The skiing on a specific trail is much better when we manage the snow prior to opening that trail. Generally speaking, on black and double black diamond trails that means using explosives, ski cutting, ski packing and foot packing. On green and blue trails, especially those without snowmaking, it means packing the snow down with a snowcat. We call this "Track Packing". The compacted snow is firmer and eventually leads to better skiing. The rough snow is better catching and consolidating wind blown new snow. Each time it snows a reasonable amount, we drive the cat over it again. Once there is enough snow the Cat Operator will run the rear tiller over the snow and leave that sweet corduroy surface - and opening soon follows.
