News

Well, just like that... It's ski season! Last week, Pahaska received around 14-15" of high-moisture snow, which was rolled and packed on all the trails. Cold nightly temps set the trails up nicely and allowed the Groomers to use the snow cat to begin shaving trails and actually set track.  This is the earliest that the trails have ever been groomed! Compared to last year, when trails were not groomed until the second week of December, so this is allowing another month of skiing!

Despite very good snow, there are many early-season obstacles that exist.  A few bare spots (Low on Middle Fork Trail), and the occasional stick or rock poking out of the snow. Also, the trails are still roly and off-camber as there not yet enough snow to flatten bumps. There are still slushy and icy spots where water has been flowing in the Frog Pond area and on the far end of the loop on Crow Creek, nevertheless, its pretty darn good for November!

The highway is still being plowed to the East Gate, so skiing on the road is not yet an option.  We ask that dog owners refrain from taking their dogs on the trails. We will begin packing the dog-friendly trail East of the highway Bridge this week.

Wildlife is still frequenting the area. There are Elk, Moose and Bison on the trails.  Someone reported bear tracks a few miles down the valley, so take precautions.

As of today, there are no Porta-Potties yet, but we hope to get them up before next weekend.

Trails groomed with track:

Moose Flats, Crow Creek, Barn Road, Race Park, Middle Fork, Outlaw Trail, Penny's, Haul Road (to Sleeping Giant). Track set East of SG to Hill.

Becker Trail and SG East have been rolled but not yet groomed.

Get your skis waxed up and we'll see you out there!

the Groomers.

Calling all volunteers !!!!

It is time again for our annual trail cleanup and bridge install this Saturday October 15th, at 10:00 am. Let's meet at the warming hut at Pahaska.  We had significant flood damage to the trails this spring/summer and need many volunteers to help get the trails ski ready. 

Thank You !!

Specifically we need help with the following:

1-Clean/ prep warming hut: It has been left in good condition this year so not much effort needed. 2 ppl

2- harvest, cut, split and stack firewood- 4- 6 ppl

3-re-route Pahaska's sandbag dike so we can get by. - we’ve done some already but this will take more work. 6-8 ppl if possible

4-Lots of new debris to remove from trail sections- 8-10 ppl

5- install decking on bridge- 6 ppl

6- lop/limb trees and cut willows- 6 ppl

7- help get ski racks/ signage, etc… from barn- 3-5 ppl

As you can see, we have plenty to do. 

Volunteers should show up with gloves, sturdy boots, bear spray, water and lunch

If possible, they should bring one or a few of the following items:

Shovel

Rake

Spud bar

Loppers

Limb saw

Bow saw

Chain saw/ gas and oil

The date has been set for the 10th Annual Taste of Trails  -

January 28th, 2023.

Tickets will go on sale December 1st .  We sold out in record time last year, so don't wait and get your tickets early.

See ya on the trails and THINK SNOW!

Please join us tonight, September 12th, at 5:30 PM at Big Horn Federal for our annual meeting!! All are welcome .

Hi All,

We are looking for a few savvy volunteers to help with removing the bridge across the Middle Fork to the south trails. Normally this bridge is removed in early April while there is still snow on the ground. This year is a bit different; the snow melted away much earlier, and then a foot of snow in the last week which has made planning for removal tricky, as it has to be done when the ground is hard and frozen.

I'm looking for 2-3 individuals who can help disassemble the bridge, assist with chaining the beams so they can be drug to a storage location and stacking the decking.  I'd like to get this done as soon as possible, however this weekend's weather is not looking too promising.

If you are available to help  either this weekend or mid-week, please call Andy at 307-899-3900.

Thanks!

Hi all,

After looking at the long range forecast and factoring in the existing condition of the ski trails, the groomers have decided to suspend grooming for the remainder of the season.  There will be some snow events coming through in the next few days which will help to freshen up the trails, but warm temps and some rain could negate any grooming efforts, so its probably not worth it.

