LARCH HILLS NORDIC SOCIETY

Trail Safety

Emergency help and preparation for Larch Hills trails.

Emergency on a Larch Hills Trail?

Call 250-833-LHNS (250-833-5467)

Listen to the Safety Host message for call-out contacts

Call an available Safety Host / Emergency Responder

Approximate response time: 30–60 minutes. These are LHNS volunteer club members.

No response from a Safety Host? Call 911.

Approximate response time: 90 minutes.

Safety Hosts are volunteers.
There is no scheduled, systematic patrol. Response is limited to track-set trails and a limited portion of non-track-set trails.

In Case of an Incident    |    Cell Reception & Emergency Maps    |    Before You Head Out    |    Safety Equipment & Locations    |    Volunteer Safety Hosts

In Case of an Incident

Immediate Actions

  • Assess the injury and apply first aid if qualified.
  • Keep the injured person warm with a survival blanket, extra clothing, hot pads or a sleeping bag from the nearest rescue toboggan.
  • With a phone and cell service, use the reporting contacts.

No Cell Reception?:

  • Send someone to the nearest reception area or the Chalet. If possible, send two people so one can return with information.
  • The Chalet has cell service, Safety Host information and first aid supplies; others may be able to help.
  • Texts may sometimes get through, but may not be read or answered promptly. Continue seeking help unless you receive a reply.

No Phone?:

  • Send someone to the Chalet or to find a nearby skier with a phone.

Reporting Contacts

Karen Tanchak · Operations Manager
236-586-5711
Office downstairs in the Chalet; hours posted on the door.

Jana Muller · 236-586-8854

Safety Host availability · 250-833-5467

Also check the map kiosk across from the upper Chalet door. Some situations may require a combination of contacts, including 911.

What to Tell the Responder

  • 1

    Incident location and how accurately it is known

  • 2

    Caller’s name and phone number

  • 3

    Nature and time of injury

  • 4

    Injured person’s condition, age and known medical issues

  • 5

    Assistance already provided

Use your geo-referenced trail map when available.
Map & Avenza instructions →

After Calling

Stay within cell service or at the Chalet for a return call. Conserve your phone battery. If you reach a Safety Host’s voicemail, leave a message – they may be retrieving their phone from a pack or pocket.

Cell Reception & Emergency Maps

Some areas of Larch Hills have limited or no cell reception. Know where you can use your phone before heading out.

Cell Reception Map

Download the map before your trip.

Map & Avenza instructions →

Pick Up a Waterproof Copy

Free waterproof copies of the cell reception map, with the Emergency Responders Contact List on the back, are available from the literature box at the kiosk sign board across from the Chalet’s main door.

Where Maps Are Posted

  • 1

    Cec’s Cabin

  • 2

    South Hub

  • 3

    Top of Metford Rd. hill at Bilbo’s Bog gate

  • 4

    Skyview at Lakeview junction

  • 5

    Larch Hills Rd. / Metford Rd. junction

  • 6

    Inside the Chalet

The responsibility for safety and survival falls on YOU the user. Be prepared!

Before You Head Out

Prepare your equipment, route and emergency information before starting.

What to Carry

For Every Outing

  • A fully charged cell phone

  • A Cell Phone Reception Trail Map

  • A current LHNS Emergency Responders Contact List

Paper maps and contact lists are available at the kiosk across from the Chalet.

For Backcountry Trails

  • Survival blanket

  • Extra clothing

  • First aid supplies

  • Matches and fire starter

  • Flashlight or headlamp

  • Snacks

  • Extra water

Satellite communication: see device-specific capabilities and setup.

Before You Leave

For Every Outing

  • Go with a group. If travelling alone, tell someone your planned trails and expected return time.

  • Follow the route and timing you shared, or notify your contact of changes.

  • Download Avenza and prepare the geo-referenced trail and cell reception maps. See the Trail Maps instructions.

  • Know where rescue toboggans, safety buckets and other emergency equipment are located.

  • Read the Emergency Response instructions and know where they are posted at the Chalet.

  • Check the Safety Host Sign-In / Sign-Out board at the map kiosk before heading out.

Prepare before you need help

Safety Equipment & Locations

At the Chalet

  • Main floor
    First Aid Kit and AED.

  • Basement cabinet
    Between the two washroom doors: trauma bag, splints, blankets and bandages.

  • Beside the cabinet
    SKED for snowshoe trail response and a spine board.

  • Locked storage room
    Four pairs of snowshoes and a full body splint.

  • Behind the Chalet
    Emergency response snowmobile and tow trailer.

  • Tracksetter storage building
    Additional snowmobiles.

On the Trails

Rescue Toboggans

Locations

  • South Hub

  • Metford / Bilbo’s

  • Cec’s Cabin

Each location has a manual rescue toboggan and a marked emergency tote containing a small backpack, sleeping bags and limited first aid supplies.

Safety Buckets

Locations

  • Lakeview / Sentinel

  • Moonwalk / Far East

  • Summit Trail below Summit Shortcut

Safety buckets contain first aid supplies. Emergency cache locations are marked on the trail maps.

Find Equipment on the Map

Emergency cache locations are marked on our trail maps.

Learn How to Use the Equipment

Contact a Safety Host to ask about a demonstration or mock rescue.