Whitaker Homesite - Cross Country Skiing Trail Updates

Members and Friends -
 
Welcome to the first trail update of the 2023 season.
 
The opening day has brought some long awaited snow.  As much as we love to have snow, this storm has proven to bring a challenge to all the touring centers.  With a high water content, warm temperatures, and rain, the snow is not cooperating as well has we hoped just 2 days ago. We have received about 12" of snow, though in the woods where the foliage over-story has hung up a lot of the snowfall there is only about 5-6" on the ground.  Trail grooming began this morning with an effort to roll the trails and pack down the snow.  Steve has encountered a lot of fallen trees and limbs and the grooming has stopped and tree removal work is on-going now by both Steve and volunteers.  We will not do any further grooming until the temperatures drop and the snow has dried out or frozen. Continuing to groom with the warm temperatures and rain would only turn the trail deck to swamp or concrete.  The positive point of view is that this will make a "good base" as skiers can always spin this situation. Trail updates will be made tomorrow morning.
 
In the meantime, season pass sales and season pass renewals are available daily at the Touring Center at Ragged Mountain Equipment. Season passes are on sale at 20% off through the 24th of December. Resident pass and non-resident taxpayer passes are available as well. Renewals are $15 and new passes are $25.
 
The Whitaker House will be staffed for ticket sales provided the weather cooperates this weekend.
 
Glad to have the snow - however it arrived!
 
Cort