I surveyed the 5K and 10K trails on the snowmobile this afternoon. The Good News is that we still have about 90% of a decent base, and 5% thin base to work with. The Bad News is that the strong winds have littered the trails with lots of debris. And the wind continues; as I cleared branches, they were replaced my new deadfall. It is pointless to clean and groom until the wind abates, forecast for tomorrow. Thus, Snowflake will remain closed tomorrow. Member/Season Passholders who must ski, may do so at their own risk, but be aware that the trail is pretty gnarly in some sections, and I advise extreme caution skiing Geno's Jump (8K marker on the 10K) due to a downed tree that I could only partially clear. We will begin restoration on the 5K, tomorrow.

(John Graham)

Snowflake is closed for the rest of today, tomorrow, and Tuesday, in order to preserve our base during this warm-up and forecast rain. We will resume grooming when temperatures drop and the trails dry out (hopefully Tuesday), and expect to re-open on Wednesday. Please, no traffic of any kind on the trails during this closure: by preserving the good base that we have, we plan to offer good skiing through next week. We will post on Skinnyski and our telephone when the trails are re-opened. Think cold - think snow

(John Graham)

A fantastic day of skiing today. I skied the 10K and 5K Classic trails and the tracks were solid and fast. They are getting shallow in the very exposed sections, but I only had to step out of the track once (the hairpin turn on "Tim's Turn"). Skate lanes (groomed last night) were firm and fast. There are four exposed rocks out on the trails, and they are marked in Orange Flourescent paint and easy to avoid. Snowflake will be open to Snowflake Members Only tomorrow, Sunday, and our hours are 8-11 a.m. No Dogs on the trails tomorrow, due to the thin base and softening conditions. Snowflake will close at 11 a.m. and remain Closed through Monday, until temps drop and we can restore the trails for skiing. We expect to reopen on Wednesday, and will update Skinnyski and our phone if we can open earlier.

(John Graham)

Both the 5K and 10K are nicely groomed for Skate and Classic skiing, and conditions are excellent today, thanks to yesterday's grooming and last night's deep cold. The Classic tracks on both are solid, well-formed, and fast. The Skate lanes are firm and fast. The 5K is getting a lot more use, and dog traffic, but all skiers report really good skiing. Tonight we will groom the Skate lanes on both trails and Saturday skiing will be beautiful. Unfortunately, the temperature climbs Saturday night and will go into the 50s on Sunday. With that in mind, and in anticipation of good temps next Tuesday-Friday, we will be open to Members Only on Sunday, Mar 5th, and hours will be from 8 am - 11 am. No Dogs, please, and we request members Sign-In in the Chalet before skiing. We will be closed for the rest of Sunday, and Monday due to high temps and rain. Temps are forecast to drop on Monday night so we will repair and groom and be open as soon as we can on Tuesday. Hours on Saturday will be 8 am - 8 pm and Member-owned dogs are permitted on the 5K trail. Think Snow!

(John Graham)

Fantastic conditions tonight at Snowflake.The deck was groomed to perfection. Yesterdays snowfall has freshened up a solid base. Classical skiers reported some of the best conditions of the season.

(Bruce Derauf)

10K Groomed Classic and Skate. A couple of patches of exposed ground near and on Hovland Hill, and a couple of exposed rocks, but they are marked with florescent orange paint. Otherwise it is absolutely gorgeous, and fast. The 5K, groomed early this a.m. , has seen a lot of skiers today, but is reported excellent, both Classic and Skate. Member Dog-owners may take their dogs on the 5K and the Oval. The 10K is for Skiers Only. Hours will be 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. through Friday. Saturday/Sunday temperature forecasts are annoying, and we will publish our hours as the real temps evolve. It's beautiful skiing!

(John Graham)

The 5K trail was groomed, Classic and Skate, this morning and it is really nice. Beautiful tracks all the way round, and still a lot of fresh corduroy on the skate lane. Due to a machine problem, the 10K was not groomed early as planned, but it has been repaired and the groomers will hit the 10K, Classic and Skate, within the hour. Forecast temps look very promising through Friday. Member Dog-owners, please keep dogs off the 10K trail - the 5K and Oval are available to you.

(John Graham)

Fluffy snowfall all day; 4-6" new snow on the trails, but the trails are getting skied on and the snow is getting compacted. Classic skied the 5K and portions of the 10K: The tracks are snowed-in, and the snow was grabby; my R-Skin skis worked surprisingly well. Skate skiers report fast conditions, but a bit of work in the deep snow. Snowflake is hosting a Finnish Sliding Festival tonight from 6-8 p.m. Open to everyone. We will groom the trails in the early morning, once the snow stops, beginning with the 5K Classic & Skate, then the 10K. Once the 10K is groomed, we will be asking Member Dog-owners to keep their dogs on the 5K trail, and leave the 10K for skiers only. It's just easier, and cheaper, to regroom/repair the 5K trail. Temps look excellent through Friday, we may need to institute Spring Hours this weekend, but next week looks very promising for winter temps. Hours will be 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. tomorrow through Friday.

(John Graham)

Skied the 5k after work today and the skate and classic were both superb with the new snow and wonderful grooming.

(Mark Knutson)

Beautiful Spring(like) ski on the 5K and 10K trails. 10 K Classic track was set last night; still soft, but well formed and getting faster as it is skied-in. 5 K Classic track did set-up and is very nice. The Skate lanes on both trails have seen a lot of use today, but were reported fast and good skiing. Stlll 99% trail coverage, helped by the new inch that fell this morning. Waiting to see what the weather brings tomorrow. Member dog owners are asked to keep their dogs on the 5K today and tomorrow, as the 10K seems to be the more fragile trail at this time.

(John Graham)