How to Run a Cross Country Ski Activity

The purpose of the trip is for cross country skiing and/or snowshoeing.  Each day the leaders will suggest an area for this activity.  This may be on private or public land, and on groomed or on ungroomed trails.  In some cases there may be a use fee, e.g. at a cross country center.  This is the responsibility of the participant, unless otherwise stated.

Participants on trips must be members of the OCSJ, except where the trip is a joint trip with another club and the participant is a member of that club. However, a prospective member may try each activity once, as a guest, prior to joining. 

The participant is expected to provide his own transportation to the area of the trip from home.  A list of all participants will be provided so that people can carpool. The leaders assume no responsibility for these arrangements. Please let us know right away if you object to having your name and phone number distributed to other members of the trip. While on trip, we may also ask people to use their cars, on a voluntary basis, for carpooling to an activity site or for a shuttle. 

The participant is expected to provide their own gear (skis, poles, snowshoes) for their own use.  If the participant wishes to rent equipment for their own use, they are responsible for the cost of the rental, unless otherwise stated. 

Whether meals are provided depends on the individual trip. Please reference the info provided by the leader.  In some cases, where the leader has indicated communal cooking, participants must help cook and cleanup as per roster.      

Trips are open to skiers and snowshoers of all skill levels, including beginners, unless otherwise indicated. On multiday trips, leader will outline the difficulty of the day’s planned activity, and possible alternate activities, beforehand.

All activities designated by the leader are group activities.  If you do not wish to participate in a particular group activity and you want to do something else, be aware that you are responsible for your own safety.  You must tell the leader where you are going and when you will return. 

When skiing at a commercial cross country ski center, we often break into groups according to skill levels.  But when we do backcountry skiing there will be a leader and a sweep.  Participants will be expected to stay together. 

Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are physically active sports, and there are some inherent dangers, e.g. falls while skiing are common.  We expect participants to follow simple safety rules where posted or communicated to them by the leaders, and to use common sense and courtesy to protect themselves and others. Participants are accepted on condition that they are physically and mentally fit and able to cope reasonably with demands of the trip without assistance from leaders or other party members.  If you have concerns about a trip please discuss with leader before signing up. 

The leaders reserves the right to refuse sign-ups if they are not satisfied that the applicant’s fitness and experience are appropriate to the trip.