Skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing (nordic), ice skating and snowshoeing involves various risks, dangers and hazards including, but not limited to the following:
In the winter, Ontario offers countless trails through boundless landscapes for cross country ski enthusiasts. Whether you’re out for a casual trek in the woods or an overnight backpack trip, Ontario's snowy forests and trails are the place to be!
Cross Country Ski Smart Tips
- If you are skiing with other people (which should always be the case; this is much safer), take turns leading. Breaking the trail can be very tiring.
- If the more energetic people in your group want to stay in front and set pace, let them stay out in front for as long as it's practical and safe. When leading however, consider the pace of the slowest member of the group, and make your steps short enough so everyone in the group can follow in them.
- When following, try to stay in the leader's tracks whenever possible. This conserves your energy and keeps the trail better defined for those who follow you.
- Take breaks as necessary to adjust your gear and clothing. Try to stay dry and avoid chills.
- Take frequent water and snack breaks.
- Cross Country can be strenuous and burns a lot of calories, so rehydration is essential. REMEMBER: In the winter, because you feel colder, you may not realize how much you are perspiring. You are nonetheless, and those fluids must be replaced.
- If you must travel in areas frequented by snowmobilers, stay out of their way!
10 Cross Country Ski Essentials
- Right type of ski
- Warm Socks (and extras)
- Backpack or Waist Pack
- Water (between one pint per hour and one quart per outing, per person)
- Food
- Trail Map
- GPS Unit or Compass
- Sunglasses
- First Aid Kit
- Whistle
Extras
- Waterproof Boots
- Pocket Knife or Multi-tool
- Waterproof Matches or Lighter
- Flashlight
- Ice Axe
- Cell Phone
- Shovel
- Wire Pocket Saw
- Emergency Blanket
- Additional Clothing, food and water
Things to Consider Before You Go:
- Are your ski poles telescoping properly? Maybe a shot of lubricant would be a good idea before setting off...
- Are there any suspicious cracks in your snowshoe bindings?
- Do you have all of your survival gear?
- Are you familiar with the area and terrain you'll be traveling? Do you have your map?
- Do you have everything on your checklist?
- Does someone at home know where you'll be going should an emergency arise?
- boarding, riding and disembarking ski lifts;
- changing weather conditions;
- avalanches;
- trees, tree wells, tree stumps and forest deadfall;
- the condition of snow or ice on or beneath the surface;
- variations in the terrain which may create blind spots or areas of reduced visibility;
- variations in the surface or sub-surface, including changes due to man-made or artificial snow;
- variable and difficult conditions;
- streams, creeks, and exposed holes in the snow pack above streams or creeks;
- cliffs; crevasses;
- snowcat roads, road-banks or cut-banks;
- use of terrain park and freestyle areas;
- exposed rock, earth, ice, and other natural objects;
- collision with lift towers, fences, snow making equipment, snow grooming equipment, snowcats, snowmobiles or other vehicles, equipment or structures;
- encounters with domestic and wild animals including dogs and bears;
- collision with other persons;
- loss of balance or control; slips, trips and falls;
- accidents during snow school lessons;
- infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact;
- negligent first aid;
- failure to act safely or within one’s own ability or to stay within designated areas;
- negligence of other persons;
- and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE OPERATOR and its directors, officers, employees, instructors, agents, representatives, volunteers, independent contractors, subcontractors, sponsors, successors and assigns.
Ski and snowboard boots and many other types of footwear do not provide good traction, and extra caution should be used when walking.
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