Best of: Sidecountry stashes

In recent years, a lot of resorts have started opening their boundaries, providing gates and sometimes even backcountry tours and instruction in sidecountry terrain. Like Sierra-at-Tahoe, Calif., which opened Huckleberry Canyon in 2009 and now offers free tours of the terrain, backcountry gear rental, and starting next winter, a snowcat to access it. Many other resorts around the country now have posted signage to let you know you're leaving the resort boundary.

And here, of course, comes our obligatory "Be careful or you will die" warning. Skiing and snowboarding can be dangerous activities, especially in the backcountry, where you have to watch out for avalanches, unmarked obstacles, variable snow, inclement weather, crevasses, other skiers and riders who don't know what they're doing, and a whole heap of other scary-sounding things. So if you leave the resort boundary, take caution. Bring a beacon, shovel, probe and know how to use them. Never go alone. Check avalanche forecasts and be smart.

Now that you've been sufficiently lectured, onto the good stuff. Launch Gallery of Top 10 Sidecountry Spots »