Lessons In Fatherhood: A Backcountry Guide's Perspective

Marty Schaffer grew up at Blanket Glacier Chalet, an operation his parents purchased when he was born. What started as the family business eventually became his family business, which he now runs alongside his wife and two young boys. Marty founded CAPOW Guiding in 2012 and works as an ACMG Ski Guide, sharing a lifelong connection to the mountains.

As one of our favourite dads in the backcountry, we asked him what lessons he has learned in fatherhood. To the surprise of no one, much of what he learned as a backcountry guide has helped him in his journey into fatherhood.

1. Stay One Step Ahead

A big part of guiding is having your systems dialed. Skin wax packed and easy to access, an extra pole basket in case a guest loses one, ski straps in different sizes for everything from a binding issue to a blown skin. Professionally, those small fixes can save the day and keep things moving smoothly before little problems become big ones.

Fatherhood isn’t all that different. The tools have changed — extra diapers, snacks, a spare outfit, or spotting the missing stuffy before it becomes a full-scale meltdown. I pack my diaper bag the same way I pack my guide pack: stay one step ahead and have the right tool ready before things turn into a bigger adventure than you planned for.

2. Your Kit Isn’t Just Your Kit Anymore

Fatherhood has taught me that it’s no longer just about my own setup. For me, my kit now includes my wife and two young boys. Bottles cleaned and ready to go, emergency mac and cheese in the cupboard for the nights you come home late, or the stroller already packed with snacks and water.

I’ve learned that being prepared isn’t just making sure my own skis are ready at the door anymore, it’s making sure the family’s gear is ready too. If my wife gets the call to head out ski touring with her gal pals, nothing should stand in the way of her getting out the door.

Supporting your family isn’t always about big moments. Sometimes it’s creating the space for everyone else to thrive.

3. A Shift In Perspective

I’d heard time and time again that once you have a family your risk tolerance decreases. I expected that, but I always thought it would come from a simple mindset of toning things back in case something ever happened to me.

I’ve found there are other factors at play. Maybe it’s decision-making fatigue at home, maybe it’s lack of sleep, but I find myself naturally defaulting toward simpler terrain decisions. I just want to have fun, and complex terrain and bigger decisions aren’t drawing me in the same way they once did.

I still find myself frothing when I finally get the chance to get out skiing with buddies. Dad time is real, I’ll smash the skin track and have very little patience for faffing around on transitions.

I’ve also learned how important it is to continue getting out there. You hear the saying that you can’t fill other people’s cups unless your own cup is full first, and I’ve found that to be true. The mountains have always been where I recharge, and becoming a father has made me realize how important it is to make that happen. What’s surprised me is that my cup fills up faster now! I have a higher appreciation for the days I get, and I don’t put the same pressure on perfect conditions anymore.

A day out with buddies, skiing hard, sharing laughs and getting outside feels like a win. I’m less reliant on perfect snow and bigger objectives — I’ve found myself appreciating the experience more than ever.

Photo Credit: Colleen Gentemann