Spring Skiing in February

For about the 10th year, we celebrated the President's Day weekend with the same three wonderful families. There are fewer kids along than when we started, but the tradition stays the same -- Lots of good food, beverages, conversation, cross-country skiing, and hot tubbing. This year we had me, Catherine, Ruth, Fritz, Heidi, Michael, Bart, Esme, Luke, Sam, Ben, Bruce, Gro, and Marina.

Although there was plenty of snow, the temperatures were much warmer this year than ever before. Even so, early morning skiing was great. The temperatures were near freezing and the groomers did an excellent job. The fish hatchery trails were very fast. But by late morning the skiing conditions got a bit soft, and slushy by afternoon. On Sunday afternoon, Bruce, Gro, and I tackled Ski Hill. It was so slushy, and the snow was so dirty, that we got out of there after less than an hour. We headed over to the fish hatchery, met up with some of the rest of group, and salvaged the outing on the flatter and more open trails.

This morning I had a great time with Luke, Sam, and Ben who were enthusiastic beginning students of skate skiing. I'm just a beginner myself, but I had been to a ski workshop last December. So I was able to pass along a few pointers. They picked it up quickly. Within an hour or two, they were cruising right along. In fact, they did so well they could skate up some of the gentle slopes with no poles! Not bad at all. I hope they keep it up, and send me a card when they win their first competition! Here's the route we did - more than 8 miles - pretty good! So good we wrapped it up with celebratory Italian sodas and hot chocolate at the trailhead.