Trail Etiquette & Safety Recommendations

1. Keep Right, Pass on Left:  We all drive, ride on the right side of roads, and ride and walk on the right side of trails in most of the Western Hemisphere.  With respect to some of our British Commonwealth colleagues, staying on the right avoids collisions and conflicts.  You may take the left track if clear but yield well ahead to any oncoming skier!  You should probably avoid the left track on any curving uphill trail such as Twin Lakes, Eagles Crest, Silver, Tamarama, etc.
    

2. Downhill Skiers Have the Right of Way: While it's important to ski under control (see #4), control on free-heel skis, especially for beginners can be challenging.  Try to stay right on uphills and be prepared to offer more room ( and encouragement) to downhill skiers.  Be aware that many competent Nordic skiers can descend at speeds approaching that of Alpine skiers. Downhill Skiers do NOT have priority to the left-hand track.
    

3. Respect Different Skill Levels:  As a State Sno-Park, the Mt Spokane Nordic Area hosts skiers of a wide range of abilities and ages.  We were all beginners at some point, and there will always be athletes who exceed our skills.  Following these tips, and being flexible about other skiers' competence allows the beginner public, the seasoned expert, and everyone in between to enjoy our great area.
    

4. Ski Under Control at All Times: While this goes without saying, any skier should be prepared to stop, slow, or change direction as needed.  There may be distracted skiers, grooming equipment, and the occasional clueless moose that needs to be avoided.  There is no shame in sitting down to stop in an emergency, but to try to fill in your "sitzmark"!
    

5. Skate Skiers Must Stay on Non-Tracked Portion of Trail:  The staff of MSSP and volunteers of SNSA work hard to both clear the trails during the year and give the best grooming possible during the ski season.  We try to create a firm deck for skaters and smooth parallel tracks for classic skiers.  Skating over the classic tracks makes it more difficult for all levels of classic skiers, so please respect both the work done and our classic skiers.
    

6. When Stopped, Move to the Side:  Standing in the middle of the trail to converse or arrange your gear can lead to collisions.  While there may not initially be anyone around you, skiers can surprise you and suddenly appear.  Please be Pro-Active, not Reactive. Step to the side if you need to stop.
    

7. Have Fun, & Help Others Do the Same:  We are blessed with a wonderful area, built on several generations of skiers, donors, volunteers, and state workers to give us one of the BEST Nordic Ski Areas in the country!  Sharing a smile, saying "On Your Left" and "Thank You" to pass, goes a long way to making the Cross Country experience a positive event for families and individuals alike.  Offer help to those who appear lost or in need, and share a story or knowledge.  Together we can continue the vision of those pioneers who worked hard to start our piece of paradise.

 

 

Remember: No Snowshoes, Fatbikes, Sleds, or Walking on the Groomed Trails:

 

The Nordic Area is for Nordic Skiing Only.  While other users may not think they are hurting the trails, they are.  These other activities damage the trails which many of us have worked long and hard to make as nice as possible.  Other activities also pose a safety hazard to all the skiers by causing ruts and depressions in the trails.  The difference in speed also users also increasing safety concerns. By setting a bad example, their bad example increases confusion to other observers and potential users.  MSSP has many other trails (on the other side of the paved highway 206) which are also more suited to snowshoeing, biking, and walking.  Please respect our trails and enjoy your winter fun in the proper area.  For more fun, consider joining SNSA!  Thanks.