– Moraine Lake road was roll-packed today. Photo by Connie Atkinson –
We’re usually skiing on Moraine Lake Road(MLR) by the first week in November, and that will hold true once again this winter.
I received the above photo from Connie about the same time I got an email from Tracksetter John, and both were a few minutes after I talked to Bill at Wilson Mountain Sports with the good news. As you can see in the photo, MLR has been rolled but it remains to be seen whether the snow is deep enough to put in a track.
Connie was classic skiing and reports her poles hit pavement but could still get a good push off the snow. With a cold night to set up, the snow may offer a firmer base by tomorrow.
The Lake Louise weather forecast is for colder than normal temperatures over the next two weeks, and with sporadic snow, it should remain in good condition.
If you are planning on staying overnight in Lake Louise, and are looking for reasonably priced accommodation, did you know that the Mountaineer Lodge is now open through the entire winter?
Collin from Lac Des Arcs was exploring a natural-snow trail at the Canmore Nordic Centre
Canmore Nordic Centre
The mountains of snow are continuing to grow at the nordic centre. The colder temperatures are allowing the snowmaking to go full-blast and it shouldn’t be too long before more skiable terrain is open.
A natural snow trail at CNC which has been snowmobile packed
I skied off the end of Frozen Thunder today onto a packed natural snow trail with no issues. It was at the end of the Salt Lake spur near junction 17.
Frozen Thunder itself was in excellent condition. The snow was cold, the skating lane was hard-packed(no more slush), and the track was well-defined. If you do venture off Frozen Thunder onto a natural snow trail, watch for hazards. Banff Trail is not skiable because of large machinery using the trail right now for trail repairs further out.
Whether or not you are entering the contest, the comment from Doug at 8:07 pm is worth reading. It sure made me appreciate “modern day” skiing!
Hi Bob,
I passed by you today on Moraine Lake Road when you you talking to the track setter (probably the only chance I’ll ever get to pass you!). I skied out to the spot where the grooming usually stops and saw that the roller-packing keeps going. Do you know if they’re planning on grooming the trail further on this year?
I’m pretty sure it’s a temporary thing. John was enjoying his new snowmobile and wanted to get in a few more Ks! It will be 8.9K to the turnaround point as usual. -Bob