That about sums up the backcountry bowl skiing at Vail. It's right there on the trail map, calling you out. Challenging you. Daring you. You keep putting it off, but you know your ego will never live it down if you don't venture out.

So, for those of you who have been toying with the idea of backcountry skiing, now is as good a year as ever, and Vail may be as good a place as you'll ever find.

Getting To Vail's Backcountry

The backcountry skiing at Vail is some of the most accessible and well-planned backcountry terrain around. In fact, Vail is the largest ski mountain in the nation, with much of its 5,000+ acres being backcountry. Ironically, much of the backcountry is really just the backside of the main mountain.

That means you can access this area, dubbed "The Back Bowls", by riding any chairlift to the top of the mountain. Then, you just follow the trail map and drop over the backside for some unbelievable powder skiing.

Recently, Vail has added some new backcountry terrain, which lives up to the label of untamed. The "Blue Sky Basin" as it is called, has no real designated runs. Most skiers and snowboarders just spend all day carving in and out of glades of trees.

This area is accessed first by skiing through the Back Bowls to the groomed Poppyfield run, and then onto the Basin. The Blue Sky Basin has its own internal lift service, so hiking is kept to a minimum.

How To Ski The Backcountry

Skiing backcountry only takes a few minutes to explain, but a lifetime to master. Powder skiing is an exhausting, exhilarating ballet dance that requires you to use your skis or board in different ways than you're use to on the groomed slopes. The essence, is to let your skis "float" through the powder by sitting back more and keeping your front tips up.

If you want to short-cut your mastery of the backcountry, Vail offers group lessons in their "Advanced" class for as little as $85 per day.

Safety When Backcountry Skiing

With its huge focus on backcountry terrain, Vail is one of the safest places in the country to explore backcountry skiing. Their ski patrollers are well-versed in the terrain, and have countless hours of experience in managing backcountry emergencies. Likewise, Vail does a lot of work to avoid natural hazards like avalanches.

But, backcountry skiing is still a higher-risk endeavor than groomed skiing, which can be dangerous by itself. You need to constantly be aware of your surroundings and your choices of routes. Always strive to think ahead about where your route will end up.

Never ski the backcountry outside of your ability level or alone. In fact, consider bringing a small sports walkie-talkie to communicate with the rest of your group, as well as your cell phone for emergencies.

Lastly, bring the appropriate equipment including multiple layers of clothing, water and a snack, and a helmet. Swing by the pro-shop as well and get your skis tuned for backcountry skiing. Further, if you expect to be skiing in an avalanche prone area, consider buying or renting an small avalanche beacon, and take an avalanche awareness and safety course. 

This real travel advice for Vail visitors was contributed by Ken Clark. 

If you dare take your skiing to the next level while in Vail, remember to do so safely, with advanced lessons and a guide. Backcountry skiing can be hard work. Just remember, as a reward, you'll always have a comfy bed waiting for you and maybe even a hot tub handy to soothe sore muscles when you rent a vacation home or condo in Vail, Colorado.