We arrived at Boulton to a balmy +3 temperature, so for the three participants on waxing skis there was application of their presumed appropriate wax. We headed off along Moraine, where the wettish snow (with a high proportion of pine needles) defeated most of their choices. Oh well, herringbone style is good exercise. The trail was rather rough and often had a side-sloped profile as there is not an early base deep enough to plow flat. On to Fox Creek where some rerouting account the flood was noted as well as a couple of bridge replacements. By the time Elk Pass trail was reached, your scribe on waxless skis had to apply some glider wax to the gripping scales as snow was building up on them (it worked).

Elk Pass was interesting with the reroutes around the flood damage, we were all impressed with the work K-country has done to get the trails and bridges back in shape for this season. At the Blueberry Junction turnoff the sun was out so it was an appropriate place for lunch:

Reports from Blueberry Hill were that it was quite windy so we changed objective to Elk Pass. The snow higher up was better and some must have recent fallen as most of the pine needles, cones and twigs were covered up. But traction was still a challenge:

From Elk Pass we decided to return via Tyrwhitt in the expectation that the snow would be better there than retracing our steps via Fox Creek and Moraine. And this proved to be true as conditions were quite good along Tyrwhitt and down Whiskeyjack, where the reappearance on the snow of pine needles did not affect the skiing:

Thanks to the fine group of Barbara, Bernie and Nancy for joining me, Ron (C/S/P) for a day in the mountains.