I had an amazing ski with my best friend this afternoon at Silver Mine. Craig did a great job with first grooming, a few small twigs popping up but otherwise great skiing. The hills are tough but the views are totally worth it. I plan to get a pass and maybe volunteer, this area has great potential for man made trails.

(Paul Schoening)

A crew came out and cleared trails yesterday and gave it a once over groom. It was a bit soft and a little lumpy in spots when I first started. However, one of the guys came out and started grooming while I was there to help set it up for the cold, and really smoothed it out and packed it, which made for really nice skiing! There's still some debris throughout the trail, and I did my best picking that up, but recommend B skis for some of the stuff sticking through the snow and the thin spots on one of the hills and a small area at the base of one of the hills. Another inch or two may cover that up, or I'll get back out here with my shears to lop it down so they aren't through the snow anymore. Still, not too shabby of a turn around to get these trails ready to go for folk! I had a lot of fun climbing the hills and going around the trails!
Word of caution: Parking and the driveway may be a bit snowy for some vehicles. If you are at all worried about getting stuck, I would suggest driving around to the dead end, and either park on the road or the lot across from Silvermine; you can cut through the field until you run into one of the outer trails- you can't miss it. This is also good for when the main gate is closed and you want to be somewhat close to the trails. Trails were also extended into the field next to the main gate, so even parking there now, and walking up and to the trail in the field to the left will be an option. We're looking into getting the drive plowed as soon as we can.

Photos:

(Tiffany Miller)