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

If you're checking the trail conditions today you must be an optimist. The good news is that Kolapore is now the right colour for cross country skiing. The bad news is that there are just a few cm at present and conditions will be warming over the next few days. The other good news is that trail volunteers have been working hard over the past few weeks. 90% of the trails have been brush cut and pruned and about 20 fallen tress have been cleared. We are ready for the snow. Bring it on! 

As soon as there is skiing, we will post.

(In the mean time, you might want to visit the membership page...) 

Trails are in good condition however with recent rains there are still muddy sections. Riders PLEASE stay to higher trails and carry your bikes around muddy sections. The Trail Fairies thank you. Trilliums are out. Alas, so are the blackflies. If you enjoy your hike or ride, please remember to make a donation online or at the trail head donation station.   

If you don't mind walking a little bit, there is still snow to ski on but it's getting pretty thin. Might be time for summer waxing. Scrape and clean all the guck off your bases, iron on a generous layer of soft wax or paraffin to your glide zone. And when you are done, don't forget your skis.

We've made up for quantity with quality this winter. Thanks to the crews who cleared trees and built boardwalks to make this season great. (Mountain bikers please please please let the trails dry before riding. Filling mud holes is a lot of work.)

Save the date for the Chainsaw course May 7, Kolapore AGM June 4 and watch for announcements of upcoming trail maintenance and other events.

Thanks all for a wonderful, safe season. Trail Guide #3