We have lost a lot of snow in the past 3 days. It is no longer practical to ski. Trails are closed.
Hockleycrest Ski Trails
Located on and adjacent to the Bruce Trail, north of Mono 5 Side Road and east of Airport Rd, our 14 km of single track ski trails are suitable for INTERMEDIATE AND BETTER skiers, CLASSIC STYLE ONLY. Our trails are not wide enough to permit skate skiing. Trails will be groomed when snow conditions permit. Current snow and skiing conditions will be reported here on a regular basis. As part of the Bruce Trail network, trails are open to the public at no charge.
Sunday, 16 March 2025
Saturday, 15 March 2025
Very Soft and Wet
We've lost a lot of snow in the past 24 hours. Yesterday's high was +11 and the lowest it went overnight was +6, so the melting continued with no overnight freeze. Trails are soft and wet; not great skiing. To top it off, we're expecting rain, maybe even a thunder storm.
If I were you, I would stay at home today.
Friday, 14 March 2025
More Spring Skiing
Ski conditions will be much the same today as yesterday. It's currently -2 and trail surfaces are frozen, hard and fast. By this afternoon, we'll be at +10, so the snow will be soft, wet and heavy. However, there will be a variation in the trail condition, depending on whether you are in sunshine or in deep shade. Trails through shady areas will remain frozen and icy later into the afternoon.
There is a large flooded area on the south west part of trail #5. The entire section from its junction with #6 Central Park to the junction with #23 Black Cherry should be avoided.
Thursday, 13 March 2025
Still Icy
Conditions on the trails are much the same as yesterday. The high temperature yesterday was just +1, so very little melting took place. This morning, it's -7 outside, so the trails are frozen hard.
Today, it's going to be sunny with a high of +7. If you were to come to ski just after the temperature goes above 0, say around noon or 1 p.m., you might find the right combination of a soft surface with a firm base beneath. No guarantee, but it might be tolerable.
We have a few small bare spots, and a flooded section at the south west corner of trail #5 which should be avoided.
Wednesday, 12 March 2025
More Ice
After 2 very warm days, in which a lot of snow was lost, colder temperatures have returned. It's currently -8, and will probably only reach -1 today. That means the soft, wet snow has frozen again and our trail surfaces are very icy. Skiing is very difficult under these conditions.
Also, a result of the warmth and sunshine is that a few bare or thin spots have started to show up, and we have a flooded spot at the south-west corner of trail #5. This can be avoided by taking the southern part of #23 Black Cherry through the pine plantation.
I would not recommend skiing today.
Tuesday, 11 March 2025
Spring Skiing Continues
The temperature did not drop below freezing overnight. It is currently sitting at +6. The snow on the trails is soft, wet and slow. There is a flooded spot at the south-west corner of trail #5. Although I haven't been over there to check, I suspect there is a bare spot at the north-east corner of trail #7, at the crest of the hill near the junction with #4. Other than that, I believe we have complete coverage.
Monday, 10 March 2025
Spring Skiing
Welcome to spring skiing. Ice in the morning, slush in the afternoon.
The temperature is now sitting at 0, and trail surfaces are frozen, icy, and hard. But by this afternoon, it will be +9. The snow will soften up quickly, becoming wet, heavy and slow.
Not ideal skiing conditions, but if you like sunshine you will have it today.
2 p.m. Update: The temperature is now +10 and the maple sap is running strong. Trails that are in full sun are now soft, wet and slow. But trails in deep shade are still partially frozen, so they are a little firmer and faster. A small pond of meltwater has developed at the SW corner of trail #5. Right now, it's possible to ski around it, but it will get bigger and will soon totally block access.