100% base coverage, but too thin to groom with the knives down. Classic tracks are skiable, but worn and icy. Grooming plans: Based on the forecast we will close to skiers at 6 pm on Saturday so that we can commence compacting any new snow. We will groom early on Sunday. The chalet and 6K will open at 10 am, and the 8K will be closed until grooming is complete after that. KidSki session 4 will happen from 1:45-3:30. Due to the large number of KidSki participants, the chalet area and parking lots will be congested during that time, and rental gear unavailable. We'll be open til 8 pm Sunday.

(John Graham)

Coverage is still perfect at Snowflake. Skate trail is hard, and fast. South facing hills and areas where the woods thin out were getting a little icy.

(Tim Bontrager)

Tonight we re-groomed all skate decks, following 2 days of very heavy use. Both trails are 100% covered and we pushed out the left side to give skaters more separation from the classic tracks. The track is 95% intact, some washouts on the turns. Shallow due to snow depth; we considered resetting, but with the 3 day forecast, decided we could not improve what we have. Looking ahead: Tuesday is a No Dog Day, Wednesday is a Member Dog Day. Thursday's East High Invitational has been moved to Spirit My due to our classic track conditions, so we'll be open 8-8 as usual.

Photos:

(John Graham)

Very busy day with more than 200 skiers signing-in. All trails are open, were tracked, and groomed Friday night. KidSki session 3 will be Sunday 1:45-3:45. With 125 kids, plus instructors and parents, the parking will be congested, the chalet and surrounding area crowded, and rentals paused until 3:45. Sunday is a No Dog Day.

(John Graham)

3+ inches of snow overnight! Today we compacted all trails, groomed all skate decks, and set new classic tracks on both the 6K and 8K. It's still soft, untransformed snow, and saw a lot of use today, but the trail is smoothing-out, no exposed rocks, and safe for best skis. Thursday is a "Dog Day" for Season Members. We are open 8-8 everyday and the 3K lighted loop will be lit.

Photos:

(John Graham)

First time at Snowflake and was greeted with 3+ inches of new powdery snow. Skied the 8k loop while groomers ginzu'd the 6 k. Groomed 6 K was great, nice and flat and clean. New track was set as well. 8 k grooming was in process when I left. Snow is dry and cold and slow after the deep freeze of the last few days but was by far the best skiing of the season. Thanks groomers!

Photos:

(Keith Holmquist)

Nice to see 2-3 inches of new snow and above 0 degrees! I skied the 8 k, it wasn't groomed yet but still fun. Groomers finished the 6 k and were heading out the 8 k when I finished. Thank you groomers for getting on this trail right away. Great conditions.

(Joe Medlin)

Variable snow, and trails were mostly well-worn, with what looked like the last grooming multiple days prior. The most variable conditions were closer to the lodge, with greater consistency a few K in on the 6K. Looks like classic tracks were fairly worn or washed out in places, but snow depth was definitely sufficient throughout. Cold and not too fast snow, and a cold ski all around, but happy there was natural snow- not too crowded, with enough hardy souls out there to keep one motivated.

(Pieter DeHart)

A brisk morning for sure but conditions at Snowflake are the best around if you want to ski the natural stuff. It was not as good as the last two days due to being more 'skied in' and, of course, negative temps don't help the glide. Swix Polar seemed to work pretty well though. Coverage is really good. You could use your good skis- only a few dirty areas that are avoidable. I mostly stuck to the 8K, which was a bit softer but also slower. Thanks John and crew for nice conditions in another meager snow year.

(Tom Heinitz)

Due to forecast extreme temperatures, Snowflake hours are as follows: Saturday Jan 18 thru Monday Jan 22, open from 8am-6pm. The trail lights will be off, and we will be closed from 6pm-8am.

(John Graham)