Over Six Decades of Trail Grooming and Volunteerism: Celebrating Harris Cox’s Dedication to Yukon Trails

“I arrived in Yukon Territory on October 25, 1958,” says Harris Cox. “I went up to the local ski club with the wooden skis my dad gave me and just started skiing. Not long into my ski, the chaps I met on the trail had just started packing and ‘grooming’ with their skis. Up and down, sidestepping, stomping for lap after lap after lap for the 50-metre-tall and 40-metre-wide trail.” 

‘Grooming is in my blood’ 

Now in his eighties, Harris Cox has been an active volunteer, grooming trails for over 65 years. He credits his wife, Linda, for allowing him to pursue “the second love of my life by contributing countless days and hours of trail work, maintenance and grooming.” For Harris, grooming has been the highlight of his community service, and he says that it’s thanks to his loving and understanding partner that he’s been able to devote so much time to trails and grooming over the past decades — often up to 150 hours per month! 

“From snowmobilers to recreational, commuting and racing dog teams, to runners, to skiers, to dog walkers, to fat bikes, to horseback riders and hunters, my ability to create safe access to outdoor access for most Yukoners has been rewarding. I get great joy from hearing a subtle ‘Thank you’ as they pass me on the Trail,” he says. “Grooming is in my blood.” 

Photo credit: Klondike Snowmobile Association

Over 25 years of service with Klondike Snowmobile Association 

Harris joined the Klondike Snowmobile Association (KSA) in 1998. Since that time, he’s worked as a groomer operator; a director; and now a vice president of the organization. Over the year, Harris has taken pride in the group’s partnership with all levels of government, including First Nations and the Southern Lakes Caribous Recovery Program. He’s known to frequently promote the Trans Canada Trail, in coffee shops, on the Trail, and around town. 

For several years, he also presented the trail report on the local radio station. It’s difficult to overstate his commitment to trails and nature in the Yukon. 

Jim Connor, director of the KSA, adds that Harris awarded lifetime membership in the Klondike Snowmobile Association a couple years ago, which is a rare honour in the organization’s 40-year history. “Harris is always glad to give advice and show other local organizations how to improve their trail grooming maintenance, as well as helping with our own new groomers,” Jim says. 

A multi-award recipient – including from the Trans Canada Trail 

Harris’s volunteerism has not gone unnoticed. He’s been recognized with the Governor General of Canada Volunteer Award, the Queen’s Jubilee Award for Volunteering, the Yukon Historical and Museums Association Volunteer of the Year and the City of Whitehorse Volunteer of the Year. He was also recognized in 2024 by the International Snowmobile Hall of Fame with a Groomer of the Year award. 

In early 2025, Harris was nominated by the Klondike Snowmobile Association as a recipient of Trans Canada Trail’s volunteer recognition fund, and he was chosen as one of 10 volunteers from across Canada to receive funds for a recognition and celebration event.  Recipients are selected for their outstanding commitment to volunteerism and for their contribution to local trail organizations. 

The award funds were used to host an event at a local hotel restaurant, honouring Harris for his 25 years as a volunteer with the Klondike Snowmobile Association, in addition to his other recent awards. 

Photo credit: Klondike Snowmobile Association

Watching the Trans Canada Trail grow 

“I have seen the inception of the Trans Canada Trail and its growth throughout my home territory. The trail is an inspirational accomplishment and is something that I cherish for both the precedent it has set for Canada committing to trail access and for its engagement with all Canadians and world travellers from all walks of life,” Harris says.  

He adds that he’s travelled the entire Trans Canada Trail in the Yukon – more than once – and that “each experience is as fresh and enlightening as the next.” 

Harris also points out how much he’s enjoyed working with the Klondike Snowmobile Association — and mentions their many decades of advocacy, resources, ideas, funding and tools for Harris and other trail volunteers to be able to service the Trans Canada Trail and other local trails. 

The vital importance of volunteerism 

Each section of the Trans Canada Trail — nearly 30,000 kilometres of it — is managed locally, and in many cases by community groups that are made up in part or in their entirety by volunteers. Dedicated trail lovers across the country, like Harris Cox, spend countless hours ensuring that trails are safe and accessible year-round.  

To nominate an outstanding community volunteer for the Volunteer Recognition Grant, pleach reach out to Lillian O’Neil-Campbell at loneil@tctrail.ca. 

Main photo credit: Klondike Snowmobile Association