We were just about to put the sleds away for the season! One more chance to play in the snow today. We set track on the green parking lot loops, jct 6-13, 7-8, 13-overlook, 16 down and shelter to 9, parking lot out to 28 and that South loop. A few rocks and a puddle on that loop. Have fun!

Photos:

(Connie Rasmussen)

Fast skiing today, it’s icy and the only nearly bare spot was under a white pine tree near the power line and was easily avoided. A couple of hills in direct sunlight were getting thin with some rock showing up in the tracks, but again were easily avoided. I skied the west trail from jct.1 to 8 then downhill to 7, and 13. 18 to 23 was getting thin near the 23 jct. and by the 8 jct back to 1 jct another thin spot.

Photos:

(George Bekkala)

Well defined track covered gradually all day by light fluffy powder, but worked nicely into the track by a number of skiers. I met an exuberant group of veteran Birkie skiers skiing Big Aspen for the first time and using the area to log their virtual Birkie Race miles. Many happy faces on the trails and in the parking lot. The trails can probably remain very good with out grooming for a long time because of the way they are protected from the sun. The idylic rolling section through the poplars from Junction 28 to 21 could use a significant refresh as two snowmobiles had completely obliterated the track. I think they came in near 28 and completely missed the flashing red lights saying don't even think about it.

Photos:

(Michael Wilke)

I consider Big Aspen to be my "home" trail. Having skied here most of my life, I know these trails like the back of my hand. I believe them to be highly underrated. Today's ski featured a single, perfectly set track and that great single track feel. What a great system!

Photos:

(Mick Dodds, Ski Hut)

Fresh tracks are set! The swamp loop is lumpy and small shrubby so we let that one go this time. Some places were a little more powdery than others, all should set up nice overnight. Hope you can enjoy them soon!

(Connie Rasmussen)

Excellent conditions, well groomed, perfect temperature. Fantastic day of scenery and sunlight. Skied green sections.

(Tracy Cesari)

Groomed and tracked the entire trail system. Just enough new snow to reset the track. Track may be a little shallow on some curves but it should set up nicely in the cold temps.

(Mark Toot)

It's a chilly one out there but grooming went pretty good today. All the little snowfalls are starting to add up and we set track throughout.

(Connie Rasmussen)

Most of these trails, perhaps 80 % of them had a well defined track in which at least an inch or more of newer snow had been worked nicely into the base making for long fast glides and forgiving climbs. Trees glistened at times with diamond like sparkles causing pause and awe of the enlivening silence. Locals are probably used to this version of sublime winter, but I react like someone eating food for the first time without a can opener. The other 20 % of the trails in the far north and west of the complex had been dragged at least once but were covered with 4 inches or more of snow. This part was more like backcountry skiing in the mountains filled with numerous predator and prey tracks displaying the inevitable remains that dinner had been served. I made it back to the truck fully intact, and blissfully tired, rethinking perhaps next time my choice of skinny skis and replacing them with a wider ski if the forest service can no longer track the farther reaches and more dramatic parts of this system. I did see plenty of snow shoe tracks crossing and using this part of the trail, and can certainly understand why someone would seek out this more rugged and panoramic experience.

Photos:

(Michael Wilke)

Skied after a bit of mixed precipitation came through, but conditions were still fluffy if not powder. The tracks were nicely set with plenty of coverage. Beautiful!

(Matt Thill)