Conditions are impressive for October. It feels like January. I would estimate there were 6-7K groomed for skate (the whole 5K loop, plus Special K, plus some of the 10K loop). Skate deck is wavy and undulating, of course, but the coverage is quite good. Used my rock skis but was able to avoid any rocks. Thanks to Snowflake for getting the groomer out!

Photos:

(Peter Coenen)

The transition in snow level going up the hill is remarkable. There is no snow on the ground at Lester, and 6+ inches at Snowflake! While there are many rocks and logs poking out of the snow, they are infrequent and visible enough to be avoided. The trail surface is wavy which makes for a fun balance challenge. There is no excuse to not be out enjoying October snow!

(Karl Holub)

John and Jim groomed Snowflake today. We skied about 1:00 PM and the trail is nice and wide, the skating was very good. A few easily avoided obstacles. Trails should hold for a while. The whole 6 km of the shorter loop + biathalon is groomed, as is a short section of the 8 km loop out by Spaghetti Junction (Fisketti Junction on the sign). Five Subarus in the upper lot again today!

Photos:

(Tim Holst)

Got our Skidoos back this morning, and groomed a skate deck on the 6K trail and about 1 1/2 kms of the 8K, at Fisketti Junction. The Saint Scholastica team put the trails to good use. Not enough snow to set a classic track. Rock skis recommended due to the thin base. Some exposed rock, and areas with leaves on the trail. The chalet and gear rentals are closed right now, so come dressed to ski. Memberships from last season are good til 31 October, and new memberships good once they’re mailed-in. Day Pass visitors can put $10 In the payment slot inside the blue check-in box. Nice to groom and ski in October!

Photos:

(John Graham)

Skier-set classic tracks at Snowflake. 6-8 inches of snow. I heard there was a problem getting grooming equipment out of storage. Loads of fun on the skier-set track. A few wet/icy spots, a few rocks easily avoided. Great to be in the woods, on skis, in October! One pic of the track, and one of 5 Subarus in the parking lot.

Photos:

(Tim Holst)

As of Friday, trails have not been groomed. Nice to get out on skis though. Skied around the 5k loop in tracks that other people had made before us. Definitely use rock skis, as there are some exposed rocks on the trail. Keep the snow coming!

(Jordan Woods, Ski Hut)

We had Snowflake to ourselves! I would say six inches of new snow at Snowflake, a bit over freezing, but not slushy at all. Setting track was slow but then skiing surprisingly good for the next folks. We set a decent track around the 5 k loop, including Special K, and the little biathlon loop. Beautiful in the woods! John and crew have done an excellent job of trail prep, basically nothing down on the trails even with heavy wet snow.

Photos:

(Tim Holst)

The Saturday morning snowfall left 2-3 inches of cover on our trails. Enough for two skiers to dig out their rock skis and enjoy mid-October skiing. The snow is now gone, but this looks like a good omen for the coming season.

Photos:

(John Graham)