Author: Jesse Crocker

Our volunteer grooming crew was at Chief Joseph Pass yesterday getting the trails ready for ski season. Some days of grooming feel like just going for a ride through the woods, and some are hard work, as much shoveling as driving. Yesterday was definitely the later category. All trails have been compacted, but some are still only 4 feet wide, and some may still be pretty soft. Definitely not skate skiing conditions yet, but everything is skiable, the cabin is open and the benches are out.

Snowcat grooming is currently planned to start sometime in the next few days.

A big thank you to the Dave from the Beaverhead Deerlodge National Forest for assisting with clearing downed logs and hazard trees yesterday, so our crew could focus on the snow.

The fairgrounds trails currently have 2 inches of light fluffy snow on top of very firm grooming. The classic tracks have melted out and are not usable in most places, but conditions are still great for skate skiing.

Update from our chief groomer Tony Neaves:

The stars aligned and there is skiing at the Hamilton Fairgrounds (at least till Wed.)!

Last time we were able to do this was 2017, its rare and it does not last long! Everyone’s help in keeping the groomed trail intact goes a long way, it’s a fragile 3″ thick layer of packed snow, just firm enough for skis (please no fat bikes either).

Walking on it or letting dogs run and play on it ruins it really quick and any warm spell like the upcoming one later in the week weather melts out any thin spots or holes in the trail quickly, so please no dogs on loop #1 and #2. Between last night when I first started packing it and this afternoon someone with a dog did quite an amount of damage already, the lack of courtesy sometimes just amazes me!

I have 3 areas packed out, they are not connected like we used to due to security reasons now, too much vandalism occurring.

The main loop is the southside field next to Fairgrounds road, there is a set track around it and a wide skate lane. the trail starts on the northern edge of the parking lot.

To the northeast is another loop that goes all over eastern and northeast corner side, I was told there is a small gate to get into it by the main grandstands, but I have not found it yet because I’m grooming out there at night and haven’t seen it yet. I’ll report back tomorrow when we ski around in the day light.

The 3rd loop was an experimental loop I did last night, it’s to the north on the northwestern side of the main grandstand entrance. This evening I decided to call it the dog ski loop, it’s a rougher trail and it won’t hurt my feelings to let it get torn up, so wear out the pooch over there and then put them in the car and go rip around the rest!

There are tracks set on loop 1 and 2, enjoy!

Part of the agreement I had to work out with the Fair office was liability waivers, their lawyers require everyone doing any sport have on file (including pickle ball!)! What we agreed upon was that I put out a box at the start of the loop #1 ski trail with waivers inside and a pencil. Please fill one out and leave it at the office, you only have to do this once a year, not every time. I was also told that if the office is closed to just stick the waiver into the office cat door (it’s their standard practice)!

Enjoy it while it lasts!

Tony

The snow is really starting to pile up at Chief Joseph Pass. There is over 2 feet on the ground and the DOT has plowed out the parking lot. We are still a few weeks away from starting to groom, but many trails already have tracks skied in, and it should be great conditions for ski touring this weekend.

If you are out skiing on a trail that already has tracks, please consider skiing in a second set of tracks a few feet over. This makes the initial grooming much easier, as the snowmobiles are able to stay up on the ski tracks.

There are downed trees on many trails right now, so use caution, especially while skiing downhill. Several trails still have open water, including Banshee, Joseph Creek and Whoopee. These trees will be cleared by our grooming crews once grooming starts.

The Gordon Reese Cabin is not open for day use, but will be open when our season officially starts on December 1.

Dogs are allowed on trails until the end of November, but please pick up after your dog. Please remember that many users of the Gordon Reese Cabin melt snow for water, so please avoid getting dog waste in the snow in that area.

Chief Joseph Pass has received 2 feet of snow since friday, and most trails have enough snow for skiing. The parking lot has not been plowed(as of noon Sunday), so be prepared to park along the highway, and bring a shovel.

We are still a few weeks away from starting to groom, but with the current snow, and the forecast for the next week we are on track to be able to groom most trails late November.

It is currently hunting season, and there have been many elk hunters in the area, so wearing orange is recommended.

Ski trails at Chief Joseph Pass were groomed Sunday. It should be great conditions for skate or classic skiing this week.