Who: Beginner and Intermediate trail runners, mountain runners, hikers, etc… looking to improve navigation techniques.
When: Monday, October 5th at 6:00pm
Where: SkiUphill - RunUphill in Canmore

NAVIGATION FOR THE MODERN TRAIL RUNNER

We’ll start by covering map reading basics, then dive into the nuts and bolts of how to use online resources like Google Earth, FatMap, and GaiaGPS to plan a route in the mountains, as well as how to load the route to your device and use it for navigation. We’ll talk about decision making while navigating, spatial awareness on the trails, and what to do when your device fails!

The two-hour class will be led by professional athlete and coach, Eric Carter. Hosted by SkiUphill - RunUphill in Canmore, we only have room for 10 participants (to maintain shop distancing rules). The presentation will be led on the overhead screen with each attendee following along on their own computer/device. This will be your chance to go through the entire trip planning process and ensure the technology works on your device!

Questions? Email us at: coaching@ridgelineathletics.com

COURSE TOPICS:

How a map is made and how to read it:

Shaded relief & contours
What do terrain features look like?
What are other features on a topo map?
Determining difficulty of travel

Trip Planning/Ideas:

Resources: bivouac.com, guidebooks, paper maps
Downloading GPX files: Strava

Route Design:

GPX, KML, TCX, FIT, other file types
Google Earth, Cal Topo, Gaia GPS, FATMAP
Getting to the trailhead
Tracing a route on trail
Approximating a route off trail

Importing to a Device:

GPX into Gaia
GPX into watch (Coros, Suunto, Garmin)
Pitfalls of GPX files – bounce while sitting, incorrect routes, incorrect data

Navigating on the Trail:

Monitoring the map
Adding waypoints
Recording tracks

Spatial Awareness:

Thinking about your surroundings continuously
Each decision in context, down to the next step
Easiest line
Hazards

When the GPS fails?

Handrails
Shading
Elevation

Power:

Conserving power
Backups (paper & watch)
Battery bank (emergency only)

Emergency:

Communicating with 911
InReach devices

Weather:

Resources
Confidence
Choosing a plan for the weather, not despite it

Ski Trips and Courses

Navigation for the Modern Trail Runner - Ridgeline Athletics