We had a fairly large group today for the Sunday ski–12 people (David, Susy, Tammi, Raylene, Dan, Lynn, Sara, Bianca, Mike, Steve, Jim and myself + 2 dogs).  In stark contrast to yesterday’s ski at Highland Forest in 12 degrees, today was almost busting 50 degrees!  Hill climbing was “easy” (as easy as hill climbing gets on skis) because the scales dug right into the snow, providing terrific grip.  On the other hand, a little too *much* grip when we were just trying to ski the flats!

We all had to stop at least once to apply a coating of blue glide wax.  I encourage everyone to go out and buy a tin/bottle of Swix F4 Universal Glide Wax.  It’s not exactly cheap at $14 a container, but one container should last you an entire season.  You generally apply it on both ends of the skis beginning at the edge of the scales, extending out toward the tips about 5″ or 6″.  On days like today, you may have to apply it even to the scales.  Another wax I use fairly often, on days when the snow is fluffy and slippery, and I can’t get enough grip to get up hills, is Swix V45 Violet Special Hard Wax.  This, you shouldn’t apply on the scales, but just beyond them 5″ or 6″.  I admit to doing pretty sloppy applications of wax, and Mike can give you better tips on how to do a nicer job than I do.

The 12 of us did a typical Sunday loop, up Sauna, to Old FLT, down Dan Karig, across Y4 to Y8 to Y5 and then back down Y7 to Canaan Rd.  Y4 was especially exciting today, as there were several spots where it seemed all I had to do was plant the poles in the ground and push, and I was off, no leg movement required!  Conditions were pretty fast once we had the glide wax applied and quit sticking.  Coming down Y7, it seemed almost as if there was a layer of water on top of the snow.  I imagine things were probably starting to get pretty sloppy out there as the day got even warmer.  Should make for interesting snow conditions for Tuesday night!