by DK | Dec 12, 2016 | .
It’s screaming crazy!!! On Monday, the 12th of December, the birthday of artist Edvard Munch, snow is falling down and piling up at the Alturas Lake ski area. Yesterday, the following trails were compacted and rolled after the weekend’s massive snow dump… Sheep Thrills, South Loop, Over the Hill and the Trail to the Lake as far as the bridge junction. These trails are still narrow and very rough with no classic tracks but suitable for simple touring. The groomer is hoping to reach Alturas Lake today. Expect more rough trails.
“I skied with two friends, Edvard, the artist and Davinius, the old groomer. Then the sun sank. Suddenly the sky filled with snow … My friends skied on, and I was left alone, trembling with fear. I felt as if all nature were filled with one mighty unending scream… It’s snowing!”
by DK | Dec 6, 2016 | .
After a foot of new snow fell on Sunday, the first grooming of Alturas lake ski trails took place on Monday the 5th of December. Over the Hill, South Loop, the Trail to the Lake as far as the bridge, Wapiti and the Connector were all rolled. The first meadow crossings after leaving the parking area are still very brushy and beyond that, even stretches of trail that looked pretty good, clearly were only barely hiding obstacles bristling with danger for unsuspecting skiers. Boulders, stumps and even weasels lurked just below the surface in some spots, threatening to trip up skiers, throw them to the ground and tear their flesh. Until a bit more snow falls, skiing at Alturas lake should be approached with extreme caution.
by DK | Dec 1, 2016 | .
With the arrival of December 1st, motorized travel closures at the Park Creek and Alturas Lake ski areas have gone into effect. However, cross country ski trail grooming has not yet begun since the snow coverage is at best at only a few inches deep. We will start grooming as soon as conditions allow. Stay turned for updates as more storms roll through.
by DK | Apr 9, 2016 | .
The ski trails at Alturas Lake are no longer recommended for your skiing enjoyment. On Friday, April 8th, trail signs and grooming equipment were pulled from the west side of the creek as grooming efforts skittered towards an ultimate denouement for the 2015 – 2016 season. Faintly scratched marks were left behind on the bumpy deteriorating trail as Davinius pulled a parade of implements across the early morning snow fields but the result could hardly be called grooming… it was more of a final retreat. The last trail signs on the east side of the creek and the plywood shields from the bridge crossing will be pulled on Saturday or Sunday. Tree wells are growing ever larger in the hot afternoon sun and old ski tracks buried in the snow pack have reemerged, morphing in daily cycles of mushy grooves and icy ruts. Fine corduroy and crisp classic tracks are but a memory. The good news is that off trail cold morning crust cruising continues to be mind blowing and is a special treat if you can catch it while it’s good.
by DK | Apr 2, 2016 | .
The ski trails at Alturas Lake were last groomed on Tuesday and Wednesday, the 29th and 30th. However, incredible morning crust cruising conditions in the Sawtooth Valley make them seem superfluous at this time. This has to be the best crust in several years and is sure to bring a smile to your face.
by DK | Mar 31, 2016 | .
On March 30th, the trail from the bridge to Alturas lake was groomed for skate and classic. Crust cruising was reported to be excellent in the morning hours as well.
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