would you rather: break trail or follow a track

I've noticed for the 1st time this year, skiers taking a snowshoer approach: breaking trail right up the most skiable slopes, ignoring well set tracks and seemingly breaking trail just for the fun of it, leaving a wasted landscape; maybe it is just the lack of snow this year.

I've noticed for the 1st time this year, skiers taking a snowshoer approach: breaking trail right up the most skiable slopes, ignoring well set tracks and seemingly breaking trail just for the fun of it, leaving a wasted landscape; maybe it is just the lack of snow this year.

It's the "progression" of the sport. People with no touring experience or mentoring "getting after it" once they've got their "Level I Cert".

I don't know how many times I've gone out with new folks who will start skinning right next to you in deep snow, like we're taking a walk in the park or strolling through the mall side by side.

That MV article earlier this season in Off Piste about taking a basic touring class is right on the money, just as important as an level one avalanche course.

“Skinning: The Tracks of the Tortoise” by Craig Dostie of Earn Your Turns.
www.earnyourturns.com/3779/skinning-tracks-of-the-tortoise/

It's the "progression" of the sport. People with no touring experience or mentoring "getting after it" once they've got their "Level I Cert".

I don't know how many times I've gone out with new folks who will start skinning right next to you in deep snow, like we're taking a walk in the park or strolling through the mall side by side.

Well... good on you for taking the time to tour with newbies so often and be a mentor, I guess?

I lack the patience necessary to wait for people on the up or the down so I'm happy to break trail all of the time. Of course, if we are out touring and there is a trail already in place that's not dangerous or ridiculously inefficient (unnecessarily steep or too flat)  it makes more sense to utilize it than break anew.

Thanks for that fine link, Zap! 

I agree with Andy that there is an increasing trend to make multiple skin-tracks around Paradise.  Most of these would flunk the Canadian ski guide's exam.

In a busy area I like a mellow uptrack that leaves the best lines for descents.  Also consider you will be followed by crowds of sheep-like snowshoers.  Saving energy is also backcountry skiing safety, and conserving snow will become increasingly important in a changing climate.

Well... good on you for taking the time to tour with newbies so often and be a mentor, I guess?

I lack the patience necessary to wait for people on the up or the down so I'm happy to break trail all of the time. Of course, if we are out touring and there is a trail already in place that's not dangerous or ridiculously inefficient (unnecessarily steep or too flat)  it makes more sense to utilize it than break anew.

Well I guess the side by side thing is from both personal experience and observing other parties. I usually suggest that it's a lot easier for them if they follow my skintrack in fresh snow.

I also don't like overly steep skintracks or tracks that ignore exposure and take up space for descents.