Sometimes, the decision on how to groom the trails is complicated. This is one of those times. Here are the considerations.
The thick, cold powder snow that fell this week did not consolidate in spite of several passes by the groomers.
It has been extremely demanding physically to drive the machines in the deep, soft snow and the grooming staff are close to exhaustion.
The air temperature today was quite cold with the slight breeze; an accident on the trail would present significant risk from the cold.
The entire trail system is groomed now for the first time in at least three years.
Skiers coming off the hilly loops today were still very happy with the skiing and the classic track looks to be in very good condition near the chalet.
This morning's weather forecast for Monday indicated +7C and rain. January rain falling on compacted snow and then freezing usually produces ungroomable ice; the more compaction that has occurred, the worse the ice will be.
Two questions have pretty clear answers. First, can I make the skiing better? No, not significantly. Second, do my customers want me to be able to groom after a thaw and rain? I certainly expect so; they always have before! This is as close to a no-brainer as it gets.
Well then, go out and enjoy that lovely powdery snow while you can. Meanwhile, hope that the forecasters are being silly again.
