You don’t need to elbow your way to the front of the gondola to beat the crowds. If first tracks are what you’re chasing, there are smarter ways to get them than being the earliest riser in the village.

Sleep on the mountain, not near it

Ski-in/ski-out resorts aren’t just a luxury — they’re a tactic. Staying on-mountain puts you steps from the lifts before breakfast is done. Lodges like Sunshine Mountain Lodge in Alberta or Big White in BC offer actual walk-out access, which means no shuttles, no boots on buses, and no missed openings.

Mid-week > weekend

Crowds drop by half Tuesday–Thursday. Resorts may have fewer staff on, but fresh powder on a weekday feels better than tracked-out lines on a Saturday. Plan your stay to overlap those mid-week windows.

Go where others don’t

Le Massif. Kicking Horse. Fernie. These aren’t your average conveyor-belt resorts — they’re built for riders who chase vertical, not après. You’ll find less competition for first lines simply because fewer people ride that hard.

Talk to patrol

Seriously. Be polite, be brief, and don’t be weird — but ski patrol will often share which lifts are delayed, where grooming hasn’t hit yet, or when upper bowls might open after a storm. Use it.

First tracks aren’t about being first in line — they’re about being in the right place when it matters. Plan smarter, ride sharper, and let the early alarm be someone else’s problem.