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Rainbow Resort  Rainbow Resort is located in northwestern Minnesota on the northern boundary of the Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge and just 1/2 hour from Itasca State Park. Over 20K of private skiing trails are groomed for both skating and classic technique, and range from easy to quite challenging. |
Seeking New Trail Reports for: Lake Carlos SP(3), Reid GC, Saint John's Abbey Arb, Peninsula SP, Nashotah, Al Quaal, Standing Rocks, Bergland, After Hours, Big Aspen, Pincushion Mtn, Silver Rapids, Chain of Lakes, Bally Creek, Jay Cooke SP, Howard Wagoner, Mount Itasca, Wolverine, Birkie.
Minnesota Metro Area
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NewDec 28 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skied the full snowmaking course and was very pleasantly surprised how well it stood up to the rain. Groomers have done an amazing job - way to go! Overall soft but with occasional icy areas.
Photos:
(Mark Virtue) -
NewDec 28 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
"Mashed potatoes are better than no potatoes" says my husband who is a strong skier. But for me, someone who sucks at skiing but loves the outdoors, I thought it was a gorgeous ski even if I physically felt dead within 20 minutes. Given the latest rain I thought the trails were surprisingly good. Thanks groomers!
(Chelsea Dummer) -
NewDec 28 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skated the man made loop. A bit squishy as expected but pretty good overall. Nice day. Not many people out. Hyland continues to amaze.
(Adam Bock) -
NewDec 28 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Got out in the late morning for a ski at Wirth. The trails were in pretty good shape - a hard, icy deck covered in a little slush. Some sticks on trail, particularly starting the climb to coaches'corner. Not many folks out. 3.5 k open.
(Adam Mahar) -
NewDec 28 - Elm Creek Park Reserve (Maple Grove):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
The snowmaking loop was soft but very skiable this morning, between 10:30 and noon. I was shocked at the lack of people. We were one of maybe a dozen or so cars in the overflow lot. Uphills were getting challenging due to moist, sugary snow. I skated, but wife and son did classic. The tracks looked nice and seemed quick with only a little degradation in kick quality. Soft snow made for gentle landings when the kid (and adults) fell. It seems all other Elm Creek trails are closed at the moment. Thanks to the groomers and snowmakers for keeping it thriving where possible.
(Charlie Blasky) -
NewDec 28 - Battle Creek Regional Park East (Maplewood):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
A couple crusty stretches and a few sticky spots, but overall the deck made it through a day of rain in very good condition. So come on out and say hello to A1 and A2 and thank the groomers for doing what they do.
(Ernie Ogot) -
NewDec 27 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
Evening[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Quite damp on the 5k made loop but really spectacular. Strangely fast and slow at different points. Low flats held a little water but the Boulder downhill was rocket fast.
(Joe Dolan) -
NewDec 27 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skied the green and blue trails and most all we're in great "spring-like" condition. Considering the rain and warm weather we've had recently, I was quite pleasantly surprised by the great conditions and how fast my skis were gliding on this rally terrain trail system. Huge thanks and gratitude to the caretakers and groomers, it's so nice to have this wonderful facility near Saint Paul!
Photos:
(Marla Husnik) -
NewDec 27 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
The man made 5k loop is holding up well in spite of 35+ degrees and light rain. The classic track was solid with a few icy spots - I tried the skate deck and it was firm and no sugar snow as of 9:00 am.
Photos:
(Chuck Barden) -
NewDec 27 - Como Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails: Closed, ]Observation Scheduling
With this warm weather and rain the ski trail is closed at this time. Hopefully Mother Nature is kind to us in the near future.
Photos:
(James Bezanson) -
NewDec 27 - Phalen Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails: Closed, ]Observation Scheduling
With this warm weather and rain the ski trail is closed at this time. Hopefully Mother Nature is kind to us in the near future.
Photos:
(James Bezanson) -
NewDec 27 - Highland 9-hole Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails: Closed, ]Observation Scheduling
With this warm weather and rain the ski trail is closed at this time. Hopefully Mother Nature is kind to us in the near future.
Photos:
(James Bezanson) -
NewDec 27 - Highland National Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails: Closed, ]Observation Scheduling
With this warm weather and rain the ski trail is closed at this time. Hopefully Mother Nature is kind to us in the near future.
Photos:
(James Bezanson, St. Paul Parks and Recreation) -
Dec 26 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Battle Creek is holding up well in the warmer weather. Every bit of the snowmaking trails are open. The A and A2 climbs taken in sequence are the closest thing you can get to Birkie hill training here in the Twin Cities. But if you're looking for a less intense ski, there's plenty of that too.
(David Moore) -
Dec 26 - Elm Creek Park Reserve (Maple Grove):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skied man made loop. Conditions were pleasantly very good, better than expected; tracks neither ice nor slush. The skate deck looked like it was getting soft (1-1:30 pm). No leaf debris. Good job groomers, thank you.
(Karen Peters) -
Dec 26 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Got out around 10 am for a long ski on the manmade loops. Lots of activity, leading to a pretty worn down skate deck, especially around the pond. Warmer weather also made for a slower and softer deck as time went on, but was a pretty good day out on skis. Tracks looked in really good condition throughout the park.
(Josh Heurung) -
Dec 26 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skied groomed and natural courses. Snow was soft/melty on groomed but coverage was good. Natural course was thin but skiable.
(Michael McDonald) -
Dec 26 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
The deck is holding up reasonably well for the warm weather. The classic tracks are washed out in the stadium and inconsistent in other areas of Wirth. The further you get from the stadium the better the tracks are- go up coaches corner and head toward La Squadra for better/faster tracks. Overall, it's not a terrible day for a ski and the park was quiet for a Christmas break afternoon.
(Anne McCulloch) -
Dec 26 - Columbia Golf Course (Minneapolis):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Columbia is still hanging on. Thin and very slow snow on the skate deck. Many dirt and grass patches, but there was always a way around them. I edged through to a cart path once near the bridge. The skier made tracks are pretty much gone. Still skiable though!
(Mike Keyes) -
Dec 26 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
The snowmaking loop was in very good condition. The only thing preventing an excellent rating was a snowplow wake on the Boulder Ridge downhill that forced you to either an inside or outside lane on the curve. Despite the 36 degree temperature at my 11:30 arrival, the snow - though somewhat wet - was reasonably fast. There was no significant build-up on the flats or climbs. Thanks to the groomers for their excellent work.
(Keith Carlson) -
Dec 25 - Pine Point Regional Park (Stillwater):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All ]Observation
I walked along the edge of about half the trails this afternoon. I assume all trails are open; however, they are not very skiable. Appears some were rolled some time ago. Some people have skied them but, the snow is very thin, lots of debris, many walkers have been on the trail, many bare patches. I would not even recommend skiing with rock skis.
(Stan Hokanson) -
Dec 25 - Como Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
Non-groomed snow area are good for B skis (except south facing hillsides). South facing hillsides are patchy to bare.
(Brian Bahn) -
Dec 25 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Christmas Day came with wonderful skiing at Battle Creek. The groomers did an excellent job giving us a good skate deck and classic tracks on the Pond, Prairie, and South Tree loops. My 8-year old and 6-year old granddaughters had a lot of fun on snow that allowed them to practice their classic technique and successfully negotiate the hills. It was a very nice Christmas gift for us all.
(David Sonnenberg) -
Dec 25 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Conditions on the snowmaking trail were great on Christmas Day. The snow felt extra fast and there were plenty of skiers out. This is an impressive trail.
Photos:
(Michael McDonald) -
Dec 25 - Elm Creek Park Reserve (Maple Grove):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Classic skied with my skin techs while my wife skied with waxless skis. At 10:15 am place was very sparse of skiers. Classic tracks were nice and deep and ever so slightly icy but we could get good kick. Also great glide. Temperature was 29 degrees with a little wind.
Photos:
(Earl Stabenow) -
Dec 25 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Natural trails: Good conditions of you're skijoring. A bit more difficult if you're not. My spouse and I switched off with our dog, and it's definitely much trickier without canine help. I also had more rough contact today than I did two days ago.
(Michael Schowalter) -
Dec 25 - Hiawatha Golf Course (Minneapolis):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skiable, but very much rock skis. There are segments where it's more grass than snow, but there is usually a way through with mostly snow. All the cart trails are covered so I was able to make it through without damage. A Christmas Miracle!
(Tim Bontrager) -
Dec 25 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Both
Thank you Santa Claus. You did delivere the most beautifull classic and skate skiing conditions yet this season at BC. Before 7am ski most enjoyable. Natural snow trails are in need of good snow storm?!
(Ahvo Taipale, Finn Sisu) -
Dec 25 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Trails were nice and firm, helps that I got out after work. Only skied one lap since I'm not in the best of shape yet. Classic tracks looked nice from the skate side of the trail.
Photos:
(William Gage) -
Dec 24 - Columbia Golf Course (Minneapolis):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
I'm dreaming of a good ski New Years. But we gotta B ski Xmas. Columbia is very skiable. Full coverage but lots of grass blades on the hills. Go get some B skis and enjoy the paltry snow.
(Michael Darger) -
Dec 24 - Elm Creek Park Reserve (Maple Grove):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skied the main 2.5k manmade loop this afternoon. Not super busy. Good snow. Occasional leaves/organic debris on the trail.
(Laura Adrian) -
Dec 24 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Christmas Eve early afternoon ski on the snow-making trails, surprisingly not very crowded. Conditions were very good, no ice and the uphills still pretty intact. Ridgeline and La Squadra now open and in good shape.
(Dave Carlson) -
Dec 24 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
I skied a few loops of the North trail through Scenic Foothills late morning. Rock ski conditions on the natural snow trails with a fair amount of grass poking through and lots of leaves/twigs with bare spots in the oak woods before connecting to the snowmaking loops. Snowmaking loops in excellent shape as usual and good skis can be used.
(Ben Ruhme) -
Dec 24 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
I took my granddaughters (ages 8, 6, and 3) out on the Pond and Prairie loops, and found the conditions very good. The skate deck was solid with good coverage, and although the corduroy was gone, it was very nice skiing. The classic tracks were also in good shape - my granddaughters got good kick with their skin skis and had good control on the descents. There were a lot more skiers than when I previously skied on Wednesday, but everyone was very careful and considerate of the little ones with me. It was a very pleasant morning at Battle Creek.
