As of today, we have "fallen back" to Standard Time. Winter must be coming!
We have been preparing for the new ski season over the past 2 months: mowing down tall weeds, pruning branches, repairing washed out trail surfaces, and clearing fallen trees. I have made some repairs and minor improvements to grooming equipment; replaced some bogey wheels on the caterpillar tracks, and put a new starter motor in the ATV.
There are no significant changes to the trail network this year.
One thing I have done in an attempt to improve trail conditions is install some snow fencing. I identified 5 specific locations where constant, heavy drifting of snow was making grooming difficult and resulting in less-than-ideal skiing conditions. I have installed 50 feet of snow fence up-wind of each location, hoping that I can intercept and store the snow before it reaches the trail. Time will tell whether this has been successful.
I've begun installing directional signage on the trails; this will continue over the next couple of weeks. Then, all we need is some snow.
Weather forecasters have suggested that a strong El Nino in the Pacific this year may result in warmer temperatures and less snow for us. Nevertheless, we will proceed on the assumption that we will get some snow, and we will do the best we can with whatever we get.