Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25166
000 0000 0000 000 @@ Verbier is one of the world's ultimate skiing destinations-a quaint Swiss village on the shores of Lake Geneva with , excellent accessed lift- backcountry terrain, lots of sunshine, deep powder and dozens of bars creating a wicked nightlife, Located 170 kilometers from Geneva, it has 95 lifts leading to back- country terrain suitable for advanced and expert riders and off-piste enthusiasts, There are no ropes or signs telling you where you can or cannot go, but hiking up beyond the top of the lifts with direction from your guide will lead you to spec- tacular runs featuring a variety of terrain, including some of the steepest couloirs in the Alps, Once you're in Verbier's backcountry, be prepared for a soulful skiing experience, and snow that's as untracked as your mind,-CW OUTFITTER STEEP SKIING CAMPS WORLDWIDE, USA Steep Skiing offers the opportunity to ski in a harness, combining elements of skiing and rappeling. 6 days, $2,495 (includes 1 day of heli-skiing), 2002: 1/26-2/2, 4/16-4/23; 307- 734-0028, www.dougcoombs.com 000 000 @@@ 000 0000 Craigieburn is New Zea- land's best kept secret. This classic ski field, loc- ated an hour and a half from Christchurch, (the South Island's largest city), has some of the steepest, most hardcore skiing terrain in the country. Backcountry trips at Craigieburn, for advanced and expert skiers only, set out from the top of the mountain's rope tow. Just a 10-minute trudge from the top you'll reach off-piste terrain with plenty of vertical. Another three-hour back- country hike and you'll be ripping down wide powder faces, steep chutes and glades, natural jumps, couloirs and rocky outcrops. Avoid the backcountry if it has not snowed for awhile, as ice and steeps don't mix well together,-CW OUTFITTER EXTREMELY CANADIAN WORLD TOURS, Canada Extremely Canadian has a reputation for fun and offers camps worldwide. 11 days, $3,260, August 18-29, 800-938-9656, www.extremelycanadian.com I vertical feet: 000 000 @@ 000 000 The rush of stepping out of a helicopter into Alaska's steep and deep, feeling the snow brush your cheeks, finding the comfort of rhythm in your turns, then looking back to see your signature on the face above is unlike anything else in this world. As long as your legs are conditioned for hard skiing and you can ski powder competently, you can heli-ski Alaska. Cordova is located right on the Pacific Ocean and a seemingly end- less supply of ski terrain is only minutes away by helicopter. When the birds are grounded, there are down-day activities from fishing to indoor climbing. The season in Alaska runs from March until mid-May. Because of its finicky weather, a seven-day stay is recommended,-Jason Shields OUTFITTER POINTS NORTH HEll-ADVENTURES, USA Points North also offers kayaking and the world's northernmost surfing to keep you occupied during down days. $450 per heli-hour, $99 per day lodging, Mid-February to May 10, 877-787-6784, www.alaskaheliski.com