Full disclosure: All trails are open, but only the 6K has been groomed, and there is no classic track at this time.
We got 10-12” of snow, and while we started compacting in the morning, the snow kept coming. We did multiple compacting runs on the 6K and then groomed a skate deck. It is soft, and untransformed. We did not set a classic track due to winds and blowing snow. Classic skiers may ski-in a track on either side of the trail. We did 6 compacting runs (sleds only) on the 8K. It can be skied with classic skis, but will be challenging to skate. Tomorrow morning we will re-groom the 6K deck and set a classic track before noon. Grooming plans: With snow in the forecast, we will not groom the 8K until after the snow. Rentals available 9-5 on Tuesday, 11-5 on Wednesday-Friday due to forecast frigid morning temps.

Photos:

(John Graham)

We have not groomed since Tuesday, as we decided that the machines would do more damage than benefit to our thin base. Trails have seen a lot of use, but remain 99% covered, and skiers report “good, for the conditions”. Our weekend plan follows: Snowflake will be open on Friday. On Saturday/Christmas Day, the trails will be open, but the chalet will be locked-up and no rental gear available. On Sunday we will be open. We have three machines ready to compact and groom on Monday any new snow that might fall this weekend. Winter has come! Merry Christmas from the Groomers.

Photos:

(John Graham)

Great to be back out at Snowflake, definitely glad I used my rock skis. Snow is thin and there are some bare spots but overall pretty good coverage. The 10k loop was in better shape than the 5k. The Lappi Lap was really nice and worth a few repeats!

Photos:

(Mari Hardel)

3-4” of fluffy powder fell this morning. We compacted all 14K, using 2 x 2 Ginzus, and then set a classic track on the 6K trail. The fluff compacted to about 1”, so the base is thin, and very soft, but 99% coverage on the skate decks. The track-setter was scraping ground in some segments, and it’s a soft-wall track, but the best we can do. Wind should fill the tracks overnight, and then they just need to be skied-in. We are open, the lighted loop will be on tonight, and things are much nicer than a week ago. Enjoy!

Photos:

(John Graham)

Could be worse, but it’s pretty bad as a result of the warmth, rain, quick-freeze, and winds. Lots of exposed grass and dirt; what’s not exposed is a 1/2” sheath of ice, mostly covered with an inch of dry snow. And lots of debris. Tomorrow we will survey the trails and clear the larger debris. The thin base is not groomable and there is not enough snow to compact, so we must wait for the next snowfall. Don’t be deceived by the apparent snow cover: it’s a thin, dry powder over ice. We remain closed until we get enough snow to groom.

(John Graham)

That December 5th snowfall served us well, but this week’s temps and today’s wet, have done it in. Lots of exposed ground already, and a slushy, thin base. We are closed thru Friday, and will likely be closed until the next groomable snowfall. The chalet will be open for members who want to use the wax room (the door is now unlocked). KidSki sign-up is still available (at our website) due by Dec 31st and won’t deposit checks until the program starts. Be well, Think Snow.

Photos:

(John Graham)

Our trails are beaten-up, the base too thin to groom, but most coverage survived today’s 43 degree high. We will be Spring Hours again on Tuesday: Closed between noon and 4 pm. Members are always welcome to ski before we open at 8, but the chalet may be locked. We will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday. We’ll evaluate the damage once the trails re-freeze, and see what we can do.

(John Graham)

We are operating all trails, Skate and Classic, but with a pretty thin base. Trails have 99% snow cover, but too thin to use the Ginzu knives, so it’s bumpy and a bit icy. We won’t be able to groom or reset tracks until we get more snow. This week’s forecast requires that we go to Spring Hours on Monday: We’ll be open from 8 am - Noon, closed from noon - 4 pm, and open 4 - 8 pm. The lighted loop will be on until closing. Check Skinnyski or call for changes to the Tuesday hours, as this warm-up evolves. The photo is from our Friday night grooming, but we’ve had heavy use this weekend. Think snow!

Photos:

(John Graham)

I got out at sunrise at Snowflake and as pleasantly surprised to have basically first tracks on the 8K. They groomed and very little traffic on the trail. The 6K was more skied-in but still early season good. As always, it is an early season balance challenge at times with the bumps and unevenness of some of the trail but coverage was very good. Use your B skis confidently but watch out for a few rocks/roots here and there. Thank you soooo much to John and crew for turning last weekend's underwhelming 6+" into a very enjoyable ski. Pray for snow!

(Thomas Heinitz)

First time out this season. Very solid early season conditions with no bare spots and very few leaves and twigs. 5 and 10k loops groomed and hard packed with significant waviness on the skate deck. Awesome afternoon.

(David Mortenson)