Backcountry Skiing & Splitboarding
From mellow powder glades to high-alpine descents, Powder House equips you for every backcountry mission. AT gear, splitboards, safety essentials, and route advice - all ready for your next adventure beyond the ropes.
Backcountry Essentials – Be Ready, Be Safe!
Every backcountry mission requires proper gear:
Before venturing out, you should always carry:
- 🎒 Backpack with shovel, probe, and avalanche beacon
- 🗺️ Map, compass, and/or GPS device (don't rely solely on your phone)
- 🧥 Proper layering for mountain conditions — weather changes fast
- 🥶 Emergency shelter, extra food, headlamp, first aid kit
- 🚨 Knowledge of current avalanche conditions — Check COAC Forecast
💡 Remember: If you’re heading out of bounds or deep into wilderness zones, you are your own rescue. Stay informed, be prepared, and ride responsibly.
Beginner-Friendly Backcountry Tours
Vista Butte
Short, mellow skin with beautiful views. Ideal first-timer spot for practicing transitions and learning uphill techniques.
View Vista Butte Info
Moon Mountain
Rolling powder meadows east of Bend. Great terrain for splitboarders and skiers dialing in skinning basics.
View Moon Mountain Info
Todd Lake Touring
Easy access, low-angle glades near Mount Bachelor. Perfect zone for first powder laps and low-avalanche-risk terrain.
View Todd Lake Touring InfoIntermediate Tours
Tumalo Mountain
Quick skin to a scenic summit. Gentle bowl skiing on the south face and steeper drops for those feeling spicy!
View Tumalo Mountain Info
Paulina Peak
Wide open bowls, long corn runs in spring. Moderate skinning, big reward. Snowmobile assist possible early season.
View Paulina Peak Info
Mt. Bachelor Backside
Ride outside the lifts! Backside bowls, gullies, and the Cirque zone offer endless powder possibilities.
View Mt. Bachelor Backside InfoAdvanced / Expert Tours
Ball Butte
Steeper lines, open bowls, and technical descents. Route-finding skills and avalanche awareness highly recommended.
View Ball Butte Info
Broken Top
Alpine mountaineering objective! Glacial terrain, couloirs, mandatory technical skills. Best in late spring.
View Broken Top Info
South Sister
Oregon's tallest volcano. 4,000+ vertical feet of epic spring skiing. Requires fitness, crampons, and early starts.
View South Sister Info
Santiam Pass Zones
Big terrain access around Three Fingered Jack and Hoodoo. Weather-dependent — deep winter powder days here can be all-time.
View Santiam Pass Zones Info