Nordic Pulse

March 1st: Grooming took place on Saturday night under mostly clear sky's. Whiskey Jack, Upper Pocatera(between Whiskey Jack and Lookout), and Packers all had their Cookie Race tracks deleted and are back to normal.  Light snow fell throughout Friday, and transitioned to heavy snow for a couple hours before midnight, tapering off around 5AM. Total accumulations varied, but start at about 7cm's over 24 hours. Snow on top of Friday night's grooming will range from a few cm's to a none. High winds accompanied the new snow so there will be drifting in areas and some filled in tracks. 

The annual Cookie Race is on Saturday and all trails groomed on the 27th and 28th were set for the race and both tracks favour race direction. Use caution if skiing race trails, especially if travelling opposite direction and please yield to racers.  The course runs as follows: Whiskey Jack and Packers (and part of Amos) W to E; Elk Pass, Woolley, Fox Creek, Moraine and Pocaterra (Packers to Lynx) S to N; Tyrwhitt, Wheeler, part of Meadow and the S section of Come Along, N to S; Lynx and parts of Pocaterra both directions.

With abundant snow in December, and a recent refresh, there is a decent snow base in PLPP, especially at higher elevations, however the base was starting to thin at low elevations before snow started falling again in the middle of Feb. The icy base from the long drought and warm weather is now well covered but a few hazards may remain, mainly possible slush or ice. 

The ski trails in PLPP were not designed for, nor do they accommodate skate skiing, as there is not room to skate ski without ruining the classic tracks, which are machine set once a week on each trail. For skate skiing, choose one of the many areas in the region that are suited for the activity, such as Mt Shark or the CNC.

Be aware that snowshoe trails crossing over creeks and wet areas could have some open water and thin ice, with risk of breaking through.

Always come prepared for a variety of conditions, that can change suddenly throughout the day. You may want to consider bringing hiking poles, micro spikes, toques, gloves and multiple layers. 

Click on the computer icon above to access the Alberta Parks report and information on individual trails