We enjoyed excellent skiing at Snowflake this morning. The groomers worked late into the night to give us a few more great days of skiing before the storm comes (thanks guys!). Everything is groomed for skate, and a fresh track was set on the 6k loop.

(Tom MacDonald)

Skied both the 6K and 8K loops. The 6K track was much better for classic skiing as it seemed base was softer and tracks more skied in. The 8K loop skate deck and tracks were much harder and icier and more difficult to kick on even with klister.

Photos:

(Ken Kuznia)

This morning we had three Ginzus going, and set a classic track on the Special K trail and Biathlon Loop. Thus, the 6K is groomed for skate and classic. We then moved onto the 8K, which was compacted, groomed, and got a classic track (photos). We're open 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Each day. Our final KidSki session happens this Sunday, and the chalet area and parking lots will be very busy between 1:30-3:30. Nice to have winter temps back!

Photos:

(John Graham)

Our trails came out of the 5 days of warm temps, 1/2" of rain, then 1" of wet snow, in decent shape thanks to the deep base and adherence to Spring Hours. Gusty winds this morning helped to dry the trails enough that we took the Ginzus out this afternoon to survey the damage. Other than a lot of wind debris, the main challenge was undermining of the base by the rain. In many areas the deck collapsed under the weight of the groomers. We ran the 6K six times with two groomers, and ended up with a well-compacted trail, with a few ruts and crumbly spots. We then set a new classic track on the "Janes 5K" portion of the 6K; did not set track on Special K because the sled was overheating afte 4 hours dragging the Ginzu through packed snow. The 8K has not been surveyed/groomed yet, but it is open to skiers. Grooming plan: Thursday morning we will compact and (hopefully) groom the 8K . If it goes well, we will set a classic track on Special K. We will try to set track on the 8K on Friday. We're open 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. every day and the 3K lighted loop is on 6-9 p.m. Please sign-in at the Chalet before skiing.

Photos:

(John Graham)

It 9 pm and 35 degrees and raining. We've had 8 hours or rain and temps in the mid-30's today. The trails are soaked and soft. We will be closed to all activity on Wednesday. Snowfall is uncertain, but we must let the trails dry-out and freeze up before we begin to restore and groom them. We'll post updates as we progress, but stay away until we re-open, please.

(John Graham)

Timing is everything with 'spring' skiing- as that is what it is currently. I got out there right after John groomed everything to fast, flat, transformed snow perfection. I am posting mostly just to say thanks to John for getting out there early and grooming everything. Service like this, is exactly why Snowflake is one of the best in the Twin Ports and beloved by the ski community. Lots of great skiing left, as they have a massive base yet. Enjoy!

(Tom Heinitz)

Due to warm temps Snowflake will be on "Spring Hours" beginning Saturday, and probably thru Tuesday. Chalet and trails will be Open 7 a.m.-Noon, Closed Noon-5:30, Open 5:30-9 p.m. KidSki will go, as planned on Sunday, with activity limited to the chalet area and athletic field. We're preserving the trails for the return of winter.

(John Graham)

We delayed grooming today because we were hosting an elementary school "sledding day" on one of the trails, and had a planned recovery/ re-grooming when it was done. Also wanted set new track going into the evening cool-down so it will set-up. So, this afternoon we re-groomed the 6K, then set a new classic track ( photos). We then repaired and re-groomed the 8K and set new track on the 8K, where the sledding took place. "Thank you" to our member dog owners for complying with the warm weather restrictions. As a result, we came through this warm-up in good shape. Looking forward: We will be open Friday 8 a.m.-9 p.m. with no dog restrictions (Only members may ever bring dogs on our trails). Saturday thru Monday afternoon temperatures are forecast warm, I anticipate going to Spring Hours on those days, if the forecast proves accurate. Spring Hours would be 7 a.m. - Noon, Closed from Noon -6 p.m., then open again from 6-9 p.m. If we go to Spring Hours I will post immediately on Skinnyski, our Instagram and our phone recorded message. Check before you come up.

Photos:

(John Graham)

I got to the trail around 9:30 am and was a little surprised that they had not re-groomed last night or early this morning with the warm temps yesterday. Surprisingly though, the trails were in great shape with very little ice or transformed/rutted areas. Really the only crusty, icy parts were the south facing hills but very skiable. The rest was nice- flat, fast, really fun skiing. As per usual, the 8K was better skiing, so I mostly stuck to doing laps on that. Their base is deep, so plenty of good skiing left this year as John and crew typically groom until its gone. Thanks Snowflake!

(Tom Heinitz)

We picked-up 3-4" of sticky snow last night. This morning we groomed all of our skate decks, then set a new classic track on the 8K (photos). It lis nice, but needs to do a freeze/thaw cycle to firm-up. The classic track on the 6K had already been skied in since the snowfall, and is still decent, so we left it until after this warm weather passes. Warm temps, full sun, and soft snow mean no dogs starting today and through Wednesday. Lights will be on til 9 pm.

Photos:

(John Graham)