I just came back from a pleasant early afternoon ski around County Forest and vicinity.  The snow had warmed up enough that it was soft (slightly sluggish).  I was very glad that I had non-wax skis.  The snow gauge has dropped from 13" Friday to 12" Saturday mid-day to 9" today.  Grass and rocks were starting to show through in a few exposed locations.  Skiing is likely to be OK for a few more days, if you wait until the snow softens slightly.  It is supposed to be quite cold the next few nights, so the track will be ice in the early morning.

Kolapore Trail Guide

Kolapore received about 7 cm/3 inches of new powder snow overnight (Thursday night/Friday morning).  The total snow depth (30 cm) probably won't have changed much from my last post, because the sun was strong enough yesterday that snow was melting and settling.  There should still be good skiing.  I skied this afternoon, and even though the air temperature was -5, the sun was so strong that snow was warming and getting moist.  If you then go through colder snow, you can have problems with clumping.  Be prepared.  Skiing early, before the snow starts to warm, may avoid the problem.

Kolapore Trail Guide

The snow gauge at the south end of Kolapore is at 30 cm (12"), most of which came yesterday and overnight.  (The Kolapore Uplands is big enough that the snow cover may be different in other parts of the trail system.) There is enough snow for enjoyable skiing on the less rocky trails.  Be sure to take a scraper - I was icing up a bit (on wax skis) on the way home.

Kolapore Trail Guide

In the County Forest (which is usually one of the areas that can be skied latest in the season) there are sections of the trail where the snow has disappeared.  Unless we get a heavy dump of snow the ski season at Kolapore has finished.

Kolapore Trail Guide

I walked along the south edge of the County Forest today, and it was interesting to see the differences in conditions.  South facing slopes and areas open to the sun were becoming bare.  Further into the forest there was still moderate snow cover, although probably not enough for satisfactory skiing.  Open fields are bare.  It looks like mid-March.

Kolapore Trail Guide

The combination of rain and warm temperatures is melting the snow.  There is still a fair amount of snow in the bush, even though the open fields are almost bare.

Kolapore Trail Guide

A light dusting of snow this morning, plus some softening of the trail caused by the sun significantly improved skiing today from the icy conditions on Friday.  Unfortunately, if we get the rain that is expected over the next few days, it will wash away most of the snowcover.

Kolapore Trail Guide

I skied around the County Forest this afternoon.  The tracks are icy, so most skiers will not enjoy the conditions.  It is possible to do a mediocre ski in the County Forest, although a walker and snowshoer have chewed up some of the tracks.  Only extremely experienced skiers should try the steep hills, or even the Kolapore Church - Paradise Highway loop.  If you have to walk down hills, please walk well off the skied track.  The only good news is that we still have a foot of base with good coverage, so if we get more snow skiing could improve quickly.  Kolapore Trail Guide

Heading into spring skiing conditions. Icy and fast when it's cold. A little slow and slushy when it's warm. Still fantastic skiing to be had (especially for those with no wax skis) but pick your timing during the day when it's not too warm or cold and consider adjusting your trail selection for less technical runs...and for goodness sake walk down (staying well to the side please) hills if you think they might cause bodily harm. We want everyone to have a good finish to the season.  

After my post yesterday afternoon, Kolapore received some more freezing drizzle.  I wasn't sure what to expect, but the skiing was very pleasant today.  There is a thin crust on the snow, but the tracks aren't icy.  (Blue wax worked fine again today.)  The tracks are getting faster after a reasonable amount of use.  Get out and enjoy the skiing before the predicted mid-week thaw.

Kolapore Trail Guide