The Best Ski Resorts for Off-Piste in the World
Off-piste skiing – the freedom of untouched powder away from the groomed runs is what many skiers live for. This league table ranks resorts based on their backcountry and off-piste opportunities, as rated by real skiers from the Snomad community. From challenging couloirs to gentle powder fields, these ratings come from genuine experiences, not marketing hype. Have you tackled the off-piste terrain at any of these resorts? Share your own review and help fellow powder hunters find their next adventure.
Check out our other ski resort rankings for Powder Zones, Expert Skiers, and Tree Skiing to find your perfect mountain playground.
Best Ski Resort for Off-Piste: Engelberg - Off-Piste Rating
Engelberg is an off-piste paradise that's transformed from a hidden gem to a global freeride mecca. Our reviewers mention that between the pisted runs lies some of the best off-piste skiing in the Alps. The resort features the "Big Five" freeriding zones: Galtiberg, Steingerg, Sulz, Laub, and Steintäli – all easily accessible from the lifts. A user who is an advanced snowboarder said the resort offers "lots of off-piste skiing and good powder." For fresh tracks, consider hiring a guide, as the Scandinavians have discovered this Swiss gem. While not extensive on the map, the powder terrain will have your thighs burning!
#2 Kicking Horse - Off-Piste Rating
Kicking Horse's off-piste terrain is absolutely phenomenal according to our users. A Snomad community member described it as "unbelievable terrain that's hard to believe is still in bounds." The mountain offers countless couloirs that open into expansive bowls, with easy access to some of the best chutes anywhere. One advanced snowboarder mentioned that you can almost always find powder if you don't mind hiking the ridges. Expert skiers love the challenging terrain that feels more like backcountry avalanche terrain (that happens to be controlled). With short hikes of 5-20 minutes, you can access less-skied runs and untouched slopes throughout this quiet mountain.
#3 Revelstoke - Off-Piste Rating
Revelstoke's off-piste terrain is legendary among our users. The mountain offers exceptional backcountry access with deep powder runs that keep advanced riders coming back. A user who is an expert snowboarder said it has "the best snow in Canada" with "easy access cliff drops" that left them feeling "in the air more than on the ground." The tree skiing is particularly praised, with Samantha, an expert snowboarder, calling Revelstoke her "favourite ski resort in Canada" for bowls and off-piste. Even a week after snowfall, those willing to hike can find untouched powder pockets tucked away in the expansive terrain.
