Grooming Reports 2016-2017

2016-2017 Season Summary:

Dates of Operation: December 5, 2016 to March 11, 2017

Season length: 96 days (13 weeks & 5 days)

Grooming Report. Saturday/Sunday March 11,2017
Come out for last day of official grooming and skiing. We will give the skating lanes a little sprucing up in the morning. Best skiing will be before noon. Let's celebrate the 2016-17 Nordic season and please thank a groomer if you see them out there.

Grooming Report. Saturday, March 11 2017
Last official weekend of grooming at Vallecito Nordic Trails. John made a valiant effort on Friday night. Setting new classic tracks on one side of FS road and touching up skating lanes until mechanical issues finally halted his grooming efforts at 10:00pm last night. Please enjoy the last of what has been a great season . Thank you to everyone for your support.

Grooming Report. Thurs. March 9 2017
Trails groomed again today. Get it while it lasts. Skating is still good in the mornings. We will continue grooming through this coming weekend and then will assess coverage and conditions.

Grooming report. Wednesday, March 8
Efforts continue to groom and maintain trails. Early morning grooming over the last couple of days has resulted in good skating conditions within a time window of approximately 8:30am - 10:30am. Classic tracks have proven more challenging to maintain but we will continue to fight the good fight at least through this coming weekend. Come on out and skate and enjoy the waning Nordic season.

Grooming report. Sunday, March 5
The A-team is out grooming this morning. All trails should be groomed for skating and classic tracks set on Friday afternoon.

Grooming Report. Friday, March 3
Trails will be groomed for skating either late in the day Friday or early Saturday morning. New classic tracks will be set if snow conditions allow. What this means is that skiing should be great on Saturday after approximately 9:00am, ish
Enjoy!

Grooming report. Wednesday, March 1
All trails groomed today for skating AND new classic tracks set!!
Skiing the next couple of mornings should be great. Snow likely to soften up in the afternoon.

Grooming Report. Tuesday, Feb. 28 2017
Approx. 8" of fresh snow this morning. Groomed FS road, East Creek and Norh Beach. Hoping that this new snow and colder temperatures will have everyone on great snow through this coming weekend. Thanks

Grooming Report: Friday, Feb. 24 2017
Trails will be groomed late today (Friday 2/24) or early on Saturday morning. Hopefully new classic track will be set, conditions permitting. That means skiing should be great on Saturday!!

Grooming Report Wednesday, Feb. 22
FS Road, East Creek and Beach groomed this morning. Campground trails are getting a thin and icy, please exercise CAUTION on these trails.

Grooming/Skiing report, Tuesday, Feb. 21
Word is that both the classic skiing and skating are great up at Vallecito. Forecast for cooler temps later this week should make for continued great conditions!

Grooming report, Monday, Feb. 20
All trails groomed and classic tracks set today.

Grooming report, Sunday, Feb. 19
2" of fresh snow fell early Sunday morning. That snow has been groomed for skating and the next couple of days should be good skating. Hit it in the morning before snow gets too warm and soft

Grooming report: Wednesday, Feb. 15
News Flash...classic tracks reset plus trails all groomed for skating. (thank you John!)
Word is that the skiing is great.

Grooming Report Tuesday, Feb.14 2017
Happy Valentines Day
Oh what a difference a few degrees can make. With only slightly colder temperatures, the grooming and skiing is outstanding. The volunteer groomers were back out today and groomed nearly everything for skating. New classic tracks were not set (still waiting on the right conditions for that).
But skiing is great. Supposed to be cold tonight so Wednesday should be great.

Grooming Update Monday, Feb.13
Good news! Slightly colder temperatures today allowed us to groom most trails for skating. Did not reset classic tracks but FS road, East Creek and Beach groomed today. Skating should be good tomorrow (Tues 2/14). So go skiing with your Valentine

Sunday, ;Feb. 12
Road and East Creek groomed early this morning. Expect warm temps and light drizzle. We will do our best in the coming week to groom depending upon temperature and snow conditions.

UPDATE, SATURDAY Feb. 11
NO GROOMING TODAY!
Too warm this morning to groom without doing more harm than good. Sorry for report earlier this morning.

Grooming update. Thurs. Feb. 9
All trails groomed today for skating. Skiing should be good before noon.

