I had a lovely ski around County Forest and across Southern Crossing this morning.  Tracks were in good shape, and the snow was still powdery.  Rock skis are desirable.  The more heavily used trails (e.g., the Kolapore Church - Paradise Highway loop) will be fast, with occasional rocks and damp spots.  Some trails may not yet be broken, e.g., Northwest Passage.  The snow is settling - the snow gauge was up to 44 cm last week, but it is down to 30 cm.  The parking lot at Kolapore is well plowed, and the parking lot at Metcalfe Rock is also being plowed (by Free Spirit Tours, we believe.)  Enjoy the trails before the forecast thaw!

Kolapore Trail Guide

Kolapore received about 2 cm of damp snow overnight.  At 9 AM we were receiving light snow/ice pellets.  See the preceding post for an overall summary of conditions.

As of today it looks as though all main trails have been broken except for Northwest Passage and Quiet Pasture loops. Thanks to all those who took on sections. (Might not be fast skiing but beautiful and rewarding.) Still occasional rocks and wet sections but overall excellent conditions.   The snow is starting to settle - the snow gauge is a little under 40 cm.   The parking lot at Kolapore is well plowed, and the parking lot at Metcalfe Rock is also being plowed (by Free Spirit Tours, we believe.)

Ski conditions are probably as good as they were at any point last winter.  The snow gauge is at 42 cm (16").  This is enough snow to adequately cover most rocks, although on some of the rockier trails "rock skis" are still advisable.   Most of the popular trails on the east side of the system are broken.  Get out and enjoy (on skis). 

Kolapore Trail Guide

Best December conditions in years. Still an occasional rock as base has not settled. Trail broken part-way around Paradise Highway. Should be complete by end of day. A few skiers have gone in from Entrance E (east end of the County Forest.)  Parking is possible at the Kolapore parking lot.  Please no snowshoeing, walking or fat-biking on the trails 'til the end of ski season.

Kolapore received a lot of snow yesterday - well over 30 cm.  Although I still think rock skis are advisable (there's no packed base), skiing should be quite pleasant on many trails, as long as you are prepared to "break trail"  As of 1:30 today there were no tracks of any kind at the Kolapore entrance or Entrance E (East end of County Forest).  The Kolapore parking lot had been plowed.

Kolapore Trail Guide

   

Kolapore received about 15 cm of snow yesterday and overnight.  Between 9 AM and 1 PM today Kolapore received another 15 cm, and it is still squalling.   In the short term, it wouldn't be a good idea to drive to Kolapore considering both the driving conditions and parking challenges.  I'll provide an update tomorrow.

  Kolapore Trail Guide

At 11:30 today there was 20 cm of fluffy snow at the Kolapore snow gauge.  The skiing on the less rocky trails (mainly parts of the County Forest) is passable as long as you don't mind adding scratches to your rock skis.  At the moment, skiing on the rockier and more rolling trails is not advisable.  However, with the current snowfall and the forecast, this could change relatively soon.  The Kolapore parking lot was cleared a few days ago, and was quite passable yesterday.

Kolapore Trail Guide 

There's about 15 cm of light snow at Kolapore.  This isn't enough for skiing, but it's looking promising. 

Kolapore Trail Guide

Last night Kolapore had about 10 cm of snowball snow.  On the trails there was little or no base, so the snow is melting from the top and bottom (the ground is still warm.)  However, the forecast for the two weeks looks promising.  I will continue to post progress reports.  See the previous post for a quick summary of the condition of the trails.  And please think about joining the Association or renewing your membership.

Kolapore Trail Guide