When is it OK to boot pack a skin track? Many would say never, but that’s not exactly accurate anymore.
Whether you like it or not, there are times when it’s more or less acceptable to boot pack a skin track. It’s not acceptable because it’s the right thing to do. It’s acceptable because it’s going to happen whether you like it or not. Whether you regulate it or not. Whether you care or not. It’s simply reality.
There are only two scenarios where it’s OK to boot pack a skin track…
When It’s Ok To Boot Pack a Skin Track:
1. It’s OK to boot pack a skin track if the skin track is within the boundaries of a ski resort.
2. It’s OK to boot pack a skin track if the skin track begins at the boundary of a ski resort.
***ANY other time, it’s not OK to boot pack in a skin track.
In Jackson Hole, this entire scenario is often flipped. When this occurs, locals will kindly remind you:
Never! Snowshoes are pushing it at times as well.