Backcountry skiing and national parks are a perfect combination of two of America’s favorite pastimes. For an avid outdoors-person, spending a winter day backcountry skiing in a national park is about as good as it gets — but you have to know where to go.
Many high-altitude through-roads in parks often close in winter, leaving skiers and snowboarders to strap on their skins and earn those turns. The good news is that no matter where you live in the western United States, backcountry turns inside national park boundaries are doable. And these six national parks offer particularly intriguing lines. Discover six national parks perfect for snowboarding/skiing.
Rocky Mountain National Park
Grand Teton National Park
Crater Lake National Park
Glacial National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Yellowstone National Park
1. Rocky Mountain National Park
Just because the temperature drops a few degrees and a couple white flakes fall from the sky doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. Non-existent crowds, snow parks, backcountry skiing, ice climbing, and snowshoeing are just a few of the perks you can take advantage of during wintertime. So check out these options to help plan your perfect wintertime getaway to Rocky Mountain National Park.
2. Grand Teton National Park
Teton Valley is world famous for its pristine mountain terrain featuring a never ending supply of fresh powder. The key to this skiing paradise is the 500+ inches of snow that falls each year on the back side of the Tetons. Famous snow, comfortable ski resorts, and endless outdoor activities means you can plan the winter vacations of your dreams! Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes for a few days or spend a week exploring all that Idaho and Wyoming have to offer, fresh powder and luxurious resorts are calling your name.
Teton Valley offers skiing and snowboarding at three different mountain resorts. You will find terrain for beginners, intermediate, and experts alike and plenty of activities, dining, and nightlife off the mountain too. There is plenty of adventure for the whole family, make memories that will last a lifetime on your trip to Idaho!
3. Crater Lake National Park
Crater Lake offers some of the best cross-country skiing trails in the country. There are beginner, intermediate, and advanced level trails. The trails are not groomed, giving skiers a unique wilderness experience in this area that seems isolated in the wintertime. The Rim Village area is where to find most of the cross-country ski trails. Many experienced skiers enjoy going around the entire Rim of the lake. A trip around Crater Lake is known as the Circumnavigation Trail, with a round trip distance of 31 miles. This trail is estimated to take 2 to 3 days on average to ski, weather permitting.
4. Glacial National Park
Glacier Country is home to thousands of acres of untouched off-trail powder, whether you’re looking for an easy escape or technical terrain. Glacier National Park itself is open year-round and offers a sublimely beautiful and surreal location for an alpine tour. Or explore the heart of Montana’s backcountry—the Swan Mountains.
5.Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen receives up to 30 feet of snow each year. Skiing and snowboarding is often possible approximately December through May, depending on the snowpack. When planning to ski or snowboard in the park, please note: There are no groomed routes in the par.
6. Yellowstone National Park
The greater Yellowstone region boasts several world-class mountain resorts. Skiers and snowboarders will find a variety of terrain for all skill levels at any of the outstanding large and small family resorts in the Greater Yellowstone Region.
コメント