I went out to check the trails and trail-ran the North Prairie loop. There was decent snow, no bare spots, and no ice late this afternoon. I will try tomorrow with my waxless or with klister. One skier was out having fun on waxless. No tracking or grooming, but this section is skiable and wasn't overrun by hiker/dog tracks. However, I agree with earlier reports that the north river flat and ascent is not being tracked this winter, and thus is almost impassable. Staff is leaving that section open to snowshoers, but why not have at least a single track available to skiers? This cuts down track available by about 3mi (not the full 15mi as on the park website). Jimmy Chin and Jon Krakauer could do a documentary about the ascent on the north side, which is currently "epic", but not in a good way.

(Sam Seltz)

Nice warm day, good glide, but Afton seems to be giving too much to the walkers. There's now only one way up and one way down to and from the Prairie Trail. After descending there is only a completely trampled walking trail to go back to the visitor center. Former ski trails north along river and up to the meadows are now walking/snowshoeing. The idea might be to separate the two activities, but it seems like it just encourages more walkers - some of whom cannot stick to their (expanded number of) trails. Some ski trails were quite good, but with thin snow coverage it doesn't take many walkers to degrade trails. Not helped by the walking trails T-junctioning onto ski trails with no signage to tell the walkers that the pretty "lines" in the snow are not funny walking paths. There are also snowshoeing trails with no access other than via the ski trails. Sad loss to the diagonal ski community.

(Janet Folina)

Afton State Park is double tracked with good coverage. Lots of walkers - footprints are mostly next to the tracks - but still very skiiable. Find some place else if you are looking for a high performance interval training site, but for a peaceful, back-to-nature, I'm-so-lucky-to-be-in-Minnesota-in-January ski, these trails are perfect. Good skis are fine except for some coyote scat and a bit of botanical detritus (leaves).

(Kris Hansen)

Skied prairie loop and down to the river and back. Good snow cover over 95% of the trail. Only a few places had some ice. A few spots on the prairie loop were washed out, but not extensive. Otherwise, was really pleased with the dual tracks. Kudos to the groomers. What a wonderful place.

(Emmerson Ward)

Skied Afton earlier today for the first time since Saturday morning when it was snowing and ungroomed. Trails variable, from poor on north river loop ascending to North Prairie loop, to fair-good elsewhere. Best section by far is North Prairie loop. Other sections have some bare areas in woods and many sections are slick with thaw/rethaw. Many hiker tracks. Expect with warming temps and possible rain it will only get worse. The north and south river ascents are very tough and advise hiking it up! Still, better than roller skiing and the day was shiny-bright.

(Sam Seltz)