I feel a bit sheepish adding my feedback this time... Today was only my second time skate-skiing. My first time was yesterday. (Plus one lesson in Jan.) I'm a convert! Today, I also got to pull the toddler in her chariot as well: not as easy as some make it look. Conditions were quite soft and mushy as we set out, though the early-morning grooming helped to compact the granular slush. Now that I am a skate-skier (albeit, a total novice), I have a much better appreciation for the quality of the skating lane. Since I was pulling my heavy pulk, I did not have much stamina for a very long ski, so I only skied from Gamelin to the Asticou turn-off. Shameful, I know, but, baby steps... maybe I'll get sitter next time. There was a ridge on the skate lane, which made it a little tougher going, especially uphill. Grooming seemed better yesterday, but I suspect that the warm weather is taking its toll. Classic tracks were iced over in parts, and almost all melted in others. According to the NCC's site, only the skating lane had been groomed as of 8:30AM. Despite my complaints, it was, amazing to be out on the trails, enjoying the sunshine and wide grins from my fellow skiers. Toddler also hit the trails for 15 minutes. She was unfazed by icy or slushy conditions and did not want to leave. It won't be long before she is blazing ahead of me.