Gros Morne National Park of Canada

Backcountry Skiing

Welcome to Gros Morne National Park in winter! There are many superb backcountry ski routes in
the park. These routes range from a couple of hours to a day or more in duration. Whether you are an experienced skier or a novice skier, please read the following safety information highlighting the more common risks associated with backcountry skiing and travel in Gros Morne National Park.

Before you head out

All visitors are responsible for their own safety. You must be aware of the park's natural hazards, and be properly equipped and prepared for emergencies. You must have adequate knowledge, skill, and fitness for the activities that you undertake. It is essential that everyone comes prepared to ensure his or her safety in the event of an accident or equipment failure. Before undertaking any wilderness activity, you are encouraged to take advantage of training programs such as wilderness first aid and map and compass courses . Rely on the services of a guide if your backcountry skills put you at risk.

You are required to register your backcountry ski trip plans at the Park's Visitor Centre for any overnight expeditions. If you are only going out for the day, we recommend that you let someone know where you are going and when you expect to be back. If you would like to further discuss hazards and safety matters, contact the Park's Warden Service .

For up-to-date information on ski conditions, ski trails and the weather , contact:E-mail: grosmorne.info@pc.gc.ca
Visitor Centre: 458-2066
Administration Office: 458-2417

Consult the backcountry ski huts web page for facility information and location descriptions within Gros Morne National Park.

• Emergency numbers
• Route
• Terrain
• Ice
• Snow conditions
• Hypothermia
• Facilities
• Drinking water

Emergency numbers

• Birchy Head Warden Office 453-2168
• Corner Brook Hospital 637-5000
• Discovery Centre 453-2490
• Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Rocky Harbour 458-2222
• Rocky Harbour Warden Office 458-2417
• Park Visitor Centre 458-2066
• Norris Point Hospital 458-2211
• Cow Head Warden Office 243-7260

Route

Backcountry users must be competent navigators. There are no marked trails leading directly to the door of the ski huts. You are responsible for finding a safe route. Also, keep in mind that you may meet snowmobiles on narrow trails.

Terrain

Keep away from very steep terrain unless you are confident of your skiing abilities. Rock falls can be a hazard especially in areas of active erosion and unstable geology. Several areas in the Tablelands and Bakers Brook Pond are prone to avalanches. Snow cornices build up on several cliff tops and break off without any warning. Stay clear from edges of cliffs or below areas with snow cornices. We are currently assessing the avalanche frequency in Gros Morne National Park. You can assist us by reporting any slides or evidence of slides in the areas where you travel by recording information in the logbooks located in the ski huts.

Ice

Never assume that ice covering water bodies is thick enough to support you, even if you see other tracks in the snow. Always check ice thickness for yourself or else avoid travelling in such areas. This is particularly important at Bakers Brook Pond as this water body is extremely deep and does not freeze as quickly as others.

Snow conditions

In the backcountry, snow conditions change frequently. Expect to encounter clear blown patches of hard icy snow on slopes that appear to have an even layer of soft powder snow. Also, beware of open or hidden snow crevasses over areas with running brooks. This is especially dangerous during early spring in many areas around the Tablelands. Brooks situated within deep ravines are often completely covered over with snow. During the thaw, the brooks cause the snow to melt from the bottom up, forming deep snow caves. A skier can easily cause the roof of such a snow cave to collapse, causing the individual to be engulfed, seriously injured and possibly buried under snow.

Hypothermia

Facilities

Make sure that you understand how to operate the wood stove and propane appliances in the cabins before using them. Propane gases are highly explosive; furthermore suffocation and death can result from breathing an excess of this gas. Also, keep in mind that crowding and excessive use of propane appliances could cause a build up of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide gases that are also harmful at high concentrations.

Note: Instructions for stove, lights and toilet operation are posted in the huts, please read carefully!

Drinking water

Whether you melt snow or you use water from a brook, we recommend that you purify water used for drinking and cooking by either boiling it or by using a filtration system.

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