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Snow on Highway--IMPROVED!!! NOW WITH TURNS!!!
Report Submitted by aqua toque
(trip) Date: Wednesday Apr 17, 2024
Submitted: Wednesday Apr 17, 2024 at 20:31
Discussion:
66.
Beyond the gate clearly most of the recent dump had melted on contact but there was still 4" or so on the pavement. Walkers footprints were right down to the now frozen slush but this was not an issue on skis. Might not be the case for long but the ditch has lots more.
Anywho, I only went as far as the Powderface Ck trailhead. Getting off the main road was like night and day. Even in the parking area at the trailhead it was 15-20cm+ and just got deeper on the trail itself.
The walkers, bless their misguided hearts, had plowed a track all the way to Prairie Link. It was a bit rough and wiggly but I was more than happy to use it because Dad always said (before the badgers got him) never look a gift horse in the mouth.
Beyond Prairie Link there were still day old partially filled in footprints that I thought were human but not far along they deaked off into thick bush so I guess it was a critter. Bear-sized badger perhaps.
Then I was breaking trail. I was about halfway between Prairie Link and Powderface Ridge trail when I said, yeah, that's good, that will do.
I had lunch and then a nice fluffy cruise out the way I came.
 This is in the early going looking back at the walkers' trailbreaking after I had smoothed it out with my wide and righteous skis.
 This shot is beyond Prairie Link on my way out in the early afternoon. The sun was poking out at times and even though it felt like temp was below 0 the snow in the track was getting grabby in sunny sections.
 A gate! This is being installed just a stones throw beyond the Powderface Creek trailhead. Apparently it's the new location for the winter closure. I suppose that's not a bad idea but they obviously ignored my suggestion to move it to Little Elbow campground...again...gift horse.
4 comment(s) posted
Comments:
2024-04-18 at 19:59 - comment by aqua toque
When I got home yesterday I had a look at the post-ski data and discovered I had skied right past some fine open slopes--potential terrain for turns! Since I possess a keen sensibility for such things this came as quite a shock. My only recourse was to return to the area today and make amends.
Great powder turns were had! Snow quality and travel conditions remain excellent. As others have pointed out, for here and surrounding areas that should be the case for a couple more days.
 The ellusive slope!
2:20 POV vid for snow/turn quality illustration purposes.
2024-04-19 at 21:41 - comment by Diana Piggott
That looks lovely!
I had thought of going there on Wednesday but the crazy winds put me off.
2024-04-20 at 17:16 - comment by aqua toque
Indeed. It was so lovely I went back in there on Friday for the third day in a row. I must say, I had more fun in those 3 days than I did in the first 3 months of my season.
I'm sure everyone is getting sick of these gopro vids but this run on Friday was a real hoot!
Glade Gully Goodness -- a fun ski run ending in an altercation.
2024-04-21 at 08:17 - comment by SkierRoger
Thanks for the fun, AT. Send all the videos you want. I’ll watch ‘em all!
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