Backcountry skiing or off-piste skiing is skiing in a sparsely inhabited rural region, where fixed mechanical means of ascent (chairlifts, cable cars etc.) are not present.

The back country skiier will use skins (synthetic or mohair rather than the traditional sealskin), snowshoes, ski boots (or snowboard boots), snow cats, or snowmobiles to climb up the mountain. Once the peak or other skiable location is reached the descent may begin on skis.

Backcountry skiing can be highly dangerous due to the avalanche risk, the exhaustion from the climb, and often the terrain involved. Backcountry skiing is often associated with "extreme skiing".

See also

• Skiing & Skiing topics
• Ski touring
• Ski mountaineering