The Wednesday snow brought 5-6” of dry powder. With our base still soft from last week’s 16”, we began compacting during the storm, and made multiple Ginzu passes as the snow eased. The 6K is now groomed with a soft skate deck and a new classic track (pictures). The 8K was compacted but not groomed today. Better for back-country classic than skating, due to sled tracks and blown drifts. Grooming plans: We will regroom the 6K deck on Thursday, and skate groom the 8K. If the cold doesn’t deter us, we will also set track on the 8K. Be warned that Snowflake KidSki begins on Sunday, 9 Jan, between 1:30-3:30. Ski rentals will be difficult during that time, and our parking lots will be crowded. The chalet area and 6K will be busy with 75 young skiers, plus coaches and parents. Facemasks will be required inside the chalet during that time.

Photos:

(John Graham)

Good, fast ski at Snowflake this afternoon. Skied lower loops and part of 8k. Classic tracks were firm and fast, not laid yet on early part of 8k that I accessed. My ski landed in dog poo near Pine Grove but thank goodness for frozen water everywhere to clean with! :P Skate deck was packed, deep.

(Javariah Asghar)

Classic skied the entire system. As stated, the 8 K loop was not tracked but there was a well-packed base. Base was nice and firm with this cold weather. 5K + special K tracks were still in good shape. We had the 8 K all to ourselves - it seems like the superior of the two loops for skating.

(Sara Zimmer)

Classic skied Jane's 5K plus Special 1K. Tracks solid, well used, and firm. Great snow coverage. Skate deck solid and well used. Good to see a lot of usage at Snowflake.

Photos:

(Ken Kuznia)

The 6K is groomed for skate and classic skiing. The base is transforming, and firmer each day. I skied the classic track last night and despite lots of use, it was in excellent condition and beautifully laid. The skate deck is well used, but in good shape. We will clean it up on Monday morning. Lots of work on the 8K yesterday, and it is now groomed for skating. Predictably soft, but excellent. Classic skiers may ski the right or left side of the 8K until we set a track next week. The 1M lighted loop was a delight to ski last night. Scheduling: Due to frigid forecast temps on Saturday and Sunday, the main floor of the chalet will be closed, and no rentals will be available. Yes, we are discouraging novice skiers from going out in dangerous temps. The basement door will remain open for members who decide to ski anyway, and need a place to dress or thaw-out. We are open til 8 pm tonight, and will be open 8-8 all next week. Happy New Year!

(John Graham)

Finally, I can recommend “Good Skis”! Our trails picked-up another 4-5” of powder yesterday. This morning we compacted the 6K, groomed a skate deck, and set a new classic track. Trails are smooth and wide, the base is soft and will remain soft as the snow won’t transform quickly in these cold temps. The classic track is beautiful, but soft, and will improve as it is skied-in. The 8K has 4” of powder over the base that we compacted and groomed yesterday -- no grooming there today, as the crew were frozen after doing the 6K. The 8K is open to those wanting a backcountry experience, and we’ll work on it tomorrow. Rentals will be available 10-5 on Thursday, and 9-5 on Friday.

Photos:

(John Graham)

Did the 6k loop a couple of times during a fairly heavy snowfall. Skate deck had about 2” of soft snow on a solid base. Very skateable and fun. Classic track was set and appeared to be in good shape. Many smiles on the trail. Thanks John and Jim and any others who packed and groomed.

(Gordon Mesedahl)

Full disclosure: All trails are open, but only the 6K has been groomed, and there is no classic track at this time.
We got 10-12” of snow, and while we started compacting in the morning, the snow kept coming. We did multiple compacting runs on the 6K and then groomed a skate deck. It is soft, and untransformed. We did not set a classic track due to winds and blowing snow. Classic skiers may ski-in a track on either side of the trail. We did 6 compacting runs (sleds only) on the 8K. It can be skied with classic skis, but will be challenging to skate. Tomorrow morning we will re-groom the 6K deck and set a classic track before noon. Grooming plans: With snow in the forecast, we will not groom the 8K until after the snow. Rentals available 9-5 on Tuesday, 11-5 on Wednesday-Friday due to forecast frigid morning temps.

Photos:

(John Graham)

We have not groomed since Tuesday, as we decided that the machines would do more damage than benefit to our thin base. Trails have seen a lot of use, but remain 99% covered, and skiers report “good, for the conditions”. Our weekend plan follows: Snowflake will be open on Friday. On Saturday/Christmas Day, the trails will be open, but the chalet will be locked-up and no rental gear available. On Sunday we will be open. We have three machines ready to compact and groom on Monday any new snow that might fall this weekend. Winter has come! Merry Christmas from the Groomers.

Photos:

(John Graham)

Great to be back out at Snowflake, definitely glad I used my rock skis. Snow is thin and there are some bare spots but overall pretty good coverage. The 10k loop was in better shape than the 5k. The Lappi Lap was really nice and worth a few repeats!

Photos:

(Mari Hardel)