Afternoon Update
Wednesday, Feb. 8
Rain on Tuesday night and really warm temperatures are presenting problems for trail conditions. Please exercise good judgement if you are out on the trails. Skiing and dog traffic on really soft/slushy/warm snow causes deep ruts and holes in trails that are difficult to remove. Just like you, we want to extend our nordic season as long as possible and are doing all we can to accomplish that. Thank you

Grooming Report: Wednesday Feb.8
Trails will be groomed today. Should be great skiing. (Better between 10:00am and 1:00pm)

Grooming Report Monday, Feb. 6
Trails groomed on Sunday and Monday. Warmer temps are getting us into a freeze/thaw cycle that creates the best skiing window between approximately 9:30am and 1:00pm.
Hopefully cooler temperatures and more snow headed our way.

Grooming report. Sunday, Feb.5

Warm and sunny at Vallecito.
Trails will be groomed today.
Put on some sunscreen and get out and enjoy.

Grooming Report - February 4, 2017
Saturday - No grooming. This is Groomers Ski Day

The skiing this morning was outstanding!

Beautiful day, beautiful tracks.

Grooming Report - Snowdown Friday
There are beautiful skate lanes ready for Saturday.. We tried to reset the classic tracks with mixed results. There is a window when the snow is hardening up and the tracks go in beautifully. In some places we missed that window.

The skiing should be wonderful tomorrow, especially
the skating.

Grooming report - Thursday, February 2, 2017

The Forest Service road, East Creek and South Beach (and one pass on the north beach) were groomed for skating. Grooming stopped at noon when the sun came out and the snow softened.

Classic tracks were not reset. They may be reset Friday evening if temperatures drop enough for them to freeze in overnight. If you ski late on Friday please avoid skiing in new classic tracks to give a chance to firm up.

Spring-like conditions continue - cold AM and warm PM.
Have fun skiing!

Grooming Report - February 1, 2017

Our dedicated team of groomers got all of the skate lanes spruced up. It was cold and hard (14 degrees) at 9:00 AM, then the snow gradually softened up, sunny spots first. The snow the next few days with warmer daytime and overnight temps will be soft in the afternoons.

The classic tracks are holding up surprisingly well. They are beginning to show some icing/glazing

Beautiful day, great skiing at Vallecito.

Grooming Report - Tuesday January 31

Skating lanes tilled and groomed in the morning.

Temperatures ranging from cold in Am to warm (above freezing) later in the day.
Be prepared for soft snow in the afternoon.

Grooming Report - Monday, January 30

Smoothed out the skating lanes on the inner 5k (Road) to cover the Sunday multi modal traffic and lightly groomed the outer loops.

The best skiing today was East Creek and North Beach.

Grooming Report - Sunday, January 29, 2017

All skate lanes groomed. Skiing is great in the morning but things soften up in the afternoon. Classic tracks still well set so were left alone.

Touch-up grooming planned for Monday.

A beautiful day at the lake!

Grooming Report – Saturday January 28, 2017
No grooming on Saturdays.
The skiing is outstanding.

Grooming Report – Friday January 27, 2017

Skate lanes in all areas are groomed edge to edge. Surfaces are getting a bit harder with the cold weather.

Classic tracks are wonderful! Thank you Ron and Carolyn for putting them in.

We are dealing with a snowmobile trap across from the corral on East Creek, Be a bit careful of soft snow in that area. We shoveled and packed but it will be a few more days before it firms up.

It was 6°F when we finished grooming at 7:45 PM. So be prepared for cold air and cold snow this weekend.

The road is plowed and in good condition with packed snow. You do NOT need 4WD to access the trailhead.

The skiing should continue to get better through the weekend!

Enjoy!

Grooming Report – Friday January 27, 2017

Skate lanes in all areas are groomed edge to edge. Surfaces are getting a bit harder with the cold weather.

Classic tracks are wonderful! Thank you Ron and Carolyn for putting them in.

We are dealing with a snowmobile trap across from the corral on East Creek, Be a bit careful of soft snow in that area. We shoveled and packed but it will be a few more days before it firms up.

It was 6°F when we finished grooming at 7:45 PM. So be prepared for cold air and cold snow this weekend.

The road is plowed and in good condition with packed snow. You do NOT need 4WD to access the trailhead.

