If you’re looking for a way to improve your cross-country skiing skills then making a pair of track setters is a great way to go about it. As the name would suggest, a track setter is a person who sets up the skiing tracks for others to use. They typically do this on a slope that is somewhere between intermediate and expert level, so that everyone can enjoy the sport regardless of their skiing proficiency. If you’re looking to become a track setter yourself then read on!
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The Role Of A Track Setter
The role of a track setter is to set up the trails for others to ski on. This mainly entails clearing the snow away from the trail and packing it down on the slopes in a consistent and thorough manner. They also need to make sure that the trail is well groomed and that any debris is removed so that it remains pristine and clean.
In addition to the above, track setters are responsible for helping beginners learn how to ski. They do this through course explanation and by showing them the various techniques needed to master the sport. Moreover, experienced skiers often use the tracks to get some extra speed before heading down the mountain themselves. This way, they can enjoy a faster recovery time when compared to if they were to ski directly from the chairlift.
What Types Of Ski Equipment Do Track Setters Use?
Depending on the area that they work in, track setters will regularly use snowblasters, snowcats, or both. Snowblasters are snowthrowers that can be controlled remotely to blow snow onto the slopes. These are primarily used in backcountry terrain or in areas where there is no lift available. In those instances, it is the responsibility of the track setter to travel to the top of the mountain and manually throw buckets of snow onto the trails.
Snowcats are the workhorses of the ski industry. They are similar to snowblasters in that they also throw snow, but they are much more practical and versatile. They can be ridden by both beginners and expert skiers to create gentle or expert terrains. In addition, they can be steered by remote control, which makes them a lot easier to use and much more convenient. This is why most major ski resorts around the world use snowcats to create their terrain parks.
The combination of a snowblaster and a snowcat is a popular choice among track setters. It gives them the ability to create expert terrains in the backcountry and to transport heavy loads of snowy goods to the top of the mountain. This makes them a very versatile piece of equipment, which is why most resorts keep two in their fleet.
Once you’ve mastered the art of setting up a track, all you need to do is show up at the top of the mountain and put on your skis. The rest will be done automatically. This way, you’ll ski down the mountain, enjoying the beautiful scenery and spending less time wondering what to do next.
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The Art Of Ski Photography
Photography is an essential part of any major ski trip. It doesn’t matter if you are travelling abroad or if you are staying in a resort nearby, you will always need pictures to prove that the sport was worth all that effort. Fortunately for you, we have compiled a list of tips and tricks that will assist you in taking high-quality ski photos wherever your adventure may take you!
Choose The Right Location
When traveling abroad, your best bet for good quality photos is to be in the right place at the right time. Just because there are no photos of an exact replica of your scene, that doesn’t mean that the shots aren’t decent. You just need to make sure that the environment is what you’re looking for. In addition to that, you want to make sure that the weather is ideal and that there aren’t any sudden changes that could ruin your photo op!
Go During Peak Hours
During peak hours, most shops and offices in a major ski resort close. This means that there will be fewer people around, which in turn, can lead to fewer people in the way, which means better pictures.
Watch Out For Weather Conditions
Depending on where you are traveling to, the weather conditions can vary. If you are going to a place with a lot of rain, your equipment will get ruined and you will either have to buy new clothes or resort to an umbrella to shield yourself from the wet snow. It is also worth considering what shoes or boots you’ll need to bring with you. You don’t want to waste your time on the mountain if your shoes aren’t up to the task. Check the weather before you leave so that you don’t have any unpleasant surprises when you arrive at your destination.
Bring Spare Clothes
If you’re on vacation, you’ll most likely end up dressing somewhat casually. This can be great for getting some fresh air and letting your hair down, but it can also be dangerous if you’re not prepared for the cold. Even if you’re just going to be skiing for a couple of hours, it’s still cold out there and you could end up with an accident if you didn’t bring the right clothing. If you are going on a ski trip abroad, it’s worth bringing extra clothes with you. You never know what could happen. You might get caught in an unexpected downpour and be thankful that you had the foresight to bring an extra layer. In addition to that, if you are on vacation, you will mostly likely be staying in large hotels that have a variety of shops and restaurants, offering you the opportunity to get all of the clothes that you need.
Choose The Right Equipment
Just like in any other sport, the right equipment is essential for good results. Without it, you’re just holding yourself back and making it difficult for yourself to enjoy your trip. One of the most important items to have is a helmet. Regardless of whether you are a beginner or an expert, a helmet will keep your head protected from injuries. In addition to that, most helmets have earmuffs inside so that you can avoid getting cold ears as well. A good, inexpensive option for a ski helmet is the Vapir V2 Pro. It has all the right features at a low price point. Of course, if you are going to be skiing frequently then get the highest-end helmet that you can afford. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip while feeling protected and comfortable.
Take Your Time
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when taking photos in the mountains is rushing, which in turn, decreases the quality of the shots. Instead of shooting as soon as you lift your ski boots, wait a little bit and watch the action unfold in front of you. This way, you’ll be able to capture some of that perfect moment when everything comes together and you can show it off to your friends and family later on.
Check The Lighting
One of the things that can seriously screw up your photos is bad lighting. If there is no lighting involved, the pictures will be quite dull. However, even with good lighting, you can still go wrong if the contrast is too high or if there are shadows that are distracting. This is why it’s worth reading the online reviews before buying a camera, so that you know what to look out for. In addition to that, if there is an overhead light, make sure that it doesn’t have any glare that could be affecting the pictures. It’s also worth moving around so that you can get different angles and avoid having direct sunlight in any way. Direct sunlight can be especially bad when it is hitting the subject directly in the face, because then you’ll end up with a photo with your nose covered in freckles.
Learn To Use Your Camera
There are a variety of cameras that are specifically designed for skiing. Some of them are quite expensive, but they do come with a lot of useful features. If you are just getting started, it might not be the best idea to invest in a really expensive camera. Instead, get a basic point-and-shoot one that is easy to use. Most cameras nowadays have a zoom feature that will come in handy when you are trying to take close-up pictures of the action. You don’t want to be reaching for your lenses all the time, as this will slow down the pace at which you’re taking pictures.