Conditions: 3" of heavy snow over the crust from the weekend meltdown.
The Forest Service set a new track on the whole systems, the groomer set only a shallow track in a few spots but pretty decent overall. The tracks are soft so hope for cooler evening temps to firm them up.

(Mark Toot)

Conditions: A trail of two skis. Short section along 402 from the parking lot to intersection 4 was 25% rutted from skiers on Saturday, but very skiable along the side of the track. From intersection 4 to 6 and then around the outer perimeter of the whole system back to the parking lot it was perfect. One inch of light powder on a now firm base.
I saw tracks by 2-3 skiers for the trip to the east shelter via 7 to 13. After that it was untracked powder and occasional deer and wolf tracks up to 22 and then fast tracked conditions back to the lot. Small 75 yard section of ruts before the lot, but again easy to avoid. Almost didn't go because of dire reports in the parking lot exchanges upon arrival. Best day of skiing this year.

(Michael Wilke)

Conditions: Excellent grooming, exceptional glide.
I did the northwest trail to junction 20-19-18-23 to 27-26-28 then west of FR 257 to junction 22 and back to 8. A little freezing rain made the glide exceptional so I went down to junction 7-13 and up to the Adirondack shelter overlooking the Rice River Valley. The second shelter has been sadly removed because of graffiti and ATV damage to the adjoining swamp.

(George Bekkala)

Conditions: Very good! At least an 8" base with excellent mid-season snow conditions.
The Forest Service, packed double wide with the groomers and set a track on the entire system today.

(Mark Toot)

Conditions: Exceptional hard packed classic tracks.
Some debris on the trail in the pine covered areas. We skied the southeast easy to intermediate trails and this trail system is truly a hidden gem in NE MN.

Photos:

(Julie Holien)

Conditions: Very good conditions, track should set up nicely in the cold conditions.
The Forest Service set a track on all the trails except the most northern swampy loop.

(Mark Toot)

Conditions: East side trails have pine needles and some glazing. An ATV tore up the trail parallel to the road from the lot for about a KM. Very good coverage and decent tracks from recent grooming. West trail from 7 to 8 and back to lot had plenty of icing and mixed snow conditions.
With no wax skis, it was the way to go today. Temps were around 36 and sunny late afternoon. Plenty of skiers out.

Photos:

(Ron Kutsi)

Conditions: Good snow cover on entire trail system.
The Forest Service set a track on all the trails on Friday.

(Mark Toot)

Conditions: Good to great conditions on east trails(1 to 8). I don't think that my poles hit the bottom at all and with seven inches of new snow since then all the better.
Was good to see lots of people out there. Been going there twice a season for 15 years and I used to have to break trail more than a few time out there -- but has been perfectly groomed for 3 years now. Made a donation to the box.

(Mark Peil)

Conditions: 3-5" of new snow on Thursday.
The Forest Service groomed and set a track on the loops from east to west up to junctions 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, and 22 on Jan. 15th. Some western segments still need more snow before a track can be set. Freshly groomed segments are in good shape.

(Tim Engrav)