(David Sonnenberg) -
Dec 23 - Lebanon Hills Regional Park (Eagan):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skied around lunch time. No tracks are set. Started at Jensen lake and went towards Holland lake. The furthest I got from Jensen, the better the trails were. Expect some rocks and grass. But, it's a good adventure!
Photos:
(Andrew Wolpers) -
Dec 23 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skied the Ski Games Trail at noon today. There was plenty of snow, very surprising. It has been groomed but was soft and choppy from skiers and lots of walker tracks. I used my good skis but was very careful.
(Bill Stuber) -
Dec 23 - Elm Creek Park Reserve (Maple Grove):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
I only skied the manmade loop. The bypass is open for those who don't wish to tackle the wall. It was the busiest I've ever seen it around 9 a.m., maybe 200 (?) skiers, so it was a bit crowded, but the groomers had done a bang-up job. The skate deck was holding surprisingly well. There was a bit of degradation in the tracks, but it didn't look bad at all. It was a wonderful ski all around.
(Jason Goepfert) -
Dec 23 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skied the manmade trails, which were in excellent condition. Skate deck was firm and very skiable, climbs were really good all morning, not chewed up at all even with the warmer temperatures. Tracks were fast from my small sample. Did not go on the natural trails. Let's do it again tomorrow! :).
(Craig Woodley) -
Dec 23 - Tamarack Nature Center (White Bear Township):
MorningGrooming
The trails were rolled this morning. The groomer reported that there are some spots that are getting thin. There are no tracks laid as of yet.
(Kristy Rockford, Ramsey County Parks) -
Dec 23 - Phalen Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Trails were getting really soft but still absolutely skiable. I used my good skis and there were a decent amount of leaves and twigs, some grass, and occasional (but obvious and avoidable) bare cart path.
(Patrick Zimmerman) -
Dec 23 - Highland National Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Groomed Highland National. Skate deck only. Very thin with grass exposed in some areas.
Photos:
(James Bezanson) -
Dec 23 - Phalen Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Groomed with skate deck only, no classic track. Thin/bare spots throughout. Enjoy it while it lasts!
Photos:
(James Bezanson) -
Dec 23 - Highland 9-hole Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Groomed Highland 9 Hole golf course cross country ski trail. Ski deck only, no classic track. Very thin with most areas less than 2 inches thick and many bare spots.
Photos:
(James Bezanson) -
Dec 23 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skijored the natural snow trails today with my best friend. We hit all the naturals trails that were open north of Glenwood. Conditions were just as good as Saturday morning, so it held up well over the weekend.
(Mike Schowalter) -
Dec 23 - Phalen Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Still good coverage at Phalen. I'd still suggest rock skis as the deck gets softer with the warming temps. There's enough spots where you cross cart paths that you'll risk scraping ground. All in all, still quite skiable though.
(John Leaf) -
Dec 23 - Como Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Como was groomed today, skate deck only. Very thin with most areas less than 2" thick, and many bare spots.
Photos:
(James Bezanson) -
Dec 22 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Night[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
What a joy to ski at Battle Creek at night when the the temperature is mild. Skied all the man made trails. Tracks were firm all around the course. Some leaf litter in the tracks up on the hill. Groomers were out sprucing up the skate lanes.
(Rick Vatsaas) -
Dec 22 - Hiawatha Golf Course (Minneapolis):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Still able to skate, nice to be on the soft natural snow. Coverage is a bit less than yesterday, more soft grass peeking through in spots and still kinda chopped up and lumpy on the skate deck. Probably on the edge of being able to use good skis. That said, cart tracks are still totally covered, and overall just so nice to be on natural snow! Thanks again to the groomers, great job John!
(Jess Emery) -
Dec 22 - Hiawatha Golf Course (Minneapolis):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Trail was packed and fairly covered but even with multiple skier-made tracks there were many bare spots. Had to keep switching "lanes". Even so, hit gravel pretty definitively once.
(Janet Folina) -
Dec 22 - Cleary Lake Regional Park (Prior Lake):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Trails were skiable but were in rough condition. A lot of tree debris and rocks poking through the snow. Hikers have walked on the trails damaging the groomed conditions.
Photos:
(Eric Spieler) -
Dec 22 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Excellent conditions on the Wirth man-made loop today. LaSquadra was being worked on and should open soon. Ridgeline is in great shape - nice to get out on a sunny day!
Photos:
(Bill Oyler) -
Dec 22 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
The snowmaking loop remains entirely open and in very good condition. It was 31 degrees per the Swix wax clock with a light overcast. Despite my guess that the warner temperatures brought out more skiers today, there was little sugar accumulation. And the warmer temperatures made the snow noticeably faster than yesterday, No snowplow wake on Boulder Ridge downhill. At 4:00 start skier traffic was light. Thanks groomers.
(Keith Carlson) -
Dec 22 - Elm Creek Park Reserve (Maple Grove):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Classic
I took the natural snow trails (Lake to Northern Lights). These were ungroomed, but enough people have been on them to do a bit of snow packing. People have been walking them, too, so there are divots. The entry path over the bridge is getting thin. Classic skiers have a choice of skier-made tracks, though the older ones are down to grass in places. The base is maybe 1" or less packed, with 2-3" soft snow over a lot of it. That quiet schuss of natural snow made it worth the extra effort. Skate skiers may find it too soft for fun - most of the skate tracks were from the overflow parking lot back to the manmade loop.
Photos:
(Laurie Ford) -
Dec 22 - William O'Brien State Park (Marine on St. Croix):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Both
Not groomed for good reason. A few have braved the trails with their skis. I thought I'd try to skate, but realized my mistake and ended up just double poling. Despite a snowy scene, rocks and gravel are regulars. Trails are still open for hikers and dogs. Several places where the little snow was down to the ground.
(Josh Leonard) -
Dec 22 - Lake Elmo Park Reserve (Lake Elmo):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skiing at Lake Elmo east was as good as it was two days ago and much more people made tracks. Excellent glide and some debris but none that caused a slowdown.
(Lincoln Fetcher) -
Dec 22 - Tamarack Nature Center (White Bear Township):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Beautiful day in the woods! Trail is rolled, not tracked. About 1-2" base with thin spots under trees and on hilltops. Really nice rock ski conditions, although I didn't hit any actual rocks. Enjoy the trail!
Photos:
(Mark Oswood) -
Dec 22 - Carver Park Reserve (Victoria):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Decided to go out to Carver rather than hit man-made stuff since we had snow. Pleasantly surprised. Everything was covered and there were some sticks and leaves but easy to avoid. Still very thin in some spots so you gotta be careful. A thin soft spot took me down, but no worse for the wear. Get out and enjoy!
Photos:
(Peter Johnson) -
Dec 22 - Wood Lake Nature Center (Richfield):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Not tracked. Lots of bare spots but most can be avoided. Snow was not deep and poles hit the ground. Didn't see any rocks sticking through. All of the loop had snow and didn't see many other people out. Needs more snow.
(Kris Gerber) -
Dec 22 - Fort Snelling State Park (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Snow was not deep - poles hit ground, but no rocks sticking through, so no risk to skis. All of Pike Island loop had snow and tracks had been made but trampled so no longer well defined.
(Courtney Schultz) -
Dec 22 - Columbia Golf Course (Minneapolis):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Very nice to ski at Columbia. Mostly good golf course skiing. Thin in the usual spots. The one rough spot was the trail by the north parking lot. An alternative would be to make your own trail through the saddle. I stayed on the west side.
(Steve Casey) -
Dec 22 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Natural snow trail coverage is okay with thin spots and dirt mixed in here and there. I do not recommend skiing on the first downhill under the jack pines as it is very thin and I picked up a new gouge. Ski Games was good besides vegetation poking through in spots and deep footprints. The big southwest facing climb was in better shape than I expected. The last uphill next to the prairie has exposed gravel. I didn't go back for a second lap but if you are careful and determined you could manage just fine on rock skis (walking around the two bad segments).
Photos:
(Karen Katz) -
Dec 22 - Lake Elmo Park Reserve (Lake Elmo):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Nice work by the groomers at Lake Elmo to maximize the snow we received. Most flats have solid coverage with occasional avoidable twigs or dirt. The uphills have a fair amount of exposed gravel/dirt. I'd also avoid the farthest NE loop that runs parallel to the lake and is over a paved path. There's already been walkers through that pushed through the deck to the pavement, exposing the asphalt. Overall quite skiable!
(John Leaf) -
Dec 22 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Classic
I skied the classic tracks and conditions were ideal. Even with a good crowd enjoying the whole area, the tracks were deep and consistent even on all the hills, and the skate deck looked perfectly firm.
Photos:
(Glenn Hansen) -
Dec 22 - Highland 9-hole Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Quite nice rock skis conditions this morning, many segments well skied in. Thank you James and grooming crew!
Photos:
(Jeff Streier) -
Dec 21 - Columbia Golf Course (Minneapolis):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Groomed Columbia tonight, but didn't set tracks as it is too thin. There are some human made tracks that I left alone for decent length of sections along the trail. There are some thin and bare spots that could damage skis, but most of the course looks pretty good and skied well today. Enjoy Columbia while we can.
Photos:
(Jim Daggett) -
Dec 21 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
The entire snowmaking loop was open and in very good condition. It was about 18 degrees and overcast. Despite it being just about dusk when I started and well past the heavier skier-traffic of the day, there was no appreciable sugar accumulation but the snow was squeaky cold and slow for me. There were few skiers on the trail at my 4:30 pm start despite the front parking lot being full. Thanks to the groomers for great conditions.
(Keith Carlson) -
Dec 21 - Vadnais/Sucker Lakes (Vadnais Heights):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
The trails around Vadnais and Sucker lakes have been skied in nicely. Not groomed yet, but there are multiple classic tracks in most places. Take care over the asphalt path, where the snow is particularly thin. Beautiful place for an easy cruise through the woods.
(Alec Steward) -
Dec 21 - Battle Creek Regional Park East (Maplewood):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Had a nice ski here - they groomed but no classical ski grooves set (probably not enough snow). A few areas where you can see down to the ground/asphalt. Wish folks would not walk on the ski trails. But fun to have snow before the holidays.
(Barb Peichel) -
Dec 21 - Staring Lake Ski Trails (Eden Prairie):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Most trails are rolled. Skier made tracks closest to parking lot by the lake. The lake is groomed and is the best access to the trails. Some sticks, leaves, and easily avoidable bare ground.
