For backcountry enthusiasts, the allure of untouched powder, quiet forests, and breathtaking mountain views is undeniable. However, with this pursuit comes the responsibility of traveling safely and sustainably in these pristine areas. That's where Kootenay Backcountry Guides' Track Setting 101 course comes in—an essential training for anyone looking to navigate the backcountry efficiently, and with minimal exposure to hazardous terrain. Here's why Track Setting 101 should be your next backcountry course and why it has been so popular.
Why We Created Track-Setting 101
Everyone loves a well-laid skin track! Putting in a perfect skin track can be one of the best parts of a day of ski touring. We want to help you forge your own perfect line up the mountain. We saw an increasing need for accessible, structured education in backcountry track setting for a few reasons. Many people new to backcountry travel have learned about avalanche safety but often lack knowledge of effective track-setting techniques, they struggle with movement and create unnecessary kick turns. When poorly set, tracks can lead to unnecessary fatigue, increase avalanche risk, and cause other users to follow the poorly laid out track. Subsequent users of the track will become frustrated, eventually leading to having to create a second track. This pollutes the pristine snow with too many tracks. Don't we all hate tracks?
By creating Track Setting 101, we wanted to empower skiers and snowboarders with a more nuanced understanding of the backcountry. We wanted them to move safely and smartly The course aims to teach foundational skills that enable participants to navigate terrain with confidence, make better group decisions, and build tracks that respect both snow and other users.
Top 5 Benefits of Taking Track Setting 101
1. Efficiency and Energy Conservation
Track setting is more than just forging a path; it's about making efficient choices that conserve energy. Through proper techniques taught in Track Setting 101, participants learn how to set tracks that allow them and their group to maintain a sustainable pace. This helps prevent unnecessary exhaustion, making for a safer, more enjoyable experience, especially on long outings.
2. Enhanced Group Safety
The right track can make all the difference when it comes to avoiding avalanche-prone areas and risky terrain features. In this course, we go over the fundamentals of evaluating the terrain, selecting safe routes that avoid terrain traps, steep slopes and avalanche prone areas.
3. Confidence to Explore New Terrain
One of the main goals of Track Setting 101 is to help participants feel comfortable exploring new routes and less traveled terrain. Many skiers feel restricted to established tracks due to a lack of knowledge or confidence in their track-setting skills. This course instills a strong foundation so that, with practice, students feel empowered to chart their own paths and find unique, less crowded areas for a more authentic backcountry experience.
4. Fostering a Stronger Community of Skilled Backcountry Users
A well-informed backcountry community is a safer, more cohesive one. Track Setting 101 helps participants develop an eye for efficient, safe track setting that ultimately benefits everyone on the mountain. Graduates of the course not only contribute positively to their own groups but also set an example for others, encouraging respect, responsibility, and cooperation within the broader backcountry community.
5. Go further and get more turns
Ultimately you are out there to feel the rush of powder. Be increasing your efficiency you will be able to increase the amount of vertical you can do in a day, leading to more runs, and ultimately more powder!
Who Should Take Track Setting 101?
Whether you're a backcountry beginner or an experienced skier looking to fine-tune your track-setting skills, this course has something for you. Track Setting 101 covers fundamental skills that apply to all skill levels, ensuring that each participant comes away with a deeper understanding of backcountry navigation, safety, and environmental ethics.
Final Thoughts
Track Setting 101 offers more than just technical skills; it equips you with a mindset of responsibility, efficiency, and awareness. As more people venture into the backcountry, this type of education becomes essential to ensure that everyone can experience these incredible spaces safely and respectfully.