Just another “classic” classic day great tracksetting, good snow, the right-kind-of-temperature, and warm sun - it’s not getting boring yet.

Took a selection of my favourite classic trails in the Lac Philippe area:
P17 => #53 => #51 => P19 => #50 => summer camping gate => #55 shared
=> #55 blue (the pass) => #55 green alnternative => #50 => P19 => #51
=> #53 => P17.
Everywhere the tracks were exceptional - hard, firm, and fast with a dusting of snow. Everywhere there was good glide and good grip. #55 classic was superb - why it was so much better than the other trails I don’t know but it was so good that the skis just took over - I had it mostly to myself seeing only two skiers and two snowshoers while my skis were delivering me to #50. The skating track on #50 looked great - flat, fast, with a lot of control. If you’re thinking of doing #55 loop I recommend the clockwise direction - the downhill in the pass is in good shape and quite controllable.

It’s quite possible that there really isn’t a skiers heaven, but .... if there is ... it’s always mid-February there just like today.

The only contrary comment is that P17 is extremely icy without any gravel - it’s dicey to the point of dangerous walking from your car to the snow.

Comment: In the first five years on Demsis’ contract, the trails in the Lac Philippe were a mess suffering from a litany of problems. There was no guarantee that if you went to that area you would have anything close to skiable conditions. I had got to the point that I was giving up on trails for which I had a lot of affection. This year, whenever I’ve skied the Lac Philippe area, the conditions have been exceptionally good. I don’t what has caused this change but it’s greatly appreciated.