Welcome to the Backcountry ski page. At this site you will find backcountry skiing images by Patrick Bates plus other related Backcountry Ski Links and Resources. Besides the ski images, I will try to keep any relevant ski information updated as well as links to sites providing more backcountry skiing information for the serious backcountry skier.

New! "A Dozen More Turns” is the true story of five close friends, all with extensive avalanche education, out on a ski trip not unlike the ones we all go on, but ends with truly devastating consequences.This film (approximately 30 minutes long) tells this tragic story in an effort to help backcountry enthusiasts re-calibrate their decision-making processes when out there.

• The most important thing that any backcoutry skier can do is become avalanche aware; we must all do what we can to increase awareness. There are many guide services offering weekend avalanche awareness work shops throughout North America. Your one stop resource for the latest Canadian avy info is the Canadian Avalanche Association. The Cyberspace Snow and Avalanche Center offers more regional and related information.
• Summits and Icefields by Chick Scott is the definitive guide book to ski touring in Canada's Rocky and Columbia mountains. This, and other must haves - such as Tony Daffern's Avalanche Safety for Skiers and Climbers - are published by, and available through, Rocky Mountain Books in Calgary Alberta.
• For hut reservations on the Wapta Icefields, -pictured here- information on other ACC huts, and yes, more mountain resources, contact The Alpine Club of Canada.
• Looking for online info to get you out there? Try Couloir Magazine for all your backcountry ski and snowboarding news, info, the latest gear updates and other related links. Outside Magazine will provide you with all your other online outdoor and adventure sport information, be it news, political, environmental or entertainment. More of the same plus an extensive list of tour operators and guide services is available from Canada's Explore Magazine
• Dr. Michael Tuggy has studied telemark skiing injuries and related information for several years now. His findings can be found at his very informative telemark skiing injury study site.
• Looking for used gear the Kimberley - Cranbrook area? Check the selection in person, or online, at Russ Peebles' new digs, Funhogz in Cranbrook.
• For those who are also track skiing aficionados, check The KNC Virtual Nordic Centre for a compilation of the best nordic skiing info on the web.