Solstice Ski - Summit Prairie FR16 -600...1660 etc. Loop 12/22/16

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Location: Co. 62 to FR 16 Summit Prairie.  FR 16 south, at summit 600 east...630...1660 north...625...598 west 135 south back to start

Road & Trail Conditions: Hwy 26 finally clear. Co.62 clear to forest boundary then packed ice. snoplow & gravel truck working as i went up

Snow Conditions: 2'+' base

Skis on & temperature: 9:30 0° (JD 14° )

Skis off & temperature: 2:30 20° (PC 24° JD 27° )

Distance: 12+ miles; 1500'

Rating (1-10; 10 awesome): 10+

Comments:  another fabulous day skiing grant county!  blue & sunny & cold to begin, clouds moved in mid morning with warming, finished with blue & sun.

this is starting to feel like my own private ski resort. fresh untouched groomed trails, several days old groomed with 1"+ powder. no snomobiles. very gratitude.

FR 16 south summit. snomo tracks to right along 16; older groomed with 1" powder along 606 to left

this is a lovely loop, that can be modified into smaller segments taking the 1660 back to 16.  the elevation climb is easy except for some herring bone technique for 50+ yds. at the peak of the 630:

the payoff for the elevation work is a zippy, long & fun downhill run along the 1660.  today had 1"+ of powder on older groomed.  wide road, easy curves. 15mph, only wobbled a few times; no crash & burn.  great downhill control practice.

a few down trees, probably will be removed shortly. 2 on the 598 easy to get around. one on the 625:

no way around on skis. be careful stepping into drifts & off road.  easily went up to knees & higher.

please take care going fast downhill around blind curves.  came up on this turning downhill, from 625 to 598: shaded, icy & around a curve.

here is a sight i haven't seen:

the 135 from huddleston to 16, untouched by snomo tracks, flat smooth, fun.  this is usually pretty chewed up & choppy.

FR 16 west into logan valley has been groomed with tracks on top:

snack break & map check on the 625