(Gary Simons) -
Dec 21 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
Perfect conditions at Wirth late afternoon today. Both parking lots by the trailhead were full at 3:30 pm, but I eventually got a spot. It looks like La Squadra will be opening soon so the big lot by the chalet will have access to the trail. It was so much fun to have the addition of Ridgeline open today with the great hills. Awesome ski today with the side benefit of a beautiful sunset!
Photos:
(Bill Lundberg) -
Dec 21 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
A perfect day to get in some training for the big 50K ski race that everyone is getting ready for (the Battle Creek 50K of course!). I checked out the World Cup natural snow loop (the outer loop) and it was super fun. After removing about 30 large branch chunks and big rocks, it's in pretty good shape, although you will still need rock skis because there are still a bunch of small rocks especially on the final climb out of the woods. The cold snow helps make the descents a little slower than usual so they are manageable. The Enchanted Forest natural snow trail is in excellent shape - you can use good skis with caution. Of course the whole man-made snow loop is in perfect shape and all of the loops are open. Overall fantastic conditions for early season.
Photos:
(Bill Oyler) -
Dec 21 - Minnesota Landscape Arboretum (Chaska):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Classic
No grooming. I broke some trail on Ridge and Oak trails starting at north staff parking. Nice old time classic skiing.
(Jim Johnson) -
Dec 21 - Columbia Golf Course (Minneapolis):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Classic
My first ski at Columbia in almost two years! Thank you so much to the groomers, love the added 2K loop. I skied classic even though no tracks could be set. Decent human-made tracks on the west side of the railroad tracks. Leaves and grass poking through in places, but very skiable!!
(Christy Dolph) -
Dec 21 - Chomonix Golf Course (Lino Lakes):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Classic
No grooming. Lots of skier-set tracks. Snow coverage better on golf course. Somewhat thin in wooded section.
(Bob Julian) -
Dec 21 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skied Lake for the serenity and beauty. Never had to pop out and walk, but it's woodchippy and leaf debris most of the way. Loved it for what I wanted and won't go back again until our next snow. Machine snow trails are great.
Photos:
(Bonnie Melville) -
Dec 21 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skied the natural snow trails this morning. It's amazing that it was mostly good coverage. The biggest risk occurred when skiing over paved bike paths with any bit of grade. I had to really focus on a flat ski to keep from scraping the pavement—at least those sections were far and few between. I'd definitely go out again, but don't bring your nice skis.
(Mike Schowalter) -
Dec 21 - Carver Park Reserve (Victoria):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Magic today at Carver. All trails skiing great. Thank you grooming team! We got maybe 5 inches of snow out here in Victoria but groomers did a nice job. If your philosophy is tools not jewels: good skis is fine, which is what I chose. If not, rock skis. 90% of the 24k is beautiful mid winter conditions. Bare spots and rocks only in the usual places on Grimm trail hills. Easy to avoid, if you know CP. Enjoy!
(Kirk Geadelmann) -
Dec 21 - Hiawatha Golf Course (Minneapolis):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
The skate deck is soft, lumpy/bumpy, and a bit uneven, but very skiable if you don't require Goldilocks conditions! The grooming report from a couple days ago mentioned there wasn't enough snow to cover the cart paths, but maybe that was before it stopped snowing, or someone might have shoveled snow over them, because I didn't see any exposed asphalt. The coverage is good with some patches of soft green grass poking through here and there, but nothing pokey or scratchy that would hurt your skis. I used my B skis, but could have used my good skis and not worried. Of course you're not gonna get in any "hot laps" here, just two days after our first snowfall, but the soft silkiness of the natural snow makes for a pretty enjoyable ski! Thank you so much to the groomers!
Photos:
(Amy Swan) -
Dec 21 - Highland National Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Full coverage for a beautiful hard skate this morning. Trail is rolled and a bit soft and slow, but great to walk up and ski!
Photos:
(Jim Olive) -
Dec 21 - Carver Park Reserve (Victoria):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Rolled and groomed. Skied Lake, Sky and Sugar Bush. You'll need to double pole about 25% of the time to get around ground exposure. Used Rex green.
Photos:
(Kevin Wendland) -
Dec 21 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Only reporting on the man made loop. Absolutely perfect snow conditions this morning. Tracks were firm and the skate deck combed nicely. Negative 13F by the chalet. I think it was ten degrees warmer in the woods.
(Scott Greymont) -
Dec 20 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Night[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
All natural snow trails were combed Friday night. This was our second time on the trails and considering our first snow fall it is ok skiing. Attempted to set classic tracks but the snow is just to thin. The big machine was out working on the man made snow trail as I left, it will be good skiing Saturday!
(Bill Stuber) -
Dec 20 - Columbia Golf Course (Minneapolis):
Night[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Groomed the entire 7k course for skate. I wasn't able to set tracks, but I left the skier made tracks intact where it was possible. Coverage is thin but mostly pretty good. The whole course is skiable, but it is definitely rock ski conditions. If you skate you'll probably cut through to a cart path now and then, and there are dirt and grass patches sticking through here and there. Can't wait to ski it tomorrow!
Photos:
(Mike Keyes) -
Dec 20 - Pine Point Regional Park (Stillwater):
Evening[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
A groomer had made one pass of one loop north of the Gateway trail. Maybe a 1.5 mile loop. It was skiable, but you'll spend most of the time trying to focus on avoiding rocks, sticks, brush, etc.
(John Leaf) -
Dec 20 - Fort Snelling State Park (Saint Paul):
Evening[ ]Firsthand: Classic
The path to Pike Island is basically footprints, but the Island is much better. It's groomed with one classic set. The NW 1/4 of the island is the best, with the SE having areas with a bunch of shallow tracks, but not real groomed main track. Not the groomer's fault, there were lots of boot prints and thinnish snow. Definitely worth getting out and not many sticks or rocks. Lots of deer!
Photos:
(David Glaser) -
Dec 20 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
I skied the front side where the snow was made by machine and covered with natural snow yesterday. Conditions were excellent. Snow was fast. Tracks were set and there were no bare spots.
(Greg Filice) -
Dec 20 - Afton State Park (Afton):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
I skied from the 50th St. parking lot and a park employee was rolling the trail at the lot as I arrived, behind their tracked 4-wheeler. We got 6" of snow and coverage is pretty good. I was using old metal-edged touring skis and had my dog in a skijor rig. The park has made the smart decision to designate the north-south trail from this entrance as a hike and snowshoe (multi-use) trail, along with the western half of the northern part of the Prairie Loop and the entirety of the Trout Brook loop, to accommodate the large number of neighbors who like to walk the trails year-round. The rest of the Prairie Loop is designated as classic ski only, as in the past. Coverage on the rolled sections was good, and I experienced few scrapes. Where the trail was not yet rolled, hikers had moved enough snow that I scraped fairly frequently. Staying out of their tracks helped.
(Tim Power) -
Dec 20 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic Observation
Skied all the man-made loops. Looked like some brave souls took to the natural snow trails, but I did not follow as trying out my new skis. Classic track was in excellent fresh condition, though some sections went down to the ice. As I was going down Cowabunga, a coyote came out of the woods and started running up the hill towards me. He saw me before I got too close and darted back into the woods. I used Swix extra blue which should have provided plenty of kick but ended up a little slick.
(Rick Vatsaas) -
Dec 20 - Como Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Soft and slow, but all natural snow! A thin deck with the occasional click-clack of ski tips on the cart path, but overall good coverage. Fine work by the groomer making the best with what we have. Get it while you can.
(Ernie Ogot) -
Dec 20 - Highland National Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Groomed with corduroy only--snow too shallow for machine tracks but the skier made ones that were there were OK. Skaters had been out, which is fine, but please try not to ski over tracks on the right. Overall conditions good. Very good in some places, fair in others. The exposed grass in some places doesn't pose a danger to your skis. Nice to get out.
(Bob Hartzler) -
Dec 20 - Baker Park Reserve (Medina):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Thin packed snow cover with some stones on the Hill loop climb and a number of small branches spread around here and there.
(Gene Kay) -
Dec 20 - Lake Elmo Park Reserve (Lake Elmo):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Better than I expected on Lake Elmo East. Snow is pretty good and good glide. Only a few spots to be careful of and a few leaves sticking up here and there, but not really a problem. On and off there are some half decent tracks.
(Lincoln Fetcher) -
Dec 20 - Baker Park Reserve (Medina):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Very nice conditions with only a few small easily avoidable bare spots. Evergreen not open but the rest is open. Nice to ski on natural snow. Well groomed but a few deeper spots. Not real fast.
(Michael Stiegler) -
Dec 20 - Carver Park Reserve (Victoria):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skied Grimm and King. Some areas were great. Others were a bit thin, soft, etc. It exceeded my expectations for the first snowfall. Thanks to the groomer!
Photos:
(Adam Farm) -
Dec 20 - Carver Park Reserve (Victoria):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skated this afternoon only on Grimm. Freshly groomed for skate and tracked. Good coverage but soft and breaks away. Slow go. Classic trails shallow with debris. Had been skied.
(Johnny Chisel) -
Dec 20 - Como Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Nice fat corduroy loop around the course, with just a few sticks and leaves. Not tracked for classic. Snow is fluffy and fresh. Thank you St Paul for grooming! Fun to be out.
(Karin Roof) -
Dec 20 - Cleary Lake Regional Park (Prior Lake):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Trails are packed and rolled. No tracks set. Soft deck with debris and some rocks poking through the snow. Ironwood and Lake Loop open. Visitor center was also open. Recommend rock or B skis. Conditions much better than expected.
Photos:
(Eric Spieler) -
Dec 20 - Phalen Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Phalen was rolled today with 4-6 inches accumulation. Overall good trail. A tree removal project is wrapping up, but trail is not affected. Some debris but not significant.
Photos:
(James Bezanson) -
Dec 20 - Columbia Golf Course (Minneapolis):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
I only skated two laps on the driving range loop. Trail was not recently packed, but doable. Glided really nice! Looks like a dozen or so other skate-style people have been there. No grass poking through on the loop, except a couple spots where someone dug a little deep. Fun!
Photos:
(Gary Countryman) -
Dec 20 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Soft but great scene out there today. Skied 31k and had a blast! Lake loop open but not a lot of coverage. Nice to be in the woods though.
