Yes. First Tracks offers an online Mountain-Ready Safety Certification Adventure for kids ages 8–15. It is designed for young skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, from first-time beginners to experienced riders. Kids learn mountain safety, signs and warnings, lift awareness, right of way, safe stopping and merging, speed management, peer pressure and responsible decision-making before arriving at the mountain. Participants earn a Certificate of Completion after completing the program.

First Tracks is an online mountain responsibility education program designed to help skiers and snowboarders build the awareness, responsibility, and confidence to share the mountain safely. Our lessons complement traditional ski and snowboard instruction by focusing on the decision-making skills that create better experiences on the mountain.

First Tracks is designed for skiers and snowboarders of all ages and experience levels. While many of our current programs are created for school-aged students, the principles of awareness, responsibility, and confidence apply to everyone who enjoys the mountain.

Not at all.

First Tracks is designed for young skiers and snowboarders ages 8–15 at all skill levels — from first-time beginners preparing for their first day on the mountain to experienced young riders.

While experience can improve skiing and snowboarding skills, mountain safety, awareness, responsibility, and good decision-making are important at every level. First Tracks helps reinforce the behaviors young riders need to make smarter, more responsible choices on the mountain.

First Tracks was created by two sisters who bring together a unique combination of lifelong skiing experience, elite competition, education, community leadership, and more than 40 years of combined professional experience in risk management and accident prevention.

Unlike traditional ski and snowboard lessons, First Tracks does not teach skiing or snowboarding technique. It provides online mountain safety education for young skiers and snowboarders ages 8–15, using real-world scenarios to teach safety, awareness, responsibility, decision-making, and how to share the mountain with others.

From first-time beginners to experienced young riders, First Tracks helps build and reinforce mountain-ready habits designed to last a lifetime.

No. Ski schools and instructors are the experts in teaching skiing and snowboarding techniques. First Tracks is designed to complement professional lessons, not replace them.

First Tracks focuses on mountain safety and responsibility for young skiers and snowboarders ages 8–15. Participants learn about trail maps, signs and warnings, lift safety, mountain etiquette, the Responsibility Code, and real-world decision-making skills that help them make safer, more responsible choices on the mountain.

The best preparation happens before the first run.

By completing First Tracks before arriving at the mountain, young skiers and snowboarders can learn what to expect and become familiar with important mountain safety concepts before they encounter them in real life.

From understanding trail signs and lift safety to right of way, merging, safe stopping, speed, and peer pressure, First Tracks helps kids arrive with greater awareness, confidence, and an understanding of how to make responsible choices on the mountain.

First Tracks is designed as flexible, self-paced micro-learning for young learners ages 8–15.

The course is divided into short, engaging lessons that can be completed at a comfortable pace rather than requiring participants to sit through one long session. Kids can work through the program over multiple sittings and return when they're ready to continue.

The goal is meaningful learning and retention—not rushing through the course.

Yes.

First Tracks is a fully online, self-paced program, so participants can complete the course wherever it is most convenient — at home, in the classroom, or as part of a school, club, or youth program.

Young skiers and snowboarders can complete their mountain safety education before arriving at the mountain and earn a Certificate of Completion when they finish.

Every skier and snowboarder plays a role in creating a safer, more enjoyable mountain experience.

Mountain responsibility means staying in control, respecting right of way, recognizing and following signs and warnings, stopping where you can be seen, looking uphill before starting or merging, and making choices that consider the people around you.

Teaching these habits early helps young skiers and snowboarders understand that mountain safety isn’t only about protecting themselves — it’s about helping protect everyone who shares the mountain.

“Own Your Line™” is more than our tagline.

It’s a reminder that every skier and snowboarder is responsible for the choices they make on the mountain. It means staying aware, staying in control, making smart decisions, acting responsibly, and respecting others.

When young riders learn to Own Their Line™, they understand that their choices affect more than just themselves — they help create a safer and more enjoyable mountain experience for everyone.

Speed is one of the most important factors in staying safe on the mountain.

Staying in control means choosing a speed that allows you to stop or avoid people and objects, react to changing conditions, and respect the space of those around you.

The right speed can change depending on your ability, the terrain, visibility, snow conditions, and how crowded the trail is. Learning to adjust your speed helps protect both you and the other people sharing the mountain.

Mountain safety starts with every skier and snowboarder making responsible choices.

Skiers and snowboarders can help make the mountain safer by controlling their speed, staying aware of other people, following trail signs and warnings, looking uphill before starting or merging, and knowing and following the NSAA’s Responsibility Code.

Teaching young skiers and snowboarders these mountain safety habits before they arrive at the resort helps build greater awareness, responsibility, and confidence on the slopes.

Yes.

First Tracks is an online ski and snowboard safety education program designed for schools, ski clubs, winter recreation programs, and youth organizations serving young skiers and snowboarders ages 8–15.

Students learn mountain safety, trail signs and warnings, lift safety, the NSAA’s Responsibility Code, and responsible decision-making before arriving at the mountain. Participants complete the program online and earn a Certificate of Completion.

Absolutely.

First Tracks can partner with ski resorts to provide pre-arrival ski and snowboard safety education for young skiers and snowboarders ages 8–15.

The program supports existing ski school and guest education efforts by helping young riders learn mountain safety, trail signs and warnings, lift safety, the NSAA’s Responsibility Code, and responsible decision-making before they arrive at the resort.

First Tracks is designed to complement on-snow instruction—not replace it.

Yes.

First Tracks can be used as a ski and snowboard safety training resource for seasonal staff, volunteers, ski club leaders, chaperones, and others who support youth ski and snowboard programs.

The course provides a consistent foundation in mountain safety, lift safety, trail signs and warnings, the NSAA’s Responsibility Code, and responsible decision-making—helping staff and volunteers reinforce safer mountain behaviors with young skiers and snowboarders.

Yes.

First Tracks offers partnership and implementation options for schools, ski clubs, youth organizations, and ski resorts looking to incorporate ski and snowboard safety education into their existing programs.

First Tracks can support group implementation, pre-arrival mountain safety education, and customized program needs while complementing existing ski school, recreation, and youth programming.

Contact First Tracks to discuss options for your school, club, organization, or resort.