Spruces

Good morning Spruces skiers. We have officially concluded grooming operations for the season. We have had warm temperatures all week and much of the ski trail has melted to pavement. Thanks to all the USFS staff, TUNA groomers and other volunteers who helped groom, shovel, and work on machines this season. We appreciate all your help. If folks have comments or questions about the Spruces season feel free to email me. Have a great summer and we will see you next season.

White Pine

Thursday Haiku:
The heat bears down now,
Timing to close was brilliant,
Serendipity.

THE SHOP IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. ALL SKI TRAILS ARE CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. Our deepest gratitude goes out to all of you for your support in this incredibly difficult “winter” season. We’ll see you on the trails and at the Bonanza Drive store to jumpstart your adventures!

Soldier Hollow

Soldier Hollow is scheduled to close for the winter season this Sunday, March 22nd. We will be open from 830-430 on Friday; 830-1200 on Saturday, and 830-1200 on Sunday. There is a small chance of season passholder only grooming beyond then but utterly no promises. Thanks everyone for a “good” season

Soldier Hollow

Believe it or not we are going to have some excellent skiing this morning despite a cruel Mordor-like heat dome of a ridge taking control of the week’s weather. This is due to the magic of Western dry air and radiational cooling in the clear skies for which are so abundant in Utah. It froze last night despite the forecasts and the snow is hard this second (845) and will be perfect in 15-45 minutes and stay really good through mid to late morning. Later than that there will be plenty of opportunities for building character or a rich spring tan. If you have always wanted to ski in shorts but feel like you are just a little bit prone to chill you will (hopefully) never have a better opportunity than this afternoon! The usual 2.5k well groomed race loop is all that is left and it won’t last too long in this weather so make today the day to lock in at least one more ski this year.

Solitude Nordic

posted in: Grooming Reports, Solitude Nordic | 0

All trails groomed for skate and classic. 28° at 8am, high of 58°.

Wednesday Twilight Hour continues tonight! Open late til 5:30pm, $13 trail passes and half-off rentals after 4pm. Our tiki bar will be serving snowcones and playing your favorite tunes!

Spruces

posted in: Grooming Reports, Spruces | 0

Spruces skied great Monday from about noon to at least 2p. I had to leave at 2p, but with regret, as the skiing was still fun. Heard from another skier that it was frighteningly firm at 11a. Timing is everything for spring skiing. For Tuesday, the best window will likely be 9a to 11a. Unlike today, there will not be cloud cover, so the snow in the sun will soften considerably. There is less wind in the forecast, and the daytime high will be well beyond Monday’s high.

The very strong winds Saturday night scattered dirt, pinecones and twigs in many places. Best to not bring your race skis, and stay off the main road (west/left side when heading uphill) whenever possible. Lest that sounds like too much bother, the skiing today was wonderful, and the heat dome will likely mean the end of coverage. Go get it!

Bonus wax tip: In very dirty snow, paraffin can slow you down. Consider stripping your bases with wax remover, let the base dry, do NOT apply any new paraffin (No hot wax, no liquid paraffin spray) apply structure and a non-paraffin liquid or bloc topcoat. Toko Jet Liquid Yellow should rip. Spray it and go have fun.