Lapland Lake 12/18

[12/15]  From Eric Hamilton —

Snow conditions at Lapland Lake are very cold. Even though the trails have gotten much attention the snow is still very much like skiing in fresh lake effect snow.

With this in mind along with the first event of the season, I have set the courses on the short side. At this point I have:

• White – 1.4 k with 4 controls
• Orange – 3.1 k with 7 controls
• Brown – 4.7 k with 13 controls

When I skied there on Wednesday I skied on a pair of rock skis, because I didn’t know what to expect. The snow provided very little glide even though air temps were in the high 20s. There was only one spot where the groomer had picked up a frost heave. Everything else was white except two very obvious wet areas easily skied around. I suspect tonight’s wind will bring down more snow and some debris, but I will be using my good classic skis to set out the rest of the brown course early Sunday morning.

Now the way it’s going to work is you will pay the full day trail fee at the gate upon arrival: $23 for adults; $20 for 65+ and 17-; $10 for 11-. If you have a season pass you have the usual green light, red carpet treatment, and hospitality all the way! If you get there before 11 am registration, ski in the practice loops south of the lodge. Then come into the lodge to register for ski O after 11 AM. The owners are “reimbursing” EMPO $10 entry fee after the event.

No. You will not finish the orange course in 30 minutes and want to do the brown course. (emphasize period) You are welcome to ski the rest of the day in idyllic condition.

One way trails? Yes, most trails are one way, but you can go the wrong way (during this event only) as long as you stay to the extreme right (let me reinforce my recommendation for classic skis.) Down hill skiers have the right of way whether they have a map or not!