A nice day for skiing today with temps in the 20s. There is a half inch of fresh snow over the firm base. It could probably use more grooming to smooth things out in places with the new snow, but skaters and striders seemed to be enjoying it as is. No thin spots anywhere on the system.

Photos:

(Louis Muench, CASTA)

I went to Timberland Hills for some skiing and their open house this afternoon. The sun was shining and temps were in the 20's. I skate skied the outer loop and some of the new multi-use trail. The skate deck was in top shape with some soft spots. Classic skiers found the tracks a little icy after the refreeze. The party was great. Lots of folks came out to see the new facilities and try some skiing. It was good to see a diversity of ages and abilities having fun together. This is a great place and definitely worth seeking out. Please make a donation to help CASTA maintain a great venue.

Photos:

(Wallace Wadd)

After yesterday's thaw, all skating lanes were groomed this morning except the Corkscrew and Lighted Trail. Conditions are expected to be good for skating. The tracks are fast, but skiable. Join us 2 PM to 5 PM today for our "Welcome to the Trails" event.

(Louis Muench, CASTA)

All trails are groomed and in excellent condition for skating and classic, except for some soft spots due to the amount of fresh snow. Winter wonderland.

Photos:

(Louis Muench, CASTA)

Lighted trail, outer loop, engagement loop, short loop, and cut across have all been rolled, packed and tracked. We will finish the rest today. Really good skiing.

(Jim Cotone)

Very good to excellent conditions this morning on the southern loops. Classical track solid with no washout; skating deck a bit hard and chopped up, but softened as it warmed up. No issues with tree debris -- there is plenty of snow. There were only a couple of widely scattered spots where the track met a little piece of ground that were easily avoided. By afternoon it was up to 38 degrees, so skiing is much better in the mornings on these warm days.

(Dave Henning)

After about 3 inches of new snow, most of the trails were packed and tracked on Monday night. The ridge run, corkscrew, and alternative trail are planned to be finished on Tuesday. Conditions are looking good!

(Louis Muench, CASTA)

The Outer Loop, Engagment Loop, Cervenka's Curl, and Cut Across Trail were packed and tracked Thursday night. Conditions are good. The Lighted Trail was also packed and tracked, and conditions are also good there except for a little dirt coming through due to the logging.

(Louis Muench, CASTA)

Great ski despite cold temps today. Skate deck firm although a bit uneven. Bundled and covered up and -8*F isn't so bad.

(Mike Schoonveld)

All of Timberland Hills is packed and tracked. Conditions are mostly good. The new "alternative trail" for skijoring, fat bikes, etc. is also groomed. The Lighted Trail remains closed due to logging, but we should have the trail back in our control soon. Bundle up and enjoy the snow this New Year's weekend.

(Louis Muench, CASTA)