Top picks off-piste: Where are the world’s best backcountry slopes?

Thinking about taking the road less travelled? Or the slope less frequented? From British Columbia to Japan, Norway to Antarctica, Georgia Boscawen makes tracks for the fine powders of the world’s best backcountry slopes and off-piste ski resorts.

British Columbia | Whistler Blackcomb

With 3,300 hectares of terrain, 16 bowls and three glaciers, Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski area in North America. It is also famous for a top snow record, buzzing après scene and luxurious accommodation. 

Whistler’s backcountry is vast – 50 times larger than the Whistler Blackcomb marked ski areas, with reams of ski-touring climbs and options for heli-skiing in the Garibaldi Provincial Park. Starting from the heliport in town, a guided experience will open up 173 glaciers and untouched runs.

How to do it: Whistler has everything one could wish for in a ski town, with more than 170 restaurants and après bars. The Four Seasons is tucked into Whistler’s Upper Village and has views over the snow-capped forest. Backcountry skiing and other activities can all be arranged via the hotel’s concierge. fourseasons.com

Norway | Sunnmøre Alps

With untouched, empty runs down towards glassy Nordic lakes, the Sunnmøre Alps comprise more than 100 peaks that intermingle with Norway’s serrated fjord system. Skiing here is done in total seclusion, in huge expanses of slope that run all the way down to the water, and guests can make the day’s first tracks in fresh powder. 

Those new to the looser bindings of touring skis can get in a day at the local ski resort, Romsdalen – where gondola scenes from the last season of Succession were filmed – before heading out to soak up the stillness of this winter wonderland.

How to do it: With 62°Nord’s bespoke Ski the Fjords programme, expert guides will curate a ski touring route in the Sunnmøre Alps to suit your abilities, whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or a total novice. Spanning six days, the experience includes spectacular skiing, sumptuous hotels and Nordic cuisine. 62.no

Japan | Niseko

Japan is widely regarded as the ultimate bucket-list skiing destination. Ski areas in Japan are dotted around the country with some, such as Gunma, close to Tokyo. The best snow can be found on Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido. The crisp, dry climate creates the light powder for which the region is famed and backcountry skiing here with guides is permitted. 

Having become synonymous with powder skiing, Niseko has access to both groomed and backcountry skiing. Guides can lead you directly into the backcountry from the resort, with access to more than 800 hectares of terrain. Heli-skiing is an option from Niseko village, whisking guests up to the Shiribetsu-Dake volcano.

How to do it: With views of the Mount Yōtei volcano, Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is a good way to experience the best of the resort. Those who want to stick to the piste have access to the gondola, while heli-skiiers can make arrangements directly through the property. ritzcarlton.com

Antarctica | Antarctic Peninsula

With great snow-capped peaks, epic waterways and hundreds of kilometres of potential skiing area, the Antarctic Peninsula presents the world’s most extreme location for skiing, with some of the best runs in the world. 

Antarctica is a relatively dry continent where the snow is powdery and light. Few have had the opportunity to ski here, but those who have recall days of skiing, whale-watching and spotting colonies of penguins.

How to do it: Heli-skiing here is done via superyacht and can be seamlessly arranged by EYOS. You may be familiar with the gruelling journey to Antarctica across the Drake Passage, but it’s now possible to fly directly to King George Island, where your charter awaits. On the days you choose to ski, onboard expedition leaders will figure out the best and safest route down the slopes. eyos-expeditions.com

Iceland | Troll Peninsula

Located in the middle of the northern coast between the fjords of Eyjafjörður and Skagafjörður, the Tröllaskagi – or Troll Peninsula – is the heli-skiing capital of Iceland. With the country’s best snow record, steep rolling descents and vast valleys, the region is famed for not only its views but also its combination of corn and powder. 

Avalanches are rare, which makes it perfect for those who want to make first tracks with minimal risk. The ski area is filled with summit-to-sea runs and the midnight sun allows extended days (or nights) on skis.

How to do it: Set on a converted 15th-century sheep farm, Deplar Farm is an isolated lodge with 13 grand bedrooms. Standing outside the property are two helicopters ready to whisk guests up to the slopes. After an action-packed day’s skiing, guests can unwind in the geothermal pool and outdoor hot tubs before cosying up in Deplar Farm’s private cinema. elevenexperience.com

First published in the December 2024 issue of BOAT International. Get this magazine sent straight to your door, or subscribe and never miss an issue.