Fast conditions today on the rails, but the deck was quite sugary when I found the rails too steep or I needed to pass another skier (or when I stepped out to let someone pass me). All in all, it was great to be out. On skin skis.

(Mike Schowalter)

Great conditions this morning at Hyland, across both classic and skate. Classic tracks were deep, solid, and fast, and even with the expected ice there was still enough fluff to get a grip on the longer and steeper uphills. The lower temps and most recent grooming really helped maintain a fast and high quality skate deck, as conditions remained good while the number of folks on the trails crept up at daybreak. Many thanks to the groomers for their fantastic work!

(Pieter DeHart)

Kudos to the groomers at Hyland as they did miracles with the trail overnight. Mother nature helped with the cold temps but the skate deck was firm and fast this morning. The classic tracks were in incredible conditions and blistering fast on the downhills.

(Scott Greymont)

The snowmaking loop was in good condition except for heavy but dry sugar on the Willow Creek, Scenic Foothills (both ways) and Frog Town climbs. ( The sugar build-up was surpsingly absent from the Boulder Ridge climb.) Despite the conditions, I finally got in my groove and it was my fastest ski of the season despite the slog up those climbs and a brief stop as I neared the top of Boulder Ridge. The Boulder Ridge downhill was clear of any snowplow wake. It was 29 degrees according to Google at my 11:30 arrival with a cold wind shifting arround from north-northwest to west. There was surprisingly light skier traffic. Thanks again to the groomers.

(Keith Carlson)

Skated all the man-made trails early this morning, and was pleasantly surprised at the conditions. Snow conditions were as expected, but was good to experience re-groomed trails throughout. The uphill on a couple of sections was already getting sugary deep on a few climbs by 6:20am, especially on those segments closer to the parking areas. All told was well worth it, and many thanks to the groomers for all the hard work!

(Pieter DeHart)

The man made loop was groomed as good as could be but mother nature has other plans. Between the flat light and mist it was difficult at times to really see the trail contours. The trail would go between icy fast to mushy slow. Talking with others, Boulder ridge was icy and hard. I only went up the foothill and back to frog. That first downhill was a challenge as the lights were out.

(Scott Greymont)

The snowmaking loop was in good condition except for heavy, wet sugar on the climbs. Predictably the Boulder Ridge downhill had a narrow track between the snowplow wake that became rutted at the curve and took me down. Despite the full front parking lot, the trail was not that busy at my 10:40 am start.

(Keith Carlson)

Great day on the manmade at Hyland. Trails were a little soft but holding up decently well through 1pm. Boulder Ridge was a bit exciting. 5km open. Good training for the hills at the BCFK.

Photos:

(Adam Mahar)

Skated the man made loop. A bit squishy as expected but pretty good overall. Nice day. Not many people out. Hyland continues to amaze.

(Adam Bock)

Quite damp on the 5k made loop but really spectacular. Strangely fast and slow at different points. Low flats held a little water but the Boulder downhill was rocket fast.

(Joe Dolan)