by Martin Kerr
If Charles Dickens were asked to describe the ski season so far he might say, “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. Well that could be a bit of an exaggeration but it sure has been a roller coaster ride so far.
We began an early season at Colpoys with the groomer rolling out on December 15th with tracks set on most of the trails a day later. There were definitely some man-killing days put in packing down the seemingly never-ending string of snow squalls.
The wet spots on the trail were bone dry and all was well with the world! Then came the freezing rain, the rain, and more rain.The trails were starting to take a real beating from the elements.
The extended thaw saw lots of melt water swell the creek at Deer run and flood the trail at the end of the Beaver pond loop making much of the trail inaccessible.
By the end of the month, however, winter had made a return and skiing was on again on a limited part of the trail system.
As I write this it looks as though things will freeze up and all of the trails will be skiable by the Groundhog weekend, just in time for Willie to predict six more weeks of skiing. You go Willie!
Where has the double track gone?
You may have noticed that there is at times only a single set of tracks on Bert’s Blvd. where there are usually two sets.
There are two reasons for this, the first reason is that there is sometimes not enough snow covering the trail to set two tracks, there is however more snow in the middle of the trail where the rocks are not showing through to enable one set of tracks to be set.
The second reason is that over the years the trail has gradually become narrower as small trees and bushes at the side of the trail get larger and the trail is just not wide enough for the groomer to put in two sets of tracks.
As the base grows it becomes easier for the groomer to put in two sets of tracks. So if skiing along beside your pals and having a good gab is what you like, hang in there!
Captain needed!
I have worked as the trail captain at Colpoys for a number of years now, but in fact I rarely ski there. I think that the trail would be best served by someone who enjoys skiing at Colpoys and would like to see the trail grow and improve.
There are many club members who have put their names forward to help at the trail, and I can provide training and support to get you started.
If you think that you would like to serve as Trail captain, please send us a message.
See you on the trails, Martin.