Trails were groomed this morning when temps were around 30F -- I'm not sure if they were planning to do the whole park (they were grooming when I was out), but it seemed like it -- they went down to the playground and everything. I saw a tracksetter, too, but they hadn't set any tracks where I skied (classic tracks still looked pretty good overall). The snow is pretty good -- a couple of brownish snow spots (hills, etc.) and some debris (looked blown in, not dug up). Don't do what I did, though, and show up to the party overdressed! It's warm out there!

(Peter Peterson)

The skiing at Lester is pretty good. There are a few dirty spots in both the skate lane and classic tracks from the groomer hitting bottom, but they can easily be stepped over or avoided. The skate lane is already starting to harden up from all the traffic, but it still skied very nice. DXC hosted another Wednesday Night Glide (WNG) on Wednesday from the Lester Amity Chalet with a nice group enjoying some good skiing company and picking up a few technique tips. The trails were super busy with lots of skiers enjoying the beautiful night and warm temps. DXC will continue to host WNGs through Feb. from 5:30p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesdays.

(Matt Ryan)

Lester Park trails are groomed. Trails grooming up well with the new snow. Conditions are very good, classical tracks set.

(Andy Holak)

First time out this season at Lester Park ski trails. Sunny skies, 12F and classic trails groomed to perfection this morning. Best snow conditions in my 30 years skiing these trails; no ice covered sections! Solid pole plant, nice corduroy in the skating lane. Thanks to the groomer for making this an exceptional ski afternoon!

(Johan Bakken)

Freshly groomed. I didn't ski to the pavilion (started at the first bridge on 7 Bridges Road), so I can't vouch for that bit of trail, but the rest of the system has good coverage throughout. Skate lane still a bit soft.

(Catherine Winter)

The entire Lester system is open and groomed. It was in great shape, with just two notable thin spots, one on the uphill leading out of the park at the bottom and one on in the tracks on the downhill near the bottom. Both are easily avoided. There was plenty of snow on the rest of the trails and the grooming was done well, with good tracks and corduroy.

(Adam Schwartz-Lowe)

Trails freshly groomed. It was nice to finally have intact classic tracks. Trails were soft, but as excepted. I suspect that overnight the trails will set nicely. Some portions of the skate deck are uneven, but generally well covered. Unfortunately, fat bikes had been on the ski trails and left some ruts in the skate deck.

Photos:

(Tera Hasbargen)

Lester groomed, tracks set. All trails are in good shape. Use caution as some areas have an icy layer under this new snow. Five lights are out at Lester. We are working to get them fixed. In the meantime there may be a few dark spots.

(Andy Holak)

The City rolled/tracked Lester early this morning!

(Annalisa Peterson)

Skied 5k lighted loop (A, -E + down through lowest loop). Bare spots periodically, especially the steep climb out of the park. Trail is packed and a bit slick... hoping for fresh snow today before cold returns!

(Aaron Miatke)