Updated October 2, 2025
I’ll be honest: I’ve felt it too. That little voice that says you’re not a “real skier” unless you’ve got a beacon, shovel, and skins in your pack. Social media doesn’t help either… every other clip is someone bagging a couloir or bragging about their dawn patrol.
But here’s the thing: skiing inbounds is not “lesser.” It’s just skiing. And for most of us, it’s the smartest, safest and most fun option. You don’t need to drop thousands on touring gear or risk your life in avalanche terrain to prove anything. Some of my best days have been under the lift line, not out in the wilderness. And I’m a backcountry guide!
The Backcountry Pressure Is Real
If you’ve spent any time around hardcore skiers, you’ve probably heard it: the subtle flex about “earning your turns.” It’s like skiing lifts doesn’t count anymore unless you’ve skinned for three hours first.
Social media pours gas on that fire.
Every reel is some GoPro hero hiking ridgelines at dawn, slashing untouched bowls, or dropping lines that look like they belong in a Warren Miller film.
And yeah, that’s inspiring. But it also builds this weird idea that if you’re not out there, you’re somehow less of a skier. I’ve definitely felt that pull myself — like maybe I should ditch the chairlift, strap on skin, and follow the crowd. Even on days when I was stoked just lapping groomers with friends. That pressure is real, but it doesn’t mean it’s right.
The Safety Reality Check
Here’s the thing nobody puts in their Instagram captions: backcountry skiing is dangerous. Like, really dangerous. Every single season, highly trained, well-equipped skiers get caught in avalanches.
If the pros with years of experience can get it wrong, it’s crazy to think the rest of us are somehow immune.
Resorts aren’t perfect, but ski patrol is out there working their butts off to keep terrain safe. They bomb slides, rope off hazards and are minutes away if you crash hard. Out of bounds, it’s on you. Your group has to manage avalanche risk, navigate terrain traps and figure out rescue if something goes wrong. That’s heavy stuff, and not everyone actually wants that level of responsibility – they just feel pressured to want it.
The truth? Inbounds skiing takes a huge chunk of that risk off your shoulders. You still get powder, steeps and fun lines, but without wondering if the slope beneath you is about to crack open. And there’s nothing “less core” about choosing to stay alive.
Cost and Accessibility
And once you’ve got the gear, you still need the time. Touring isn’t exactly a quick lap between work and dinner. It’s early alarms, long approaches and whole days eaten up by hiking for a handful of turns. That’s great if you’ve got endless free time and money. Most of us don’t.
Meanwhile, the resort? You already own what you need. You’ve got lifts that haul you uphill in minutes. You can squeeze in a half-day and still make it back for family dinner. Skiing doesn’t have to be complicated or break the bank to be worth it.
Why Inbounds Still Rules
Here’s the part people forget: inbounds skiing is still incredible. Groomers when you want to arc big turns. Glades for tree runs. Side hits everywhere. And if it snows? Lift-access powder laps that feel like a cheat code.
There’s also the vibe. Riding a packed lift, hooting at strangers, sharing stoke with a mountain full of people who are all out there for the same reason. I’ve had inbounds powder days that wipe the floor with backcountry adventures.
The beauty of resorts is they condense all the fun into a space where you can just… ski. No route finding, no avalanche pits, no logistics. Just lap after lap of actual riding. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what we’re all here for?
Thinking About Getting Into the Backcountry?
Look, I’m not here to gatekeep. I guide in the backcountry, so I get the draw… the quiet, the freedom, the feeling of earning every turn. There’s nothing quite like it, and I’ll never tell someone not to chase that if it’s calling to them.
But guiding has also shown me the flip side. I’ve seen close calls. I’ve seen how quickly a fun lap can turn into a rescue scenario. And I’ve seen how even solid skiers underestimate the learning curve when it comes to snow safety and group dynamics.
If you’re serious about getting into it, do it right. Take an avalanche course before you even think about ducking a rope. Learn your gear in a low-stress setting. Go with experienced partners who value decision-making over ego. The mountains aren’t going anywhere – there’s no rush to bag lines you’re not ready for.
Touring can be incredible, but it’s not the only path to being a “real skier.” Inbounds laps are still skiing, and skiing is the point.
Final Thoughts
Skiing is skiing. Whether you’re lapping pow under the lift or hiking for hours to drop into a hidden chute, it all counts. Don’t let FOMO or social media make you feel like you’re missing out if you stay inbounds.
I guide in the backcountry, and I still think some of the best days of my life have been at the resort. The laughter on the chair, the surprise storm day, the way a mountain full of strangers can feel like family when the snow is good… that’s the stuff that sticks.
If you’re drawn to touring, go for it, but do it right. Get the training, respect the risk and never rush the process. And if you’re perfectly happy riding lifts? That’s not settling. That’s skiing. And it’s more than enough. See you on the chair!