Photos:
(Josh Bloom) -
Dec 20 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic Observation Secondhand
Outstanding conditions today. I classic skied and the tracks were awesome. The skaters I talked to said things were slow (due to cold new snow). 100% of the man-made loops are open and in great shape. Looks like the crew did some rolling of the natural snow loops.
Photos:
(Richard Hoban) -
Dec 20 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skate skied all the manmade loops. Lake trail is pretty rough with a lot of debris and mulch in the snow. Rock ski conditions. The nature center trail is pretty good and B skis would be fine. Loose and easy to break through, but great to out in the woods.
(Andre L’Heureux) -
Dec 20 - Baker Park Reserve (Medina):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Great skiing at Baker, wonderful to be out there after last season. Trails were in very good condition for a season opening, although in fair condition overall. Good coverage although lots of areas with grass and so forth poking through, and some areas with large sticks and some mild dirt, or where the base wasn't as deep as I might want. Snow was packed well and smooth.
(Kristian Markon) -
Dec 20 - St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park (Hastings):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
I saw the early grooming report so decided to go check things out. Base is about 1" to 1.5" and soft in a lot of places so I would stick to rock skis. Northern portion of blue loop was closed but I skied everything else. Red loop was fun and scenic, careful on the uphill leaving the ravine because it's soft with gravel underneath. Skied the yellow multi-use loop as well, which probably had best coverage but least interesting terrain.
Photos:
(Spencer Davis) -
Dec 20 - Highland National Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Rolled Highland National today. Rolled fairly well with some thin grassy areas exposure. Please be patient trying to work out some quirks on the big loop. Also groomed, a track inside the driving range.
Photos:
(James Bezanson) -
Dec 20 - Highland 9-hole Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Rolled Highland 9 Hole today. Snow depth was 4 to 5 inches after rolling 2 to 3 inches. There are some very thin areas as well. There was also some rerouting due to the new cart trail. Recommend using your old skis. Get it while it last.
Photos:
(James Bezanson) -
Dec 20 - Tamarack Nature Center (White Bear Township):
MorningObservation
The Ramsey County Parks & Recreation Team came out and rolled the trails this morning. No track was set.
(Kristy Rockford, Ramsey County Parks) -
Dec 20 - Phalen Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Classic
No groomer action by 11 AM. Lots of beautiful, cold snow. Managed a perimeter route on most skier set tracks. No bare spots. Very few skiers out yet.
(Bob Julian) -
Dec 20 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
I skied the Pond, Prairie, South Tree, and North Tree loops. It was my first time on snow this season, so I used today to work on adjusting from rollerskiing to skiing on snow. The trail coverage is very good with a solid skate deck and what appeared to be nicely set classic tracks. Given the general lack of natural snow, the Battle Creek trails are pretty heavily used, and there was very little corduroy left. The snow was generally slow, and I had to work to get much uphill glide. Downhill control was very good, although the snow was starting to get scraped down to hardpack in places. The trail system is well mapped with intersection points numbered, but there are no number signs along the trails to advise skiers as to where they are, making it difficult to get on the trails you want to ski and stay off the ones you want to avoid. I routinely see skiers going the wrong way when they get to a black diamond downhill they can't safely ski. But all-in-all, a very nice ski this morning.
(David Sonnenberg) -
Dec 20 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
All of the natural snow trails (Lake, Hill, Nature Center loops) are in remarkably good shape this morning for the first natural snowfall of the season! Bring skis that you don't mind dinging up, however, because the uphills are a bit chewed up and there is exposed ground and sticks and other forest debris. But 90% of the natural snow trails are in really great shape!
Photos:
(Bill Oyler) -
Dec 20 - Como Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
First roll of the year at Como golf course cross country ski. snow accumulation between 4-5". Some areas lightly drifted.  Enjoy!
Photos:
(James Bezanson) -
Dec 20 - Highland 9-hole Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Classic
No grooming as of 8:45 AM. Lots of self-made classic tracks, so you can make a go of it on classic B skis. Some grass poking out but not much. You can feel the pavement with your poles under some of the trail area. Nice to be on real, fluffy snow compared to the man-made, but it's just for fun - not for a fast ski.
Photos:
(Christina Ewig) -
Dec 20 - Highland 9-hole Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Beautiful morning for a ski! No grooming yet but there are lots of skier-made tracks. I took a risk and used my good skis, though B skis would be wise because of sticks and cart paths. So fun to have real snow again!
(Maren Olson) -
Dec 20 - St. Croix Bluffs Regional Park (Hastings):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Groomers were out early this morning and rolled the trails the best they could. The ssnow is light and soft and there is not enough to create a good base. Expect partial closure of the blue trail while forestry work is being done.
(Rebecca Denn, Washington County Parks) -
Dec 19 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
Night[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Both Observation
Nothing groomed today with the snowfall, so it was slow going but still pleasant to be out. With this volume of snow, skate was definitely the preferred technique; makeshift tracks were on and off. Lots of grooming action on La Squadra.
(Alex Leslie) -
Dec 19 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
Evening[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Slow but fun skate ski after the fresh snow. Lake loop was rolled in the morning. Pretty loose but manageable. Just don't use your best skis on natural trails.
(Sean Tardrew) -
Dec 19 - Hiawatha Golf Course (Minneapolis):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Hiawatha is rolled. There is some grass poking through, and the snow isn't deep or firm enough yet to avoid cart paths. Lots of good coverage and hopefully the trail firms up.
Photos:
(John Saunders) -
Dec 19 - Cottage Grove Ravine Regional Park (Cottage Grove):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Crews were out after the snowfall yesterday and were able to roll all of the trails. Conditions are similar everywhere else, soft with only about 1 inch of base. Expect some bare spots.
(Rebecca Denn, Washington County Parks) -
Dec 19 - Theodore Wirth South (Minneapolis):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Trails are rolled and soft. We classic skied in skier-made tracks only. Definitely rock ski conditions; we hit bottom at times. Slow going but fun to be out on natural snow!
Photos:
(Alexis Johnson) -
Dec 19 - Phalen Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
No grooming, but plenty of snow to get out and enjoy the fresh powder! Pretty much everywhere had plenty of coverage.
(Grant Schoen) -
Dec 19 - Columbia Golf Course (Minneapolis):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Rolled Columbia tonight and established the ski course, and a walking trail. The snow was lovely but thin. We are letting it set up tonight and will see if we can run the groomer. It's definitely rock ski conditions, so please be careful if you head out.
There are over 7k of trails between the east side and the west side of the bridge. Let's hope more snow comes soon. Enjoy!
(Jim Daggett) -
Dec 19 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
First, I tried skating in the new snow on the full snow-making loop including Boulder Ridge. Whew, new snow hadn't been packed/groomed so lotta work! The HS races started so I ventured out onto Lakeview natural snow loop and it actually was skiable with B skis. I was able to avoid any thin or bad spots and it was beautiful and serene out there! It was thinner up in the last stretch thru the picnic area and the last climb up to the chalet. Only a few brave souls had skated or classiced the natural trails, and some had tried the Hill and Oak Knob Trails as well. On the snow-making loop, classic skiing looked a lot better!
(Dave Carlson) -
Dec 19 - Highland National Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Enough snow to ski, which is great, but only skier=made tracks, which is understandable. High ground is windswept, but you can easily go around. Snow is dry. Great day to ski.
(Bob Hartzler) -
Dec 19 - University of Minnesota Golf Course (Falcon Heights):
Afternoon[ Trails: Closed, ]Grooming
We were able to compact the trails today to be ready for future snowfall and protect the snow we have from blowing away in the wind. There are still a number of significant bare spots and it will take several more inches of accumulation before trails will be open. Stay tuned!
(Bryan Karban) -
Dec 19 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Groomers hard at work packing down the fresh snow. No tracks yet, skate deck still very soft. Its soft and its slow, but at least we have snow!
(Bob Cattanach) -
Dec 19 - Lake Elmo Park Reserve (Lake Elmo):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Grooming
East side and west side trails were rolled. Condition is fair to poor depending on the trail with some debris in spots.
(Brian Selvik) -
Dec 19 - Highland 9-hole Golf Course (Saint Paul):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Was out around noon today. Not groomed yet, but plenty of snow to make your own classic trail and/or follow the skied in tracks without breaking thru. Watch out for the new cart paths along holes 2-5. The trail crosses tar a few times. It's great to ski on natural snow again and a nice change from the man made trails!
(Jim Olive) -
Dec 18 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
Evening[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Overall in decent shape considering the recent weather. Uphills mostly felt like a sheet of ice under a couple inches of sand unfortunately. Classic tracks looked to be in pretty solid condition and saw several people out in them. Snowmaking ongoing on the tubing hill and La Squadra. Nice to be back at Wirth.
Photos:
(Chance Davis) -
Dec 18 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
The entire snowmaking loop was open. It was 28 degrees per the Swix thermometer with a light overcast. Up to the top of Scenic there was a fairly consistent 1 1/2 to 2 inches of sugar on the trail that really slowed me on my second time out this season despite newly waxed skis. Thereafter the flats were pretty clean and faster but there was still sugar churned up on the climbs particularly on the 1st portion of the Scenic climb after the Boulder Ridge downhill. Just beat the start of the high school races when I got off the trail at 3:30.
(Keith Carlson) -
Dec 18 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Fairly good conditions, icy in some spots and slow uphills, but otherwise good! Entire 5k loop is open, but hopefully snowfall will allow the natural trails to open up. Thanks to the groomers!
(Ella Bakken) -
Dec 18 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
A nice ski with the EU Wednesday morning group. Nearly all snowmaking trails were open, with a generally fine skate deck. However, there were various segments of thin sugar over a semi-icy base. Hopefully some new snow can bond with rather than slide off what's there now. The Cowabunga descent is well groomed and skiable, but (as always) not exactly for the faint of heart. The "slipback" is a fine alternative for returning to the start.
(David Moore)
Minnesota Northeast
-
NewDec 28 - Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (Duluth):
Evening[ Trails: Closed, ]Observation Scheduling
24 hours of rain and warm temps have turned the trails to slush over thin ice. More drizzle happening right now. Snowflake will remain closed Sunday.
(John Graham) -
NewDec 28 - Mother Bear Ski Trail (Brimson):
Afternoon[ Trails: Closed ]Observation Scheduling
Over .60" of rain was not kind to our ski trail. Hopefully it will cool down, and we will get some new snow to cover the base we have now.
