The membership approved a trial dog loop beyond the existing 800m dog trail at the Oct. 11, 2022 general meeting.
The extended trail will be open to dogs on weekdays only.
On weekends and statutory holidays, dog owners can only ski on the pre-existing dog trail (800 m on Woodlot Ramble and 600 m on Dogging It). On Jackrabbit Saturdays from 10 am to 1 pm or during race days stipulated by the Race Marshall, the entire dog trail is closed (see calendar).
Dog owners are encouraged to park near the dog trail access. Non-members must sign in and pay the day-use fee at the dog trail entrance.
Dogs must be on a leash in the parking lot but may be off leash on the trails. Dogs are also welcome on snowshoe trails and can be off leash. Dogs must be on leash if crossing the stadium to access snowshoe trails.
We are all responsible for keeping Larch Hills clean, safe, and fun.
- Please keep your dog under control at all times.
- Your dog must be on leash in the designated parking area and on the way to the trail.
- Your dog may be off leash on the trail.
- A maximum of 2 dogs are allowed per skier.
- Please scoop the poop and remove it promptly from the trail surface. Shovels are available along the route or bring your own.
- Skiers with dogs must ski the loop in a counter clockwise direction only. The loop is open in either direction to skiers without dogs.
- Use extreme caution on two-way sections of the trail and ski in control at all times.
- Walking or snowshoeing on ski trails is not allowed. Please use the snowshoe trails instead.
- Use the trail responsibly and be aware that the trial can be terminated for safety or other reasons at any time at the discretion of the executive.
As this is a trial, feedback is encouraged. Please send your comments and suggestions to manager@skilarchhills.ca
Note that there is a plan in place to revamp and extend the current Dogging It trail into a loop through the private land, however construction is on hold until approved by the land owner. Hopefully this can be constructed in summer of 2023. This trial dog loop on Sentinel and Woodlot Ramble is a temporary measure approved for the 2022/23 season only.
Dog Trail History and LHNS Canine Committee Summary Report
The LHNS Canine Trail Committee has been active since February 2011. The 2011/12 Salmar/Sunshine Canine Pilot Trail was endorsed by general membership vote in November 2011, and adopted as an ongoing canine trail at the March 2012 LHNS Annual General Meeting.
Based on predominantly positive feedback and requests for specific improvements, the LHNS Canine Committee was asked by the executive to propose a canine trail for the 2012/2013 season.
The committee proposed that the current trail be extended to Tom’s Cabin and include one or both of Skyview and Sentinel loops.
At the Dec. 4, 2012 general meeting, the LHNS executive reiterated its support for the current 800 metre Salmar/Sunshine Canine Trail, and reported that it did not support the Canine Committee proposals for improvement. No other proposals were brought forward at that time.
In 2013/2014 there was a new proposal which was voted down by the members of LHNS. That proposal may be seen here.
The Land Use and Trail Planning Committee is currently looking at potential options for an expanded dog trail for the 2021-2022 ski season.
In 2022-2023, a trial for an expanded loop was instituted.
Full Report and Proposals of the 2011/12 Larch Hills Canine Trail Committee