Best Ski Resorts for Lift-Access Backcountry

Is lift-accessed backcountry cheating? Yes, but then again so is heli-skiing. And we all wanna do that. If you're willing to ignore the age-old commandment, "earn your turns," riding a lift to access backcountry terrain can be the way to go.

First, a very important point. There's no such thing as sidecountry. Once you leave the gates of the resort, even if you rode a lift to get there, you're in the backcountry. That means you need to be prepared with proper avi gear, and you need to be well informed about snow and storm conditions. And don't go into the backcountry alone. You will die.

With all that in order, here's our list for some of our favorite spots in the world for lift-accessed backcountry:

1. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming, USA

• Why? This one shouldn't surprise anyone. With legendary backcountry terrain, easy access through gates, and some of the best steep chutes, cliffs, and powder stashes in North America, JHMR is the place to be for this kind of riding. If you've watched any of our movies, you'll know why Jackson Hole tops the list.
• Key Zones: Cody Bowl, No Name Face, Rock Springs, and the infamous zones just outside the resort boundary.
• Know Before You Go: Avalanche gear and knowledge are essential; terrain is uncontrolled once you exit the gates.

2. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada

• Why? Massive terrain with multiple backcountry access points, plus some of the deepest and most consistent snowfall in North America. Whistler is Huge.
• Key Zones: Flute Bowl, Oboe, Cowboy Ridge, and the Spearhead Range.
• Know Before You Go: Check avalanche conditions and be prepared for long exits—some runs require a skin out.

3. La Grave, France

• Why? A true freerider’s paradise with no groomed runs, just a single lift that drops you into an endless world of big-mountain skiing. After being shut down for some time, this notorious lift is set to reopen in March. How exciting. Also a star of some TGR films.
• Key Zones: Vallons de la Meije, Trifides Couloirs, and Glacier de la Girose.
• Know Before You Go: This is not a resort—no marked trails, no avalanche control, and a guide is highly recommended.

4. Verbier, Switzerland

• Why? Massive off-piste terrain, easy lift-accessed chutes, and some of Europe’s best freeride lines.
• Key Zones: Mont Fort, Mont Gelé, and Bec des Rosses (home of the Freeride World Tour).
• Know Before You Go: Backcountry access is straightforward, but avalanche risk is high—always carry the right gear.

5. Silverton Mountain, Colorado, USA

• Why? No crowds, expert-only terrain, and one lift that gives access to serious, steep backcountry-like skiing.
• Key Zones: The entire mountain is essentially backcountry, with hike-to terrain leading to even bigger descents.
• Know Before You Go: Guided skiing is required unless you visit on an unguided day (which is rare). Avalanche gear is mandatory.

Honorable Mentions:

• Revelstoke, BC – Incredible terrain and access to Rogers Pass.
• Squaw Valley (Palisades Tahoe), CA – Sidecountry gates lead to some insane descents.
• Alta, UT – Wild snowpack and easy backcountry routes into Grizzly Gulch.
• Big Sky, MT – Tram-accessed big-mountain skiing with backcountry potential.

That's our list. Tell us what you think! Did we blow it? Are we right on the money? Get angry with us, it helps the algorithm.

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It all began with a dream and a little cash scraped together from fishing in Alaska... Since 1995, we've been an action sports media company committed to fueling progression through our ground-breaking films (37 and counting) and online content.