Photos:
(Al Ringer) -
NewDec 28 - Spirit Mountain Nordic Center (Duluth):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
The rain last night has mostly drained away. It just left the surface snow a little slushy, and my boots were pretty soaked by the time I finished. There are some dirty spots here and there, nothing you can't avoid, so good skis are fine, here. There was a track set around the whole loop, it looked fine, too. 2.2K of ski trails are open. Keep on Striving, Keep on Skiing.
(Joe Gerard) -
NewDec 27 - Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (Duluth):
Afternoon[ Trails: Closed, ]Observation Scheduling
A week of decent skiing ended today, with the arrival of rain and warm temps. Snowflake is closed today and Saturday due to wet conditions. We will assess trail conditions on Sunday, and see if the remaining base is skiable.
(John Graham) -
NewDec 27 - Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (Duluth):
Morning[ Trails: Closed ]Secondhand Scheduling
Per Snowflake instagram, trails are closed today and tomorrow to give the best chance to preserve the base. Cheers to the groomers for this past week of great skiing!
(Sarah Schu) -
Dec 26 - Biskey Ponds Ski Trails (Duluth):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Surprisingly nice trail. Groomed throughout except the spruce-y section of Black Spruce Trail and great to ski. Debris here and there with grass poking through in thinner spots. The run down Eagle Ridge a bit iffy at the start but great tracks a short way down.
Photos:
(Bob King) -
Dec 25 - Piedmont Trail (Duluth):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
The conditions are perfect today for a Christmas ski. No tracks are set but the snow was perfect for just enough grip.
Photos:
(Rachelle Walker) -
Dec 23 - Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (Duluth):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skied all of the 6k and the last 3.5k of the 8k. Classic tracks are holding up well considering all of the traffic. 6 or 7 of the lights are having a party out there so if strobe lights bother you, be warned. There are ski boot tracks right down the middle of the skate deck on a good chunk of the 6k. It isn't terrible at all but they did punch through in a few spots. If you see someone doing that kindly remind them to stick to the side of the trail.
(Taylor Ellison) -
Dec 23 - Hartley Park (Duluth):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
The trails have been rolled but no track set. Was fun to get out but the trail was pretty slick. Expect to work a lot on your balance lol.
Photos:
(Rachelle Walker) -
Dec 23 - Magney-Snively Trail (Duluth):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Excellent conditions all trails nicely groomed with almost no debris. No track but excellent skating. Well worth the drive.
Photos:
(Josh Meltzer) -
Dec 23 - Biskey Ponds Ski Trails (Duluth):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Nice outing at Biskey today. As expected, the wider, open areas were perfect! Some of the heavier pine areas were a bit thin. The bog areas had no tracks, but that's fine with me! Any time out skiing is time well spent.
Photos:
(Mick Dodds, Ski Hut) -
Dec 23 - Piedmont Trail (Duluth):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Fun morning ski! Piedmont was rolled. There were no consistent tracks, but the base was firm and trails nicely covered.
(Sarah Schu) -
Dec 22 - Spirit Mountain Nordic Center (Duluth):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Snowmaking is complete and daily grooming will continue at the Spirit Mountain Nordic center. The only remaining trail segment at the Nordic Center is the new 800m segment, Lone Wolf. That section and the Nordic Connector will likely need additional snow before we can roll them. If you have not come to check out the new lights, they are beautiful and you should come ski under them!
(Jon Regenold) -
Dec 22 - Mother Bear Ski Trail (Brimson):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
Generally good conditions nearer the trailhead where it was groomed. I stayed north of Pequaywan Lake Rd. Got a little thin and grassy around 12-11-5. Got a little rough 10-9 (outer loop). And 8-7 was so rough and ungroomed that I had to bushwhack back to the snowmobile road and take it back to 2 and the trailhead. Beautiful area, I look forward to coming back! BTW I skied the loops clockwise (making all left turns).
(Doug Young) -
Dec 22 - Biskey Ponds Ski Trails (Duluth):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Surprisingly nice classic skiing! We skied Wolf Run and Eagle Ridge. Tracks were deep in the important parts. Some debris in the pines and shallow areas. Glad we went!
Photos:
(Tammy Davis) -
Dec 22 - Spirit Mountain Nordic Center (Duluth):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Immaculate skate conditions this morning at Spirit. Classic track look pristine as well. Still only about 1.5k open on snowmaking but the groomer was out pushing snow/grooming the next section. It looks like it could be open very soon. Thank you Spirit crew for consistently great conditions.
(Tom Heinitz) -
Dec 21 - Upper Spirit Mountain Trails (Duluth):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming Scheduling
A good portion of Upper Nordic has been rolled and is skiable. Coverage is thin in spots, so rock skis would be the likely choice. Scheduling: We will be staffing the Upper Nordic building this year on the weekends and this will be the location for our rental fleet. Stop by and say hi!
Photos:
(Jon Regenold) -
Dec 21 - Biskey Ponds Ski Trails (Duluth):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skied all trails. Some grass and weeds sticking through. Skied good skis and didn't hit any rocks. Track is deep and there are many sections where you can get some rhythm. Wolf Run trail is excellent! Great early season skiing.
(Scott Thompson) -
Dec 21 - Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (Duluth):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
I skied all trails (except Hovland's Hill and the biathlon bump out). It's wavy gravy early season ski trails out there but 100% coverage and lovely - classic tracks were great! When skiing the 8k be a little cautious on the downhill after Check Pulse (I felt like I was waterskiing a bit with the bumps at the bottom - kinda fun!). Also the hill after Emily's Ellipse into Tim's Turn is quite bumpy. An enjoyable ski for sure, 10/10 would recommend you all get out there!
(Taylor Ellison) -
Dec 21 - Boulder Lake Management Area Ski Trails (Duluth):
AfternoonObservation
Boulder is still not groomed. There's some fluffy snow on top of a crust that you punch through. Footprints. We didn't even try it.
Photos:
(Catherine Winter) -
Dec 21 - Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (Duluth):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Bumpy conditions through both the 6k and 8k loop that challenged my poor technique. 6k coverage is very good. 8k was less used so it was soft in places and has more debris and some spots with big pot holes down to the ground. I marked B skis, but it's probably fine unless you need your trails pristine.
(Tim Bontrager) -
Dec 21 - Magney-Snively Trail (Duluth):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skated Bardon's and the main loop. Soft on top but still decent glide, the base was mostly firm but uneven in spots. Mostly good coverage but some areas with grass poking through. Some hikers came through the middle of the trail which was annoying. Overall a great ski. Great to be out on natural snow!
(Betsy James) -
Dec 21 - Bagley Nature Area (Duluth):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Track is getting worn in and loose in places but pretty good coverage still. A few rocks sticking out in typical places.
Photos:
(Josh Meltzer) -
Dec 21 - Chester Bowl (Duluth):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
Not groomed but still fun to get out! If I had known the conditions I probably wouldn't have gone, but I wanted to get out and have some fun and fun I did have. Now I know Chester is a better trail system to go when it's groomed lol - quite steep and not much cushion if you fall. Cold weather made for fast conditions even without grooming. The ski hill is open for downhillers and they looked like they were having a great time!
(Maggie Noun) -
Dec 20 - Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (Duluth):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle Observation
Shockingly great. Wavy skate deck but 100% coverage. A couple twigs here and there that I tried to flick off. Hopped in the classic tracks a few places. They said that they weren't full depth but it was pretty darn close! No ground poking up in the tracks either. There were a couple spots where the tracks were set really far off to the side and my outside pole would punch through. Only skied the 6k but what I could see of the 8k it looked like very similar conditions. Kudos groomers!
Photos:
(Ketzel Levens) -
Dec 20 - Lester Park (Duluth):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Short jaunt on the mid-lower A-B loop. Fair amount of debris and some scraping on dirt here and there on the very lower portion. We weren't able to get to the upper loop. Definitely less coverage than at Hartley today, glad to have rock skis here. No track yet, obviously.
Photos:
(Gabrielle Hester) -
Dec 20 - Bagley Nature Area (Duluth):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
The tracks were amazingly good. Full coverage with just enough snow. It was so fun to get out for my first time this year. Thank you, groomer Micah Hanson!
(Linnea Swenson Tellekson) -
Dec 20 - Magney-Snively Trail (Duluth):
MorningObservation
Magney was rolled today. That is our backyard and we had 4 to 6 inches that was pretty solid frozen stuff then 3 new inches on top of it.
(Eve Graves) -
Dec 20 - Hartley Park (Duluth):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Groomer was out this morning rolling, no track yet. Good coverage, some uneven bits as expected for the soft conditions.
Photos:
(Gabrielle Hester) -
Dec 20 - Mother Bear Ski Trail (Brimson):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Trail was tracked this morning. Thin in spots because we only received about 2" new snow. 8" on the ground.
Photos:
(Al Ringer) -
Dec 19 - Bagley Nature Area (Duluth):
Night[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Got out and groomed the trails, tracks set a lot better than I was thinking. Use rock skis/ B skis because there is a rock sticking out on the downhill by the road(pictured).
Tracks also set in the baseball field so get out there and practice some technique. Glad to finally get Bagley groomed, go have a blast in some snow!
Photos:
(Micah Hanson) -
Dec 19 - Boulder Lake Management Area Ski Trails (Duluth):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Classic
We did some laps on Bear Paw Thursday, so there's a kicked in track now. There was enough snow to roll, maybe not to set tracks, but it hadn't been groomed as of late afternoon. It had been heavily used by walkers (which I think Boulder was allowing given the lack of snow) but was still better than I expected.
(Catherine Winter) -
Dec 19 - Mother Bear Ski Trail (Brimson):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
Started out at the main trailhead and then skied over to the south trails but turned back after half hour. The wide open groomed sections are good but once you get deeper into the woods there is a lot of bumps and dips so it becomes more of a balancing act than a ski. Nice to just be out in the fresh powder though.
Photos:
(Karla Anderson) -
NewDec 28 - Upper Gunflint Trail (Grand Marais):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Observation
We didn't get the rain that the northshore did and have been getting some snow this morning. With the warm temps, we aren't able to get the PistenBully out to groom. The weight of the machine will do more damage to the base than good. We will continue to monitor the condition of the snow and will get out grooming when conditions allow. The photos are from this morning of various trails. As you can see, they are holding up well and haven't degraded much from the warm temps.
