Since last Friday, we've linked together all possible windows of opportunity to make snow at Sunset Hills. Some have been great, others marginal, but we've made great progress from the pump house to the bottom of the sledding hill. The forecast ahead will limit snowmaking shifts to the early morning only- too warm in the evenings, and the morning shifts may drop off as well by the end of the weekend if things aren't cold enough overnight.
The next 3-4 days will still be primarily geared toward snowmaking operations. Our focus has shifted away from connecting to Lindley center toward making the available snow as complete of a loop as it can be for safe, distanced, and fun skiing & training.
Our goal is to have things up and running by Sunday, after some pinch points and thin areas are addressed with more artificial snow.
If that can happen, parking will still need to be at the softball complex, with snow access at the gully area near the bottom of the sledding hill. From the softball complex, skiers will need to cross Highland Boulevard, and follow the paved bike path downhill (to the north) and cut in toward the bottom of the sledding hill on the footpath. It will be wet and muddy in that area- While less than ideal, it's the best option right now. Please give us a few more days to fill in the gaps, and once on snow, pay special attention to avoid tracking mud and dirt onto the groomed snowpack.
Keep in mind this is a very dry start to our ski season this year. See the Montana Snow Survey to see where we are for the season thus far. (The Lick Creek Snotel, near Sourdough, only has 4 in. of snow--46% of the median snow for this time of year.) Do your snow dances! We will begin grooming at other venues when we have an adequate base.
As always, thank you for supporting the Community Nordic Trails Program, and snowmaking efforts at Sunset Hills! Stay tuned for further updates.
