This article is reprinted from The Professional Skier.
All copyrights apply.
Please see our copyright and disclaimer notice page. At some point in the lifetime of ski enthusiasts, both recreational and professional, the lure of backcountry skiing puts them into the adventurous environs of the high mountains. Persistent images of the rugged American outback in ski films and advertisements help fuel the desire for skiing untracked lines. Those who try to duplicate these feats, however, frequently encounter the dangerous realities of the backcountry. The ill-prepared are playing a game of winter Russian roulette by wagering their lives on good luck.