Late Start for Nordic Skiing

January 9, 2026 was the start of my Nordic season at Schweitzer, much later than typical. Although there was sufficient snow for most of the route, it was marginal here and there. Warm conditions could easily destroy what is currently there - and looks like a possibility from the weather forecast. The temperature for my outing was excellent and the grooming was splendid, especially for this marginal snow pack.

My skis have an aggressive fish scale pattern underfoot, which I prefer to the mohair on my other classic skis. They have metal edges, which still fit in the classic track just fine. I was able to ski up all the little climbs without resorting to herring bone style. This is mostly due to the snow texture on the track, which can become too slippery for me to avoid herring bone on all the wee climbs.

As expected, I was not yet in great shape for the season's start. I ended up quite tired, yet short of exhausted. Before heading back to town, I had a burger at Pucci's. For my tastes, they have the best burgers available in the county. 

On the next outing two days later, Eli and I tried the Nordic trails at Hanna Flats just north of Priest Lake. As you might guess, Hanna Flats is a flat trail system, certainly compared to what is familiar to us at Schweitzer. This was quite perfect for Eli, as she recovers from recent spinal surgery to relieve a pinched nerve. We came away encouraged. After the skiing, we had lunch at Priest Lake's Chimney Rock Cafe.