However, there is still some great skiing to be had and it doesn't have to be limited to the existing trails. Now that there is a great base and a firm crust, you can virtually ski anywhere there's enough snow. Just be aware of warming temperatures that will soften the crust and make your day longer and less-enjoyable. The name of the game for crust cruising is to go early and be back by the time it is too soft to hold you.

For the most part, the trails are still in good shape; The side creek is flowing across the Middle Fork trail and the frog pond is melting out, so use caution. Some tree wells are melting out on the Barn road, Haul road and other places. Other places to use caution are on the hill from race park to the highway and the bridge across Middle Fork.

Bears are starting to wake up, so bear spray is a good idea to have with you. Also, The Park Service will begin plowing the highway soon.

We will be removing trail markers and signage next week. Bridge removal will happen around the second week of April.

Enjoy the snow while it lasts!

The Groomers

 A couple inches of new snow on top of a rock-hard base are providing some excellent conditions. 

All trails South of the river, (Becker's, Penny's, Outlaw and Haul Road up to Three-mile hill were groomed on Thursday.  All Trails past Three-Mile are considered done for the season, although for the most part still very ski-able.

All trails North of the  river, (Moose Flats, Crow Creek, Barn Road, Race Park, Middle Fork) and the Highway were Groomed Friday Morning.

Considering the lack of snow overall, the trails are holding  up well. Watch for a thin spot near the Frog Pond area on Middle Fork, as well as where the side creek crosses the trail. It was blown out last week but is fixed for now.

Warm temps all next week could put an end to regular grooming, but the snow coverage is firming up forest-wide, which will provide some excellent crust cruising.

Take advantage of these great conditions while they last!

Happy Trails,

Hi all,

Not as much snow fell as was forecast, but there was just enough to refresh the trails.

All Trails Groomed:

Moose Flats, Barn Road, Crow Creek, Race park, Middle Fork, Outlaw, Becker's, Penny's and the Haul Road to Sleeping Giant.

The tracks are fairly shallow but still quite usable. Use caution on the Middle Fork, where the seasonal stream flowed across the Trail. Additionally, coverage is thin around the Frog Pond area at the bottom of Middle Fork

Not Groomed:

SG East,  Highway

I had Cat troubles and did not get to the highway, but it is still skiing well.

All in all, skiing is still quite good at Pahaska. Grooming will continue as long as there is interest and conditions allow, hopefully another couple of weekends. Snow and cold temps are forecast for this week, so conditions may improve. Also, crust cruising season is nearly upon us, when the whole forest is essentially groomed!

Happy Trails,

The Groomers.

Hi all, The week prior provided 5-7 inches of snow, which provided a great refresh to the trails.  All Trails North of the River, (Moose Flats, Crow Creek, Barn Road , Race Park) and the highway were groomed with the cat, providing a firm surface and tracks.

All trails south of the River, ( Becker Trail, Haul Road, Penny's, SG East, Outlaw) as well as the Middle Fork Trail were re-groomed  by snowmobile on Saturday.

This week will bring very warm temps and wind, but it should be blowing in some more snow by Friday and the weekend.  We are planning to  be up Friday or early Saturday to groom for the weekend.

Please take note that there are a couple of moose frequenting the trails around the river.  There have been a couple of run-ins with them, so keep an eye out.

Lastly, we have started grooming a new dog-friendly trail that starts just east  of the main highway bridge. Known on the map as the "Backcountry Trail". It's a great 2km loop with  fun terrain. Look for the red sign post at the end of the guard rail.  This is a great place to take the dog if you want something different than the Highway.

Happy Trails!

The Groomers

With no new snow. We have resurfaced the skate lanes and they are currently skiing like silk. New tracks were set from 3 mile hill to sleeping giant. As well as East of sleeping giant. We will try to reset the tracks around Pahaska.

Cody Middle school race will be using Haul Road and Becker trail son 1/15. Pl

So that everyone’s safety and enjoyment, we ask everyone to stay in their lanes. Tour/classic in the tracks. Skaters in the middle. Snowshoers on the far side (opposite of) the touring tracks.

cya on the trails