In 2011 when I published the first edition of Backcountry Skiing Bozeman and Big Sky, it was the first backcountry skiing guidebook in the state of Montana! Given there were no other books or social media apps to start from, I simply spent a ton of time looking at maps and spending days forging new ground in backcountry exploring new terrain and logging notes.
Fast forward to 2024, and the book is fresh off another update for the 4th edition with new photos and content and it has even been featured in the New York Times, as well as numerous pieces in the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, Outside Bozeman, and Explore Big Sky.
It is my hope you'll find inspiration for a lifetime of adventures for anything from epic winter ski mountaineering trips to remote peaks, down to easily accessible meadow terrain where avalanches are unlikely and you can build your backcountry confidence in a safe environment. This guide has been written and published by locals for the skier or rider who is ready to find new, untracked slopes to explore.
The goal of this project has never been to document (or expose) every last place to ski, but rather share our high quality backcountry access points and routes with a wider audience in hopes that these adventures can not only bring joy to others but also help build a community of skiers and riders who care about these spots and ensure we protect public access to these treasured places.
I hope you enjoy the routes!
