WBC: The Perfect Storm!
Trip date: Saturday Feb 10, 2024
Submitted by MaSid
Particpants:
Discussion:
- Seasonal winter conditions
- Fresh track setting
- Some sunshine
- A mild temperature forecast
- A weekend day
All lead to a busy busy day on the groomed trails. Parking lot was 90% full by 10 AM. Saw a handful of wipeouts on flat ground in the first couple kilometres. Lots of large groups milling about at intersections, base of hills, in the tracks, in the wrong tracks, taking selfies, not looking for descending skiers, etc. It was comical mayhem I tell you! Caution was required. Nothing to do but run away off trail, first heading up Tom Snow north. Nice fluffy cold snow initially, thickening up a bit by noon. Only went a couple km to the base of the hills and returned to continue around moose loop. Next option: middle Tom Snows. Wrong choice: too late in the day, major stickage by 1 PM. Also major snow bomb action, but not the fluffy kind, the icy chunky stuff. Ouch! Eventually bailed through west meadow to mountain road, but carrying the skis. Everything was fine back on the grooming. Tracks were well used today by many people of all levels. Things might be a bit wobbly as well as slick and fast in the morning tomorrow.