I know its been a while since I've posted and I'd like to say it's because I've been golfing or biking in some warm clime or hitting the slopes out West, but no, just been busy in the shop, dealing with snow removal, and working on a few things out on the course when weather cooperates.
I'll post again soon to update you on our course activities and our equipment maintenance and accessory refurbishment activities. Equipment maintenance is indeed our main emphasis at this time of year and our new Equipment Technician, Mike Gavinski, whom joined us just a few weeks ago, has been making great progress on some badly needed repairs and has a good start on cutting unit sharpening. I'm really pleased with Mike and with a little help from Jacob, Steve, and Ryan, I'm confident that all of our equipment will be ready to go come spring. More on this work later.
We've had a bit of snow this winter but it wasn't until recently that we had enough to permit any trail grooming activities. We do not have any specific ski trail grooming equipment, but on Monday we hooked up our fairway rollers and developed a loop around the perimeter of the course. It's a 2.7 mile loop and approximately 12 feet wide. The roller has packed the snow fairly well and grooming it a few times has made it firm enough (along with the nice 12 foot width) to skate ski. I much prefer the downhill style but I might just have to give cross country and the free skate style a try this year.
Jacob begins trail grooming process. Roller packs snow quite well.
First pass complete. Future grooming included a brush attachment which eliminated the tire marks and better smoothed the surface.
If you're so inclined to try out our trail you may want to get out soon. The forecast is calling for warmer temps and possibly rain. But should this occur and disrupt the trail, we'll be sure to get the roller back out when more snow falls.
Enjoy the trail, or off trail if you prefer, but
please if you do go off trail, avoid skiing and/or snowshoeing on the greens and tees. The packed ice that can develop could lead to turf damage next spring. Thank you for staying off these areas!
Now, come to think of it, maybe I need to take a trip somewhere to better learn about the art and science of ski trail grooming!
