This morning we groomed all of the skate decks. Wednesdays temps and humidity had compacted our 30" base a bit, and the fresh powder groomed up real nice. Then, we compacted and reset the 6K classic track, pushing the lead Ginzu as far right as possible, to compact the pole plant on the right side. We set a classic track through the Biathlon Loop, but the left turn at the bottom of the long hill is still a challenge. The 8K classic track was intact and firm, and just needed to be skied-in. On Sunday, 15 Jan, our KidSki program will happen from 1:30-3:30. 124 budding Olympians, plus the coaches and parents, will make the chalet area and parking lots very crowded. Day rentals will not be available from 1:00-4:00. Most of the 6K and the 8K will see little impact once you get 1/2 Km out on the trails. A reminder to visitors that only Snowflake Season Members may bring dogs on our trails.

Photos:

(John Graham)

Superb Snowflake was at its best today. My first ski through all trails was a little fluff on top of a firm base (8K a bit softer) and then the grooming crew (AKA John and Jim) came through and combed the skate deck to perfection. Sublime conditions, enough said. Thanks Snowflake and Mother Nature for this (so far) awesome ski season.

(Tom Heinitz)

This morning we took the compactor and 2 Ginzus to the 8K trail, compacted it again, then groomed the skate deck and set a classic track. The base is still soft, tracks are fragile, and the 8K is closed to members' dogs until tomorrow. The 6K has a firmed-up deck and classic track, set yesterday. Our KidSki program begins on Sunday at 1:00 pm. With 120 participants our rental ski inventory will be depleted, so we will not have rental equipment available, noon-4 pm, for the next six Sundays. The chalet and nearby trail segments will be crowded, but the 8K will see little impact during KidSki. Best bet, ski Sunday morning, or after 4 pm.

Photos:

(John Graham)

We had three sleds, two Ginzus and the roller/compactor going this morning to handle the 6-7" of new powder. All trails were sled packed, then the ginzus went out and groomed a skate deck and new classic track on the 6K. Skiers reported a beautiful track. I took the compactor to the 8K, did 6 runs with the compactor, and groomed a decent skate deck, start to finish. ( photos are the 8K in work). We also set a training track on the athletic field and cleared, compacted, groomed and set a classic track on the Kids'Loop. So everything is open and groomed! A reminder that only Snowflake Season Members may bring their dogs on the property. Guests and day-pass visitors may not. Member dog owners are asked not to bring their dogs on the day that we groom after a snowfall: the track and deck need an overnight to set-up. On Sunday afternoon we begin our six week KidSki program. The chalet and nearby trails will be crowded with 120 "students" plus 35 coach/instructors. 1:00-3:30 will be a bad time for visitors/ski rentals and parking. Members are welcome and the 8K will see little impact from KidSki. Grooming plans: Tomorrow morning we will take the Ginzus through the 8K and set a classic track.

Photos:

(John Graham)

This morning we spent 4 hours running the 8K with the compactor and a Ginzu. Most of the time on the newly opened sections. The entire 8K is now skate groomed, with the new segments softer than the loops we opened last week. The 6K is quite firm, with a well-used, but still good, classic track. The photos are 8K segments going out from Hovland Hill. Grooming plans: We'll deal with whatever comes, grooming the 5K first, followed by Special K, then the 8K. How quickly will depend on what we get.

Photos:

(John Graham)

This morning our friends at Rick's Tree Service brought a Quad-track over and we were able to open the remaining 4K sections of the 8K trail, then do two runs with the ginzu! Those sections are soft and narrow, and we still need to lop the sides, but they are open. All other trail segments were Ginzu groomed this morning, and we have a good classic track on the 6K. We're open 8am-9pm every day.

Photos:

(John Graham)

6k loop is running great including the biathlon course and special K. I got a little lost doing the open sections of the 8k--may or may not have done all that is available and it was just a little softer but plenty fast. Classic track looked good on the 6k--currently absent on the 8k.

(Jedidiah Cuttle)

Skied the 5k, including the biathlon loop and special K. Good conditions with half an inch of new snow from last night on top of groomed trail. Pretty smooth overall despite a few ruts and holes, and there wasn't a ton of tree debris on the trail.

(Sam Doniach)

We now have 10 km of trail cleared and open: the 6K is groomed for skate and classic skiing and is firm and very nice; and we have two portions of the 8K skate-groomed with the compactor, but still too soft/deep to get the Ginzu thru. To access the 3K groomed portion, ski out the 8K Start and follow the grooming. You'll finish at the 6K trailhead. Today we cleared and compactor-groomed a 1.1 K loop around The powerline/Fisketti Junction/Nicolai's Narrows area (photos). Enter off the 6K trail, at the 2K marker/ Perimeter Loop Cut-thru and turn right, then follow the grooming. You'll exit where you entered, then continue the 6K. This "new" loop is very soft, despite 9 runs with 2 sleds and the compactor. Knee deep snow under a 6" crust. The deep snow on the remaining 4K of the 8K trail is stopping our sleds! If anyone would like to snowshoe down the middle of those segments, it will help and speed-up trail recovery. Walk out the 8K return trail, towards Hovland Hill, and tramp out any of the un-groomed trail segments. Loppers are available in the chalet, if you like, but tramping down the snow for our sleds is most appreciated. Saturday night, New Year's Eve, I will keep the 3K Lighted Loop "on" until 1 a. m. for anyone wishing to "ski into 2023". The chalet will be open until 1a. m. Please keep the noise down in the chalet, as our tenant works on Sunday, and take any "beverage containers" home with you. Thanks for a great 2022, and have a healthy, prosperous and happy 2023!

Photos:

(John Graham)

The 6K has been skate groomed every morning and is getting firm, and was reported as fast. The 6K classic track, set on Monday, is well skied-in and still in good shape. Today we managed to open and compact 3Km of the 8K trail! ( Photos) It was compacted with multiple sled and roller/compactor runs, but still too soft to get the Ginzu through. Begin at the 8K Start and just follow the grooming. We are open 8 a. m.-9 p. m., the 3K lighted loop is lit til 9, but we'll leave the lights on until 1 a. m. on New Years Eve in case you want to ski into 2023.

Photos:

(John Graham)