I took the flat top loop - 19, 34, 6 - and the backcountry trails were surprisingly good. The 2-3 cm of snow since the rain give enough grip for easy skiing. If you ever have to ski off trail, though, the crust is not predictable. Two other potential hazards: big bootprints in the snow by some pedestrians and the chance of the crust catching your pole basket. Still, the loop was very enjoyable. The descent down Penguin was as fast as a downhill ski hill but controllable.