolled, or maintained. Fixed mechanical means of ascent such as ski lifts are typically not present. Backcountry skiing can be highly dangerous due to the avalanche risk, the exhaustion from the possible climb, and the often steep terrain involved. Other hazards include cliff or rock hazards and tree wells. Backcountry… (More on Off-piste)