I waited until late afternoon before skiing to catch the highest temperatures on a cold day. Waiting also let me find a parking spot (there were only a couple open) in P10 at about 3:30. I skated up the FLP to Ridge, then up the Khyber Pass and past Huron to 1B, out on 1B to the Western Bench, then back via 1A. When I reached the 1A/1B split on my return the sun made a brief appearance just above the horizon, so I headed for the Champlain Lookout where I was treated to a glorious sunset with no wind (several other skiers timed their arrival at the Lookout to catch the sunset). I then descended the CP and FLP to P10. Skating wasn't fast on the cold dry powder, but glide was acceptable. All traces of corduroy had been skated out of the FLP by this time of day, but it really didn't matter. Classic tracks were firm and deep. There were no icy patches despite the heavy skier traffic, even in the Khyber Pass. The only downside to my trip was turning into a human icicle on the final FLP descent!

On a few other recent reports I've forgotten to mention how full parking lots like P8, P10 and P16 are most days, even on weekdays with indifferent conditions. When ski conditions are good it may be necessary to arrive either very early or very late at these popular lots to get a spot.