Etiquette-on-the-trails

Dogs

Phoenix Nordic understands some individuals wish to ski or snowshoe with their dogs and also accepts that some individuals feel threatened by dogs. This policy attempts to find a fair balance between the interests of both. All dog owners using the Marshall Lake “Dog-Friendly” Trail Network are required to be aware of this policy. All members, whether dog owners or not, should be familiar with the policy to support enforcement.

  • Dogs MUST be on a leash at all times which can be no longer than 3 meters in length and attached at the owner’s waist.
  • Owners are fully responsible for their dogs. Where an incident involving a dog takes place, the owner is responsible.
  • Aggressive behaviour towards humans or other dogs (e.g. charging, growling, snapping, and jumping on people or other dogs) is unacceptable.
  • The owner is responsible for ensuring he/she has adequate skiing/snowshoeing ability to stay in control of their dog at all times.
  • The owners must clean up after their dogs and dispose of the waste in the available outhouses.  Dog waste left in the forest is considered toxic.
  • Report all unsafe practices to our email contact immediately.
  • Respect the space of other individuals and keep your dog away from children at all times. This is especially important on Sunday mornings when our Youth Ski Programs are in session..
  • Pass other skiers with dogs slowly and with plenty of warning.
  • There is an expectation that owners who bring their dogs to Marshall Lake will take responsibility for policing the dog trail and will speak to others who are not complying, as well as report situations to our contact.

All dog owners using this trail system must possess a valid season PCCSS pass available at www.phoenixnordic.com

Snowshoers

We encourage snowshoers to use our xc ski trail system. We ask however that you walk on the flat side of the trail and stay off the classic ski groomed portion of the trail. There are now a designated snowshoe trails starting just beyond the large kiosk off Mackay trail.

Nordic Skier and  Snowshoer Etiquette

Like any shared facility, there are rules that attempt to  keep everyone happy and safe.  Please follow them !

  • Snowshoers using a ski trail must walk to one side of classic groomed ski track.
  • Ski within your ability.

• Skiers have the right of way. Snowshoers yield to skiers..

• Faster skiers should step around slower skiers when it is safe to do so. A friendly greeting is also recommended.

• All Trails are two-way. Please use caution on hills

.• Skiers travelling downhill have the right of way

• Please pack out all waste.  Do not litter..

• If you come across debris that has blown onto the trail, please throw it off of the trail.

• If you must herringbone skiing uphill, please do so on the skate lane so as not to disturb the machine set classic track.

• Avoid walking, snowshoeing or skating on set classic tracks.

• If you fall, move off the track and fill in any holes [sitzmarks] left behind so it is safe for the next skiers.

•. Skaters should step onto classic tracks to accommodate oncoming skaters.

• Keep clear of the track when not skiing. Stay well to the edge if rewaxing, chatting or resting. Do not stop at the bottom of hills or on blind corners.

  • When skiing or snowshoeing in a group, travel single file to avoid impeding others.
  • Always display your season pass.  If you don’t have one please buy one or make a donation into the honour box at the trailhead.
  • Our trails are dog friendly.  Please clean up after your pooch.  See “dog owners code of conduct”.

When you use the Dacha/Shelter please carry out whatever you carry in and please keep it clean and tidy for the next users. If the outside firewood supply is getting low please send us an email.

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