100% of the trails were packed yesterday and about 75% of trails were trackset today. The groomed trails mostly on the east and north. And included segments around Flathorn. Grooming conditions were quite challenging with the warming snow and some equipment problems, but we think there will be fun skiing regardless. If anyone gets out there this weekend we hope you will post on skinnyski.

(Mary Shedd, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

With over a foot of fresh new fluffy snow, we packed today. Grooming plans: Tomorrow morning we will track set. We plan to have the trails groomed for the weekend. Should be beautiful weekend to make up for lost time! Stand by.

(Mary Lawler Shedd)

Nope! Sorry to report the lack of adequate snow, but with weekend coming up we thought we should let folks know.... There is still some skiable snow on the trails, but there are too many gaps, roots, rocks, and ground cover for even the most inveterate rock-skier. We do, however, welcome hikers to the trails. Take advantage of these unusual conditions to get out onto the lovely trails for decent hiking. Dogs welcome.

(Mary Shedd, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

Well, the big melt is occurring, we still have 5 to 7 inches of snow on the trail. Now hard-packed but skiable with rock skis. Plenty of folks are making the most out of the marginal snow quality we have.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

Our 8 inches of snow is sinking due to warm temps, however, our ski felt like there was plenty of cover to feel at ease going down hills without hitting rocks. We recommend rock skis in case there are indeed rocks out there that might pose a problem. There are lots of whips in areas but they are thin and don't cause any drag unless you are in wetlands where the Labrador Tea plants are thick.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

Snow conditions were good today, our 8 inches or so is packed to a very firm 3-inch base. We did not run into any rocks, though we still recommend rock skis in case. There are lots of whips in areas but they are thin and don't cause any drag unless you are in the wetlands where the labrador tea is thick. Strange season indeed.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

First grooming - We sent the snow machine out to pack the trails after an estimated 8-inch base of snow fell over the past couple of days. The snow isn't deep enough to set tracks yet but since it isn't that deep, the setting of tracks as you go and skiing on the packed trail is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon in the forest. Rocks are still exposed in some areas and the wetland trails are undulating.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

We were hoping for more snowfall, but have to settle for 3.5 inches. Trails are ungroomed. This was our first ski of the season. Started on Lake Gegoka and then moved onto the trail system and found it easy to set my track because the snow wasn't that deep. Grooming plans: We will wait until there are at least 6 inches before packing of the trails occurs.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

Walked out to trail post #19 from Boat Landing on Gegoka Lake. 2 to 3 inches of snow has fallen since Friday. We likely could have skied it but it was debatable so we opted to hike.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

Though Isabella may be among the first and last to have good skiing, we are in the same boat as the rest the State. No snow. But a lot of local skiers are instead enjoying the miles of bug-free hiking!

(Mary Shedd, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)