Cascade Backcountry Alliance obtained the special use permits for all major ski areas in Washington. We analyzed them for how they impact backcountry access and published the full permits for increased transparency on the conditions that govern our local ski areas. See what they contain in this blog post.

Our climate in Washington blesses us with some of the deepest winter snowpacks anywhere in the world. However, this climate also creates unique challenges for winter recreation in that snow. For most of the state’s population, our winter pursuits take place on state or federal land at higher elevations in the Cascades. This begs the question: how do we access those areas, and how is that access initially established, maintained, and funded? Franklin Falls Sno-Park What Are Sn

Choosing the right backcountry ski gear is key to having fun and staying safe. We explain how to choose backcountry ski equipment.

A Short Guide to Accessing NWAC On The Go For anyone heading to the backcountry during the winter, the avalanche forecast is a crucial piece of information. It serves as the foundation of our decisions of where, when, and how to travel. Luckily for us, the Northwest Avalanche Center  (NWAC) provides our region with daily avalanche forecasts during the winter season, along with twice-a-day weather forecasts and several other useful resources. Although the website has seen sign

Introduction Winter backcountry recreation can be an incredible way to experience the mountains during the snowy months of the year. However, colder temperatures, stormy weather, and the variety of mountain geography in the Cascades can make it challenging to know what you’ll find, whether you’re searching for firm climbing conditions or soft skiing conditions. Below, we’ve compiled some introductory concepts and most importantly, resources for you to begin your journey to be

Heading out on your first backcountry ski tour can be immensely rewarding. There’s nothing quite like skinning into the mountains, choosing your own line, and earning turns in untracked snow. To make sure your first tour is a success, it’s important to spend time planning it out beforehand. You need to know where you’re going, who you’re going with, and what lines you want to ski. All of that requires thinking about your tour several days in advance and coming up with a detai

Fresh snow, frozen lakes, beautiful snow capped peaks - the mountains certainly take on a majestic beauty in the winter. While it might be raining all winter down in Seattle, snow can pile up in our local mountains. Snowshoeing can be a fun, accessible way to enjoy the mountains during the winter and spring months. This guide from the Cascade Backcountry Alliance provides an introduction into snowshoeing, from getting the gear to planning an adventure! Authors: Kyle McCrohan,

Check out these upcoming educational events for backcountry skiers in the Northwest.