Cat tracks are the long, flat, narrow roads that connect one part of the mountain to another. They look easy but they're a common place to fall: there's no room to turn, traffic comes past fast, and the downhill side often drops off into trees. The goal is not speed. It's staying in control from one end to the other.
Stay on an edge
Never ride flat-based. A flat board on a flat run wanders and catches. Ride on your toe edge or your heel edge and rock gently between them the whole way. Being on an edge is what gives you grip and stability.
Stack your body
Knees bent, hips slightly bent, back straight, weight centered over the board. Front hand over the nose, back hand over the tail so your shoulders line up with the board. If your upper body twists, the board turns with it, so keep everything lined up.
Stay inside and predictable
Ride the uphill side of the track, away from the drop. There's usually soft snow there to pull into if you need to stop. Keep your turns small, slow and the same shape every time so the people behind you know where you're going. Big swerves across the track are how collisions happen.
Have a stopping plan
Decide before you pick up speed which way you'll slow down. Most riders find it easiest to come onto the heel edge, because you can see what's coming. If you prefer toes, drift to the side and slow down there.
Learn more here:
Video by SnowboardProCamp
Key tips
- Always on an edge, never flat-based
- Knees and hips bent, back straight, hands over nose and tail
- Ride the uphill side of the track, away from the drop
- Small, slow, predictable turns in your own lane
- Know which edge you'll stop on before you need it
- Check the trail map and avoid long cat tracks until you're comfortable