First hand Trail Reports

These reports are maintained by readers like you. Let us know about the rollerski trail updates/conditions in your area via our Rollerski/Training Report form. And if you're lucky enough to have snow, please file a Ski Trail Report. If you'd like to send along some photos, please e-mail those as attachment and we'll plug them into your report.

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Rollerski Report

Minnesota Northeast

• Jun 23 - Pincushion Mountain Trail (Grand Marais):
  The trails received extensive damage from the June 6 rain storm event, 5-6 inches of rain fell locally. Many bridges and main culverts throughout the trail system were completely blown out. Hiking and Mt. biking/cyclocross riding is still doable but be prepared for rough trail conditions, difficult fords of stream crossings (some impossible) and unexpected trail surface holes around culverts. Long sections of trail have also been gullied with the dirt riding/hiking path carved out from 6-12 inches deep. Recovery and rebuilding of bridges and replacement of culverts and trail surface is currently being assessed. Most likely this will take all summer and into the fall since the current conditions are saturated on most sections of trail. We hope to have it completely fixed up by late summer at the earliest or fall in time for the 2008/09 ski season. Some funding is already secured and can be redirected from previously planned projects, although those too were for fixing up the trail surface from past storm events. Our more ambitious projects such as rebuilding ditches and upgrading water diversion structures may be delayed for a couple of years. Hopefully additional emergency funding will come through.
  Photos:  
  (Dave Bartol, Devils Track Nordic Ski Shop)

United States

• Jun 21 - Beartooth Plateau (Red Lodge, MT):
  Conditions: Great skiing. The crust was freshened up with a significant snowfall last week, so it wasn't old or "sun-cupped" yet. The smoothest conditions are found at the higher elevations of the plateau. Temperatures below freezing at night and in the 50's by late morning made for great conditions. The official snow depth up there at the NRCS snotel site is reading 50" but the snow depth varies greatly depending on elevation and exposure. The snow gets a bit slushy on top by 10am, but the classic no-wax skiing is great after that.
  This area is just over Beartooth Pass, south of Red Lodge, MT, on the way to Yellowstone NP. There are hundreds of acres to explore at elevations between 9500 and 10500 feet. Thanks to relatively easy, gently rolling terrain, the altitude is not that much of a factor if you take it easy. I am not sure how long these conditions will last, but there is a good chance for some decent skiing in July.
  Photos:  
  (Jonathon Rulseh)
• Jun 11 - Libby Flats (Centennial, WY):
  Libby Flats, Medicine Bow National Forest, Snowy Range, 25 miles to the west of Laramie, Wyoming, just over 9800 feet above sea level.
  On our way out to the Grand Canyon, we took some time to visit my brother and sister-in-law in Laramie, Wyoming. We were excited to visit for many reasons, but high on the list was reports of great snow up in the Medicine Bow National Forest. Yesterday we took all the kids up to just go hiking and found that one of the trails we had hoped to hike was still covered in snow. Instead we took to sledding down a small hill using a blue tarp as our sled. We then made plans to come back early this morning and actually ski.
  When we awoke this morning the Snowy Range was covered in clouds and the day was quite gray. We woke the kids, gathered all that we needed into the car and drove up into the clouds. As we neared Libby Flats the clouds had broken up and what lay before us was a great mountain meadow covered in about 5-6 feet of snow. Overnight about 1-2 inches of snow had fallen on top of the crust. This slowed the skiing down a bit, but who cares, it was June 11th and we were skiing. The kids took turns sledding or skiing. My brother in-law and myself traded off skisand camera duty. My only complaint? That he doesn't have bigger feet! It was a bit difficult to fit my 11.5's into his 10.5's, but for a chance to ski in June what is a little discomfort. Note to self...bring boots and skis next year!
  When I submit reports for Snowflake, I often end with the question is it worth the drive. In his case I would say yes! From the Twin Cities it is very easy to get here. Just take I35 south, then a left on I80. Take the third exit in Laramie and follow the signs to Medicine Bow National Forest (Highway 130 about 10 miles west of Centennial). Leave today and we will see you out there on Saturday. If you can please bring a size 11.5 NNN skate boots!
  Photos:  
  (Dave Johnson)