Photos:
(John Fredrikson) -
NewDec 28 - Central Gunflint Trail System (Grand Marais):
Morning[ Trails Open: All ]Observation
We received some rain overnight but since about 6AM, everything that has come down has been snow. The trails faired very well with the warmer weather and wet precipitation, better than we could have asked for, honestly. While the skate deck is a bit soft in some places, the classic track is holding in very well. Plenty of people are out skiing and enjoying the conditions as they are!Photo is from 11AM today. From a grooming perspective, we cannot groom with the current temperatures. We need to be patient and let the trail base, which has so beautifully soaked up the drizzle, re-freeze, which is likely to take a few days at these temps. If we go out too early, we will just squish all the base out from underneath the 14000lb groomer. We will re-assess conditions continually, checking on the moisture content of the trail base, and re-groom as soon as the cost does not outweigh the benefit.
Photos:
(Zach Baumann, Golden Eagle Lodge) -
NewDec 27 - Central Gunflint Trail System (Grand Marais):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Classic skied 20k on all trails but the Moose Ridge trail on the Golden Eagle side of the trail system. Started about 12:30 pm at 40 degrees. Saw nobody else the entire time! Good snow coverage with just a few thin spots — usually at a trail junction — and just one rock poking through the classic track on Logging Camp trail. I had good kick with my skin skis and decent glide. My sons, by contrast, tried spray-on klister but gave up and switched to skate skis, reporting "wet and slow.".
Photos:
(Steve Share) -
Dec 26 - Northwoods Ski Trail (Silver Bay):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Initial trail is not in great condition with uneven tracks and many areas of heavy duff from treefall. After the second turnoff the tracks have sunk so much my boots were catching on the sides, making for slow going and many near stumbles, not recommended. But tracks on Bean Lake trail were fairly good, and the route back to the trailhead from Birch Corner was well set and fast. Snow crust is already icy on the sides of the tracks so poles don't provide much help slowing down on declines.
(Elizabeth Hesser) -
Dec 26 - Sugarbush Trail System (Tofte):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Excellent conditions for skate and classic on Onion River Road. Freshly groomed last night. We also skied Picnic loop from Onion River Road most of the way toward the Homestead loop. Picnic Loop is in good condition. Great coverage, some undulations but not bad. On the ridge, the trees were covered in beautiful hoar frost. Photos are from the Picnic loop.
Photos:
(Patty Carlen) -
Dec 24 - Norpine Trail System (Lutsen):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skied Dear Yard and it was excellent. Good snow conditions. There were two classic tracks side by side except the last section where someone came in on snowmobiles.
Photos:
(Glen Helgeson) -
Dec 24 - Norpine Trail System (Lutsen):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skied Deer Yard Lake Trail today. Great conditions despite some foot traffic. At least one set of the parallel tracks were in good shape the whole loop. Beautiful. Also skied the connector between ski hill road and 4. Some very sketchy un-skiable sections and some exposed shrubs and rocks. Still nice to be out on a lovely day but more snow needed for that trail.
Photos:
(Jean Garbarini) -
Dec 23 - Sugarbush Trail System (Tofte):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Great skiing on a nice base at Sugarbush. Picnic Loop was in good shape, with little to no debris. Tracks set on most of the loop but trail narrowed in spots. Initial part of Oberg Loop had been walked over and would benefit from grooming but was still decent skiing.
(Colin Willemsen) -
Dec 22 - Northwoods Ski Trail (Silver Bay):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
We skied the nearest three loops out to the start of the Bean Lake spur. All those trails are fully covered and tracked. The tracks are somewhat icy so we avoided the avoided the bigger hill further in, though the ones we did were manageable.
Photos:
(Brad Anderson) -
Dec 22 - Norpine Trail System (Lutsen):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
I classic skied on the Norpine Trail from Hansen Hjemsted trailhead to Hall Road, there was 1" - 2" fluff on the recently packed and tracked trail.
Lots of animal tracks, and a fat tire bike track but other than that it was untouched. Wow, what a great ski! One bad spot but other than that, no ice!
Photos:
(Audrey Cullen) -
Dec 22 - Northwoods Ski Trail (Silver Bay):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Beautiful conditions. Good coverage, some sticks visible in some spots but no scraping. Great side trip to Bean Lake. It was my first time at Northwoods and it was wonderful! I will be back!
Photos:
(Doug Young) -
Dec 21 - Bally Creek Trails (Grand Marais):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Tracks were well set, the trail was beautiful; get out and ski! A few spots of shrubbery but overall great conditions.
(Ian Boylan) -
Dec 21 - Upper Gunflint Trail (Grand Marais):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
We got out early this morning to touch up some of the trails for the busy weekend. The upside of getting an early start today on the shortest day of the year was to get to see a spectacular sunrise from the ski trail. Today we groomed Big Pine, Little Pine (lighted trail), Upper West End. Northstar, most of Highlands, Warrens Road, Cut Across, Power Line, Rabbit Run and Overlook. The other trails have been groomed recently and are in good shape. Amperage and Lonely Lake are currently closed. The swamps have not yet froze enough on Amperage and there is a very large white pine that died years ago that has finally fallen. We will be working to get them open as soon as we can. We hope you can come up to ski on our trails soon!
Photos:
(John Fredrikson) -
Dec 21 - Northwoods Ski Trail (Silver Bay):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most ]Observation
Had to check out Northwoods and found not only snow but groomed ski trails! Full coverage and looks great.
Photos:
(Karla Anderson) -
Dec 20 - Pincushion Mountain Trails (Grand Marais):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Friday morning the snowmobile groomer had touched up all green and blue trails. Blacks was not yet freshened by the time I left. Snow cover 100%. Great skiing on freshly groomed but not as pleasant on the unfreshened Blacks as it was a bit crusty/icy in spots. (Icy in town of Grand Marias but plenty of snow over the hill!).
(John Witzmann) -
Dec 20 - Central Gunflint Trail System (Grand Marais):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Bearskin groomed the south side of the Central Gunflint system Friday. Summerhome and Campground are in great shape, everything else is in good to very good shape. There are a few rocks to look out for in the tracks on some of the more rock filled trails. We also groomed the Lace Lake trail, which is part of the Banadad system. It is now groomed for skate and classic. This trails is very lumpy and I would say it ranges from very good to fair.
Photos:
(Quinn McCloughan, Bearskin Lodge) -
Dec 20 - Central Gunflint Trail System (Grand Marais):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
We groomed again this morning starting with all the trails on the north side of Flour. Logging Camp, Cross Fox, Red Pines, Deer Mouse all turned out fantastic. Good skis on these trails. We did bump a few rocks and turned up some debris on Moose Ridge, so if you venture on that one, just ski with caution if using good skis, otherwise B skis. Grooming plans: We will be heading out to groom the south side shortly (West End Logging Camp, upper Beaver Dam, Ridge Run, and Moose Pasture). The BWCA section to access the south side from the east is packed, though ski with B skis to rock skis through there as that is a rocky section. We will take ice measurements this afternoon and assess if we can do lake any crossings.
Photos:
(Zach Baumann, Golden Eagle Lodge) -
Dec 25 - Carey Lake (Hibbing):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Trails are in good condition, some rough/thin spots mostly in low areas and under trees.
Photos:
(Sandy Christianson) -
Dec 23 - Mount Itasca (Coleraine):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming Scheduling
We held our CXC races over the weekend, and the lower biathlon trails remain groomed with a pair of best line tracks set for nice classic XC skiing. The far upper biathlon trails above the 2.5 k loop are untracked. Bittersweet loop on the Grant-in-Aid trails has a track set. The rest is packed and good for skating. Grooming plans: Due to weather forecasts, we plan to stay off the trails with any grooming equipment until at least Monday. During above freezing weather, we expect the base to become soft enough that it will be damaged by skiing. We will update as the forecast evolves. Meanwhile, come out and enjoy the nice conditions!
Photos:
(Bob Conzemius) -
Dec 22 - Mount Itasca (Coleraine):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Trails are generally in great condition after this weekend's CXC races. Classic tracks firm and deep especially in the man-made snow portion of trail. But the whole system is skiable, skate or classic.
(Jonathan Arntson) -
Dec 22 - Blueberry Hills (Deer River):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
The classical track was in great condition. All trails appeared open and groomed. We skied the lake loop to red pine junction and back to purple playground, mean green and parking lot.
(Steve Jurvelin) -
Dec 21 - Giants Ridge (Biwabik):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skied Summit, Bronze and Silver just before sunset. No classic tracks set on Silver. I had skied this past Thursday and it was ungroomed and a bit crusty/icy with a half dozen rock heads showing as well as a few sticks poking thru here and there, 99.9% coverage. However, they received a fresh inch of snow last night which covered the crust nicely. Still ungroomed as of 4pm Saturday. Could probably use good skis?! I just never do so this early. I will say, it's refreshing to ski in the woods and not have to loop after 3-5k!
(John Witzmann) -
Dec 20 - Blueberry Hills (Deer River):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Trails in good shape. All trails groomed and tracked. Snow is a little thin in some spots under the pine trees. Just a few scattered oak leaves.
(David Parrish) -
Dec 20 - McCarthy Beach State Park (Side Lake):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Groomed Campground loops and Side Lake Shore path with TiddTech and my ol'Skandic snomo. Adequate snow base to set fine tracks. A li'l fluff would top them off fine. Yesterday Big Hole and most of Red Top Trails set excellently, Have fun!
(Neil Gardner) -
Dec 20 - Suomi Hills (Grand Rapids):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Groomed and track set the Balloon Lake loop and the loop just north of the North Trail parking lot. There was not enough snow to do it justice, so that is all I did. Track set is shallow on most so I think leaving what was done last week would provide a better track to follow in the 1" of fresh snow. The loop north of the parking lot, I was able to move over on the new wide roadway and set a decent track for some of it.
(Dale Juntunen) -
Dec 20 - Bird Lake Trail (Hoyt Lakes):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Grooming
We groomed the North loop of Bird Lake, the track was set but some rough areas yet, some spots are ok. We definitely need more snow to set a good track.
(Dave Coy) -
Dec 20 - Sugar Hills (Grand Rapids):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Groomed all trails, classic and skate. We received about 3" of new powder yesterday. Classic was skiing pretty good last week and it should be better now. I would still not use good skis as there is still not a lot of snow. Thunder, East loop, Rajala and Sunset have the best conditions. Long lake and Atomic have areas where rocks might bite you.
