Similar loop to Paul and similar comments. I opted to drive up to P19 today to get away from the crowds. Was happy with my decision as I passed the long line up of cars at the Old Chelsea off ramp. Was a little concerned when I saw P17 parking overflowing onto the highway... but true to form the upper "weekend" parking lot at P19 had lots of room. Enjoyed the sumptuous grooming down 50 to the end of Lac Phillipe and then took the big climb up 54 Black. Many thanks to Paul for doing some trail breaking work... I did a little more! Good snow coverage the whole length of the trail though the last steep pitch up near Lusk Lake is always a little rough and could use a little more snow. My pole sank a lot too but with touring gear I think I would have faired better. Still, the surface was crusty and the occasional tip grab when climbing was frustrating... but the base is there, now all we need is a good powder dump and it will be perfect. No signs of anyone brave enough to ski up trail 10 (the one that doesn't exist but many people ski anyways) which will likely need some more snow.

54 Green was fun and well groomed even above the washout. Looks like their putting one classic track and a wide skating lane above the washout so skaters can still ski up to Lusk lake. Skating the narrow bypass at the washout might be a little chore but its only a few hundred feet so no big deal. From there I skied out to Taylor lake and even 55 blue was freshly groomed and a fun ride down.

Say your "skiers prayers" tonight for more snow than freezing rain and we'll see how we come out of the next weather event.