stride

With afternoon temperatures climbing into the forties, our snow is loosening up and slowly melting. In the early morning when the temperatures are below freezing, there is an icy rind atop the snow that provides no grip for the skis but at the same time cuts holes into the sides of your boots. By afternoon the icy crust gives way to a thick slush akin to the contents of a Sno-Cone which is gentler to ski but provides for a sticky ride.