Snowcat

Scott is starting to push some snow around.

And Again..........

Time to dust off the skis and boots.

We Had A Good Night

We took another big step in the right direction.

Snow This Morning

The temps dropped a little more this morning than they have for the last week. The snowmakers put a little bit of white stuff on the hill. As we move towards the weekend, we should see some very good snowmaking temperatures. I try not to take longer ranger forecasts (more than 48-72 hours) too literally, but we might see some natural snowall too.

Ski Ward, MA Opens For Skiing

Our friends at Unofficial Networks are reporting that Ski Ward, Massachusetts has opened for skiing. With $5 tickets, a couple groomer widths of snow and a carpet, skiers and riders are sliding in New England. Kudos to Ski Ward for offering up some good, slippery fun.

 

Snowfences

Check out these snowfences in Lenawee Parks. These, and the other fences you notice scattered about the mountain, are a critical and major part of our snow management strategy. As snow is blown by the wind across a slope, it may hit one of these fences. Those snow crystal are forced to rise above the fence, and on the leeward side of the fence, they encounter some calmer air and fall to the snow surface. This action creates snow drifts on the leeward side of the fences. Those drifts are available for riders to ski and/or snowcat drivers to compact and push. We place these fences in zones where we want to catch snow. A well placed fence can catch as much, or more, snow as a well placed fan gun can make snow.

Snow fencing, snowmaking, snow compacting, snow pushing, snow farming - these are all components in our snow management tool box to improve the skiing and riding.

Last Bike Post For A While

I think this will be my last bike post for a while. Summer bike trail guru, Trevor, has continued to work on the "Up At Arapahoe" trail as long as conditions have allowed. He had reached the top of Jamie's Face. Above Jamie's, he punched through a talus field and is entering Upper Lenawee Parks above Gentry. On a walk yesterday, I checked out his rock work and it is very cool. Upon its planned completion next summer, this will be a beautiful ride to the Summit.

Another Gorgeous Day

Blah, blah, blah. I am ready for SNOW !!!