Break out the sunglasses! The tracks were pretty variable in late morning, from very good in the shade to a little slushy with some ice in the sun (especially on Willow). Overall a good surface, though. I was able to climb hills as usual, and use the tracks on downhills without getting bounced out. (except Boulder Ridge, where I usually don't use them.) Bright sun and comfortable temps - a good ski.

Photos:

(Laurie Ford)

Yikes. I thought with the temps I would have a slushy ski this evening but it was fast rutted ice that proved a challenge to ski on. I bailed early as downhills that I sometimes free skate down had me terrified, especially with the ruts.

(Michael Tate)

Excellent conditions this morning - perfect grooming and not much of any ice to worry about. A great day for a sunny ski! Note: High school meet again today.

Photos:

(Bill Oyler)

The snowmaking loop was in fair to poor condition. Appeared that trail was not groomed this morning. It was mildly rutted particularly on the uphills. There were a few spots with little ice balls. Downhills were fast but rut momentarily caught my ski at the bottom of Boulder Ridge. Surprisingly for 10 am, there was a high school meet going on. Despite the challenges, I was still able to get in a fairly fast run. [ High school conference championships are on-going this week, next week will be section championships -- Ed. ]

(Keith Carlson)

Conditions on the snow-making loop were excellent at my 11:10 start. I guess the temp was 38 degrees at my start (car's display read 40) and I estimated 42 degrees when I ended a half hour later. It was sunny with brisk SW wind. Despite the temperature, the snow had not corned. In fact, the little moisture that showed had me questioning whether I should have switched to the warmer Opti Wax with a 23 to 40 degree range. Skis skated slower than I expected but downhill runs were fine. There was no sugar build up anywhere on the trail. Thanks again to the groomers.

(Keith Carlson)

At my 12:05 start, the snow-making loop was in excellent condition. it was 22 degrees, sunny with a moderate west southwest wind. The front parking lots were packed but a number of spots opened up by the time I returned around 1:40. Skier traffic wasn't bad though once you got past Willow Creek. Snow was drier and slower in the shade but otherwise ran pretty fast. Thanks again to the groomers for continuing great conditions.

(Keith Carlson)

The snow-making loop was in very good condition at my 12:30 start. It was the low 20's with a brisk west northwest wind but thankfully sunny. There was a little more build-up of loose snow (relative to earlier this week) on the climbs particularly at the top half of Boulder Ridge and the first climb on the Scenic Foothils return. It was crowded with skiers stacking up on the start of the 1st outbound Scenic Foothills climb and upper half of of Boulder Ridge. Two skiers ahead of me went down on the Boulder Ridge downhill ( they were okay) but I had no trouble with control and getting safely past them. There was only a modest snowplow wake that I easily crossed half way down. Thanks again to the groomers.

(Keith Carlson)

The snowmaking loop was in excellent condition at my 3 pm start. It was probably 25 degrees with light flurries. Despite high school races starting after I got off the trail at 3:30, the skier traffic was pretty light. Snow might have had a hint of moisture in more sun-exposed areas and was pretty fast for my Opti Waxed skis. It was my second fastest skate of the year. Fast enough that when I cut the curves on the Scenic Foothills and Willow Creek downhills on my return I got onto ungroomed, rough boilerplate that I couldn't see in the really flat light. Thanks again for a great job groomers.

(Keith Carlson)

The entire snow making loop was open and in excellent condition. Just enough loose snow for bite, no sugar build up on the uphills and no boilerplate on the downhills. While air temp was 28 degrees at my 1:45 start, snow was still cold and dry and unfortunately slow for me. Skier traffic was moderate preceding the high school races. Thanks again to the groomers.

(Keith Carlson)

25° and exquisite conditions today. The snow was as good as it has been all season. Zero sugar, just wonderful, firm snow on the skate deck. Thank you, groomers and staff at Hyland and the Three Rivers Park system who make this all happen.

Photos:

(Matt Frantzen)