We decided to ride along with our grooming manager, Ben Woods, one morning to find out what it takes to keep our trails open...
This season has been challenging. We received a big storm in early November but then the snow didn’t fall again for several weeks. How were you able pull off an opening in December after a dry spell and then remain open until our next storm?
It took 100 hours of snow farming and 110 trailer loads of snow to get the Icicle River Nordic Trails open for Christmas. We trucked an additional 200 loads of snow to keep it open until the next snow came our way in January. The Ski Hill Nordic trails have a lot of foliage and tree coverage so we had to wait for a big snow fall before we were able to groom.
Typically how long does it take to groom the trails on a normal day?
It only took a few hours to groom the nice fluffy stuff that came in during mid to late January. Depending on conditions, it can take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours to groom the Ski Hill, but we make every effort to groom all three locations daily.
Grooming is big part of LWSC operations. What does it take?
To track, pack and groom the trails we use approximately 300 gallons of diesel fuel per week, costing over $1000 weekly. Our grooming staff includes 6 employees, three of which are on staff full-time during the winter.
What is the best part of your job?
I get to work with my friends! I work nights, days, or evenings, depending on what the situation demands. Our goal is to provide the best and most consistent product in the PNW and we seem to be doing something right.
