Your Guide to Sidecountry Ski adventures
For many skiers and snowboarders, the call of untracked powder and untouched terrain is irresistible. But the journey to get there can be just as important as the turns themselves.
If you love the challenge and beauty of backcountry skiing but don’t always want to put in long ascents under your own power, lift-assisted ski touring might just be your perfect adventure. It blends the ease of resort access with the thrill of exploring sidecountry terrain far from the crowds.
PowderQuest is one of the few operators offering lift-assisted backcountry trips in some of the most legendary powder destinations across South America and Japan. Here’s everything you need to know about this unique ski style, what to bring, and where to experience it for yourself.
What is Lift-Assisted Ski Touring?
Lift-assisted ski touring—also known as sidecountry or slackcountry skiing—is the best of both worlds. You start your day riding a ski resort’s lifts to quickly gain elevation, then transition to touring mode to access backcountry terrain beyond the resort boundaries.
It’s not about lapping groomers or sticking to the marked trails. Instead, it’s about using the lifts as an efficient shortcut so you can spend more time skiing the best snow and exploring more remote zones.
Once you’re at the top, you may hike, skin, or bootpack to reach untouched lines—whether that’s wide-open alpine bowls, steep couloirs, or gladed powder stashes. And at the end of a run, you might return to the lifts for another lap, or tour deeper into the mountains for a full-day adventure.
How Lift-Assisted Touring Differs from Other Styles
Compared to full backcountry touring:
- Faster access – You skip the long uphill climb from the base area, saving hours of skinning.
- More laps – Instead of spending most of the day ascending, you get to ski more runs.
- Less physical demand – While you’ll still need to hike or skin, the effort is reduced compared to a full day in the backcountry.
- Still requires backcountry skills – You’ll be skiing outside the resort boundary where avalanche hazards, variable conditions, and route-finding are real concerns.
Compared to resort skiing:
- No crowds – You’re venturing beyond the lifts, where fresh tracks last all day.
- More adventurous terrain – Expect natural, ungroomed snow and challenging features.
- Self-reliance – Unlike resort skiing, there’s no ski patrol coverage beyond the gates. You and your guide must be prepared for self-rescue if needed.
Why Choose Lift-Assisted Skiing?
Lift-assisted touring is ideal for:
- Maximizing powder skiing time in a short trip.
- Exploring new zones without committing to huge climbs.
- Building backcountry skills in a lower-effort, guided environment.
- Linking multiple zones in a single day.
It’s also perfect if you’re transitioning from resort skiing to full backcountry touring—offering a taste of backcountry adventure without the full-day ascents.
Essential Gear for Lift-Assisted Backcountry Trips
While the lifts make the uphill easier, lift-assisted touring is still backcountry skiing. You’ll need all the same avalanche safety and touring equipment, plus the right clothing and extras for a day beyond the ropes.
Must-have gear includes:
- Skis or splitboard with touring bindings – For skinning beyond the lifts.
- Climbing skins – To ascend once you leave lift access.
- Avalanche beacon, probe, and shovel – Non-negotiable for avalanche safety.
- Backpack – 25–35L, with room for safety gear, food, water, and layers.
- Helmet and goggles – For protection in variable terrain.
- Layered clothing – Breathable for ascents, warm for descents.
- Gloves and hat/beanie – Plus a backup pair for wet conditions.
When you join a PowderQuest lift-assisted backcountry tour, our certified local guides help you navigate terrain, keep you safe, and offer tips for efficient touring.
Why PowderQuest is One of the Few Offering Lift-Assisted Tours
Not every ski operator offers lift-assisted touring—especially as a core trip style. Many stick to either pure resort skiing or full backcountry expeditions.
PowderQuest has been designing lift-assisted backcountry trips for over two decades, and our local bilingual guides know exactly how to maximize lift access to unlock secret sidecountry zones.
We also focus on small-group travel so you get more fresh lines, more personalized guiding, and more flexibility in choosing terrain. Our trips aren’t just about skiing; they also immerse you in local culture, food, and après-ski traditions—whether that’s sipping Malbec in Argentina, soaking in an onsen in Japan, or sharing pisco sours in Chile.
Best PowderQuest Trips Featuring Lift-Assisted Ski Touring
If you’re ready to try lift-assisted skiing for yourself, these are our top trips that blend resort access with backcountry adventure.
1. Bariloche Backcountry Tour
Ski the legendary resorts of Catedral and Cerro Bayo, then head beyond the lifts for powder-filled sidecountry lines with views of the Patagonian Andes. This trip blends resort laps, lift-access touring, and cultural immersion in Argentina’s charming mountain towns.
2. Hakuba Backountry Tour
In the heart of the Japanese Alps, Hakuba’s lift-accessible terrain offers everything from deep tree runs to big alpine bowls. Our guides know the backcountry gates that lead to endless slackcountry stashes—perfect for powder lovers.
3. Hokkaido Backcountry Tour
Famous for its consistent snowfall and bottomless powder, Hokkaido is a lift-assisted touring paradise. Ride the lifts at resorts like Kiroro and Furano, then head into the backcountry for deep, playful descents.
4. Hakuba Myoko Backcountry Tour
Combine two of Japan’s powder meccas—Hakuba and Myoko—in one trip. Use resort lifts to reach alpine zones and untouched glades, all while enjoying authentic Japanese culture and cuisine.
5. Las Leñas Ski Adventure
Las Leñas is legendary for its big-mountain terrain. With lifts that take you high into the Andes, you’ll be just a short skin away from massive descents and stunning Patagonian scenery.
6. Chile Backcountry Tour
This trip hits Chile’s best ski resorts, then takes you into the backcountry for volcanic views and silky snow. The lift-assisted approach means you can chase the best snow each day.
7. Chile Splitboard Trip
Designed for splitboarders, this lift-assisted Chile adventure balances big descents with the efficiency of resort access—perfect for maximizing your powder time.
8. Tohoku Backcountry + Cat Skiing Tour
Japan’s Tohoku region is a hidden gem for powder skiing. Mix lift-assisted touring with a day of cat skiing for the ultimate deep snow experience.
9. Ultimate Andes Adventure
A more adventurous Las Leñas itinerary, this trip pushes further into sidecountry and backcountry zones, combining lift laps with remote touring for the most committed powder seekers.
Tips for a Great Lift-Assisted Touring Experience
- Hire a guide – Even experienced backcountry riders benefit from local knowledge of terrain, snowpack, and avalanche conditions.
- Check avalanche forecasts – Sidecountry terrain is unpatrolled and subject to natural hazards.
- Be prepared to tour – Even with lifts, you’ll still need to skin or bootpack to reach the best lines.
- Stay flexible – Weather, snow, and avalanche conditions can change quickly; your guide will adjust plans for safety and the best skiing.
Why Lift-Assisted Skiing Belongs on Your Bucket List
If you love the adventure of backcountry skiing but want to make the most of your time on snow, lift-assisted backcountry trips are the way to go. You’ll ski more runs, explore hidden terrain, and experience the freedom of powder skiing away from the crowds—without the grind of a full-day ascent.
With over 25 years of guiding in the Andes and Japan, PowderQuest is uniquely positioned to take you there. Our small-group, lift-assisted tours are crafted to maximize your powder turns and cultural immersion.
Ready to explore the sidecountry?
Check out our full selection of lift-assisted backcountry trips and start planning your next adventure. The lifts are spinning, the snow is falling, and the powder is waiting.