Ski With Your Dog
One of the benefits of skiing at the club is that you can bring your dog along for some exercise. However, dog owners are responsible for the behaviour of their dog(s) at all times.
For information about the club's policy please scroll down to the bottom.
Reminders and Updates - September 2012
- The return trail for skiers with dogs is called Sundog Trail, which is part of the Kwanlin Koyotes trail system. The trail may be impassable across the Arkell wetlands early in the season, but it will be groomed as soon as possible. The WCCSC appreciates the contribution that Kwanlin Koyotes has made toward this twinning of the Dog Trail.
- Dogs must be leashed in parking areas. (City Bylaw) Please keep your dog on a leash until past Telemark Hill. This will improve the safety for all skiers.
- Ski Stadium is a dog-free zone throughout the ski season due to the potential conflict with children, ski school lessons, events and training
- Skiers are encouraged to use the Dog Trail Parking Area off Hamilton Boulevard - use caution when exiting the parking area
- Day passes or season pass required. Season passes are highly recommended as that will eliminate the need to visit the Ski Chalet before every outing.
Dog Rules and Regulations
- Dogs are not permitted in the vicinity of the Ski Chalet (Wax Room) entrance. Please use the Dog Barking Lot at the south end of the building at use the designated route around the curling rink to get to the barking lot.
- Skiers are allowed to take a maximum of two dogs on the following trails: Chalet to Ketza, Ketza Connector, Dog Trail, Copper Trail from Harvey’s Hut to Copper Haul Road, Lower & Upper Valley and connectors, Copper Haul Road, and Logan Burn Trail.
- Dogs are not permitted on the Jack Fraser Loop from October 1 to November 15 each year. Dogs may be taken on the McIntyre Ascent and Descent.
- There are three access points for skiers with dogs: Mt McIntyre Rec Centre Parking Lot, Sumanik Drive near the Dirt 'n Soul Bike Park and the Dog Trail Parking Area off Hamilton Blvd. At the trailheads, please keep dogs on a leash, use the tie-up area, and clean up all dog waste. There are waste receptacles and bags provided. See diagrams below for Access point details.
- Dog owners are responsible for their dogs and assume the risk that other dogs will be encountered on these trails.
- Please keep dogs under control when approaching or overtaking other skiers and use a leash where requested.
- Please remove dog feces from trail surface. Pick up and place waste in the receptacle provided. THERE IS A DISPENSER WITH PLASTIC BAGS PROVIDED AT THE TRAILHEADS. In other areas it is sufficient to 'flick' waste off the trail and into the bush.
- Dog owners are subject to City Bylaws.
- Dogs must be on a leash in parking areas and on Dog Trail to Telemark Hill.
- The rules are in effect throughout the ski season, as long as there is snow on the trails.
NOTE: Before taking your dog(s) on the ski trails make sure you read and understand the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club's Dog Policy (under revision) 
.
Dog Trail Closures 2012 - 2013 Season
- Northwestel Yukon Loppet - February 23, 2013 - All trails closed to dogs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Don Sumanik Races - notice will be provided when available.
- School Challenge Day - Dogs only allowed from Dog/Sundog Trailhead. No dogs between Ski Chalet and Ketza Connector - 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Ski Stadium is a dog-free zone throughout the ski season due to the potential conflict with children, ski school lessons, events and training
Cross Country Canada Insurance Policy Regarding Dog Owner Responsibility
Dog owners can face serious legal issues if they are found liable while skiing with their dog(s) on the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club trails. Make sure you read and understand Cross Country Canada's Insurance Policy Regarding Dog Owner Responsibility before heading out on the trails with your dog(s).
Canine Good Neighbour Test
The Canadian Canine Good Neighbour Test™ is a certification program that tests and identifies dogs that have the training and demeanor to be reliable family members as well as good-standing community members. The program tests dogs in simulated everyday situations in a relaxed atmosphere and is open to both purebred and mixed-breed dogs.
Dog owners are encouraged to take the Canine Good Neighbour Test.
The WCCSC Dog Policy as of February 2009.
Updates to the Dog Policy October 2010
The ski club board decided that dogs will not be allowed in the ski stadium at any time during the ski season. This decision was made because the stadium has become a busy place on most days of the week and it was difficult to keep dogs separate from skiers.
In February 2009 the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Club instituted a ban on dogs in the vicinity of the wax room, for health and safety reasons. Members are asked to submit their suggestions regarding dogs at any time either by email or in person.
1. The ban of dogs from the trails in the vicinity of the wax room will continue for the current ski season.
2. Skiers with dogs will be able to access the Dog trail from the following trail heads:
A. Skiers may walk their dogs from the Mt. McIntyre parking lot around the west and south sides of the curling rink, to a tie-up area adjacent to Chalet Trail. (Point A on the map,immediately south of the curling rink.) Dogs, on leash, may be escorted from here southwards over the overpass and then down Ketza Connector to Dog Trail. (Dogs are prohibited north of the tie up area).
B. This is no longer an option, as of October 2010. The stadium has been closed to all dogs this year as it is very busy and there is potential for conflicts with other skiers.
C. Skiers with dogs are allowed to access Dog Trail via a portion of Copper Trail and Ketza Connector by parking along the Valleyview Reservoir road”, just off of Sumanik Drive. (Point C on map)
D. The club now has a Licence of Occupation for the Dog Trail Parking area and permission from Kwanlin Dun to access the lot. The club will ensure that snow is cleared from the parking area. Garbage can and poop bags provided. Please use a leash in the parking area. This is the preferred access point, but a day pass or membership must be purchased before using the trails. (Point D on map).
Please read a summary of the comments that were received by the board between February 2009 and April 2009.
- Dogs are not permitted in the vicinity of the Ski Chalet (Wax Room) entrance. Please use the Dog Barking Lot at the south end of the building at use the designated route around the curling rink to get to the barking lot.
