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Ski with a Dog at Whitehorse Nordic Centre
The Whitehorse Nordic Centre welcomes dogs on designated trails within our system.
With a growing membership and increasing trail use, including families, children, and skiers with dogs, shared trail etiquette is essential. Dog-friendly trails such as the Dog Trail are among our most popular and are enjoyed by all users, both with and without dogs.
Children also use areas between the Ski Stadium and Telemark Hill for play and skill development, so extra awareness in shared spaces is important.
Our priority is to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all trail users. This is supported through clear signage, trail design, grooming practices, and respectful trail etiquette.
Dog Owner Code of Conduct
Dog owners are responsible for their dogs at all times and must comply with Whitehorse City bylaws and all applicable regulations.
General rules
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Maximum 2 dogs per skier
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Maximum 4 dogs per group
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When skiing in groups, please spread out between the Dog Parking Lot and Harvey’s Hut to avoid crowding other trail users
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Dogs must be kept under control at all times and leashed where required or requested
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Dogs must be on leash in all parking areas, including:
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McIntyre Parking Lot
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Dog/Sundog Parking Lot
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Dogs must remain on leash when travelling between:
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McIntyre Parking Lot → tie-up area (Dog Parking Lot)
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Chalet Trail, Sprint Ramp, tunnel area, and Dog/Sundog trailhead access routes
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Keep dogs close when approaching or passing other skiers
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Use lights on dogs when skiing in low light or darkness
Waste & trail cleanliness
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Owners must pick up after their dogs
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Use provided waste bags at trailheads and dispose of waste in designated receptacles
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In remote areas, waste should be moved off the trail into the bush
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Trowels are available along sections of the Dog Trail for safe disposal where needed
Important reminders
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Skiers with dogs assume the risk of encountering other dogs on shared trails
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Dog owners may be held responsible for incidents involving their dogs
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Rules apply whenever snow is present and trails are open
Skijoring Guidelines
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Maximum one dog per skier
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Maintain a safe, consistent skiing pace between Dog Parking Lot and Harvey’s Hut
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Slow down when approaching other trail users
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When passing, announce your presence clearly (e.g., “on your left” or “passing”)
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Skijorers must ensure their dog and line do not interfere with others (shorten line when needed)
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Other dog owners must also prevent interference with skijorers
Where You Can Ski With Your Dog
Dogs are permitted on designated trails only:
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Chalet Trail (to Sprint Ramp and Dog/Sundog trailhead access)
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Dog and Sundog Trails
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Logan Burn Trail
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Lower and Upper Valley and connectors
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Copper Trail (Harvey’s Hut to Copper Haul Road)
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Shakuni
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Copper Haul Road
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Mt. McIntyre ascent and descent routes
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Jack Fraser Loop and Skyline Trail
Access Points for Skiing With Dogs
Dog/Sundog Parking Lot (recommended)
Located off Hamilton Blvd (west of Sumanik Dr).
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Best access for skiing with dogs
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Day pass or membership required before accessing trails
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Direct access to Dog and Sundog trail system
Mt. McIntyre Recreation Centre Parking Lot
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Tie-up area (“Dog Parking Lot”) located near the Chalet
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Carabiners provided for secure tie-up
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Recommended to keep dogs in vehicles until ready to ski
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From here, skiers may access Chalet Trail, Sprint Ramp, and tunnel route to reach Dog/Sundog trailhead (approx. 200m past tunnel)
Optional Training Note
The Canadian Canine Good Neighbour Test is a certification program that assesses a dog’s ability to behave appropriately in everyday community settings. Participation is encouraged for dogs using shared public spaces.
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