Gatineau Park ski conditions P16-p19 + Taylor 29DEC11

I skated from P16 to P19 with a swing by Taylor Lake on the way back.  It is a real mixed bag.  The trail has been groomed with varying degrees of success.  P16 to Herridge is pretty good with only minor damage from walkers.  There had been a fair amount of snowmobile traffic so it was nice and firm.  Herridge to 52 was still ok but from 52 to Lac Philippe the grooming was a notch better.  Unfortunately from Lac Philippe to 55 conditions began to get worse (but still ok) as walking and snowshoe traffic was higher.  Then the bottom fell out from 55 to P19 and much of route 55 itself.  In spite of there being snowshoe trails along the ski trail most walkers picked the ski trail.  Basically it was a mess.  For some reason, in spite of the terrible condition of the trail, it was given a thumbs up.  If the NCC continues to allow walking on these ski trails they need to be groomed twice a day.

Grooming itself was ok considering it is the very start of the year.  The trail is not yet flat or particularly firm.  It would be less frustrating for classic skiers as the tracks themselves were spared the vandalism inflicted by the walkers.

You do not need rock skis but you must be attentive.  Some rocks are sticking out.

Gatineau Park Christmas Day 2011

This was my third day in a row skiing this season.  The conditions were much better today with the new snow.  Nothing was groomed although I think tomorrow they could pack the parkways.  I have skied (skate) the loop including up to Champlain.  I would recommend rock skis because there are some sections where snow is thin.