Well, the ski conditions today were much better than my expectations were anticipating. About 2 inches of heavy snow fell last night and into today covering the tracks. But while not a fast ski, the snow did not stick to my wax-able skies and slid easily through the newly fallen snow. If you pick a not-so-sunny part of the day the stick factor seems to be tolerable. Spring skiing with over 3 feet of base has arrived.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

Amazing day skiing around lakes and through the woods on wonderfully groomed trails. I especially appreciated the maps at every intersection we came to. A few slick spots around flathorn lake but pretty minimal. One downhill area required a short walk on the side of the trail as it was a bit steep. You can see in the photo just how deep the snow is as only half a leg is shown above the snow. The eastern loop section with three river crossings was pristine! We skied a little faster when we saw the huge claw marks in the track. See pic.

Photos:

(Karla Anderson)

All trails groomed - track set - this afternoon. We have a cold night coming so the tracks should set up nicely. Base has grown up to about 2 1/2 feet minimum now. With the big snow dump we had last week and logistics of getting packing and grooming done, we have ended up with narrower widths to the trails than we would like - in other words, the trails are just the width of our groomer. The only places this will pose a challenge is on the hills where it will be a little narrow to snowplow or herring bone. So, until we widen trails, consider taking your skis off to walk down the bigger hills.

Photos:

(Mary Shedd, Friends Of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

Spring skiing has arrived. After 10 inches of pretty light snow on Saturday, our groomers were able to pack all the trails on Sunday. We tried to then set track later in the day and due to soft snow in one area of the trail, the snowmachine got stuck and had to postpone tracking of the remainder of the trails. We did go on a nice long ski on the packed trails and experienced true spring conditions. Sometimes it was a reasonable glide and other times it was sticking to the bottom of the skies regardless if there were waxless or waxable skis. However, the waxable skis seem to perform much better. The dogs loved the conditions because the packed trail was perfect for them to stay on top without too many difficulties. All of us still enjoyed being outdoors on a beautiful winter sunny day. Grooming plans: We hope to set track on Wednesday.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

Trails are not groomed, though there is a firm base under new snow. Over the last few days we have gotten 12-15" of new snow. Soonest we can get out to pack and trackset is Sunday. This could be the weekend to get out on your touring skis or even snowshoes and slow down, break trail and have a sense of wilderness and quiet. Bring your dogs! (And clean up after them!).

(Mary Shedd, Friends Of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

I enjoyed 8 to 10 inches of new powdery snow in 20-degree temps while taking a long ski with good friends. Trails were not groomed and at times completely undetectable but the base was solid and the slow but beautiful trudge through the newly fallen snow was well worth it. We plan on grooming the trails on Tuesday.

(Nancy Schultz)

This weekend brought 6" or more of fluffy new snow. It has blanketed the tracks, though they are still discernible, and beautifully frosted the trees. Skiing is slow, quiet, soft. Some skiers have been out, so there are segments that are skier-tracked. Grooming plans: Trails will be packed and groomed before next weekend.

Photos:

(Mary Shedd, Friends Of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

Last grooming was a week ago - and with very little snowfall since then, the trails won't be freshly groomed again till after the next snowfall. Over the last three days I have skied most of the trail system, and here is what I have found: Trail conditions are generally very good, in part because the temps have not gotten above freezing for more than a few hours a day, and in part because there has been low usage. The base is still almost 2' deep. There is very little debris on trails. The green trails (easier and flatter) are very good - well set, only occasionally icy. The blue (moderate) and black trails (difficult/hilly) are mostly also very good, however there are more frequent icy spots. Don't be shy about taking your skis off to walk down some of these icier hills! Also, tracks on the hills or bottom of curves are a little "messy" - from snowplowing, herringbone ascents, and skiing out of the tracks.

Photos:

(Mary Shedd, Friends Of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

Skied portions of both the west and east trails - all in very good shape, well-groomed. In spite of temps in upper 30s, the tracks are mostly well-shaded, so they stayed cold and relatively hard. I think we will get through these warmer days without the trails icing up. As always... beautiful out there!

(Mary Shedd, Friends Of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

All trails groomed this afternoon. Tracks well-set in the 4-6" of new light dry snow since previous grooming last Friday. No litter or debris on trails.

(Mary Shedd, Friends Of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)