Skijoring is a team sport that requires a human skier (skijorer) and their canine teammate to work in tandem. In this sport, the dog wears a specialized harness connected to the skier by a bungee line which is attached to the skier's belt. Under the MAHDS Rules for Skijoring, a bungee line must not be longer than 3M (9.8ft) in length.
Information for Skijorers
Overtaking / Passing
When overtaking, the skijorer must shout "TRAIL" or “PISTE” a few seconds before passing the skiers. The skijorer must keep control of their dog, bringing their dog in close if necessary, all in order to ensure their dog will not disturb the skier. The skijoring team should pass on the side where the dogless skier has given you the most room (preferably on the left). SLOW DOWN and WAIT if necessary. This will ensure you are able to make a clean pass and that the passing is done safely.
Site Rules & Trail Etiquette
Leave the trail as you found it. Dog feces and garbage must be picked up promptly.
Skijoring teams must be careful not to damage the classic ski tracks.
Skijoring teams must be respectful of other trail users who may not be comfortable with dogs. The skijorer must maintain control of their dog at all times and is responsible to ensure their dog does not obstruct or interfere with other trail users.
Off-leash dogs are typically not permitted on ski trails. Be sure to check the specific facility's rules.
Dogs must be accompanied by their owner or a responsible person while on site and should not be tied out unattended.
Information for Regular Skiers (without dogs)
Overtaking / Passing
When overtaking, the skijorer will indicate their presence by calling out "piste" or “trail”. A dogless skier need not stop or slow down and a skijorer should wait to pass until there is sufficient space to do so.
The dogless skier should remain quiet and ignore the passing skijoring team. Whenever possible, simply pull over to the side of the trail (preferably to the right side of the trail) keeping your poles close to your side. These measures ensure the safety of all trail users.