Yesterday the snow farmers and groomers put together a 1K loop of manmade snow around the Nordic Center so they could have the Miniloppet Children's race. It's only 1K, but the snow is fantastic, fast, a little icy.

Photos:

(Phoebe Miron Kroll)

Last week's rain turned the 7K loop to an ice track. Yesterday the Mora snow farmers built a nice 1K loop for the Miniloppet. 42 laps completed this morning for a symbolic Vasa and first day of prep for next year's race.

Photos:

(Jeff Pesta)

We all know how bad this winter has been. The Founder's Classic races were changed because they couldn't set a classic track worthy of a race, so they held a tour for classic and skate skiers with a simultaneous start and a 6K loop that was in good condition for classic and skate skiing. The debris that was on the classic track a few days ago was no longer present. There were a few bare spots, but nothing that was a problem at all. Very enjoyable conditions. Kudos to the snow farmers and groomers for keeping the trails skiable in extremely challenging conditions! Big thanks to the great folks at the Mora Ski Club for putting on a fun event!

(John Helms)

We had a great time in Mora at the Founders Classic Tour. We were carefree on rock skis but you could probably get away with B skis and some care. Some dirt spots and occasional mud balls in the trail, but overall it was super impressive what they've been able to put together in this bleak winter.

Photos:

(Spencer Davis)

The 7 km loop remains open. Snow coverage on the trail is fair to good. With snow melting, there is definitely more sediment in the trail and several small bare spots are emerging. At present, these can be skied around. Due to trail conditions, rock skis are recommended. With the current forecast, it will not be possible to make additional snow or groom.

(Jim Conway)

We currently have a 7 km loop open. Snow coverage on the trail quality is generally good. While there are currently no bare spots, there are stretches with less snow coverage and some sediment and organic matter in the trail. Rock skis or B skis are recommended. With warm weather, it may not be possible to make additional snow or groom. Focus at this time is trying to preserve the trail to support the Vasaloppet ski races. We may need to reduce days/hours or even temporarily close the trail. Note: Thursday the trail is closed to the public 10am - 5pm (major high school ski race); Open to the public at 5pm.

(Jim Conway)

There is a fair amount of debris in the classic tracks, like leaves and sticks. I have skin skis, and it was OK when I was diagonal striding, but when I was double polling, the debris would sometimes cause my ski to stick suddenly. There were some places with dirt patches where you have to avoid the classic tracks. All things considered, I think they have done a good job with the snow they have, and they have made a lot of snow that they were just starting to move onto the trails this afternoon when I left. They have races scheduled for next weekend, and I hope they will be able to have them.

(John Helms)

Worth the trip. I love these trails. Fun to not be going around in small loops. I really appreciate the hard work that has been done by all the volunteers to put together approx. 7.5k. That said, it is a pretty thin base with some dirt and occasional small rocks mixed in, and lots of debris from today's strong S. wind. The base was rock hard, so tough skating. Lots and lots of snow piled at both snow depots, so hopefully they'll continue to build up a thicker base in coming days.

(Keith Gilbert)

Skied in the morning and afternoon, about 7.5K of trail freshly groomed with tracks set. The trail is in great condition, I would say you could even use good skis but there were a few thin/dirty spots out on the Vasa Hills portion of the trail. More snow is being made and I expect the trails will only get better.

(Phoebe Miron Kroll)

As of today, we have 7 km of trails open and groomed due to the heroic efforts from the Snow Farmers this week. Snow conditions are good to very good. Get out and enjoy it this weekend! Snowmaking and moving are still in process, please be on the lookout for tractors on the trails!

(Jim Conway)