Angela and I are just coming in from checking the trails. I am looking at the 10 day forecast for an inch of snow possible next week - it does not look good for reopening the ABR ski trails this season! We are closing for the season after 101 days of being open and challenged with the mild winter.  Thank you for your patronage and we hope to see you back with a normal winter next season. We will extend the early season discount on season passes thru April 1st - you can mail your check and info.

Photos:

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

The rain today and extended warm temps have damage the trails. ABR Trails are closed until winter returns...hopefully by the weekend.

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

Our group of a 11 had 4 days of stellar skiing at ABR. Classic tracks and skate deck were holding well even in warm temps. Taste of the Trails was an added bonus on Saturday afternoon...local restaurant serving food up by the chalet. Thank you Eric and Angela and staff for the excellent care of ABR. It's always a treat skiing at here!!

(Ross Jacobsen)

We had a great day of skiing today. The trails groomed up well last night and this early morning and skied well all day.  We are skiing on 72 km of trails. The 12th Annual Taste of the Trails was a big hit today, we had some awesome food and drink! Six of our favorite restaurants were here today.

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

We had a great day of skiing, we re-groomed about 45 km this morning. It snowed about another inch during the day, we will be back out to groom again the morning. Don't miss out on the Taste of the Trails this Saturday 12-2.

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

Classic skied this morning and tracks were in very good shape - only a few places had ice from thaw/freeze. Yesterday skated and excellent coverage except, again where there was thaw/freeze ice but easily avoided. Lots of snow still.

(Tony Pellegrini)

After the Birkie cancellation, we headed to ABR Saturday morning. The snow was still falling when we arrived, and the main parking lot was packed (Birkie bibs everywhere!). We hit the trails and were seemingly the first out on the Peltonen Pass trail as there were no tracks on the fresh snow. It was so light and powdery that skiing on an ungroomed track was actually enjoyable! The downhills were slow because of the fluff, but it was comforting knowing that we would have a soft pillow to land on if we took a spill (especially since all of the hills were unknown to us). As more people got out, the trails packed down a bit, and more grass started to show through. The sun came out midday, which was beautiful. By the time we left at 1 pm the tracks were started to show considerable wear, and since there wasn't a base underneath the snow, I'm not sure how much longer they'll last. Magical while we were out though!

(Dan Boody)

The 12 inches of new snow yesterday, last night and this early morning made many hungry skiers happy. We groomed up 65 km this morning and last night. It took multiple passes this morning even with both Pisten Bullys out but it should be firm in the morning. The groomers are just heading out tonight. We should have primo conditions for the morning at 9 AM when we open.

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

The lake effect snow continues to come in force, we have gotten about 6-8 inches today; I am just coming off the Highlands packing and freezing the wet area that is the entrance. The Highlands area looks like it is well covered and should groom up well in the morning. Groomers to the south have been working on the trails that were flooded and reporting back they should be ready for morning skiing at 9 AM. I have not heard back from the single track groomers.  One of the PB's is just coming off Cherry and reporting excellent conditions on Cherry and Peltonen. Second shift groomers will be heading out soon to complete the grooming. It looks like we should have about 60 k groomed up by 9 AM.

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

2-3 inches of heavy wet snow yesterday and 3-4 inches of lake effect snow today! We had a great day of skiing today on the trails open and groomed and saw many bibs from the Birkie! The new snow groomed in well again this morning and then it snowed all day. We are heading out tonight to try to reopen the South and North that were flooded from the River rising. Groomers will be grooming to provide as many k as possible for Saturday. Not sure we will get all 73 km open but hopefully we can get 40-60 km open. The snow skied well today, many happy skiers. Lynn Ellen Schmidt you left something here.

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)