In a nutshell:
XC trails open: 15              Total kilometers: 55    New snow: 1"
Packed base: 5 - 7"             Trackset: 54 K          Skate groomed: 46 K
Conditions: Fast, firm, no ice
Tubing slope: open              Snowboarding slope: open, 12"-14" base

In detail:
Telemark has 55 K of the 60 K trail system is open at present. Open trails include the 1.5 K Berard Loop, 2, 4, 5 & 7 K Birkebeiner loops, 5 K Sven Wiik World Cup Trail and 10 K of the Caldwell World Cup Trail, 14 K of the Marty Hall Trail, 23 K of Kortelopet Trail (including 9K of Birkie Race Trail), 9 K Tony Wise Trail, 5 & 7 K North End Trails, 8 K John Bauer Trail, 6 K Allison's Trail (single track classical only) and the 4 K Martha Rockwell Trail (triple track classical only).

One inches of new snow has fallen since Friday. All trails are in good to excellent condition and have a single, double or triple set track. Conditions are fast, but there is no ice anywhere. Trails have a 5 - 7 inch packed base. Some leaves and pine needles are being brought up in spots by the tiller. A few dirt spots from ruts left by hunter's vehicles are appearing on the John Bauer Trail. Some shovel work will be done by the weekend.

The Birkie Trail Shuttle Bus departs Telemark Saturday, January 13 at 11 am. The bus can take you to the halfway point on the Birkebeiner Trail for a 23 kilometer ski back to Telemark or you can be dropped off at the North End Rest Cabin for a six or more kilometer return ski or a five mile snowshoe. You might choose to ski from Telemark to the Birkie Trail halfway point and ride the bus back. The ride is free for Telemark Trail Pass or Season Pass holders. Passes can be purchased at the Ski Hytte (Hut) Pick up and drop off at Telemark are in front of the Hytte.

The Birkebeiner Race Trail has been rolled and tracked by the American Birkebeiner Foundation from "OO" north to Telemark. The entire powerline was also packed. Tracks for classical skiing have been set. The trail south of "OO" has a 4-4.5 inch hard packed base. Around "OO" there is a 6-8 inch hard packed base and in the Cable area the trail has a 4-5 inch base. Skiers are welcome to ski to or from the Birkie Trail and Telemark Lodge without buying a trail pass and are invited to purchase a pass to ski the other outstanding trails. Tickets can be purchased at the Hytte (Hut) Ski Center near the lodge.

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES The 24 Hours of Telemark, America's first 24 hour cross country ski race will be held from noon Saturday the 13th to noon Sunday the 14th. Approximately 40 teams will compete. Trails will not be closed for this event except for the outbound Birkebeiner Loop to the warming cabin for one-half hour prior to the race start. The race will take place on a 10K loop consisting of the Birkebeiner Loop, Tony Wise Trail and Berard Trail. There will be no more than 40 racers on the course at any one time. Recreational skiers are encouraged to cheer the racers on.

Telemark's Candlelight Ski/Snowshoe is set for Friday, Jan 12 from 7 to 8 pm. Skiers and snowshoers can follow a candle lit trail from the Ski Hytte (Hut) to the 2 K warming cabin where hot chocolate and a warm stove await. The distance is approximately two miles total. There is no charge for Telemark Trail Pass or Season Pass holders. For others the cost is $3 for adults and $1 for children. Ski and snowshoe rental is available.

A Children's Guided Snowshoe Hike from the Ski Hytte (Hut) will be held Saturday, Jan 13 at 10 am. Kids will look for animal tracks on this one-hour hike. They will end up at our skating pond bonfire for hot chocolate. The hike is free for guests and costs $3 per child for others. Snowshoe rental is available.

Dog sled rides with the Wilderness Haven team will be available on Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14 th from 10 am to 4 pm. Kids can have free rides between 10 and 11 am. The dogs and sled will be located in the parking area across from the Ski Hytte (Hut). Sign up for ride times there. There is a 300 lb limit for sled rider. Costs will be $30 per adult and $15 per child. Two children can normally be accommodated at one time.