(Tony Carter) -
Dec 19 - Mount Itasca (Coleraine):
Night[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming Scheduling
Packed all trails and set a track on lower biathlon trails, service road, and upper (Bittersweet) loop. 2" fresh snow and about 8" on the ground now. Conditions are pretty good! Scheduling: CXC races take place this weekend on the biathlon trails, which will be closed for the races, opening back up late afternoon both Saturday and Sunday. Grant-in-Aid trails will be open.
Photos:
(Bob Conzemius) -
Dec 19 - McCarthy Beach State Park (Side Lake):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Just set track for first time in two years. Wonderful! The six inches (no new snow today from supposed storm) of heavy wet base made for terrific material to groom. Some brushing was done, some ta go. Enjoy!
(Neil Gardner) -
Dec 19 - Blackwater Environmental Area (Cohasset):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Trails were groomed but not set for tracks, not enough snow. But all trails were groomed flat today.
(Stephanie Kessler, Cohasset City Parks) -
NewDec 27 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Overall good skiing, basically no precip by midafternoon Friday. Snow base not deep enough yet to fully cover all vegetation on low-lying trails (1-2-3 and 15-5-13 loops, 20-21 area) but no major bald spots, not bad for B skis. Road trail (1-18-17-14 and on) was in great condition. So glad for the new trailhead, saw three other groups there while coming and going.
(Elizabeth Hesser) -
Dec 22 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Trails were groomed today. We have a solid base with dry snow, no icy conditions (we dodged the ice and sleet south of us.).
(Mary Shedd) -
Dec 21 - Hidden Valley Ski Trails (Ely):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Impeccable grooming and well maintained trails. Skied Bambas and Pine Valley loops. A bit of a confusing intersection at the end of Bambas showing one direction green and the other direction both green and blue. Both loop you right back to the parking lot so either way you can't go wrong.
Photos:
(Karla Anderson) -
Dec 20 - Birch Lake Plantation Trail (Babbitt):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Observation
All the trails, including a set track to the Birch Lake/Babbitt swimming beach have been machine groomed during the past week.
Photos:
(Michael Ahern) -
NewDec 28 - Tilson Creek Ski Trail (International Falls):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
I skied the blue shelter loop. Snow was soft and mushy as expected at 37F. The rain has not melted everything to bare ground yet. Some spots have good snow cover, some places a few rocks are showing. Even before warm up, blue had small brush and swamp reed grass sticking up. Pictures all blue loop. The orange loop part had a descent track and was much more packed.
Photos:
(Steve Langenbrunner) -
Dec 24 - Tilson Creek Ski Trail (International Falls):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Temps around 23F early afternoon, sunny and slightly breezy. Had a tough time with the kick wax. The snow seemed abrasive. I skied the entire perimeter— blue trail, orange, yellow, red. Except for the blue return, which intersects with the orange trail, the blue trail is very rough, lots of cattails, etc., to ski through. The classic track is shallow and uneven. Not worth skiing again until more snow falls. In comparison the green, orange, yellow and red are still nice. The tracks are decent, variably solid and even / uneven. The groomers and trail stewards are doing a good job.
Photos:
(Louise Levy) -
Dec 23 - Tilson Creek Ski Trail (International Falls):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
About 18F. Partly sunny into late afternoon dusk. The trails are in great shape for how little snow there is. Skiing on all natural snow is so great! There are places where the bedrock is poking through or cedar cones are covering the trail for a bit. All the ground irregularities are still there because the snow hasn't filled them in... but with all that the grooming is great and the trails are beautiful. I used my best skis because that's what I have with me. The classic track, shallow in places, is pretty solid and level. I love this trail system so much!
Photos:
(Louise Levy) -
Dec 21 - Tilson Creek Ski Trail (International Falls):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
-1° at 9:15 a.m. start, no wind. Last 1" of fluff was skied in, but track is firm and well set. It was quite fast today and special green wax gave good kick. It was a fun ski! Pictures are Green Bog Trail, Orange, Yellow and 2 Reds. Blue trail is only part packed.
Photos:
(Steve Langenbrunner)
Other Locations
Minnesota Northwest
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Dec 21 - Bemidji High School Trails (Bemidji):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Beautiful Valhallaesque skate deck. Natural new snow sub zero the night before but somehow still fast enough for very enjoyable skating. The groomers here have sold their soul for their art and it shows. Please try this trail as if your life depends on it, because in a quasi existential sense of it, it does.
Photos:
(Devin Arenz) -
Dec 18 - Bemidji High School Trails (Bemidji):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Trail was rolled in the afternoon in the hopes of new snow. Base was a little icy, but firm and fast and some of the best natural snow skiing this season.
(Michael Meehlhause) -
NewDec 28 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Both Grooming
A beautiful day of spring like conditions and brilliant sunshine. We froze down hard last night thanks to much cooler temperatures (low 20's) than forecasted. The tracks were icy and fast and slow to soften even with sunshine and high temperature around 37 degrees. Spent most of of the morning making passes on Skaters Waltz for the morning skate skiers and reset one track on the double track trail Poki Loki. After the morning groom, skied one lap of Skaters Waltz....fast and fun but enough loose transformed snow for edging. After the skate lap, classic skied Poki Loki and Mother North Star. The fresh set track was really nice, other tracks still icy but slowly softening. The afternoon back on the groomer, making a few more passes on Skaters Waltz and also the skate lane on North Loup smoothing out the ruts. After skate grooming, reset one track on the double track trails of Sap Run, Sukkerbusk and JibFly with better results than expected. Grooming plans: All skate lanes to be renovated again as well as skaters waltz extension. New track setting planned on Mother North Star, Rootin Tootin and Twin Lakes. Fat Bike report: The entire 25km "FatLagChilada" course is open, set up hard after yesterday's grooming. Velcro like surface with icy sections. Other activities: The sledding hill is well covered with fast conditions and the ice rink is revived after the warm up and following freeze, smooth and mostly level.
Photos:
(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort) -
NewDec 28 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Sunny, no wind, 36F. I Classic skied at about 1:30pm-3pm today at the Rainbow Resort trails. Trails are holding very well for skate skiing and the tracksets are very nice. I am very surprised by how good the trails are after the warmup the last few days! Plan to ski more as the temps drop! Big kudos to Doug, the magic groomer of Rainbow Resort! Thank you!
Photos:
(Amy Xu) -
NewDec 27 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Conditions: Springlike conditions made for slower skiing today but still a hearty bunch with a "Just Ski" attitude. Morning low 34 degrees, day time high hovering around 35 degrees, falling a few degrees at dusk. No recorded precipitation. 15km open for skate on Skaters Waltz, the extension of Skaters Waltz, North Loup, Kristin's Kutoff, Single Green and Eira Bikwadinaa Hill. 45km open for classic on Sap Run, Sukkerbusk, JibFly, Rootin Tootin, Mother North Star, Poki Loki, Twin Lakes, Wavy Gravy, Island Lake trail, Loon Return, Buck Run, Roy's Run, North Loup, Bullhead Lake trail, and Bootleg Extension. Adventure skiing on Lucky's Loype. Comments: A warming night softened the snow and did not freeze down confirming the decision to not groom a good one. Around noon I classic skied on Sukkerbusk, Twin Lakes, part of Roy's Run and North Loup and finished up with Sukkerbusk and Sap Run. Found best skiing on Sap Run, Sukkerbusk and Twin Lakes. At dusk skied again with family to check the condition of the trails on Sukkerbusk and not much had changed, glide was actually a little better. Grooming plans: We will continue to hold off on grooming unless it actually freezes down as forecasted but we don't anticipate the base to be firm enough. Possibly on Skaters Waltz.
Photos:
(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort) -
NewDec 27 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Trails are looking good for the weather! Doug has taken great care of them. Very soft and slow today. Some spots of the trail do have debris/grass sticking up. Great hospitality (free cookies) and great people.
(Caleb Osterberg) -
Dec 26 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Both
We had a great day on the trails with springlike conditions. Temperature hovered around the freezing mark with frost lingering on the trees. The snow was a little damp but skied very well. We had around 1/2" of frost snow we were going to groom into the base and reset tracks but with humidity right at 99.99% we decided to hold off. The trails are skiing well, tracks in good shape for the most part, and we will hold off on grooming until it dries out and freezes down again. We did pack the north end of Bullhead lake today so it is easier to walk through. We skied the Bullhead Bootleg loop yesterday and was very nice skiing and navigating the north end made for a true cross country ski experience.
Photos:
(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort) -
Dec 26 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
First time to Rainbow and won't be the last! Skied Black Bear, Brush Cat, and Deer View trails. The classic tracks are pretty skied in, but holding up well considering the limited snowfall. Very minimal debris on trails - you can easily use good skis, maybe dodge a stick here and there but easy to avoid. Overall a beautiful place to ski, worth the drive.
Photos:
(Amber Glawe) -
Dec 26 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Both
Trails are looking good! Skied a mash of classic trails and also the skaters waltz. The team has done a nice job grooming. Fresh snow dusting/ a few days without grooming made the snow slightly slow but that is far overlooked by the amazing scenery. Note: Wasn't clear on the map as to which trails are skate and which are classic.
(Caleb Osterberg) -
Dec 26 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skied 13k classic. Set was still good and glide was nice with wax-less skis despite warm weather. What a great set of trails - excellent trail marking - timely grooming. Never been to Rainbow before but definately going back. Doug and Leah will take care of you!
(Troy Trygstad) -
Dec 24 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Merry Christmas from Maplelag! We are open Christmas day for day skiing. Beautiful frosty scenes and great skiing making for postcard conditions. A new track cut on all the inner trails as well as Twin Lakes the past 2 days. Skate lanes renovated and combed, firm deck.
Photos:
(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort) -
Dec 24 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Both
Trails holding, snow is settling with fast conditions for good skis. Lots of skied in sections so being vigilant and having quick feet is helpful to avoid catching a groove. The 10k loop for hill intervals is in great shape and I recommend doing the segment from the start to junction 8 backwards for a great hill interval workout. Skied at 11:30 and conditions were blue wax and fast.
Photos:
(Jill Troutner) -
Dec 23 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic Grooming
This morning reset track on Sap Run, Sukkerbusk, Mother North Star and Twin Lakes with good results. Afternoon touch up on the skate lanes with a gentle renovation and comb after. Not quite as warm as forecasted today and the high humidity made for continued silky skiing. Skied on the freshly groomed Mother North Star with the HorseRich crew in the afternoon and was really nice.
