The trails are holding up fabulously. To those of you who missed this past weekend due to previous engagements or due to just thinking the trail is trashed, would have been pleasantly surprised as to the great conditions the trail is currently in right now. Andy and John both did a very professional leveling of Little Bauer, the road to Hamlin Reservoir, Hamlin Loop, Rush Creek, and the Rush Creek Spur. Hank and his trusty shovel went up to the west side of Upper Bauer on Sunday afternoon and covered the very large bare spot that was inhibiting traffic down that hill side. He also spruced up the bridge on Lower Bauer so we don't have to ski on the wood anymore. Thank you for all of the volunteer effort.
We also ask that our skier patrons maintain proper etiquette in trail usage while we endure through this dry spell. We ask that if the trail is too soft and you are post holing that you may decide to not mess up what little trail is left. It takes a whole bunch of effort and resources to level what damage gets done to the trail. We need to maintain the trail for every one's safety.
Also, a gentle reminder that the Forest Service has implemented a ban on ski jouring with dogs, and dog sledding. Please help us ensure this is not violated for every one's safety.
Hopefully, this storm will grace us with some snow to freshen up the area. Think snow everyone.
Respectfully submitted by Chicken Creek Bloggers
Monday, January 31, 2011
Saturday, January 29, 2011
More Saturday grooming
Once again our fearless groomer John G. freshened up the upper trails for your Chicken Creek skiing experience. Little Bauer is in great shape from Andy's groom on Thursday and now John groomed all upper trails except the road above Hamlin and Turkey. Should be for some really good fast skiing tomorrow (Sunday) especially in the a.m.
Please remember we have really gained alot of mileage out of that last storm and things are looking pretty good for the most part. Some marginal spots to avoid would be on Upper Bauer on the hills going up to the left. We are hoping to get something substantial out of this next storm. Keep your chicken feathers crossed.
Respectfully submitted by Chicken Creek Bloggers
Please remember we have really gained alot of mileage out of that last storm and things are looking pretty good for the most part. Some marginal spots to avoid would be on Upper Bauer on the hills going up to the left. We are hoping to get something substantial out of this next storm. Keep your chicken feathers crossed.
Respectfully submitted by Chicken Creek Bloggers
Chicken Creek grooming report
Yes, Andy H. once again braved the Thursday heat and sun to groom our trails for this up-coming weekend. He made numerous passes over Little Bauer to try and smooth out the existing ruts and post holes, so getting to the upper loops will be of a bit smoother transition for all. We've had an amazing run and have gotten an insurmountable amount of mileage out of our last storm. (Time for another?) We do ask however that we all be considerate of the trail when skiing or walking on very soft snow. Your impact at this point will be crucial to the longevity of our season. There is alot of bare ground out there right now for walking and we are fortunate to live in a place with such and abundance of public lands available for our use.
Respectfully,
Chicken Creek Bloggers
Respectfully,
Chicken Creek Bloggers
Thursday, January 27, 2011
The Chicken Still Lives
Yes as the title of this entry states . . . The Chicken does still have some very valid life left in her. Suggested use of the trail would be to use Little Bauer (first right at y or go up the back side left at y, ski 3/4 mile take right) for the time being and avoid the Upper Bauer loop as to a very wide, rocky bare spot on that great hill we all know, love and have taken a spill or two on while careening out of control to the bottom.
The upper trails are still quite skateable and have maintained a fair amount of good coverage. Do be prepared that the trail is icy and fast, the cold evening temps as well as the cooler temps during the day have put a nice glazed patina covering over the whole area.
There is a possibility that Andy may groom this afternoon (Thursday) and the trail will be freshened up for the weekend.
Think snow or moisture or think something good!!!
Friends of Chicken Creek Bloggers
The upper trails are still quite skateable and have maintained a fair amount of good coverage. Do be prepared that the trail is icy and fast, the cold evening temps as well as the cooler temps during the day have put a nice glazed patina covering over the whole area.
There is a possibility that Andy may groom this afternoon (Thursday) and the trail will be freshened up for the weekend.
Think snow or moisture or think something good!!!
Friends of Chicken Creek Bloggers
Friday, January 21, 2011
More Grooming for the weekend
Hello Fellow Flock members of Chicken Creek. You'll be happy to know that Barry Rhea groomed two passes on Upper Bauer Loop, the road top to bottom, Rush and Rush Connector, and made one pass on Hamlin. Way to go Barry! Cap Allen braved the coyotes and cows to set a perfect Classic Track from the picnic table, up the road to Hamlin and back to Rush spur. Thank you Cap Allen! Thanks for braving the dark too. It does get quite dark before that moon rises. We are still keeping our feathers crossed in hopes for more snow.
