This week we have been running both CATS hard to beat the big storm that is happening today into Friday. We got all main trails packed from Ruckle through Spout, Balloon Tree, Coyote 3719, McIntyre, the low country through the Chalet/Shumway, out to Bone Springs, Skyline, elk trail and powerline trail, in and out of all snow parks and highway crossings.
The big snow has highway 204 closed today, as snow in the valley ties up plowing crews and they are already shorthanded. We won’t be on the mountain today as I hear there is a foot of new snow, with a possible foot coming through tonight. As if often the case after a big dump of snow, I am sure there will be no place to park as ODOT has not had time or personnel to clear out the roads and snow parks. We will try to get on the mountain tomorrow, depending on the road being open and parking available. It could be Saturday before we get a chance to start opening the trail system around Tollgate back up. Both CATS will be running but don’t expect that there will be good trails as it will be deep and soft no matter what we do til this settles. The timing is bad for New Years, but we are thankful for the snow!
Try to have a good and safe New Years.
Jess Thompson, TTF grooming chairman