It’s sure nice to have skiing right in the city. Conditions at Confederation golf course are pretty good but just be very careful on the bridges. Peter and I walked across one bridge and were glad we did when we saw the gravel and ice on the run-out.
Update: This comment from Carol regarding the bridges is good advice… “Don’t go on them! You don’t need to – the groomed track goes around the creek at the west end.”
It’s convenient to park now that the gates are open. Peter headed over to the warming trailer to change his boots but it was locked.
Update: The warming trailer is open Mon – Thurs 4pm to 8:30pm and Sat and Sun 9am to 4pm.
The temperature at high noon was -10°C with a bitter wind. It didn’t snow while we were skiing but we saw the flakes appear later while having lunch.
This is the best way to cross the bridges
We waxed with old Swix green (-7/-13) which gave good grip on the hills. After an hour of skiing I started to slip a bit. My wax was wearing off due to abrasive snow.
We had reasonably good tracks for most of the course and only encountered one or two thin spots under trees. It looked like it would be excellent for skating.
If you come off the bridge with speed, this is your fate.
The bridges are a problem. You can’t ski across them because there are bare spots with the aforementioned gravel and ice, but the bridge decks themselves are covered with ice so they are precarious to walk on with ski boots. We found a bit of good footing at the edges and hugged the railing while crossing.
As you’ll see in the photos, there’s lots of good food in the vicinity of Confed.
We still have a few days before the big deep freeze, so get out there while the gettin’s good. Starting Sunday, we’re looking at -20 and colder for a stretch of six days. Get the polar wax out!
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Moraine Lake road and Tramline were trackset today at Lake Louise.
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Backcountry skiers – who wants a free e-book?
Update: We have winner. Snowfairy is the lucky one.
The first person to leave a comment on this update mentioning the book will receive the interactive e-book:
Avalanche! The Guide’s Guide to Safer Travel in the Mountains
a short video about how the book works can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-0fKtd5yKY
Confederation golf course Jan 8, 2020
Thanks Bob for visiting Confed! We had the same feedback about the bridges yesterday and plan to put some signs about the hazard. We don’t maintain them as they aren’t meant to ski on but people like to go on them. The warming trailer is open Mon – Thurs 4pm to 8:30pm and Sat and Sun 9am to 4pm.
Because I live close by, I ski Confederation often. My advice about the bridges: Don’t go on them! You don’t need to – the groomed track goes around the creek at the west end. Thank you groomers and snow farmers! Confed has been amazing this year!
Looks like a great ski! Can’t wait to skate confed! And e book! looks amazing!