The skiing should continue to get better through the weekend!

Enjoy!

Grooming Report – Thursday January 26, 2017

Skate lanes in all areas are groomed. Surfaces are getting a bit harder with the cold weather.
The road is plowed and in good condition with packed snow. You do NOT need 4WD to access the trailhead.

The skiing should continue to get better through the weekend!

Enjoy!

January 25, 2017

Another 4" or so of snow Wednesday morning.
We groomed all of the skate lanes. Pretty soft - dogs and skate skiers were digging in pretty deep. Hoping the cold night and more grooming will firm it up.
We put in most all of the classic. Missed part of the East Creek Road because of a snowmobile in the ditch. Setting classic tracks means flirting with the ditch! The classic tracks should harden up tonight.

Sat. Jan 21 8:30pm
A 5k loop groomed on FS Road and South Beach (thanks Rob)
This will probably be buried by Sunday Morning. Road to trailhead has one lane plowed. Very narrow, 4 wheel drive required. With more snow expected we will do our best over the next few days. Continue to check back.

Saturday, Jan. 21 10:00am
No grooming today.
Grooming efforts ON HOLD until road is plowed to trailhead and snow lets up some.

Friday, Jan. 20
4" of new snow this morning at Vallecito.
All trails groomed today.
More snow expected overnight tonight. We have a crew scheduled to go out tomorrow (Saturday) and make it nice for y'all. Please give these hard working volunteer groomers a tip of your hat when you see them out there doing their thing.

Thursday, Jan. 19
All trails were groomed yesterday, 1/18. Big snow supposed to be headed our way. If it materializes we will do our best to keep the trails groomed. But please remember that lots of fresh snow takes a while to get groomed. Thanks for your understanding and bring on the snow!!

Wed. Jan 18
All trails groomed yesterday. (Tues. 1/17)
Finally some sunshine today! Get out and enjoy.

Tuesday, Jan. 17
All skating lanes and classic tracks groomed and set Monday night. Not sure how much snow was received last night.

Sunday, Jan. 15
Warm temperatures but trails groomed and great skiing today

Saturday, Jan. 14 (12:30pm)
Trails currently being groomed.

Saturday, Jan. 14
All trails were groomed yesterday (Friday) for skate and classic. HOWEVER, just received news that there is about 4 inches of fresh snow at Vallecito trails this morning! This will make for challenging skating until we get that fresh snow groomed. Touring and classic skiing should be soft and enjoyable. We will try to get trails groomed today. Just not sure what time of day that will happen. Thank you

Thursday, Jan. 12
Trails were groomed yesterday (Wed. 1/11). We are recovering from the rain earlier in the week. Skating is good on all trails. Classic tracks are a little rough. We will hopefully reset the classic tracks before the weekend, conditions permitting.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 (4:30pm)
Update: Trails groomed by a couple of die hard groomers. Temperatures remain warm, but trails are groomed and skiable.
Be aware that as of Tuesday afternoon the road to trailhead had NOT been plowed!

Tuesday, Jan. 10
Trails are ice covered and very rough. We will not be grooming today unless temps drop significantly. This is to avoid damaging the great base of snow that we currently have. Skiing is possible,but please use caution. Thank you for your patience and we will keep you advised as conditions change.

Monday, Jan. 9
Attention Skiers and trail users:
As of Monday morning we were receiving rain at Vallecito Nordic Trails. We kindly ask that you refrain from using the trails until temperatures drop to below freezing to avoid damaging the trails.
Thank you and please feel free to FB message or submit questions through our website if you would like more information.

January 8, 2017

Thank you to everyone who came out today for our annual Vallecito Demo Day. The snow was great, the food was awesome and best of all were all of the skiers and snowshoers who came out to enjoy the trails. Special thanks to our partners:
Backcountry Experience (great gumbo Ben!), Pine Needle Mountaineering, 2nd Ave Sports, Zuke's who make this event happen.
The snow and trails are in great shape so please continue to come out and play.

