Skied classic from P16 via #50 to Jo-Ann’s ski-shredding rocks beside Lac Philippe (1-2 km from the end of the lake). As Megan and Gary reported the day was the best part with good temperatures, sun, and snow-covered pines and hemlocks. #50 has been lightly trackset - probably by snowmobile or something slightly bigger. The trail still suffers from a thin base in that it is uneven: the unevenness is not so much of a problem for the classic tracks; however, the skating track was soft and, with the bumps, would have been a challenge for anyone who was interested in maintaining a consistent technique - think roller-coaster offset rather two-skate. The best conditions are to be found between Herridge and Lac Philippe - between P16 and Healey & Herridge things are already getting a tad worn-out. On the steep hills the snowplowers have scraped the snow down to ice and gravel in the middle; however, there’s lots of loose snow at the side.

On days like this #50 develops its own attractive personality with many family groups and day-ticketers all of whom seemed to be having a ball on the great trek to Healey’s. Heritage equipment, gaiters, and fur hats with ear-flaps were considerably in evidence.