James Risdon, communications manager for the City of North Battleford says skiing trails are still open in some areas even thought the recent warm weather has hit the snow pack hard.
Warmer-than-expected temperatures and a lack of moisture have resulted in some of the poorest ski conditions for January in the last seven years, he says.
Areas recommended for skiing at of Jan. 30 are:
Finlayson Island North and South
There has been a significant reduction of the snow pack, however skiers are still able to ski off trail or use the groomed trails. It is mainly hard, crusty snow with a significant amount of ice throughout.
North Shore Trail
This is probably one of our better ski trails to date, says Risdon. Snow is patchy in spots but it is open for classic skiing and offers beautiful scenery and is a great get away for an hour or two.
Holy Family
There is still classic skiing and skate skiing at Holy Family although there has been significant snow pack reduction there as well. It will be patchy in some locations but skiers can pull themselves off the trail and go around those areas.
John Paul II
This trail has been packed and groomed only. Skate skiing is the only real option here but if skiers wish to try and cut their own trail for classic skiing they may wish to do so. The snow pack has been reduced here as well.
Centennial Park
Centennial Park is only recommended for cutting your own trail at this time. Much of the trail for skate skiing and classic skiing has eroded away due to the warmer temperatures.
Not recommended for skiing is King Hill.
This section of trail is not recommended at this time for skiing. Most of the snow at the top of the hill is gone and the snow towards the bottom is patchy.
Looking ahead to the week of Feb. 1, there is a cooling trend taking place. However, colder temperatures do not by themselves make for better skiing conditions. Only more snow does.
“February and March are not quite here yet, so we can only hope that some snow is coming sooner rather than later and that we can leave the skiing season on a positive note,” says Risdon.
