From car to bar, how to plan better ski tours. | Image: onX Backcountry In ski touring and life, knowledge is power. Cliché? Sure. But rooted in truth? Absolutely. As backcountry travelers, we constantly make informed decisions, one after another. Skin up the face, or boot the ridge? Stick to the trees, or head into the alpine? Making these choices not only affects whether we ride pow or crust, but can be the difference between having a safe, fun day out or experiencing a close call. Or worse.