Snowshoeing Protocol and Etiquette
- Do not snowshoe too close to other athletes.
- Be careful not to step on the tail of another athlete's snowshoes.
- Get out of the way as quickly as possible if there is a fall.
- Do not cross in front of other moving athletes.
- Remember that the faster snowshoer has the responsibility to warn another snowshoer or skier when overtaking him or her.
- Fill up holes in the snow after falling.
- Give way to beginners.
- Do not hit others with equipment.
- Follow the rules of the facility that you are using; for example, stay off of trails not designated for snowshoeing.
- Remain on marked trails.
- Wear appropriate clothing.
- Always snowshoe with someone else.
- Do not wear snowshoes outside of the designated areas.
- When not using snowshoes, leave them in an appropriate area.
- Snowshoe in a controlled manner.
- Proceed carefully when passing another snowshoer or skier.
- Let the person in front know which side (left/right) when passing.
- Yield the right of way when entering from a side trail.
- Since snowshoes are easier to control and maneuver than skis or snowmobiles, it is suggested that snowshoers yield the right of way to all other trail users where trails are narrow.
- Do not stop in a narrow place on the trail.
- Do not block the trail when stopped.
- Do not stop abruptly, especially in spots not visible to oncoming athletes.
- Look before starting again; do not move out in front of others.
Since there are few snowshoeing-specific trails, and training and competition may take place at cross-country ski trails, teach the athletes the meaning of those signs.
Trail Markers
A standard marker for cross-country ski trails is the azure blue diamond. All ski area associations and most government agencies have adopted it. Some trails also are marked with numbers, symbols, letters and color-coded signs. For example, the trail difficulty signs include Green Circle for easiest trails, Blue Square for intermediate trails and Black Diamond for most difficult trails.
Relative Degree of Difficulty
Found on the trail board and trail map and at every trailhead, are signs that designate the degree of difficulty of a trail in the system. An example of ski area degree-of-difficulty signs is given above.
Cross Country Skier and Snowshoer
This sign is used to designate a trail as dedicated to either cross-country skiers or snowshoers. It is used at the trailhead, on the trails, at trail junctions and on printed information. Most trail systems will not indicate if they are dedicated to skiers or snowshoers.
Caution or Warning
These signs have both permanent and temporary use. The "Caution!" sign can be used temporarily to mark a spring washout or permanently to mark a steep downhill or busy intersection. The other warning signs are self-explanatory. Warning signs should be posted on the trail board, at the trailhead and, as required, on the trail.
Regulatory
The signs below are used to regulate the use of a trail. The "Trail Closed" sign should be used on the trail board and, when feasible, at the trailhead. Other regulatory signs, particularly the full season signs, such as "No Dogs" or "Dog Trail," should be used on the trail board and map and at the trailhead. A ski area also may use rope or tape across the entrance of the trail or at a trail junction to signify that the trail is not to be used.
