Creative plan to set track on MLR

 – Pam and Charlie from Canmore skiing on Moraine Lake road – 

The snowpack on MLR is too thin to set a track as it is, so Tracksetter John has done some creative grooming work which may enable a track to be laid  down later this week.

This is the tentative plan for Moraine lake road

This is the tentative plan for Moraine lake road

He’s contrived an implement which drags snow from the side of the outbound lane towards the centre, thereby creating a deeper snowpack nearer to the centre of the trail. We could call this “farming” the snow. The skaters will still have about 60% of the width, with no track on the one side.

John finally has a snowmobile with a heater and a radio

John finally has a snowmobile with a heater and a radio

It’s all subject to change depending on how it goes when John attempts to put down the track, or if we get a lot more snow before the weekend.

The snow was beautiful today. It deepened slightly as you climbed the big hill. After 200 metres of elevation(about 5K from the trailhead)my pole tips were barely touching pavement.

Skiers on Moraine lake road

Skiers on Moraine lake road

It’s nice to be using normal wax again. The snow temperature was -5 which was perfect for Swix VR45. As usual, I was starting out just as everyone else was finishing. Charlie and Pam had been to the end of the grooming at 9K and said they had an excellent first day on MLR. They were on rock skis but said they could have used their best skis.

If we don’t get a lot of new snow by the weekend, what’s here already should suffice for the massive crowds who will be showing up on Sat and Sun. With only one track(which still isn’t a guarantee, either), it will take some co-operation and courtesy among all skiers to ensure that everyone plays safe. Hopefully there will be no maniacs hell-bent on hogging the track and tormenting the recreational skiers.

There’s not enough snow to groom the other trails at Lake Louise, but skiers had already created a skier-set track on Tramline from MLR towards the Chateau.

Hats off to John for doing everything possible to create an enjoyable skiing experience for us.

West Bragg creek

I know Calgarians are anxious to get info regarding ski trails at West Bragg. Check the Trip Reports page for the latest. Thanks to all the trip reporters for the reconnaissance! Update: Alf has posted some terrific photos Alf’s photos of west Bragg Creek

More photos from today at MRL:

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  1. Be forewarned, all – Foothills Nordic is having their family camp this weekend. There will be children and teenagers in abundance!

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