Sadly, I missed a day of skiing yesterday on the Trails due to an injury. I share this because my ski today was pathetically slow - and I want to be clear: that's on me, not the tracks. But here's the silver lining. Moving at a snail's pace forced me to notice things I'd normally glide right past. The trails were a bit crusty from yesterday's cold snap, and on rare occasion just a touch icy - though I only made it as far as Junction 18 and back, so take that with a grain of salt. Yesterday's wind did bring down some debris, but nothing alarming in the areas I covered. The temperature was a crisp 14°F, and I opted for my waxable skis. Despite my humbling condition, it was still a day outside on snow - and that's never a bad thing. Hope you can get out and enjoy the trails during this extended winter we've been gifted!

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

Really nice classic conditions and beautiful trails. The snow was on the soft side, given all the recent snow, but I'd rather have that than ice. The trail network and grooming job are really impressive. I saw a handful of other folks out there, but the tracks were essentially pristine.

(Will Daniels)

Today was nothing short of a skiing miracle - and yes, I said miracle. The kind of day you replay in your mind long after the snow melts. After 10 to 12 glorious inches of fresh snow blanketed everything on Friday, Saturday was spent in noble service - packing trails and wrestling down blowdowns, setting the stage for something special. And special it was. Today, Joe worked his magic, tracking every single trail to perfection, leaving behind conditions that can only be described as absolutely astounding - the kind that make you stop mid-glide just to take it all in. None of this happens without the right people. A massive, heartfelt thanks to Joe and Doug, whose hard work and dedication made this day possible. With temperatures sitting at a crisp 22 degrees and only a moderate breeze, the winter boreal forest was in full, breathtaking glory - cold enough to feel alive, calm enough to stay out for hours without a second thought. Do yourself a favor: get out there. The trails are waiting, the forest is stunning, and days like this don't come around often. We were lucky enough to live it today - you should be next.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

After 10 to 12 inches fell yesterday, we were able to get all the trails packed. I skied over the packed trails using my waxless skis, it wasn't a fast glide, but it was smooth and no slipping off to the side. The forest was simply stunning today with all the fresh powdery snow. Packing the trails with Doug went well; we cleared two large pines and several smaller balsams.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

Two hours of skiing on fast hard crusted snow with about two feet of base. It was loud, but fun to slide fast. Some of the debris has reappeared since yesterdays melt. Classic spring ski day.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

The intent of the outing today was to remove a few blowdowns near Junction 18, but after doing this, we decided to ski the outer western trail to the shelter and back. We cleared several more trees along the way. The 40-plus-degree day made for a slow glide, but not so slow it was frustrating. We really enjoyed the spring-like ski with the sun and whatever glide we could get. Meanwhile, Mary skied the eastern trails around and near Flathorn Lake and discovered more blowdowns. So if you're headed that way, expect a few workarounds.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

It was a pleasant surprise to be skiing on 1" of new snow that held a lofty condition while in full sun and 29 degree temperatures. The tracks benefited from new snow, covering up all the debris. Tracks were easy to distinguish but not freshly groomed. It was a fantastic spring skiing afternoon.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz)

40-degree ski afternoon on trails that were soft in spots but mostly decent glide using waxless skies. Surprisingly, the debris was visible, but it must be melting into the track because I didn't experience the jerky slide that comes with having your skis stop in mid-stride. Beautiful sunny day to be in the forest regardless of spring skiing temps.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

Skied out with the poke and chainsaw to remove a large aspen on the main trail. It was 30 degrees, and the tracks were fast despite debris on the track. I used waxless skis.

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

Debris on the tracks is still a problem; using waxless skis helped. The glide was better than Sunday's ski; the debris must be settling into the track. It was a mixed slide due to some areas being soft from the sun and warm temps, and others being really fast, with a bit of a glaze over the track bed. We skied the wetland trails on a 32-degree day with the sun shining.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)