The Rise of Vertical Tracking in Skiing: A Double-Edged Sword

Vertical tracking in skiing has rapidly evolved from a personal achievement metric to a competitive landscape that reshapes how enthusiasts approach the slopes. Initially, skiers and snowboarders used tracking technology to validate expensive lift tickets or season passes, but ski resorts have increasingly embraced this trend, fostering rivalry among participants. Resorts like Jackson Hole have taken vertical tracking to extremes, introducing apps that display public leaderboards, where skiers can compete for supremacy in vertical feet gained.

Jackson Hole’s JH Insider app exemplifies this shift by showcasing both daily and season-long leaderboards. Contributors aim to outdo one another by posting breathtaking stats, such as snowboard instructor Ester Francus, who logged over 100,000 vertical feet in a single day. This impressive feat, achieved through relentless skiing from the Aerial Tram, earned her recognition from the resort, which even offered Incentives like a GoPro to the vertical champion for the month. As these numbers accumulate, the adrenaline rush often overshadows concerns about safety.

The thrill of competition reached new heights when Eben Coursey broke Francus’ record, achieving nearly 125,000 vertical feet in just one day. Coursey’s strategy relied on speed, as he raced down the Wide Open run for lap after lap. This culture of speed and record-setting has not only garnered attention but has raised significant concerns about safety on the slopes. In January 2023, the tragic death of off-duty employee Peter Wuerslin brought these issues to the forefront, prompting serious discussions about high-speed skiing culture.

In response to mounting safety concerns, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s CEO Mary Kate Buckley took decisive action. Following the incidents and the public outcry represented in local editorial pieces, Buckley decided to remove the vertical feet leaderboard from the JH Insider app. She acknowledged that such features risked promoting dangerous practices, and subsequently announced a comprehensive safety campaign aimed at mitigating risks while skiing.

The resort’s new initiatives include the implementation of “Family Zones” designed for slower skiing areas and partnership with organizations like the Snow Angel Foundation to prevent collisions on the mountain. This focus on safety marks a crucial shift in how ski resorts handle the interaction between competition and skier safety, acknowledging that while competition can be a catalyst for growth and fun, it must not come at the expense of wellbeing.

The cultural implications of vertical tracking extend beyond just safety concerns. Many skiers now perceive ski stat cultures as contentious. For example, when a snowboarder recently claimed a record of 105,146 vertical feet at Steamboat, the backlash on platforms like Reddit was swift and sharp, with many dismissing the achievement as “dork shit” or comparing it to childish antics. This criticism underscores a growing divide within the skiing community regarding the value placed on numerical achievements versus the pure enjoyment of the sport.

Amidst the pressure of striving for statistics, some skiers, like Baker, prioritize personal enjoyment over competitive metrics. Moving between groomed runs and quieter areas on the mountain, Baker emphasizes skiing as a personal journey rather than a numbers game. He values the experience of skiing and building skills through practice, arguing that true enjoyment stems from participating in the sport for its own sake, rather than becoming consumed by the pressure to chase numbers.

As skiers and snowboarders take to the slopes, the conversation around vertical tracking continues to evolve. While some enjoy the competition and community aspect, others advocate for a more balanced approach that prioritizes safety and personal enjoyment. The ski industry faces ongoing challenges in striking a balance between promoting competition and ensuring that the slopes remain a place of joy and safety for enthusiasts of all levels. As this culture continues to adapt, it remains crucial for skiers to find their path and enjoy the mountains in a manner that resonates with them.