Backcountry Skiing

Whether you are an amateur looking for beginner courses, or a devoted backcountry overnighter, Okanogan Country’s mountains have endless options for backcountry skiers and split boarders. Every year the scenic North Cascades Highway closes due to heavy snowfall, opening up the backcountry ski season from November often all the way into April. A quick snowmobile ride up the spectacular highway lands you in some of the best backcountry terrain in the state. Touring opportunities are also plentiful, including the North Cascades Heli team, which operates out of Mazama. Within its 300,000-acre permit area on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, North Cascade Heli can access a vast number of ski runs starting at altitudes between 7,000 to 9,000 feet. The vertical drop on their designated runs ranges from 1,500 feet to 4,000 feet. The winter terrain is an amazing potpourri of open bowls, steep glades and excellent tree skiing surrounded by immense granite cliffs and spires. North Cascades Mountain Guides also offer courses and private guided trips in backcountry skiing, they know the area better than most anyone. Join us on an adventure into powder paradise!