See you skiing.
See you skiing.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Chicken Scratchin' at It's Finest
Hello all in snowy ice land. Andy, our hero of the day, pulled the ginzu around the Bauer Loops just to smooth out the crusty, moonscaped surface incurred by the multiple days of warm temperatures. However, when he talked with skiers that ventured to the higher trails their report was that the trails were holding up quite nicely. But there has been some chicken squawking about getting a nice groom in, for the upper trails on Friday. This will make weekend skiing much more safe for all who choose to partake in Chicken Creeks Nordic experience.
Think SNOW everyone.
Think SNOW everyone.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
How Sweet it is
Your faithful blogger has been called to distant lands on a family mission of mercy, and so I apologize for the dearth of data regarding the ski area.
I do have this tidbit to offer up for your consideration:
I stole a couple hours to ski the Frisco (Colorado) Nordic Center today, and the daily adult trails pass cost me $17.00 dollars. That was for one adult, not a family of 4. Gulp. The gal taking my money (no gun involved) casually claimed this is the going rate for suffering on skinny sticks in the great state of Colorado.
Honestly, I prefer the landscape at Chicken Creek, despite the grandeur of the surrounding mountains in Summit County. Most of the trees have died up there, and the remaining ones are babys. It's like skiing through the back lot at Cliffrose, but with bigger mountains in the distance. Give me Chicken, any day...
I do have this tidbit to offer up for your consideration:
I stole a couple hours to ski the Frisco (Colorado) Nordic Center today, and the daily adult trails pass cost me $17.00 dollars. That was for one adult, not a family of 4. Gulp. The gal taking my money (no gun involved) casually claimed this is the going rate for suffering on skinny sticks in the great state of Colorado.
Honestly, I prefer the landscape at Chicken Creek, despite the grandeur of the surrounding mountains in Summit County. Most of the trees have died up there, and the remaining ones are babys. It's like skiing through the back lot at Cliffrose, but with bigger mountains in the distance. Give me Chicken, any day...
Friday, January 7, 2011
Cattle trail news
No, we haven't hired James Herriot to write the blog this year, though it might seem that way, given all the critter references lately. But actually he's dead, and no longer writing.
OK, now that we've gotten that clear, here's the news:
John Gilbert, who volunteers lots of time for the ski area, was up skiing this evening when he heard the distressed bellowing of cows (several of which are stranded in the forest up there in an attempt to win a Darwin Award). He reported the location of the cows to the human guardian of the animals, and now, said caretaker wants to get some food and water to the sad sacks of beef.
What this means to you: Tomorrow (Saturday) there may be snowmobiles and horses up in the ski area working to get refreshment to the animals. Please do not hassle these folks, who are only trying to provide aid to their charges and minimize their distress and suffering. Their movements are known to the Forest Service.
We will work this weekend to undo any damage to the groomed trails resulting from the rescue effort. Please be patient and courteous with the wranglers.
Enjoy the snow...
OK, now that we've gotten that clear, here's the news:
John Gilbert, who volunteers lots of time for the ski area, was up skiing this evening when he heard the distressed bellowing of cows (several of which are stranded in the forest up there in an attempt to win a Darwin Award). He reported the location of the cows to the human guardian of the animals, and now, said caretaker wants to get some food and water to the sad sacks of beef.
What this means to you: Tomorrow (Saturday) there may be snowmobiles and horses up in the ski area working to get refreshment to the animals. Please do not hassle these folks, who are only trying to provide aid to their charges and minimize their distress and suffering. Their movements are known to the Forest Service.
We will work this weekend to undo any damage to the groomed trails resulting from the rescue effort. Please be patient and courteous with the wranglers.
Enjoy the snow...
Chuckling at the Chicken
This morning it was ear to ear grins, and even a few chortles and guffaws. The snow is firm but forgiving, and all the terrain now open is in good to excellent condition.
As a general rule, the high-flying cluckers will enjoy the best conditions. Rush Creek Loop, Hamlin, and the road up to the top are simply in superb condition. That's not to say there aren't a few tough spots here and there; there are. But given the fact that everything up there fell at once, conditions are phenomenal. The surface will level out as more passes are made with the groomers. And of course some more snow wouldn't hurt anything at all either.
