Backcountry Skiing
Backcountry Skiing opens up a whole new world beyond the resort. It allows users to ski untracked lines and reach places not accessible to most, but it also comes with serious responsibility. Here are some basic guidelines and tips to help you out.
Know the Terrain:
Backcountry skiing means you’re traveling on unmarked, ungroomed, and uncontrolled terrain. Routes can be steep, narrow, or exposed, and conditions can change rapidly. Always research your objective beforehand using maps, guidebooks, and reliable online resources.
Exposure to the elements can always be a risk in the backcountry in the winter. To find more information on backcountry preparedness look here
Avalanche safety is a crucial part of backcountry preparedness for skiing and other winter sports. While they are not incredibly common in Maine and upper New England they still happen from time to time and should not be underestimated. Avalanches have even been triggered on small hills such as Chick Hill in Clifton. However it is totally possible to have tons of fun in non avalanche terrain in the backcountry of Maine.
It begins with understanding how avalanches form, how snowpack layers,
weather, temperature changes, and terrain combine to create unstable
conditions. Before heading out, skiers should read the regional avalanche
forecast, noting danger ratings, problem types, aspect and elevation risks, and
recommended travel advice. When in avalanche terrain travelers should
constantly be assessing conditions and looking out for any red flags such as recent slides, collapsing or “whumphing,” shooting cracks, rapid warming, or heavy new snowfall.
Avalanche Forecasting:
While there is no direct forecasting for anywhere in the state of Maine backcountry users can make inferences about snow conditions based on the Mount Washington Forecasts It is not perfect but it is the closest forecasting center to Maine. The forecasts can be cross referenced with other weather stations around the state to make judgement calls.
Education and Practice:
The best way to be prepared for avalanche terrain is to take an avalanche safety course like an AIARE 1 course. This will give you the foundations of safe travel and decision making. These courses can be found all over the country. Local companies like Acadia Mountain Guides offer these courses in the winter as well as a slew of other companies in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
At home, practice using your beacon by hiding it around the house or yard and running timed searches to improve speed and accuracy. Familiarize yourself with assembling and deploying your probe and shovel so they become second nature in an emergency. Spend time reviewing avalanche forecasts, reading terrain maps, and studying common avalanche problems to strengthen your decision-making. Watching instructional videos, taking online modules, or reviewing your course materials can also reinforce rescue techniques and snowpack concepts.
- Maine Offers plenty of fun lines. While they might not be world famous they are definitely worth a ski and have their own unique charm. From the rolling terrain of the western mountains to the steeper bowls around Katahdin, the state provides a wide range of touring experiences for both beginners and seasoned skiers. Maine’s backcountry is shaped by cold temperatures, dense forests, and variable snow conditions. Please respect all landowners and land users and use best judgement while recreating.
- Katahdin/Baxter State Park
- Due to the remote location, access is limited during winter months. The park is closed to vehicles, so the most common approach is by ski-in, starting at Abol Bridge, which leads to Chimney Pond. This approach is a 16-mile one-way trek, typically taking two days, with an overnight stay at Chimney Pond’s cabin or designated campsites. Once at Chimney Pond, skiers can choose from several routes to ascend the mountain, including Hamlin Ridge, which offers steep and technical terrain, or the Cathedral Trail, which is a direct route to the summit requiring a combination of climbing skills and mountaineering equipment. Skiing on Katahdin often requires mountaineering techniques due to the rugged and unpredictable conditions. The terrain is remote, and conditions can change rapidly, so it’s essential to be prepared for harsh weather and technical challenges. Backcountry skis with climbing skins, mountaineering gear (including crampons and an ice axe), and safety tools like an avalanche transceiver are essential. Winter ascents of Katahdin are only possible with proper permits, and camping is allowed only in designated areas, requiring prior reservations. For those unfamiliar with the terrain or looking for extra guidance, there are a variety of guided trips available, such as those offered by Acadia Mountain Guides or Redline Guiding, which include necessary gear, skills training, and the expertise of experienced guides. The best time to ski Katahdin is from December to March, with late winter offering the most stable snow conditions and more predictable weather. Condition reports can be found on Baxters Website
- Big Moose Mountain
- Big Moose Mountain boasts a vertical drop of over 1,700 feet and features 29 trails across its slopes. The mountain’s northeastern exposure ensures well-preserved natural snowpack, making it an ideal location for backcountry skiing. While the ski area operates lifts, the surrounding terrain offers numerous opportunities for off-piste exploration. Travelers are required to have an uphill access pass or a Triple Lift pass and must sign the uphill policy waiver. It’s important to note that uphill access passes do not provide use of the Triple Lift, and all uphill travel and skiing above the lift are undertaken at the individual’s own risk. This is a great place to experiment and learn without all the risks of being completely isolated in the backcountry.
- Big Chick Hill
- Big Chick Hill located in Clifton is the closest backcountry skiing to Orono. The skin track can be accessed from the fire trail. Follow the trail to the summit where you will be greeted with a weather tower. Descent can be made either on the trail, or follow the trees in a southwest direction. If following trees make sure to hug the trees as there is a cliff face skier left.
- Eaton Mountain
- Based outside of Skowhegan. Shut down in 2010, the mountain no longer functions as a resort. Trails have not grown in yet and can still be skied when the snow permits. There is parking at the base.
- Burnt Mountain
- Located in Carrabassett Valley, Maine. This is Sugarloaf’s sidecountry. It is a prominent peak rising to approximately 3,609 feet. Situated just east of Sugarloaf Mountain. Skin Track begins in the Log Yard which can be accessed either from the condo pet trail or from the King Pine Lift. The Skin track is shared by skiers as well as the snow cat, so be alert during uphill travel. Skiers must yield to the Snow Cat.
- Black Mountain of Maine
- Located in Rumford. Next to the resort aspect of Black Mountain there is a handcut ski glade that is managed by the Granite Backcountry Alliance. When snow permits it is fantastic tree skiing.
- Mt. Washington Cog Railway
- While there are a multitude of ski lines on Mt. Washington. The cog railway is a great beginners route that does not require any avalanche knowledge or technical climbing skill. Skiers will follow the railway as high as they are comfortable, they will then cross the tracks and then ski down. Skiers can often be greeted by a fire to warm up halfway at the Waumbek station.
- Additional Resources
Top of Chick Hill
Top of Cadillac Mtn
Katahdin South Basin
View of Katahdin from Abol Bridge
Climbing skins
Touring Boots
Backcountry Skis and Poles
Bindings
Shovel