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2024-03-27 at 08:31 - comment by MaSid
In addition to Old Grouch’s insight:
Fact: We are in an El Niño cycle, first one since 2016. Meaning: less than normal snow amounts, more days above zero than normal and by a greater amount. This probably makes for challenging grooming conditions, even for the most experienced. For example, between the last two cold/snow events, there was 10 days or more of warm temps, creating a compact snow/ice base which the last snow fell on. The forecasted 30 cm of upslope storm snow didn’t materialize and only got about 10 cm. It was also cold low density snow without much water content. This compacted down to an inch or two and the base snow being icy and hard was not available to add to the mix. Hence the shallow tracks.
They did the best they could with what they had to deal with. Perhaps the issue has more to do with the weather than the groomers. Expectations need to be tempered with reality. Bragg Creek is low elevation foothills and is much more prone to weather variances than higher elevation mountain terrain along the great divide. All things considered, it was pretty good for late March in the foothills and we had a few extra days of skiing in great weather. A bonus I certainly enjoyed without having to drive far. But going farther will be necessary for the rest of the foreseeable season. Enjoy your spring!
2024-03-27 at 08:14 - comment by Old Grouch
Last 3 years, WBC grooming ceased on 03, 18 and 21 Mar so there's nothing unusual about this year. Personally I enjoyed 12 great outings at WBC this winter including a few spectacular days. It's a matter of picking your days, Robbo. And this time of year, spend the money to either buy gas to get to PLPP or LL higher elevation trails or pay for a pass at CNC. No cause for complaint in my books - I'm very thankful for the efforts of the grooming crew although the problems with Nordic Pulse have been disappointing.
2024-03-26 at 23:47 - comment by GordN
That reminds me. Had so much fun on Saturday I wanted to get another donation in before I forget.
Keep up the, what I consider, great work. Maybe those complaining should sign up to learn, the hard way, how hard it is.
Jeez, some people’s kids. Yeesh.
2024-03-26 at 16:23 - comment by haywire
Yes, I remember the good old days, too. When we were happy to have snow to groom.
How we started
2024-03-26 at 14:14 - comment by teleskier
"Robbo" it is the end of the season at WBC. The fat biking is impeccable, you should consider having a bike as a back up for marginal skiing conditions. If you want perfect olympic style grooming CNC may be more to your liking. We've had great grooming at WBC all season, maybe you missed those days. Keep in mind that the foothills are prone to melt freeze and all sorts of meteorological variance.
WBC - Not so good
Report Submitted by Robbo
(trip) Date: Tuesday Mar 26, 2024
Submitted: Tuesday Mar 26, 2024 at 07:59
Participants:
Solo
Discussion:
I went for a ski at WBC hoping for improved conditions. With all the snow that came down and reports of grooming I was hoping to finally get in a good ski on these trails. But, like I have been all season, I was disappointed again. The tracks were shallow and often looked to be skier set, while many of the downhills are narrow and scooped out. In addition, some of the trails appeared to have not even been groomed. Decent enough conditions if you want to shuffle along with your dog, but if you want to go for a good classic or skate ski, you are better off going to CNC or PLPP.
These types of conditions have persisted for the entire season and are far from those that I have experienced at WBC over the years. I sure hope the organization that is responsible for grooming the trails can find experienced groomers, who can make the place the Nordic wonderland that it has been in the past. This season has been a complete disappointment (a sentiment shared by a lot of people), and I am very seriously considering if I am going to continue to donate to the organization if this is the type of product they generate.
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