A post at XCOttawa asks if skiers are seeing an increase of snowshoe use on the ski trails.
The rough statistics I’ve seen from the NCC estimate 200,000 cross country ski visits in a season and as many as 50,000 snowshoe visits.
I myself have noted an increased number of snowshoe tracks this year even over last.
Snowshoers likely do not recognize the damage to the trails that are perceived by skiers and since snowshoeing has grown in popularity so quickly it is likely not everyone out on snowshoes knows that some trails are designated for skiing only, while others are designated for snowshoeing.
Both at XCOttawa and at Harold Blount’s back country ski page the recommendation is to politely mention incorrect trail use but avoid conflict and certainly to notify the NCC; both to a parking attendant (if one is there) and to the NCC itself either in person at the Visitor Centre (33 Scott in Old Chelsea) or by phone 819-827-2020 or email [email protected]
The NCC indicated in February of 2009 that improved signage was in process to help resolve this issue.
The cards that GuideGatineau has begun distributing to promote the website are considered to be highly environmentally responsible due to the fact that the paper used is 100% recycled and is produced using energy from biofuels plus the ink is vegetable based.