Last night brought about 4cm of dry powder snow to Chelsea. This was groomed into the very hard base on the parkways, creating conditions that in most places were more like mid-winter than early April. I skate skied from P8 up the GP and CP to Mulvihill Lake, returning via the same route. On the shady and north-facing slopes I was skiing on fresh powder snow, with the edges holding nicely. The snow was so powdery that I would probably have done better with a harder glide wax. On sunny, south facing slopes I could see and feel the icy base under the powder in places, but the skis were still tracking quite well. The classic tracks were generally deep and well-formed. Descending in the tracks was interesting, since the slow powder alternated with much faster icy sections so the skis would suddenly accelerate and then suddenly brake. The Demsis crew deserves a big "thank you" for continuing to groom into April and for making the best of the available snow. Coverage was complete except for a very short section of exposed pavement in the tracks opposite the P8 beaver pond. It's still well worth skiing, and well worth the drive from Ottawa to the park. P8 was nearly full at noon. If you do ski this afternoon note that there is a biting cold north wind.