Variable conditions, trace new snow and very lightly snowing, temp 33. Lilly's beginner trail is excellent, with debris in just a few spots, and nice soft but firm skate lane throughout, ok for good skis. Eagle has parts that are great, and a few hills that are icy on south-facing slopes and from melting snow dropping out of the trees, leaving little icy piles and patches, needles and twigs. Ski any hills with caution for now.

(Deane Johnson)

What a beautiful place to ski. A great experience all-around--from the trail quality to the volunteer crew to the homemade cookies for the open house!

Photos:

(Carl SCHLUETER)

New snow 5" groomed Friday on a good 6" trail base. Excellent conditions throughout with all runs groomed for skate and classic. The hilly and narrow parts of Troll may lack a classic track in spots, but not needed on the steeps and turns. Fine skiing and snowshoeing with warm temps.

Photos:

(Deane Johnson)

Trails are zippy, with a firm hard pack, mostly good conditions. Some debris, conifer or small oak twigs and needles, is surfacing again, especially on Eagle and parts of Lake trails. That's the reason for B ski rating. Lilly's and Troll are still pretty clean. Classic tracks are all good. All 10 km are open, groomed 3 days ago.

(Deane Johnson)

Excellent conditions throughout, and grooming was finished up today. Skate lanes are firm and fast, not icy, and most of the trail debris is now mixed in or covered. Did some additional signage, flagging and trimming on the snowshoe trails today. Moonlight ski tonight was amazing.

Photos:

(Deane Johnson)

All trails were groomed, with Lake interrupted by a snowmobile malfunction. They fixed the drive belt and finished up all the trails. Conditions are good to excellent for classic and freestyle, with all trails open and groomed. Snowshoe trails are also in good shape, will add some flags and signage Friday. We have 12" of snow on the ground, no new snow as the latest storm stayed just south of us. Base is a good 6", still quite fast and firm after grooming, with some scattered debris under confers from the previous ice storm. Open House events begin Sunday, 1-3 PM. MN ski pass required on ski trails.

(Deane Johnson)

Excellent conditions on all trails for skating, and Lilly's was regroomed today. Classic tracks are good on Lilly's and Eagle.

Photos:

(Deane Johnson)

Good to excellent conditions, a few fluffy spots and conifer twigs and needles. Snow depth 12-14", with 6" packed base. All trails are groomed now for skating, with classic track set on Lilly's and Eagle. If you classic on Troll or Lake, best to go along the edge. Snowshoe trails are all packed down and easy to follow now. MN ski pass required for ski trails.

(Deane Johnson)

We had another 5" new snow last Thursday, for snow depth of more than a foot and packed base of 6". Lilly's and Eagle are groomed for skating and classic, and are excellent. Lake has a diy classic track, troll also diy classic although part has been started to groom for skate, but still needs some trail clearing. Snowshoe trail has some use. Everything is delayed due to previous tree damage and then icy weather.

Photos:

(Deane Johnson)

We have had freezing rain, slush and then a foot of snow this week. We are back in trail clearing mode and trying to get some of the trails wide enough to allow both skating and classic — that may take some time. Right now Lillys and Lake are open for classic, could be a few days for a skate lane there. Eagle is excellent for skating and classic. As you go around, help in breaking off brush or branches in the way would be appreciated. Snowshoe trails are flagged and mapped. Winter wonderland! Grooming plans: Troll will be groomed tomorrow, just skating initially although classic skiers are welcome DIY.

Photos:

(Deane Johnson)