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Cross-country Ski - Plain Valley Nordic Ski Trails

2/22/22 Trip. Distance about 6 miles. Started at upper trailhead, Clear Creek Lodge. Two star rating due to poor snow conditions not because of trail system, area, or folks at Hardware Store or Restaurant

Bill Coady Bill Coady
February 23, 2022
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • Snow was hard packed and fairly icy.  Not the worst I've skied on but not nearly as much fun as it could have been.  Temperature at start at 10A was about 19F.  Didn't warm up much through the day.  Was still below freezing at 2P.

    Trail hadn't been groomed for a couple of days from at least Swamp Creek Loop north through Thousand Trails and to Clear Creek Trailhead. We skied from Clear Creek Trailhead down and around the Swamp Creek Loop. Swamp Creek Look is shorter than normal this year.  Doesn't extend up the valley to the north as in years past.

    Unfortunately the snow gods aren't cooperating right now.  Although they have been trying to keep the trails groomed, the upper half of the system barely has enough snow to run a groomer over.  Many areas don't have enough base to groom for classic and barely enough for skate.  Ditch Loop was closed.  Beaver Creek Trailhead parking area was extremely potholed.  

A sunny and cold day and in spite of the marginal snow conditions a fun time was had by all.  Folks at the Hardware Store, the rental shop next door in the restaurant building, and the folks at the restaurant were all friendly and helpful.  

Trail passes are $20/day and are $21 and change after taxes.