With conditions deteriorating and rain in the forecast, we decided it's time to wind down the ski season. We closed the Warming House and closed the trail gates to keep motorized vehicles off during the spring thaw. You may continue to ski or snowshoe on the trails as long as there's snow, which there is still a base of on most trails. I skied for awhile and found it skiable despite the lack of a freeze last night.

Photos:

(Louis Muench, CASTA)

Skied past the cabin and around the engagement Loop and took the alternative Trail back. The engagement Loop was skiable but did have a lot of debris down. The alternative Trail had been cleared and was much easier to ski. Grooming was great and it was a nice opportunity to be out on the trails. There still appears to be good snow cover and no bare spots.

(Sarah K Hamilton)

I skied three laps around the Alternative Trail this morning to complete the 21 K virtual Ukraine Charity Loppet. I hit the window just right and it was amazing fast and fun spring ski conditions. It doesn't get much better than this in my opinion. There's no shortage of snow at the moment, but the thaw is in progress and conditions will depend on temperature and time.

Photos:

(Louis Muench, CASTA)

A fresh coating of snow and temps in the mid 30s slowed down glide, but conditions are very nice and firm on the groomed loops. Every person I saw was smiling! Some tree debris but otherwise great.

Photos:

(Louis Muench, CASTA)

A big thank you to the volunteers that helped get some trails open after the ice storm! We cleared and groomed the following trails: Alternative Trail, Short Loop, and Cervenka's Curl. I switched over to skis and tried it out. Conditions on these trails are good! You will notice some sticks littering the trail, but everything big is cleared. This is about 11 km of trail with good skiing at the main trail system.

Photos:

(Louis Muench, CASTA)

Trails are not groomed. There is extensive tree damage from the ice storm. We received a few inches of snow after the ice. This would be nice if groomed, but it's impassable for grooming equipment at this time. Some are classic skiing or snowshoeing, but use caution as it's like a maze in some areas.

Photos:

(Louis Muench, CASTA)

Conditions are good for classic and skating. Some areas are hard-packed but a light coating of new snow provides control. The Alternative Trail was freshly groomed today and has excellent conditions. Get out there while it lasts!

Photos:

(Louis Muench, CASTA)

A cold night and a very warm day (37F) meant trails were hard in the morning, then turned soft after noon. My waxable skis got me nowhere, but a change to waxless proved a good idea. According to notes in the warming hut, trails had been groomed Sunday and seemed to be holding up well. The alternative trail (mixed use) was lovely, not too torn up by dogs or snowshoes. Lovely day for spring skiing! I would have needed a bit of fresh snow before daring Diggins Dragons, but other skiers were fearlessly skating them.

(Madeline Uraneck)

In the morning I skate skied the outer loop going clockwise. Trails were icy and fast in morning but as temperatures warmed the trail got softer and my skiing got slower. Nice tracks when I switched to classic skis in the afternoon; I did the alternate trail, and F to J. Very good snow coverage.

(Deanna Letts)

Hats off to the Timberland groomers for outstanding conditions! Perfect classic tracks and a beautiful solid skate deck. They sure were on top of that new snow, and this trail system is well worth planning a stop at on your way to or from Hayward. Be sure to bring some cash for the donation box - this kind of grooming needs our support.

Photos:

(Deb Diggins)