Off-piste skiing, also known as backcountry skiing or ski touring, is a type of skiing that involves skiing in the backcountry, away from groomed ski runs and ski resorts. It typically involves using specialized equipment, such as alpine touring or telemark skis, climbing skins, and alpine touring bindings, to ascend and descend mountain slopes in the backcountry.
Off-piste skiing offers the opportunity to explore and enjoy the beauty of the mountain environment in the winter, and it allows skiers to access backcountry terrain that is often inaccessible during the summer. It can be done alone or in a group, and it can be a challenging and rewarding activity for experienced skiers.
However, off-piste skiing also involves additional risks and challenges compared to resort skiing, such as the risk of avalanches, the need for self-sufficiency, and the possibility of being far from help in the event of an emergency. As a result, it is important for off-piste skiers to be well-prepared and knowledgeable about avalanche safety, wilderness survival, and other essential skills.
Overall, off-piste skiing is a challenging and rewarding activity that requires a high level of skill and fitness, as well as specialized equipment and knowledge. It offers the opportunity to explore and challenge oneself in a unique and challenging environment, and it is an exciting and rewarding activity for experienced skiers.