BRETTON WOODS, N.H. — There’s something special about off piste, backcountry skiing. Heading into the mountains, bypassing well-traveled, groomed trails, gets our hearts pumping and adrenaline flowing. We love forested hideaways where the crowds are thin, untracked trails aren’t exhausted by noon, and the way down becomes an adventure.

But there’s a trade-off: This type of skiing usually involves more risk, stamina, and skill, and a lot of uphill climbing to get to the top of the slope. That’s why we were excited when we heard that Bretton Woods in northern New Hampshire opened a natural glade skiing area this season, complete with a T-bar dumping you into the backcountry. We couldn’t wait to check it out.