Cross Country Responsibility
There are elements of risk that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Regardless of how you decide to use the trails, always show courtesy to others. Please adhere to the code below and be responsible for a safe outdoor experience
- Always check posted trail conditions and do not ski alone
- Obey all posted signs and warnings, do not ski on closed trails
- Always ski to the right when meeting on-coming skiers
- Yield the track to faster skiers and to skiers calling “track”
- Ski in control. On two way trails, descending skiers have right-of-way
- Do not stop where you obstruct the trail or are not visible to others. Move off the trail quickly, if you fall or are taking a break
- Do not litter- take out what you pack in. Respect all property
- Report any hazards
Share the Trail Etiquette
- Snowmobiling is permitted on the OFSC designated trail (NEC).
- Snowshoers and hikers, please avoid walking on cross country ski tracks; this ruins the tracks for skiers.
- Multi-use trails are often wide enough to allow parallel routes for skiers and other users.
- Please, no dogs on the ski trails.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Risk Management
- Skier’s Responsibility
a) General
- Ski at your own risk; complete assumption of risk form with application for membership.
- Skiing alone is not recommended.
- Do not ski off the trail; there is no ski patrol.
- Carry a cell phone.
- Carry your membership pass, with emergency numbers on the back.
- Respect your own fitness and skill level; don’t overdo it.
- Obey the directions on signage.
- Stay hydrated and energized; carry water and a snack with you.
- Ski in control.
- Do not obstruct a trail; move to the side quickly.
b) Weather conditions
- Check the weather forecast and/or radar, before going skiing.
- Check your email and/or BVN blog for potential updates, before heading out.
- Dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions and exertion levels.
- Watch your companions for frostbite in severe weather or just don’t ski on those days.
c) Trail conditions
- Report unsafe trail conditions.
- Check your email and BVN blog for potential trail condition updates before heading out.
2. Report unsafe trail conditions.
- Volunteer’s Responsibility
- Carry a first aid kit.
- Stay hydrated and carry food.
- Dress appropriately for the weather.
- Receive proper training in use of power equipment.
- Do not work alone, if possible. If not, tell someone where you are going and carry a cell phone with emergency numbers.
3. Emergency Protocol
- Injured Skier/Lost Skier or Volunteer
- The BVSC is the emergency contact during times when the Club is open.
- If the BVSC is closed, 911 is the emergency contact number.
- Police, Fire, Emergency Services and will be provided with a detailed trail map at the start of ski season, to better locate injured/lost skiers or volunteers, if necessary.
- BVN members will have trail maps on their ski passes with numbered junctions identified.
- Insurance
Beaver Valley Nordic Ski Club carries third party liability insurance through Cross Country Canada.