Ready to take your skiing to the next level? Skiing the backcountry of Klamath Basin will give you thrills and views you can't get at a typical ski resort. Skiing the backcountry means hitting unmarked, ungroomed, and unpatrolled slopes. It can also be incredibly exciting, but taking the right precautions is essential for staying safe on the mountain.

If you're looking to sneak in some great backcountry skiing before the end of the season, our real estate agents are here with four recommendations close to these Klamath Falls homes for sale. We'll also share tips to help you stay safe while enjoying the beauty of the Klamath Basin.

• Brown Mountain - Lake Of The Woods
  Skilled skiers will love backcountry skiing on Brown Mountain, where you'll usually find several inches of smooth snow for most of the season. The Pacific Crest Trail is one of the more popular ways to get to the top of the mountain. Remember, the mountain is made up of lava rocks, so watch out for steam vents. At the top, you'll find remote, beautiful scenery and many quality slopes on the Northeast side, which includes a nice treeless section. 
  
  
• Pelican Butte - Southern Cascades
  Pelican Butte is one of the most popular destinations for backcountry skiing around the Klamath Basin. The climb to the top is long but easy and gradual. Then you can descend the east slope into a bowl, and if there is enough snow, you can likely make your way back to the base and trail. 
  
  
• Mt. McLoughlin - Sky Lakes Wilderness
  The southeast ridge of Mt. McLoughlin is an easy and fun climb and a great place to ski. The path up the mountain weaves through some thick forest and then connects to the Pacific Crest Trail. Be careful because it does get fairly steep in some locations. Then, you can descend near the southeast ridge and stay near it to get back down to the base.
  
  
• Hillman Peak - Crater Lake
  If you want to backcountry ski while experiencing breathtaking views of Crater Lake, take the Watchman trail up along Rim Drive, eventually connecting you to Hillman Peak. It's a moderate climb, and you can ski down in the same general area, connecting you back to Rim Drive. Just watch out for snowmobiles!

Safety Precautions For Backcountry Skiing

Skiing on ungroomed and unmarked territory is only recommended for highly advanced skiers. Without the right skills and experience, it can be incredibly dangerous. Always make sure to assess your ski level in relation to the difficulty of any particular area or slope. If you're a good skier and in moderate shape, you can likely start to explore backcountry skiing; however, if you've never done it before, we recommend starting with a guided tour.

You should always pack the right gear as well. An avalanche transceiver, a shovel, and a probe are always necessary. You should always take an avalanche safety and awareness class before backcountry skiing as well.

The Klamath Basin is one of the most exciting skiing destinations in the country. If living in the Pacific Northwest is your dream, contact us today.