Snow transformation, and a lot of skier use, helped out today. Running three sleds, the roller/compactor, and two Ginzus, we compacted, groomed, and set a classic track on the 5K (minus). " Minus, because we attempted but were not able to get through the Biathlon Loop... spent an hour trying, and winching the sleds out of the deep snow on an uphill grade. But the rest of the 5K is lovely, and includes our 3K Lighted Loop. So, enjoy! Grooming plans: the groomers are exhausted and will take Sunday off, perhaps to ski themselves. On Monday morning we will begin work on Special K, and maybe another try on the Biathlon Loop. The 8K is open for backcountry skiing or snowshoeing. We'll start work on those segments once the 6K (5K+Special K) are finished. Thanks to our members for their patience and cheery encouragement. We are open 8 am-9 pm.

Photos:

(John Graham)

Took three sleds around the 5K trail six times, with frequent stops to cut and clear downed or overhanging trees. So, we have a "sled-compacted" 5K trail open to skiers. The base remains very soft. Grooming plans: We'll resume work on the 5K tomorrow morning, with a goal of getting the Ginzus around it, and setting a classic track. After that, we start clearing and compacting the Special K. Back-country skiers or snow-shoers are welcome to slog around the 8K.

Photos:

(John Graham)

We've got 24" of damp snow up here, and it is slow-going with our sleds, and no way to pull a ginzu yet. Grooming plans: we are going to enter the 5k now, 3 sleds, so I'll update as we make progress.

Photos:

(John Graham)

At this moment the wind is picking up and Weather Underground is forecasting heavy snow through Friday. Grooming plans: We are closed through Thursday, at least, and will begin trail recovery as the weather allows on Thursday night or Friday morning. With our grooming equipment (sleds and Ginzus) recovery may mean many runs with the sleds-only, to compact the snow enough to get the roller and Ginzus around the trail, for their multiple runs. This will take time. I have three sleds ready to go. We will recover and re-open, in order, the 5K, the Special K, the Perimeter Loop, and then the remainder of the 8K. A few days. I will keep the phone message update our phone message and update our Skinnyski reports as we progress. The photo is "Wiggles" after yesterday's grooming.

Photos:

(John Graham)

First local "meditative" ski of the year where it was possible to zone out and enjoy, and not be constantly watching ski placement due to uncertain terrain. Quite fast given the temperature of just over freezing. The trail was firm without being slick or icy at all. A few deeper grooves especially on downhills where skiers must have skied during warmer conditions, but these spots are easily avoided. The 6K did not seem to have seen that much more use than the 8K. Jumping in the tracks on the 6K (no tracks on the 8K), they felt a little icy and jarring relative to the very nice skate conditions.

(Sara Zimmer)

Wet/warm conditions today made the snow and tracks a little soft but the entire 6k loop was groomed with no grass or rocks to worry about. A big "thank you" to the groomers for working so hard to maintain classic tracks.

(Matthew Henderson)

We received 3-4" of damp snow through this morning. We compacted all trails with four Ginzu runs, and set a new classic track on the 6K. With the forecast, I decided not to spend the time and gas setting a track on the 8K, but classic skiers are welcome to ski the right side of the trail. Kudus and thanks to our member dog-owners for skiing and keeping your dogs on trail-left; that really helps preserve the classic track. The 3K lighted loop will be on, every night, until 9 pm.

(John Graham)

Fresh snow. Not groomed yet but enjoyed tracks set by previous skiers on 8k. Slow at the moment but deck and track will likely pack nicely. Surprisingly not that many people out this afternoon.

Photos:

(Javariah Asghar)

Surprisingly good conditions. Only a few small spots without adequate snow coverage. Classic tracks were a little shallow but definitely skiable and in good condition considering the limited snow we have gotten so far.

(Matthew Henderson)

Winter Bonanza! Full snow coverage! Skied part of 8k, Stadium, through the woods and some offshoots. Ground isn't too far away but very enjoyable skiing. Classic track is intact 99%; a few washouts but one can manage. Just a handful of spots with grass trying to poke through. Lights are a welcome addition! Thank you, Snowflake! Thank you, Groomers!

(Javariah Asghar)