Got the ol Avistar up today. Very cold outside, so I had to set up the plane, fuel it up, then go back in the car to warm up. Fired up the plane and away it went. Pretty funny, the snow is very powdery, so the nose ski would sink when not moving forward. The prop would hit the snow slowing the engine, so takeoffs had to be at full throttle. Once in the air, I found that slower flying is better, lots of trim required, cause the skis act as 3 extra wings. It was quite an experience. Got her back ok, no taxiing after landing, do to prop hitting snow at idle and engine quitting. All around good day though. If you have never tried skis, I would recommend it.

Allan