The trek up North was worth it. I made it out before the snow transitioned. Trails were firm -not boiler plate. I strided around the OO loops in the mid morning and the tracks were deep, firm and icy in spots but very skiable with skins. Late morning I skated to the high point on the skate trail and back to OO on the classic trail. The skate deck was firm and very fast, icy only in occasional sun-exposed areas. Two sets of classic tracks looked nice. I could definitely skate relaxed and with control. One word of caution: there were 2 bare spots on hills on the classic trail, about 2K form OO, that have only a narrow path to ski around. If travelling south on the classic trail, you will be going down hill into to these spots. Luckily someone left tree branches standing in the trail to mark them and gave me time to slow down and navigate around the bare ground.

(Bob Peterson)

Grooming plans: The weather in the next couple of days looks like it will make the spring skiing saga more interesting. With warmer day and overnight temps in the next couple of days, we don't plan to groom this week. Our next grooming decision will likely be made after the snow this weekend. In the meantime, there is still plenty of hard-packed snow on the trail and skiing is still very good!

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

Skied from OO to the highpoint and back skating on the Birkie skate trail. Had a great ski although you have to be careful on the downhills, especially where the trail appears to be grey in color... that is ice. The rest of the trail has a glaze to it and it is fast. Us older skiers aren't ashamed to snowplow down these hills to be cautious. I've had too many hard falls in my 40 plus years on the trail. Great trail grooming to the whole crew! Thanks!

(John Dettloff)

Conditions could not have been better. I classic skied from OO to high point and back in April using VR40 kick wax. The tracks were deep and firm. Between the OO parking lots and Bodecker lot, there were over 100 cars parked. Lots of happy people out on the trails today. Thank you groomers!

(Paul Schaaf)

Last night we groomed and tracked OO loops and Birkie Skate and Classic trails from OO to Fire Tower. Enjoy another great weekend of skiing!

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

Grooming plans: We are expecting to groom again tomorrow night in preparation for another weekend of great skiing. We will probably groom something similar to what was done Wednesday. Check back for more updates!

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

Skied around 8:30 am, found virgin corduroy from Hwy OO up past Boedecker and back. Unbelieveable April conditions -- temps were cold, low teens at best, and the snow was absolutely mid-winter conditions. Surprised how firm the skate deck was, just phenomenal. Goods skis not a problem! Classic tracks looked mint, no sign of ice or glazed, but firm. Such a great spring treat!

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(Bruce Adelsman)

More snow yesterday and last night. Just finished up grooming and tracking OO loops and Birkie Skate and Classic trails from OO to Fire Tower. Enjoy the bonus ski season!

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(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

The Birkie Trail (OO loops and skate trail north) was great today. A good skate deck, just a tiny bit soft in places. Bomber classic tracks. Thanks ABSF grooming crew!

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(Jeff Tumbleson)

The Birkie skate trail is perfect from Hwy OO to the trailhead, doubletracked and full skatedeck. Plenty of fresh snow, it will get faster tomorrow.

(Drew Holbrook)