Tower had not been regroomed since the weekend; it is partially groomed. There were only a few bare spots in the tracks, otherwise good coverage and could use your good skis. It was soft and slow last evening. The travel WI website says that Tower was partially regroomed but no tracks set on Wednesday.

(Colleen Duffy)

About 75% of the trails have been groomed for skating and classical. None of the big hills have been groomed. The classic tracks are deep and firm with only occasional leaves. The skating deck is uneven with soft edges after 12" of new snow. The tracks of the groomer are often visible and there are ruts and furrows, but overall good or better. Another round of grooming should make for excellent skiing.

(Mark Blaskey)

This is the best snow I have seen all year, anywhere. The trails were rolled and 80% machine tracked. The only trail not open was the "Red" loop (maybe because the groomers did not want a lot of rusty skiers out killing themselves on the big hills...). This was sort of weird snow in that it was not super fast but sure was fun. I could not have guessed that driving 90 miles would offer such immense difference from the nothing we have here in the Twin Cities!

(Gary Follett)

From the County: With the fresh snow that we received over night (10"+) and with it continuing to snow today, we should have some decent ski trails for this weekend. Keep in mind that we did lose nearly all of the existing base that we had on our trails as well. Groomers are out right now at Tower Ridge and at Lowes Creek park packing down the trails. Tracks have been set at Lowes Creek and are in fair condition, no tracks set at Tower Ridge as of today but has been groomed. As of right now, Tower Ridge will be freshly groomed on Saturday and Sunday as well. So come on out and check out our trails! Vehicle passes are required at all Eau Claire County cross-county ski trail locations.

(Bob Schwartz)

The ice has softened so that shouldn't be a problem given the current forecast. Lots of standing water and Lake Andresen is forming at the main intersection next to the parking area. There is a very hard base that provides good skiing through much of the trail system. Bare ground is starting to poke through and I would treat any hill where you can't see the bottom from the top with caution.

(Bob Schwartz)

The trail is either very hard packed or solid ice. I stayed away from the steeper hills because they are very icy and dangerous. I was able to get a good work out and probably my last time out before the Birkie. Let's hope we get some snow!

(Keith Hammerbeck)

Ice skating on most corners, and technique mattered everywhere else. Classic tracks for double poling only. The only game in town!

(Dave Minden)

Very hard and glazed skating surface that softened only a little by noon. Classic tracks are absolute luge tracks and very fast--especially downwind--but no control.

(Mark Blaskey)

Very good skating overall, though some sections are rather hard, but softened as the temp increased. Classic tracks are still fun and only an occasional "Oak Leaf Hopscotch" is required.

(Mark Blaskey)

Trail is in good shape. It was recently groomed and has a good solid base. There are a few spots that are starting to get icy.

(Keith Hammerbeck)