I can hardly stand all this winning! I thoroughly enjoyed the best ski trip of the winter today. Perfect conditions everywhere. I live for days like this! Keith Bagnall has submitted today’s update as follows:
Starting up Whiskey Jack
PLPP skiing with SkierBob and Mary Perrott: At Boulton Parking 11:00 am -4C (snow-6C) started with VR45.
Quickly climbed Whiskey Jack on very good trackset under a topping of 2 to 3 cm new snow. So good it would have been a blast going down Whiskey Jack but we knew there was better fun ahead.
Mary and Keith climbing Whiskey jack
At Pocaterra/Tyrwhitt junction we came on the new trackset. Skiing the up track was faster than the down track which had not been touched. Then we were in Tyrwhitt meadows and heaven with km’s of new trackset ahead – and Bob quickly disappeared energized by his favourite trail.
Tyrwhitt was fantastic!
We caught up while he waited at the Tyrwhitt picnic table and were soon at Elk Pass. A short break and time for a decision – so many options with all trails from Elk Pass newly groomed. It was decided to head down Hydroline, then Bob split off to try Patterson while Mary and I carried on.
Nice to see Henry on Tyrwhitt
Initially Hydroline was a bit slow with a skiff of snow in the new track set. The run from Lookout junction to the bottom of Hydroline Hill was very fast but felt safe so we let it rip! Bob arrived at the junction just seconds behind making up for the extra 0.7 km with some strong poling I’m certain.
Tyrwhitt picnic table
We split up again at the Fox Creek junction with Mary climbing the north Elk Pass hill for another super run down perfect grooming in great snow conditions(reaching 51 KmH).
Hydroline
Fox Creek put on its best possible face for Bob and I and we skied silky snow to the Boulton Creek south junction where we changed partners. Bob opted for Boulton Creek and recent trackset, while Mary and I skied the recent trackset of Moraine on more silky snow. Approaching Boulton Parking the VR45 wax was starting to slip but we carried on to the car.
Patterson was in the best condition ever
Ray gently skiing alone today (an upper body injury) offered to take us to Elkwood so we could ski Lodgepole trail to Pocaterra Hut. Earlier we were wishing the day wouldn’t end, so we jumped at his offer.
Best conditions of the winter on Fox Creek
New wax was required first so we added VR50 which worked well. The most exciting part of Lodgepole was meeting the son-of-the-mad-Pocaterra grouse. After a few moments of aggressive entertainment (mostly by him) we easily skied down to “Suicide Hill” which didn’t really live up to it’s name today.
Suicide hill was easy, fast and safe
Everyone agreed it was the best day this season in PLPP. All trails skied were excellent to very good under an overcast sky with high temperatures of 0°C to +1. Snow is forecast to come and will change everything – but snow is always good for skiing!
Thanks for the update, Keith. In the morning, I’m going to elaborate on the grouse and post some photos.
[See image gallery at skierbob.ca]