All the rock picking on Redearth Creek has finally paid off. I had a wonderful, rock-free ski today and was finally able to do the entire descent without removing my skis.
Redearth Creek at 4.3K
This recent snowfall only added about 2 cm but there was about 5 cm in total since the Dec 4 tracksetting. The tracks are still in good shape, well-defined, and any exposed dirt or grass is covered up.
The steep downhills were smooth and easy to snowplow where necessary
I didn’t get on the trail until 3 pm, so I only went as far as the first high point at 5.3K where the net elevation gain is 250 metres. That’s also the halfway point to the warden’s cabin.
The return trip was sensational. The fast downhills were nice and smooth and with the extra snow, very safe.
I can’t say with any authority what the remainder of the trail is like, but I imagine there’s even more new snow as you go along.
Air temperature was -6 and the snow was -7. I put one layer of VR45(-2/-8) over yesterday’s VR40 and had excellent grip.
The Banff trail report indicates that Cascade Valley has been trackset. It must be an error because Ray was there this afternoon and didn’t report seeing any tracks.
Thanks a bunch for the report on Redearth, Skier Bob. Went about an hour in with the kids on 12/20, and it was still in really good shape. Back at the car by 1:00, by which time it was snowing steadily. What was good yesterday will probably be great today!
Thanks for all your posts! My husband and I are just getting into cross country skiing and we check your page often for updates, and for links to trail conditions!