Thursday morning update

In the above photo from Mike W, the PLPP trail crew is moving snow onto the Blueberry Hill trail.

Nov 26, 2020: Thanks to Mike W for the detailed trip report from his epic day of skiing in PLPP. When Ian and Darlene noted that the Back Door was closed, that was the first indication that we would see some grooming. The truck and trailer which hauls the snowcat requires the entire parking lot. In Mike’s photos, it was nice to see the fresh snow on the lower trails covering up yesterday’s tree debris.

Alberta Parks trail report for PLPP:

It sounds like the entire length of Pocaterra was groomed(10.5K), as well as the grid in front of the hut. Tracksetting only occurred on Upper Pocaterra(4.4K), from Packers junction to Tyrwhitt junction. 

For anyone who is getting impatient and wants to see more grooming in PLPP, the second snowcat operator will be returning on Dec 1. Consider this: none of the grooming personell knew if they would have a job this winter until the announcement on Oct 30. Other plans may have been made as far as their jobs go. 

Lake Louise

After receiving 5-10 cm of new snow, the following trails were groomed and trackset on Nov 25:

• Moraine Lake road
• Great Divide
• Tramline

Under Maps on the main menu, I’ve updated the link for Lake Louise and Banff. The maps can be downloaded as a PDF.  The new Spray River map is excellent with its instructions for multi-users. The Spray River and Goat Creek trails have not been groomed yet this winter. 

Mt Shark

Watridge Lake road and the Blue Loop have been groomed with the snowcat. Some of the other trails have been roller-packed. 

Banff

Castle Junction to Castle Lookout has been snowmobile packed. “Thin snow cover over uneven surface. More snow is needed to cover rocks, roots and creeks.”

Yoho

Kicking Horse and Tally Ho: “Trail refreshed today by Joe ! Ski from the INFO Centre –over the Tally Ho(with the creek hazard now covered)–to the Natural Bridge and ALL the way down the Kicking Horse Fire Road to Otterhead river crossing. 10 kms. one way!”

If you enjoy skiing in Yoho, consider buying a membership in the KHSC for $50. 

Confederation Golf Course

Grooming has started at Confed but conditions are marginal. Check the photos.