In a sense, back country skiing in Keystone, Colorado can be compared to art. As your skis make contact with the fresh, virgin snow, your tracks create a drawing that is uniquely your own. Your signature stays intact. Here, you can dance down the mountain without anxiety. No need to worry about families of eight suddenly appearing before you. No wedge turners, no frightened females whose boyfriends brought them to terrain they can't handle. Ah, this is bliss. But bliss can be dangerous.

If you long to boldly ski where no gaper has skied before, you need to be prepared for the risks. While the fantasy of being rescued by a Saint Bernard with a barrel of brandy around his neck might sound romantic, believe me, it is not. Some back country skiers subscribe to a "no guts, no glory philosophy." Others sign up for the Keystone Adventure Tour.

Some people describe the Keystone Adventure Tour, also known as KAT, as "Back Country Lite."  KAT is a feisty ski resort debutante.  She is daring, but likes her comforts. Her "coming out" party took place in Keystone's Independence Bowl in January of 2008.  The party is still happening.

The $199 Keystone Adventure Tour offers skiers and riders a guided snowcat tour through 300 gnarly acres of Independence Bowl terrain. It eliminates the need for schlepping up the hill, and you can leave your lunchbox at home. Lunch is served at the new Independence Yurt, where you can feast on homemade breads, soups and desserts as well as a delicious selection of cheeses, meats and salads. This meal is catered by the upscale Alpenglow Stube, where a dinner can often set you back about 100 buckaroos!
Please don't over-indulge! There are no public restrooms in the back country, and we take our "leave no trace" rules seriously.

The Keystone Adventure Tour is guided by a team of ski patrollers. While this can be reassuring if you find yourself in the unfortunate need of rescue, it behooves you to keep in mind that they are not ski or ride instructors. Although this should be a no-brainer, a back country tour is not the place to learn powder skiing. Lest you end up as this year's recipient of the Ski Area Darwin Awards, please take a powder-oriented lesson with one of Keystone's esteemed skis and ride instructors. If you have even the slightest doubt about your abilities, you can eyeball the terrain by taking one Keystone's Scenic Snowcat Tours. For information, call 970-496-4FUN.

However, if you're convinced that you have the right stuff for the back country, the Keystone Adventure Tour is probably one of the best all-inclusive back country packages you can find. The $199 fee includes Salomon powder skis, the use of an avalanche beacon and a safety talk at the start of the day. Keep in mind that you must have your own boots and poles, as well as your own pair of skis to use after the tour. The Salomon skis can only be used during the tour. Groups of 12 can rent the entire cat for $2,189. For the math-challenged, this means that the twelfth person is free. Please, no drunken frat parties in the back country. One drink at altitude equals three at sea level.

Back Country Safety

Speaking of altitude, if you are one of those unfortunate people that live in sea-level states such as Georgia and Texas, please spend a few days in Colorado before taking the Keystone Adventure Tour. Do not take the tour if you are feeling even a touch of altitude sickness.

Keep in mind that back country skiing often involves trees. Only the brainless ski or ride without a brain bucket, so be sure to wear a helmet. The sun shows its muscles on the mountaintops, so be sure to wear lots of sunscreen.  That said; make sure you have a pair of goggles and/or sunglasses. Since you are already an experienced skier or rider, you understand the importance of warm thermal underwear, hand warmers and possibly glove liners.  Those that insist on exploring Keystone's back country without the assistance of a guide will need to take extra safety precautions.

To avoid dehydration, use one of those bladder backpacks. That way, you can drink and still keep your hands free. Make sure that you have an avalanche beacon, a probe and a shovel, but avoid getting a false sense of security if you have them. Your shovel will only help you rescue others, not yourself, and correct use of a beacon involves practice. Speaking of other people, as much as you might enjoy the solitude of the backcountry, safety demands that you never go out by yourself.

While proper ski boot foot is important for in-piste skiing, it is crucial for the back country. Poorly fitted boots impede technique, which will in turn have serious safety consequences. See a professional boot-fitter before embarking on a back country ski journey.  A first aid kit for yourself and for your skis is also important.

A Keystone back country ski trip can be a great opportunity for self-exploration. Stay safe and enjoy!

This guide to Keystone's back Country skiing was brought to you by Lisa Marie Mercer.