We are on track for a fantastic opening to the summer season. Snow is melting much earlier than usual and that means our trail crews have a leg up when it comes to getting our single track in top shape.

Normally, they can only access the lower mountain this time of year. This spring, the snow line is rising fast so we’ll have extra time on the upper and north-facing trails.

This also gives us the opportunity to give you an “advance showing” of our trails. Keep in mind, our crews will be working hard to manicure the trails between now and our Grand Opening on June 28th. (Be sure to check out the details on how you can enjoy FREE lift rides on opening day).

But with summer vacation beginning and snow disappearing, we wanted to give you a look behind the scenes to help you get excited about this summer’s downhill thrills.

Base-area trails are commonly clear this time of year, but it’s rare to see so much foliage already in bloom.

If you aren’t paying close attention, you might not even notice that this is our infamous ‘underwear tree’.

In early June, one would expect to see a few patches of snow remaining under the Centennial Lift Line.

But this year, Engen is clear almost to the top:

There are a few thin patches of snow on Alpine right now, but they are shrinking quickly.

Even shady spots like the gully between the Blue Bird lift line and Alpine are virtually clear of snow.

And a look toward our North-facing slopes shows few white patches remaining.

The lower pitches of Elk Trail are already exposed.

Most of the Hidden Valley trail is also clear and dry. As our more extreme riders know, this can be the last trail to melt off.

But this year, we’re already getting a look at how it wintered over, and the new features we added last season are ready for inspection.

If you didn’t make it up for a visit last summer, you’ll have to come check them out this year.

While this interloper was scoping out the trails on the north side of the mountain, our crews were phoning in a report from the south side. They say trails like Growler and Black Bear Loop are in awesome condition, which means we’ll get a crack at our north side and upper trails MUCH earlier than usual.

So whether you’re into the extreme stuff or, like me, you just enjoy a more leisurely spin down the Elk Trail, the advance showing of our mountain bike trails bodes well for alpine bikers.

– April