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Ribbon Creek, Coal Mine, and Kananaskis Village trails
Report Submitted by SkierRoger
(trip) Date: Saturday Mar 09, 2024
Submitted: Saturday Mar 09, 2024 at 18:31
Discussion:
So nice to see the Ribbon Creek area with a bunch of snow! These are really fun trails which have had a tough year in terms of precipitation.
The temperature in the Ribbon Creek parking lot was +4 at 10:30 am as I headed out. +8 in the afternoon as I returned. Purple wax worked well.
Thanks to the groomers for their hard work last night, getting everything groomed & trackset. I skied the perimeter trails today, leaving the interior ones for next time...
I found Coal Mine and Kovach trails to be in best shape, no coincidence that they have the highest elevation and thus cooler temperatures. On a couple of downhills, sun exposed sections sections caused my skis to sink into the soft snow & rapidly slow down. My advice is to keep your speed under control, otherwise an arse-over-tea-kettle event could occur.
Had a really nice chat with Francois and Valerie on Coal Mine. Valerie mentioned she hasn't skied Ribbon Creek for 10 years! Francois was experiencing some clumping troubles with his wax ski's. Nice folks.
I also met Pat on Ribbon Creek who was really enjoying her day. Pat's and old-time Skier Bob reader!
 Coal Mine was great
 This old shack near Coal Mine trail has seen better days.
 A tad windy at the top
 Ribbon Creek trail. Conditions ranged from excellent to marginal
 Evidence of a good recent snowfall
 Kovach was in good shape
 Terrace trail
 Some details of my ski today
4 comment(s) posted
Comments:
2024-03-09 at 21:01 - comment by Alf Skrastins
What an amazing coincidence. We did almost the exact same trails today at Ribbon Creek. Coal mine is a pretty interesting trail, but I am always struck by what a relentless climb it is to get up to the viewpoint. I'm guessing the descent will be pretty spicy after another melt-freeze cycle... but by then we won't be allowed to go there, as Parks Crews prepare to burn the Ribbon Creek forests.
We definitely encountered those dreaded "catch and release" conditions when transitioning from slightly icy shaded areas to very soft-sticky sunny spots.
I was also impressed by the amount of new single-track alternative trails which have been developed for snowshoers, hikers and fat-bikers. There are still some shared sections on the ski trails, but it is overall a big improvement... and better user experience for everyone.
 Only a hint of the Coal Mine viewpoint picnic table was visible under the rapidly building snow drift. It won't be seen again for some time!
 The scenic Kovach Link bridge over Ribbon Creek.
 Sunny tracks at Aspen/Kovach junction
 Excellent grooming on Terrace trail
2024-03-09 at 21:53 - comment by SkierRoger
Sorry to have missed you Alf. I know you’re getting around quite a bit these days. Thanks for all the great trip reports!
2024-03-10 at 19:30 - comment by GordN
When Ribbon is good, it's a great day and so quick to get to.
Always my first go to..
2024-03-10 at 19:34 - comment by GordN
From Pulse:
Please be aware Ribbon Creek day use (parking) is scheduled to close Monday March 11th for prescribed fire work in the area for a couple weeks. Ribbon Creek and Coal Mine trails will also be closed when this happens.
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