All trails were compacted and skate-groomed this morning. We set a new classic track on the 6K. The 8K is only skate groomed, but classic skiers may ski the right side. Season Member dog-owners may bring dogs today, but keep them clear of the new classic track. Open til 9 tonight. Looking ahead: on Sunday we will only be open 7 a.m.-Noon, due to forecast afternoon and evening temps. No dogs on Sunday. We are still 100% coverage with a good base. Grooming plans: We'll continue to groom as long as we can get our Ginzus from the garage to the trailhead.

Photos:

(John Graham)

Mixed precip today has left about 1" of new moist, crusty snow on the trails, which will freeze up as temps plummet. Grooming plans: we'll have three groomers out at 8 am tomorrow. Priority to the 6K, we'll groom side-to-side, then set a new classic track. Depending on how that goes, we may skate-groom the 8K, or portions thereof. I'll update the phone message as we proceed. We'll be open from 8am-9pm on Saturday, and Member Dog Owners may bring their dogs. On Sunday, due to forecast temps, we will be open from 7am-noon, and closed to dogs. We'll address next week's hours as conditions develop.

(John Graham)

Bad judgement on my part: the soft decks are vulnerable and yesterday's groomed decks were trashed by dog tracks, many in the classic track. In order to provide decent conditions for skiers, we are closed to all dogs until temperatures and trail conditions provide a solid deck. As the season nears an end, skiers are our priority. The freeze/thaw cycle means we will try to groom prior to 8 am, with priority to the 6K and cleaning up the 8K as we can. We are Spring Hours and no dogs for now.

Photos:

(John Graham)

I arrived at Snowflake early today hoping for fresh transformed snow grooming but not so much. I was skeptical and expecting uneven rutty conditions. There was certainly plenty of that but, overall, conditions were better than expected and the hard, icy, rutted areas improved nicely as the morning warmed. Most of the 8K was better than the 6K but the trail was softer with deeper ruts from yesterday's skiers. There is no classic track on the 8K, so there is a wider groomed skate lane that was less skied-in. I really hope they continue to do regular early morning grooming of the skate deck - as long as we have enough base and below freezing temps (with spring conditions -- it really benefits from daily grooming). I do realize grooming is a lot of work and we are all very fortunate to have such a dedicated grooming crew there that has given us awesome conditions all season. Love spring skiing!

(Thomas Heinitz)

Due to afternoon temperatures and lots of sunshine, Snowflake is going to Spring Hours starting today. 0ur trails will be Open from 7am-Noon, Closed Noon-5:30, then Open 5:30-9pm. The 3K lighted loop will be lit until 9:00. This weekend the desk will be manned for rentals from 8:30-Noon. Presently the 6K is groomed for skate and has a firm classic track. The 8K is groomed for skating. There are no restrictions on Member Dogs.

Photos:

(John Graham)

Timing is everything with spring skiing. I was able to break away for a morning ski today and skated two 6K laps. The first lap was on frozen ungroomed trail and thus a little dicey but manageable. The groomers hit the 6K while I was on lap one. So, lap two was great. They were out on the 8K earlier packing the trail from the fresh snow yesterday. If you can ski in the morning after grooming it is great! The classic tracks were great as I stepped in them on downhills on lap one. Thanks to the groomers for getting out and cutting up the skate deck.

Photos:

(Nic Bacigalupo)

It might take a bit longer for grooming at Snowflake because the guys do numerous packing runs before setting tracks, but the result is perfection! Tracks are even, not too deep, and pole plants are solid. Thanks, groomers!

(Janet Anderson)

As of 1:25pm, there's still good skiing. Classic tracks on the 6K are well-worn but good enough. Skate deck looked good.

Photos:

(Nick Lansing)

Both loops had freshly groomed skate deck and classic track set. Started about noon and the top inch of snow in sun-exposed areas was beginning to soften a bit, but the base remained solid. A beautiful day and enjoyable ski.

(Gordon Mesedahl)

Absolutely perfect skate and classic conditions at Snowflake Tuesday morning. Thanks John and Jim for the early morning groom. High 20s F, bright sunny skies. Pictures show the perfect grooming of yesterday's new snow, that had cooled off last night.

Photos:

(Tim Holst)