LEXICON: backcountry

Where the magic happens. In the world of FreeRide there is no disputing the backcountry is where the magic happens but our understanding of backcountry differs from one continent to another. It's important to know the difference. In North America and Asia, backcountry tends to refer to terrain outside the resort boundary - hence uncontrolled mountain and unpatrolled terrain. Within the resort boundary (see also inbounds terrain) the ski patrol secures not only the marked pistes and trails but also ungroomed terrain where the snow has not been subject to mechanical compaction or alteration (see also Grooming). In Europe there is generally no resort boundary and the ski patrol only secures marked pistes and trails. In Europe you ride beyond the piste markers at your own risk. In North America and Asia you ride beyond the resort boundary at your own risk.