ETHICS & ETIQUETTE

Respect and Care of the Mountain Environment

Our Club respects the environment and the resources we enjoy. When up to forty members hike, ski or snowshoe in areas of sensitive vegetation and where there is potential for soil erosion, our objective is to avoid damage by following a code of environmental ethics. We also support consideration for other trail users by following the practices of accepted trail etiquette. When travelling on the bus, we respect the property of the bus owner.

Hiking Etiquette

In attempting to minimize our impact on the environment, and in the interests of safety, members are expected to observe the following trail etiquette:

• When hiking, stay on the maintained, defined trail at all possible times.
• Keep a discreet distance behind the person in front of you.
• Avoid making your own trail or short cuts and do not follow the person in front if he/she does so.
• When taking lunch or rest stops, avoid stepping/sitting on thin vegetation, soils and wildflowers.
• Pick up and carry out any garbage you find on the trail (a spare zip lock bag is convenient and secure).
• Observe wildlife from a safe non-threatening distance.
• Should a hiker encounter problems and lag, be prepared to assist in a smaller group of no less than four.

XC Skiing and Snowshoeing Etiquette

XC Skiing and snowshoe etiquette guidelines promotes safety for all trail users and helps maintain the integrity of set ski tracks:

• Do not walk or snowshoe on ski tracks.
• Snowshoers should step aside when skiers are passing.
• Do not skate-ski on classic ski tracks.
• Where two sets of tracks exist each side of the trail, keep to the right hand pair of tracks.
• Keep a discreet distance behind the person in front of you.
• When ascending, be prepared to give way to descending skiers. NB: downhill control can be notional!
• If you fall on the trail, move aside from the tracks as quickly as possible.
• If you stop for any reason, step clear of the tracks.
• Yield to faster skiers on the trail wishing to pass you.
• The lead skier or snowshoer should go at a pace comfortable for the group and allow for rest stops as needed. 

Bus Etiquette

• Stow skis, snowshoes, poles and packs in the luggage hold on the underside of the bus in the designated bins.
• Skis, snowshoes and poles should be placed in carrying bags.
• Skis should not be propped against the side of the bus.
• Remove excess material from your boots before boarding the bus.
• Bear spray MUST be put in your pack with safety catch on and secured, and stowed in the luggage bins.