So light a candle on your chicken alter and pray for moderate amounts of snow. Y'all most have overdone it a bit this last time around.
Upper and Lower Bauer Loops are just fine, despite some traffic. The dogs punch through when it warms up midday, but the track is still really nice.
A friendly reminder: Please don't neglect the donation box at the trail head. We've burned some gasoline smoothing things out and we had some big - capital "B" - Big expenses at the end of last season. Everything you give helps.
Enjoy the skiing this weekend!!
As a general rule, the high-flying cluckers will enjoy the best conditions. Rush Creek Loop, Hamlin, and the road up to the top are simply in superb condition. That's not to say there aren't a few tough spots here and there; there are. But given the fact that everything up there fell at once, conditions are phenomenal. The surface will level out as more passes are made with the groomers. And of course some more snow wouldn't hurt anything at all either.
So light a candle on your chicken alter and pray for moderate amounts of snow. Y'all most have overdone it a bit this last time around.
Upper and Lower Bauer Loops are just fine, despite some traffic. The dogs punch through when it warms up midday, but the track is still really nice.
A friendly reminder: Please don't neglect the donation box at the trail head. We've burned some gasoline smoothing things out and we had some big - capital "B" - Big expenses at the end of last season. Everything you give helps.
Enjoy the skiing this weekend!!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Welcome to Chicken World!
A couple of quick notes on the ski area today:
- Capp groomed the Bauer Loops yesterday, leaving perfect "hero" snow in his wake, not to mention a new, shiny classic track in perfect position.
- Apparently people are trying to find the ski area and coming away frustrated. The problem stems from the fact that the access to the ski area is from the Millwood Road - CR 40. There is NO ACCESS FROM CHICKEN CREEK Road - CR 41. There used to be access from CR 41, but the county stopped maintaining the last mile of that road a couple years ago.
- Point of etiquette: Friendly dogs under voice control are allowed on the Bauer loops only. Leashed dogs and ski-joring are not allowed for reasons of user safety; the trails are too narrow and often too busy to allow for safety with leashes and harnesses.
- And please, PLEASE, clean up yer pooch poo!
- And finally, please remember the ski area is maintained by volunteers with no external funding source. Our funding source is you. Please donate generously to help defray expenses incurred in the operation and maintenance of the grooming equipment.
Enjoy yourself up there!!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
New Terrain Open Now!
With special thanks to our friends in the Forest Service, we now have quite a bit of additional terrain open for your cruising/skating pleasure.
Now open:
Rush connectors
Rush Creek loop
FS Road to the top
Hamlin loop
Dolph Kuss and Turkey Creek are avilable for classic, but will remain ungroomed.
Over the next several days we will be refining the surface on the new terrain and setting classic track.
Anyone see those cows?
Now open:
Rush connectors
Rush Creek loop
FS Road to the top
Hamlin loop
Dolph Kuss and Turkey Creek are avilable for classic, but will remain ungroomed.
Over the next several days we will be refining the surface on the new terrain and setting classic track.
Anyone see those cows?
Monday, January 3, 2011
Cows in the Chicken
A few things to report:
1) There are about 7 cows snowbound in the vicinity of the ski area belonging to Gerald Kopenhafer. These cows have been sighted from the air but not located on the ground yet. They need food and water soon or they will die. If you spot them, please contact Kopenhafer or the Forest Service as soon as possible.
2) Tomorrow we hope to make a start on opening new terrain with the assistance of the Forest Service. So if all goes well we will have good news to report in the very near future.
3) Meanwhile, Hank and Capp did some fine buffing yesterday, creating superb conditions on the Bauer Loops. So enjoy; and keep an eye out for those cows, please. Next Christmas's standing rib roast may depend on it...
1) There are about 7 cows snowbound in the vicinity of the ski area belonging to Gerald Kopenhafer. These cows have been sighted from the air but not located on the ground yet. They need food and water soon or they will die. If you spot them, please contact Kopenhafer or the Forest Service as soon as possible.
2) Tomorrow we hope to make a start on opening new terrain with the assistance of the Forest Service. So if all goes well we will have good news to report in the very near future.
3) Meanwhile, Hank and Capp did some fine buffing yesterday, creating superb conditions on the Bauer Loops. So enjoy; and keep an eye out for those cows, please. Next Christmas's standing rib roast may depend on it...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
