June 7-9, 2004, Snow Lake

Two months after the lifts have shut down and normally I'd be full on into my trail running. Not this year, I figure why not incorporate some skiing with my running. Starting from the main Alpental parking lot it's a quick 29-34 minute jog on a generally smooth with occasional shale rocks trail with easy stream crossings all the way to the ridge. Once on the ridge it's click on the skis and buckle up the pack and off you go. ;) Snow is continuous for 300-400 vertical feet in many spots with no debris. Snow is lightly suncupped but well consolidated. And for those that like to play hard, there's even some jumps to be had. Feeling adventerous, from what I can see across the lake there look like there are plenty of patches from 300 up to 500+ vertical feet of continuous snow. So for all your joggers and trail runners out there, leave the Burke Gilman behind, come up to the mountains and make some turns!! 8)
Donnelly