A big part of this success comes from the care and respect dog owners show toward our trails and fellow skiers. New to our dog-friendly loops? Need a quick refresher on trail etiquette? Take a moment to read through this page – because happy dogs and considerate owners make for happy trails and new friends!
Free Dog Training
Back for the 2024/25 season, we’re excited to offer our popular 1-hour class: Introduction to Skiing with Your Dog! Perfect for RNSC members and their four-legged companions, this class covers everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable ski season with your pup.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Managing your dog on a leash for the leashed sections of our trail
- Building recall skills to bring Fido back from an impromptu chase
- Tips for keeping your dog’s paw pads healthy and happy in the snow
- Bonus tips and tricks for a fun and successful ski season
Please note, this class is only suitable for dogs comfortable being around other dogs.
Sessions are just $10 and open to RNSC members only. To register, ensure your RNSC membership is active and that you’ve opted to ski with your dog.
Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait to sign up—see you and your pup on the trails!
Revelstoke Nordic Club Dog Code of Conduct
Important Information for Dog Owners
As a dog owner, you are fully responsible for your pet’s behavior while on RNSC trails. This includes maintaining control over your dog and adhering to any relevant bylaws or regulations for pets in public spaces.
If a skier is injured due to a dog-related incident and legal action is taken against both the dog owner and the club, rest assured that the club is fully protected under the CCC/CCBC liability insurance policy. However, dog owners are personally liable for their dog’s actions and are not covered under this policy, just as in other public settings.
Trail Etiquette for Dog Owners
To ensure everyone has a positive experience on our trails, we ask that all dog owners follow these guidelines:
- No Dogs in or Near the Lodge
Dogs are not permitted inside the lodge or on the deck. Please do not tie your dog to the lodge. - Designated Dog Trails
Skiers may take a maximum of two dogs on the following trails:
Roadway Ramble, Easy Al’s, BCIT, Connectors – Short Hop, and Ellie’s. - Backcountry Access with Dogs
Backcountry skiers heading to the Fingers must keep their dogs leashed on the Main Loop (both ascending and descending). Dogs may be off-leash once off RNSC trails. - Control and Leash Rules
Dogs must be under control at all times, either by reliable recall or on a leash.- The Parking Lot and Stadium Area is a mandatory on-leash zone for all dogs at all times. This is especially important as these areas are shared with children and other skiers.
- Dogs must remain leashed from the parking lot along Roadway Ramble until you see the off-leash sign at the end of our neighbor’s property. Please re-leash your dog when returning.
- Clean Up After Your Dog
Use the provided trowels to remove any waste from the trail and take waste bags home for disposal.
Policy Enforcement
Infractions of these rules will be reviewed by the RNSC dog liaison and the Board of Directors.
Thank you for respecting our trails and your fellow skiers – your cooperation helps keep RNSC a welcoming and enjoyable place for everyone!
Roadway Ramble – Why And Where Are Dogs On-Leash?
Keeping It Safe and Fun: Our On-Leash Policy
Our dog policy requires dogs to be on-leash in the parking lot at all times and for the first 200m of Roadway Ramble. You’ll find clear signage marking the transition zone – “off-leash” for heading out and “on-leash” for returning to the parking lot.
If your dog responds reliably to voice commands, the transition zone is where you can let them off-leash. Please remember to re-leash your dog on the way back.
Here’s why this policy is in place:
- Safety First
We want to avoid the risk of a dog/car collision. Keeping dogs leashed in the parking lot and up to the “off-leash” sign near our neighbor’s driveway helps keep everyone safe, including your pup. It also gets your dog into a steady skiing rhythm while steering clear of the highway. - Fair Play for All Dogs
Meeting off-leash dogs can be stressful for those on a leash. A designated transition zone ensures an even playing field for all dogs, making interactions safer and more enjoyable.
Thank you for respecting our on-leash zone—it’s an important part of keeping the trails enjoyable for everyone, including our neighbors, fellow members, and their furry friends!
The Orange Shovel System
Keeping Our Trails Clean: Orange Shovel 101
Our orange shovel system has been a big help in keeping our trails poop-free and the snow fresh for skiers. Here’s a quick refresher on how to make the most of them:
- Shared Tools for Everyone: You’ll find shovels hanging from posts along all dog-friendly trails—feel free to use them!
- Hang ‘Em Back Up: Always rehang the shovels after use. Shovels left in snowbanks tend to vanish after the next snowfall or when the groomer comes through. Lost shovels are costly and take time to replace.
- Scoop and Sling: Use the shovel to remove all mess from the snow and either toss it into the woods or bag it for disposal. Be sure to clean the shovel in the snow before putting it back on the post.
- Redistribute as Needed: If you notice a post with an abundance of shovels, grab one and take it to an empty post nearby.
- See a Missing Post?: Think there’s a spot that could use a shovel post? Let the office know!
Dog Poo Bins
Green Bags & Disposal Tips
We’ve noticed some of you using green compost bags for dog cleanup—amazing work! To make things easier, we’ve added two disposal hutches: one at the start of Roadway Ramble and another about halfway along.
A few quick reminders:
- Light loads only: These bins are designed for compost bags, not general garbage. Please don’t overload them!
- Bring your own bags: The wind has been stealing our stock of pickup bags, so we’ll be keeping them light. Toss a couple in your pocket before heading out—you’ll always be prepared!
- Respect our neighbors: That green garbage bin by the road belongs to our neighbors. Let’s not turn it into a doggie drop zone!
Thanks for helping keep our trails clean and neighborly!