The skate skiing is still good to very good at Alta and Snowbird. Timing matters, so read on for details. For now, both places continue to run snowcats that are setting corduroy.

I have skated Alta Wednesday morning (May 4) from 8.30a to 10a, Snowbird Thursday (May 5) from 8a to 9a and Alta Thursday (May 5) from 9.15a to 10:15a.

At Alta, the transfer tow has good corduroy on both sides. If you are really ambitious, the corduroy continues up Albion Basin. Best bet is to park at the Wildcat (lower) Base and walk toward the transfer tow.

At Snowbird, there is good corduroy on the snowcat/access run from the Gadzoom lift past the Tram Plaza and on toward the Lot 4 parking area. The best skiing is from Gadzoom to the Tram Plaza. Best to park at Lot 1, walk toward Gadzoom lift and ski from there.

Best to exit Snowbird by 9a, when there will be increased downhill skier and boarder traffic. Saturday and Sunday are probably not good days to be there.

At Alta, the crust on either side of the transfer tow was supportable and fun, but it changes with the sun and temps. Wednesday the crust started to crack at 8.45a. Thursday it was still pretty solid at 10a. The corduroy was very good at 10a, not soft, not hardpack, and given the wind and temps, would probably be so all day. Forecast looks favorable for continued good conditions through Sunday, May 9.

At both places, be very aware of machinery operators. They are coming and going constantly at Alta. Give them a very wide berth. Do not set anything (poles, water belt, jacket) anywhere that any machine might possibly drive.

Snowbird is steeper, with little crust option. Alta is not as steep, with more crust options.

The skiing is good. Well worth the drive.