Conditions: Very good for skating. A skiff of new snow to partially cover the leaf litter.
I skied north from OO to the high point on the classic trail and back on the Birkie trail. Flat, firm surface. Fine skiing. Over the past 5 days, I've skied the entire system except Birkie Ridge and the trail south of Bitch Hill. Most sections a couple of times. Generally, the North half of the course is better than the south half and the classic trail is better than the Birkie trail. That said, I think the trail is in good early season condition everywhere so you should find decent conditions no matter where you start out.

(Andy Schwartz)

Conditions: Good to excellent.
Skied from North End to OO on the Birkie trail. A few thin spots and quite a lot of sticks and debris, but if you are careful ski-able with race skis. Skate deck was firm and fast. Classic tracks looked good as well.

(Elias Anoszko)

Conditions: Very good to excellent skate lane, it was freshly groomed, provided good coverage, and was level.
Very good to excellent skate conditions can be found on the Birkie Trail and The Birkie Classic Trail from Powerline to the High Point. Skiers found fresh corduroy and I saw many happy faces out enjoying the trails today. A big shout goes out to the grooming crew for the great trails! Happy New Year!

Photos:

(David Martin)

Conditions: Trail firming up and smoothing out - lots of smiling faces out.
OO loops are set best-line for a HS classic race today. Easy Strider loop at OO is groomed. Birkie Skate and Birkie Classic trails have been groomed from OO north to Powerlines with new classic track set, as well as the Birkie Ridge trails. OO south we have tried to set a track - there is a marginal one from OO south to Gravel Pit food station (approx 10km south). Enjoy the skiing.

(Chris Campbell, American Birkebeiner)

Conditions: Very good for skating. No classic tracks south of the OO lighted loops yet.
I skied south from OO past Mosquito Brook. Firm, mostly flat surface. Some twigs and tree schmutz from recent heavy snows and wind. The south half of the trail isn't quite race day smooth yet but still really fine skiing. I had no qualms about using my "A" skis.

(Andy Schwartz)

Conditions: Good - Freshly groomed - bravo Birkie folks!
Skied from Mosquito Brook to 00 and back today. 12 pm to 2pm The track was pretty much perfect except for some random debris and a few low spots. Great job birkie groomers! Go out and ski! A skis possible.

(Adam Segar)

Conditions: Very good, just groomed for skating and a classic track was set...plenty of new snow.
The stride skiing on the Birkie and Classic Trails from Boedecker Road south through the lighted loops at OO was very good today. The classic track was deep and solid with just an occasional dirty or icy spot. The skate lane was smooth, firm, and level with plenty of coverage.

Photos:

(David Martin)

Conditions: Wow! Pristine! Winter wonderland.
Pictures say it all. Thank you groomers! Skied north from OO about 10km or so. Both skate deck and classic track very, very good.

Photos:

(Dave Gorringe)

Conditions: Excellent for both skate and classic.
Skied from the Power Lines to the High Point water stop on the Birkie trail and back on the classic trail. Both sections are freshly groomed, firm and flat. Particularly on the classic trail south of Timber Trail, it hasn't seen much skier pressure so the skate lane is beautiful and the classic tracks look like rails. If today had been race day, I don't think anyone would have been disappointed.

(Andy Schwartz)

Conditions: Freshly groomed from Hatchery to Powerlines - now approx 80km groomed.
We have been able to clear much of down trees and groom from Hatchery to OO - it is groomed for skate, but no classic tracks set- need just a bit more for good tracks on the south end. North of OO trailhead both the Birkie Skate and Birkie Classic trails are groomed up nice for skating and a classic track. Enjoy your Sunday Ski.

(Chris Campbell, American Birkebeiner)