Outter Limits ADVICE, TIPS AND REVIEWS

As winter begins to set in and the snowflakes fly, it’s time to start planning winter adventures. While we plan our winter adventures it is important to follow proper trail etiquette and recreate responsibly.

Winter time boasts the opportunity for the use of multiple modes of transportation. There is hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, fat-tire biking and more. Often these activities overlap on trails and it is important to follow proper trail etiquette so all users have a safe and enjoyable time.

Many of the trail systems in and around Saskatoon are maintained on a volunteer basis and rely on donations through memberships or a straight donation to operate each season. Damage to the trails may leave them unusable for the remainder of the season. Please be respectful.

Here are a few Winter Trail Etiquette tips to follow

Above is a photo a groomed ski track with proper usage- as seen on the far left side off the set tracks you can see snowshoe tracks, in the middle you can ski skate ski tracks followed by set classic tracks on the right. 

General Guideline for all trail users

• 1.Learn the trail’s usage rules- not all trails are designated for all modes of activities. It is important to check with the specific trail you are using if the activity you are participating in is allowed. This also applies if you were hoping to bring along your favourite K9 adventure buddy.
• 2. Avoid using trails in warm/ wet conditions- Steer clear of trails when it's warm or wet—hitting the trails in lousy weather could turn winter wonderlands into mud puddles, ruining them for the rest of the season. This is allows applies in the spring when trails are drying, avoid using them and leaving deep ruts in them once the trails dry. 
• 3. Find the grooming schedule for the trails you’re using- avoid using trails during scheduled grooming. The snow requires around 2 hours to properly set and establish the right consistency. If you happen to be on a trail during grooming time, please be respectful and allow the groomers the right of way.
• 4 .Move off the trail whenever you need to stop- it’s time to take off a layer or grab a quick snack. Move to the side of trail so others can safely pass by. This also applies if you are traveling at a slower pace. Take a step off the trail to let others go by.
• 5. Always practice Leave No Trace principles- when we head out for an adventures it is important to always leave the areas better than we found them. Make sure to remove all waste and pack out everything you take with you.
• 6. Be respectful – Everyone is excited to head outdoors; please be respectful of other users. Do your best to minimize any damage to groomed trail networks, follow posted rules and if you are in a large group make sure you allow others to safely pass. Together we can make sure everyone has an enjoyable adventure.
• 7. Have some knowledge of Winter Conditions- Though many of the areas we recreate in may not pose any avalanche risk, we do adventure in very cold climates. It is important to have some knowledge on ways to identify hypothermia, frost bite and other potential risks. If you are planning on heading out in areas with potential avalanche terrain make sure you have knowledge and the proper equipment. Your actions in these areas can have serious impacts on others- including volunteer search and rescue.

Looking forward to hitting the trails and hope to see you out there!