Elk Island National Park of Canada

Cross-country Skiing - Trail Etiquette

Here are 14 ways to help you know what you should do when out in snow. The steps to learn are very clear since COURTESY'S the keyword here.

1. Assess your ability, then select a trail. Doing it the other way round can cause a lot of grief.
2. They may be man's best friend, but please leave your dog at home. What they add to the trail is seldom appreciated.
3. Walking, or snowshoeing on trails never gains you any popularity, and may cause others grief.
4. Always pass to the right of an oncoming skier, head-on meetings can hurt.
5. Skiers going uphill yield to downhill skiers (the latter don't have much choice!). When overtaking another skier call out "Track." Please proceed only after the skier in front has stepped off to one side.
6. Remember your garbage is your personal property, so keep it with you at all times.
7. Fires do make nice holes in the snow, which is why it's best to build them in designated fireplaces.
8. Maintaining and improving the condition of the track goes over very well with those who follow you.
9. If you find an obstruction on the trail try to mark it in advance, then inform the authorities.
10. If you fall, don't lie there and enjoy it, move yourself and equipment to one side and try to fill any holes you made.
11. Experts please beware of the slower skiers. It's no fun being run over, so wait for a clear trail and a safe "run-out" from downhill sections.
12. Squeeze plays on narrow trails are best avoided, one at a time is the rule.
13. Finally, if you see a fellow skier in need, resist temptation ... and stop to help.