Tomorrow, Saturday, is the annual Hyalite Tour. This is a low key, community event (not a race) hosted by BSF, Friends of Hyalite, and the Bozeman Ranger District at the day use parking lot by the dam. The whole idea is to get a bunch of people out skiing and celebrating winter (as well as burning off all that holiday food). The Hyalite ski trails are mostly narrow and groomed less frequently, so it's a bit more of a rustic experience. So grab your classic skis (some areas are skate-able but grooming is mostly for classic skiing), some friends to carpool with, and come ski with us on Saturday at 10AM!
With that note on Hyalite, BSF and the Forest Service will be out grooming the trails today (Friday). The plan is to get around everything and hopefully set some classic tracks this time. The road was last plowed on Tuesday but expect it to be icy and snowy; give yourself time to get up there and just drive slow.
Last night, Eric groomed all of Sourdough, including the last mile to Mystic Lake, and did set classic tracks above the bridge on both the Moser and Mystic Lake sides. The lower miles are skiable but very, very thin and there is some treacherous ice lurking in places, so if you are skiing from the Bozeman Creek Trailhead, use caution and take it slow. There will probably be lots of people. While we haven't groomed down to the Moser Trailhead yet, there has been enough snowmobile traffic on that road to make Moser a good alternative access point right now.
As for the town trails, we need more snow. We packed down the almost inch from the other day at Sunset Hills but it did not amount to much and bare ground and ice are lurking in a few places. Sunset Hills is skiable but be ready for marginal conditions. Bridger Creek may have some skiable crust but it is not recommended right now.
Hyalite Tour, Saturday, 12/28 10AM. This is simply a "go-skiing" event. No fee, no competition. Free food at the end.
Bozeman Creek Climb, Saturday, 1/4/20, start at 10AM, registration closes at 9:30AM sharp. Classic race from mile 1 to the bridge or mile to mile 3 (for kids). Parking at the Sourdough Water Plant, BSF will provide a shuttle to the trailhead. Keep your fingers crossed for more snow...
