Marshall Holiday Ski Camp wrapped-up this afternoon, graduating a new crop of hard-core skiers into the Nordic Ski community. The sub-zero temps didn't phase these youngsters and we were privileged to host them. This evening we re-groomed the Skate lanes of all trails, the Oval, the soccer field, and the Sledding Hill. The base is firm, and fast despite the cold temps. We have 100% coverage, however it is a thin base and remains uneven, and "rolly" in spots. We need snow to change that. The Classic tracks are 90% intact, firm, and very skiable; The only washouts are on a few downhill turns, which are easily skied out of the track. Again, we need more snow to re-set a track. Absent fresh snow, this frigid weather is a blessing, as it is preserving the snow that we have. We are open 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Saturday, and will keep the Chalet Open until Quarter Past Midnight on Sunday, for those hearty souls wanting to ski into 2018. Thank you for supporting Snowflake. Happy 2018!

(John Graham)

5K and 10 K Trails were regroomed for Skating late this afternoon. The base is firm, and reported fast by skiers. Still shallow and uneven, some rocks close to the surface, so B skis are recommended. The classic tracks, set last weekend, are still 90% intact, and well skied-in, with the expected washouts on some of the tighter turns. We can not reset the classic tracks until we get more snow, so everyone, especially skate skiers and members with dogs, needs to be mindful and considerate of the classic track. The "holes" noted by John Bogen earlier are actually dog-tracks; an owner either allowed, or could not prevent, his/her dog from running all over the classic track, on both trails! Sad. Members are reminded that taking dogs on our trails is a privilege, not a given, and that we maintain the trails for skiers, first and foremost. Let's do better. We are open 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

(John Graham)

I classic skied Jane's 5K twice in temperatures around -10F. Snow was quite good. Soft, powdery, and firm in the tracks. Tracks were in fair condition. The tracks are a little wobbly, wide, and have a lot of holes. But very skiable and fun. There was just a small amount of drifting in of the tracks in the usual (windswept) areas by the biathlon area. Not a problem.

(John Bogen)

This evening we re-groomed the Skate lane of the 5K and 10K trails, and the Oval. The new snow has been well skied-in today, and is packed and fast. Portions of the trail remain uneven, but the remedy for that is more snow. I recommend B-skis due to the thin base, but many skiers today used "good" skis, without damage. I Classic skied the 5K today and, thanks to traffic and cold temps, the track has firmed-up and was fast. even the few bare spots had frozen-over and could be skied across. So, we set a Classic track on the 10K tonight, which should firm-up by morning. We did not re-track the 5K: the existing track is very skiable, with only a few washed-out turns. So, Snowflake has all trails open, and groomed for Skate and Classic skiing.
We are open 8 a.m. - 9 p.m on Saturday; 8 a.m. - 6 p.m on Sunday; and Open to Members and their Guests from 8 - 8 on Christmas Day. Enjoy the Christmas holiday!

(John Graham)

Skied the 5k classic track. Bare in spots but it's so nice to have tracks! Skated the flat ~75 yard loop (teaching my daughter). I peeked at the 10k and I believe it was only groomed for skating. Beautiful day out there!

Photos:

(Tammy Davis)

We picked-up 3" of dry, fluffy snow last night. All trails were compacted and groomed this morning. The fluff packed into a soft base, with 100% trail coverage, but still a bit uneven and thin in spots. B Skis recommended. We set a Classic track on the 5K/Special K and on the Oval track. The track walls are soft, and the track base is thin, but it's the best we can do with this snow, at this time. We did not set a track on the 10K, because the result would not justify the effort at this time, but Classic skiers are welcome to ski the Right Side of the 10K trail. Member-owned dogs are permitted on the trails at this time, however owners must keep their dog in sight and under control at all times. We are open til 8 tonight, and 8 a.m.-9 p.m tomorrow and Saturday. We will close at 6 p.m. on Sunday, and the chalet will be closed on Christmas day, although the trails will be open to Members Only.

(John Graham)

Out for a mid morning ski after the groomers finished both the 5 and 10 k. Very good early season conditions, some bumps and stubble but overall great skate deck! No classic tracks yet, hoping a few more snows will change that.

(Erik Blow)

Thursday provided several inches of nice powder for the groomers to groom. Nice to ski on real snow. Only a skating deck... no classic tracks set yet. A few leaves and a little bumpy yet, but fun ski!

(Mike Flynn)

Both the 5K and 10K trails are groomed for Skate Skiing. Lovely! Not enough snow to set a classic track, but classic skiers are welcome and encouraged to ski the right side of the trails. We're open til 8 tonight. Bring a headlamp for night skiing.

(John Graham)

Arrived at 7:30 this morning, hoping to groom a skate lane on the new snow, but we did not receive enough to put a skiable base over the ice and exposed dirt. Watched one hard-core member try an ski the 5K, but she returned for snowshoes after 5 minutes; skis were just sliding on the ice cap. So, we continue to wait for a groomable snowfall. Our equipment stands ready, the trails are clear, and we will open - and posting on Skinnyski - as soon as nature allows.

(John Graham)