Cross-country ski tracks for classic/traditional skiing provide mini-guardrails to align our skis down the trail. Tracks allow skiers to relax a few supporting muscles that might otherwise be recruited to micro-adjustment and maintain a direction. The challenge with cross-country tracks is that a skier is beholden to the route the groomer selects. If the trail goes straight up the steepest hill or descends a formidable downhill, one can stay in the tracks and ski the route as prescribed. Or, a skier can bounce out of the tracks and attempt techniques more suited to climbing steep hills with less effort and controlling speed on twisting downhills.

Just because the tracks exist does not mean they are compulsory.

How might we recognize that ski tracks might be the fastest way forward, but in specific terrain and snow conditions, it is faster (and safer) to ski outside the tracks? How might we remain curious and not rely on compliance as our priority?