Eugene Miya wrote:


having just returned from the Alps
(5 different countries)

Sounds like a fine trip.

Here we have more
legal issues, and if you ski at a resort, you don't just cross a boundary.

OK at some areas around here. Sugar bowl even sells single ride tickets.

Europe: skiing off piste is your problem.

Did you mean "out of bounds?" Even Euros ski off piste sometimes.

I think a working definition of "backcountry" might be something along
the lines of: "If you hurt yourself, it'll take a special effort by to
get you out, if rescue is even possible."