UPDATE: Friday, Jan. 6
About 1" of fresh snow on Thursday night and COLD temps overnight. That combined with the efforts of our A-team groomers today have set things up for great skiing this weekend.
Come out and play Saturday and then come back on Sunday for DEMO DAY from 10:00-3:00. Free equipment demos, beginner lessons, food and fun. Please bring your photo ID to demo gear

Thursday, Jan. 5
About 3" of heavy snow on Wednesday night. Groomers were hard at it today getting that new snow manicured. Main FS road, East Creek, Campground trails all groomed for skating. With more snow expected tonight (3"-7") we will have another crew out tomorrow (Fri. 12/6) to try to spruce things up.This is all setting up for a great weekend of skiing.
Demo Day: Sunday Jan. 8 10:00am-3:00pm at VNC trailhead.
Free XC ski equipment, snowshoes, Gumbo (while supplies last) and basic instruction at 10:30, 12:00, and 1:00. Fun for the entire family.

Wed. Jan. 4
New snow arriving everyday.
All trails were groomed yesterday (Tuesday) and we have another crew headed out today to spruce things up. Coverage is great and conditions are awesome. Get out and enjoy!

Tuesday, Jan. 3
We have been receiving some new snow out at Vallecto and the groomers are trying to keep up. We have a crew out grooming today and another scheduled for tomorrow (1/4). Please keep in mind that the skating lanes will be a little soft until this fresh snow and grooming has had a chance to set up and harden. BUT, coverage is great and more snow is always better than the alternative. Enjoy. Remember DEMO DAY this Sunday, Jan. 8 10:00am - 3:00pm

Happy New Year! What a great way to start 2017!
We have received fresh snow at Vallecito. We are grooming today but conditions will be SOFT. Great for classic skiing and touring.
Skating will be challenging unti fresh snow has time to set up.

Saturday, Dec. 31
Everything groomed Friday evening, so skiing should be great today, Hopefully more snow on the way!
Get out and enjoy your last day of skiing this year.

(Remember, Nordic Demo Day next Sunday Jan. 8th
10;00am-3:00pm at Vallecito Nordic Trailhead. Bring you photo ID)

Dec. 29, 2016
Awesome conditions out at Vallecito Nordic Trails.
All trails groomed today. Great skating throughout. Classic tracks on main FS road, East Creek, South beach and classic only track through woods. Campground trails are all open. Trails are scheduled to be groomed again tomorrow (12/30) so get out and enjoy the great skiing!

Fri. Dec. 23
Storm total from the last few days: Approx 10" at Vallecito.
All trails groomed today (Fri. 12/23) and some classic tracks set.
Main FS road, East Creek, South Beach all good. Campground trails still a little thin. Skiing tomorrow should be great.

Reminder: Vallecito Demo Day is Sunday, Jan. 8
10:00am - 3:00pm
Come out and check out some new gear!

Wed. Dec. 21
Happy Winter Solstice!
Main FS road and southern most portion of Beach groomed today for skating. Please be aware that snow is thin in places and that icy patches exist. But, keep your fingers crossed...looks like more snow is on the way!!

Notice: please restrict travel on the nordic trails to skis or snowshoes.
Walking, even on thin snow, creates deep footprints that are very difficult to repair and smooth out. Thank you

Dec 18, 2016

Rain, warm temps and a rogue LPEA truck conspired against us on Friday making the grooming and skiing challenging this weekend. Colder temperatures should help our efforts over the next couple of days. Thanks for your patience

Dec 17, 2016

About an inch on Friday night. Trails groomed today (Sat 12/17). Icy conditions this afternoon. Cold overnight temps should make for good skiing tomorrow, Sunday 12/18

Friday, Dec. 16
About 4" of snow from Thursday night. Warm temperatures are preventing more accumulation. Hopefully it will get colder tonight and we will get more snow overnight.
If we get additional snow and conditions permit, we will open more terrain this weekend.
thanks

Dec. 9, 2016
Nothing new to report in the way of snowfall (unfortunately). Skiing is “OK” on FS road to base of East Creek. Early season conditions for sure. Touring and snowshoeing on the beach is nice.

Have a great weekend and dance for SNOW!

Dec 5, 2016

No new snow or conditions changes to report.
EARLY SEASON CONDITIONS continue to exist.
Please be aware of gravel, dirt and limited coverage.
Our groomers continue their best efforts to maintain and groom the limited snow that we have.

FYI, the Port-o-potties will be delivered to the trailhead this coming Friday, Dec. 9th. (We apologize for the inconvenience)

We implore everyone to dance, beg, pray, etc...FOR SNOW!