Mid September - Time to Prepare for Skiing

Hi Folks:
While the snow may still be quite a way off in the future, it is time to get ready for skiing. I've been mowing grass on the trails, and digging out big, protruding rocks from the trail surface so we won't hit them with our skis (or the groomer). I have also made a number of improvements to the network since last winter:
- opened a new, 750m loop trail at the north end, overlooking the Hockley Valley
- opened a new, 200m trail section at the south end, entering from 5 Sideroad, to separate walkers from skiers, and hopefully put the skiers in a place with better snow
- widened the Bruce Trail main trail in the southeast part of the network, so that it will now be wide enough to groom.
- moved the Pine Cut trail off to the edge of the clearing through the plantation so it will be separated from the track used by motor vehicles.
I am currently working on a new, exclusive snowshoe trail in the central area, in an attempt to separate walkers from skiers in that part of the system.

The US Weather Service has published its long range outlook for next winter and they are predicting that the northeast (which includes the Great Lakes region) will be colder and snowier than normal. The Old Farmer's Almanac is saying something similar. So, if those predictions come true, we should be looking at a pretty good winter for skiing. Let's hope so, because last winter was pretty bad.

Once there are a few centimetres of snow on the ground, I hope to see some of you out on the trails.

April 15 - Now we're really done

Our snow is gone. No more skiing until next season. Thanks for your support.

April 10

No snow yet. According to the forecast it is going to start around noon.
Update: Well, the snow has not amounted to much. I think our ski season may be done.

April 9

There is no skiing today. We have more bare ground than snow covered. However, maybe tomorrow, according to the forecast.

April 6

We have received about 2 cm of snow this morning - just enough to tune up the surface. I've been out skiing and it's not bad. There are a few wet spots and the snow is generally pretty thin, but it is skiable. I groomed a few trails in the central and northern portions with the roller and snow comb.
On the positive side, I have now cleared the fallen trees on trail #10 near #1, and removed the fallen limbs along the edge of the entrance to Pasture trail. Roller Coaster is still blocked by a fallen tree, and the south half of West Side Story is flooded.
If you are going to come skiing, better do it quick, as the weather is supposed to warm up and the snow will change to rain.

April 5 - Spring skiing

I've just come in from skiing. It not great skiing, but most of the network IS skiable. See my post from yesterday for a list of trail sections that cannot be skied.
In addition, there are a few bare spots, mainly where there is either ponded or flowing water. With the bright, warm sunshine today, the surface snow is beginning to melt and get quite sticky, except in the shady places where it is still powdery. There has been significant melting this afternoon due to the warm April sun; consequently, a lot more bare spots. We are expecting a moderate snowfall tonight and tomorrow morning. Skiing might be better tomorrow morning, before the snow changes to rain.

Trail #5, northern portion, at noon April 5

Monday April 4 - Snow arrives 3 months late

I am not at Hockleycrest today, but I'm pretty sure there will be enough snow to ski on. This is the snowfall we should have had in January.
If you decide to give skiing a try, there are a couple of things to bear in mind:

• All the directional signage and maps have been taken down, so you'd better know your way around, or download and print a map.
• a little over a week ago we had a massive ice storm, which brought down many tree branches and in some cases entire trees. Not all trails have been totally cleared.

The following trails should be avoided:

• southern half of #5 West Side Story - due to fallen branches and flooded areas
• eastern section of #10 Field and Forest (between #1 and #3) due to a fallen tree
• #18 Roller Coaster due to a huge hemlock tree fallen right across the trail

You will also find fallen trees or limbs on #12 along the north edge of the field, and on #17 along the north edge of the field, but these can be avoided simply by skiing further out into the field.