Best Sidecountry?

Silverton.

If its stable, nothing is better than the terrain around Mount Baker. For times during instability, you can't beat the hike access tree lines adjacent to Stevens Pass.

I would say Stevens hands down, but the State Poopers have put the kibash on the best ez access lines. (Tunnel Creek and Grace Lakes to the highway in particular)

Sidecountry isn't backcountry.
Sidecountry= avy controlled area adjacent to main ski area that usually requires a hike or skin.

Wouldn't the Shucksan Arm be considered side country?  I've done that many times off chair 8, hiking along the ridge.  I've had some of my best days in that area.

I agree with Joedabaker, you really can't beat Jackson for sidecountry access in North America, although I hevent skied Kicking Horse yet. Sidecountry, to me, means terrain accessible without skins adjacent to a ski area via traverse or a short hike. Like South/Northback and the Alpental BC. Basically, as far as I can get my alpine buddies to go without crying foul.

Silverton.

was there a couple weeks ago, it's great. However we did have to wait on Tiger Claw for them to blast it.... but then i got to go first


If we're sticking to no-skins out of the resort as the rule then JH, KH, further out and Baker, Alpy in state. I always skin at Red, so while it's an easy side tour to incredible terrain, i guess it's out...

Corrollary question. are there any areas left these days that will jerk your ticket for trying to slip outside? That was the rule 10 or 15 years ago. It seems that now only closed runs and roped off hazards inbounds will have you paying a price. Still, a partoller at White told me last week that dissing the rope and hucking '9-1-1' would only buy you trouble if your style sucked..

Seems to me that area/patroller coolness contributes to good sidecountry.