Last night we received more snow; heavy and wet this time. It wasn't much but it was enough to alter the conditions on the trail a little. Today we groomed the skate deck and laid a classic track from OO to the American Birkebeiner TH (start area). In preparation for the Double Pole Derby ski races on Sat, Dec 30th, we also groomed the loops near the American Birkebeiner TH. Great skiing on the Birkie Trail before and during the holidays. Enjoy!

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

Skiing the Birkie trail from OO to Mosquito Brook Saturday and Sunday was fun-omenal. My cap off to the wizards of grooming. The trail was wide, firm and smooth all the way. There were classic rails both sides that were holding up for the most part, though south of the gravel pit the snow is a little thinner and some dirt in places. The snow is deeper the farther north you go. Skiing through the flocked woods it feels as though you could be swishing atop 3 feet of snow the decks so wide and firm. The occasional dirt patch is a reminder of the Birkie crews excellence. The trip here would be worthwhile if only to snap a last minute Christmas card photo.

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(George Wawro)

Covered all of the trail from OO to the lake. Firm, very nice skiable surface but a little undulating due to the thin base. " A" skis if you are careful, B skis recommended. Trail south of Hatchery was significantly softer and had a lot more debris (all organic looking) sticking through the snow. B skis.

(Spencer Davis)

I ran the A classic skis south from OO. There was some debris dodging in and out of track. Where the pines start around the 24k, I turned around. That was all B ski country. I crashed hard by making a poor choice, so the trip ended at the cabin with only 10 k skied.

(Jeff Bolte)

Very good for both classic and skate. Remarkably good skiing for this time of year. No classic track set on the skate portion of the Birkie trail but two full depth tracks on the Classic trail from OO to at least Timber Trail on the North. I skied from the Power Lines on the north to just past the Boedecker water stop on the south on the Birkie trail and then back on the Classic trail. I found the skate lanes to be surprisingly firm. You can tell that they've had the Pisten Bullys out. The Classic trail is fantastic right now and, as normal, the further north you go, the better it gets. I used my "A" equipment without a second thought.

(Andy Schwartz)

Here is what was done late yesterday and this morning: OO loops are groomed and tracked, OO to American Birkebeiner TH (start area) are groomed on the Birkie Skate trail and groomed and double tracked on the Classic Trail. At this point, nearly the whole Birkie Trail is groomed and tracked and the base is getting pretty good. The Hatchery Loops aren't groomed yet as there is a lot of prep work that needs to be done first. Also, due to some mechanical issues, we couldn't get to Birkie Ridge so there is still some powder on top. The Birkie Trail will be busy this weekend, but there is plenty of groomed trail for all! Enjoy!

(Sam Hughes, American Birkebeiner)

Skied Fish hatchery to Mosquito Brook and back. Great job by groomers.... good snow coverage with a few light spots with twigs coming thru. Unfortunately somebody drove a four wheeler on the trail from Hatchery to Bitch hill, 360 1/2 down the hill and ran it back. In my 10 years on the trail I have never seen such stupidity... I choose to mark it up to lack of awareness of the purpose of the trail. Despite the four wheel grooves I had a blast.

(Andy Michuda)

We are currently grooming south of OO. By noon today, we will have a skate deck with about a 1-2" base from OO to Lake Hayward. Classic tracks will be set from OO to Hatchery Creek.   Best skiing today is definitely south of OO.   Later today we will start making corduroy and laying tracks north of OO and on the loops at OO.   North of OO is skiable right now but there is a lot of fresh, ungroomed snow on top. By Saturday morning, north of OO and the loops at OO should be in great shape! Enjoy this great snow we have received so far this year! To see the whole Birkie Trail's grooming status, check out our new Groomer's Grid on our website.

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

Morning ski on freshly groomed full trail width corduroy on Hwy OO loops. Firming up nicely after the 6-8 inches of fresh snow yesterday. Track is set and is firm and deep! Mid winter conditions. Thank you grooming crew!

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(Carolyn Senty)

We ended up getting nearly 7" of snow last night and all day today! Tonight we groomed 1 pass of the the Birkie Skate Trail from Birkebeiner trail-head in Cable to "OO", the Birkie Ridge connectorand the loops at "OO" trailhead.  Pisten Bully Tech's are here servicing our equipment as a few gremlins have reared their heads so we are down some firepower...but we will keep on this new snow - check back often for the latest grooming updates.

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)