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.