Photos:
(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort) -
Dec 23 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Trails same as yesterday, warm up had minimal effect if any on conditions and cloud cover helped immensely. Between yesterday and today I think my skis covered 80% of the trail system.
(Jill Troutner) -
Dec 23 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic Observation
I classic skied Sap Run, Sukkerbusk, North Loupe, Roy's Run and Twin Lakes this morning. Conditions were fabulous! The snow has a glazed sound to it, but hard wax worked well (Swix v40 special). Although I did not skate ski those trails looked to be in very good condition as well!
Photos:
(Tom Dooher) -
Dec 22 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Both
The trails were beautiful with great snow coverage. A couple soft spots that could be firmed up by now. Super fun trails for classic and skate!
(Kira Wolf) -
Dec 22 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Today was my first time going to Maplelag. The classic trails were in great shape. Jay welcomed us and was also busy grooming. I will definitely go again. We enjoyed the freshly groomed trails. I truly enjoyed skiing with my family and grandparents. Maplelag is a great place to ski and have fun with your family.
(Fritz Gifford) -
Dec 22 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Both
Had a great classic ski and skate ski. Grooming was really good. Tracks had no bare spots. Would recommend!
(John Pfund) -
Dec 22 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
A surreal day on the trails. Temps in the mid 20's, abundant sunshine and snow transitioning to a silky feel making for good as it gets skiing. Went for a morning ski with the family along with granddaughter Eira whom part of the newly named Eira Bikwadinaa hill is named after. Fun to see other families out enjoying the beautiful day. Early afternoon a crew of three of us went across Bullhead lake to groom the rest of the Bullhead Lake trail on non AMA land and the Bootleg extension. Recommended to follow the tracks to ski across the lake to access the Bootleg loop. At end of Bootleg loop, take left to the access trail to ski back across the lake. Been a few years since we've been able to select "All trail segments Open" this early in the year. Grooming plans: Plan to reset tracks on a few classic trails Monday morning.
Photos:
(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort) -
Dec 22 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Classic is set up really well. Full coverage, tracks set, deck is firm. Really great end of December skiing.
(Charles Ramstad) -
Dec 22 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Both
Skied much of the 10k skate loop and that is set up well and firm. Good skis with green or blue wax in the morning running well. Trails are well skied in many areas making for an even better base. Classic track is remarkable and more snow would help but to be able to bring good skis out on classic track right now is just a bonus.
Photos:
(Jill Troutner) -
Dec 22 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Both
Spent the weekend skiing almost all of the trail system at Rainbow Resort. Trails are in great early season shape! Skied on my good skis the whole weekend. I noted B skis as there are a few spots that a stick might be sticking out with a little grass popping through. Very easily avoidable. Doug did an awesome job grooming this weekend. Nice/fun place to stay and ski. Thank you Rainbow Resort!
Photos:
(Charlie Rietschel) -
Dec 21 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Evening[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle Grooming
Happy Winter Solstice from Maplelag! A fantastic day on the trails! Kicked off the day flooding the ice rink before jumping on the VK Pro to comb out the skate lanes on Skaters Waltz, the extension, North Loup, Single Green, Kristin's Kutoff, and Eira Bikwadinaa hill. Bumped into a skier who was skiing Roy's Run for the first time. Good stuff. Ended the grooming session packing and combing out the last part of Bullhead lake trail for the first time this year. Right now an out and back ski from the skinny field. A fun gradual rolling descent to the north end of Bullhead lake, turn around for a rolling climb back to skinny! Tracks are holding form nicely so no tracks were reset today. At dusk to celebrate the shortest day of the year, skied with sons Jake and Jens on Skaters Waltz and the inner loop. Although it was dark and we were not using headlamps, the level and smooth deck made the night ski much more possible. Grooming thoughts: Thinking about grooming across Bullhead lake to pack and groom out the rest of Bullhead lake trail and the bootleg extension now that the last part is groomed out.
Photos:
(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort) -
Dec 21 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Both
Great conditions, 5+ inches of snow Thursday and tireless roll packing and grooming has made a holiday miracle so come and ski a lot... that's my plan anyway. The snow base is cold-base temps at -9 to -11 last 3 days so wax green cause compacted and skied in snow is even colder. No bare areas that I ran into and I will be breaking out good skis tomorrow and making the most of what Doug S has pulled off with a lot of man hours in the machine to roll pack and then create that sweet corduroy groom. Happy holidays skiers. See you on the top of the Rainbow and race ya to Eagles Dive.
Photos:
(Jill Troutner) -
Dec 21 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
16*F above; cloudy skies; 3k loop renovated, combed, and track set; Eagles Run, Rabbits Trail, Hawk's Run, Cougars Run, Ridge Run now renovated, combed, and track set. Average base 3" to 4" and firm. Wolf Run trail is only roll packed at this time. Skiing conditions very good. I found out grooming in daylight opposed to night was a lot better situation for me to work with the new groomer. Renovating the base went very good and I was surprised how firm the deck had set up.
Photos:
(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort) -
Dec 20 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Fantastic day on the trails! Sunshine and crisp start to the day with morning low checking in at -12F. Grooming crew was on trail from 6am to 6pm working on the entire trail system. All skate lanes roll combed, all double track trails reset and all single track trails tracked. Full depth classic tracks. Lots of smiling faces today. Grooming plans: Track to be reset on Rootin Tootin and skate lanes combed on north skate trails. Bullhead Bootleg is last trail to be packed and groomed, maybe tomorrow.
Photos:
(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort) -
Dec 20 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Thursday's snowfall was good enough to move ski conditions at Maplelag from good to excellent. Bring your good skis and have fun. Jay was out grooming this afternoon, keeping the trails fresh for their guests. Temps were -7F this morning but warmed up to about 10F for the afternoon. Great skiing today!
Photos:
(Glenn Gifford) -
Dec 19 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
Night[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
5 to 8 inches new powder snow; average packed base 4"; 6k loop, bucks run, and 3k classic now roll packed, combed and track set; eagles run, rabbits trail, and ridge run now roll packed; -2*F upon completing grooming during the night; base now firm. What an experience to be out at night with snow falling and grooming a very good amount of fresh snow. We are looking like a winter wonderland now and grooming of some sections of trails will continue today. Bring your good skis.
Photos:
(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort) -
Dec 19 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Evening[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle Grooming
6" of new snow as of 7pm. Machine, J-Goat and Birdman spent the morning roll packing on much of the trail system. Over lunch I skied one lap on Skaters with J-Goat. So fun skiing in the fresh powder! Start Green glide was perfect. Afternoon the crew was back out setting tracks on all the double track trail, mixing a little of the old frozen and loose transformed snow from the old base in the process. The skate lanes were also roll combed in the afternoon. Grooming plans: The crew will be back out in the morning doing pretty much the same thing as today as well as packing the single track classic trails and setting track after.
Photos:
(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort) -
Dec 19 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
18* above; snow is a falling; 4" new powder snow ; 3k classic trail now roll packed; packed base average from 2 to 4 inches. Balance of trails covered with minimum of 4" of new snow. WOW! We headed out to pack some fresh snow on the 3k with new snow falling at a good rate. Grooming plans: Grooming will continue on tonight, consisting of roll packing and tidd tech combing and track setting. Stay tuned!
Photos:
(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort) -
Dec 18 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Another enjoyable day on the trails. Mother North Star and Sap Run twice each, then North Loop and Wavy Gravy, total of 22 K. The flurries made conditions even better. The renovated Hygge cabin, as its name suggests, is a pleasant and comfortable place for a sandwich break. Lucky those who live closer to this great resort. Enjoy!
Photos:
(Istvan Gombocz) -
Dec 21 - Soaring Eagle Trail (Park Rapids):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
We have 4" new snow on a 1" icy base. All trails have been rolled and packed, not enough snow to groom tracks. Lilly's loop beginner trail is good, others fair for skating. Lake is a little rough. Classic skiers have been out, DIY tracks. Lilly's hill has been redone to avoid private land, and the result is a wide, fun hill that leads to a long downhill cruise.
Photos:
(Deane Johnson) -
Dec 20 - Hiram Ski Trail (Hackensack):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Gave Hiram ski trail it's first grooming of the season today. Had just enough snow from the storm yesterday to pack it this morning but not enough base to set a track. Track setter was getting into the leaves and grass when I tried it so I stopped. Will have to wait for more snow before setting a track. There is a lot of stubble and weeds sticking through the snow plus the occasional rock so use your rock skis. Rough conditions right now but it's very skiable if you don't mind skiing without a track.
(Paul Klinger) -
Dec 24 - Oakcrest Golf Club (Roseau):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Classic skied this morning. Looks like it was groomed yesterday and since it's snowmobile country we lost the trail a few times, but nonetheless a lovely loop.
Photos:
(Meghan Lunos) -
Dec 21 - Viking Ship/Davy Park Trail (Moorhead):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Conditions were slow this morning with the cold temperatures and a soft skate deck. Poles and skis sank into the snow making a good push off hard. Hopefully the deck firms up in the coming days. There was grass poking up in a few spots but easy to avoid. No tracks set.
(Zoe Walker)
Other Locations
Minnesota Central
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Dec 22 - Northland Arboretum (Brainerd):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
With the extra inch of snow Thursday night (3 inches total) that provided just enough to give improved coverage after the initial rolling. Skiers have made the 1 inch base fairly firm. There are exposed sticks and thin spots, so ski with caution.
Photos:
(Bryan Pike) -
Dec 20 - Wolf Lake Ski Trails (Brainerd):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Only 2.3" of new snow and today was the first time grooming. I experimented using the ginzu vs the roller. Poor results due to lack of snow. I did not groom the 4km shelter trail segment. Grass stubble, leaves and sticks are poking through the very thin base. Ski with caution.
Photos:
(Bryan Pike) -
Dec 20 - Larson Lake (Deerwood):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Only 2 inches of new snow and today was the first time out using the roller. Poor results due to lack of snow. Rolled the lower half of the trail system. Grass stubble, leaves and sticks are poking through the very thin base. Ski with caution.
Photos:
(Bryan Pike) -
Dec 19 - Northland Arboretum (Brainerd):
Evening[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Two inches of new snow fell during the day Thursday. Most trails were rolled to compress the snow. Thin and soft base. Need to have a flat ski or it will grab the sand beneath the snow and quickly stop the ski. Ski with caution! Grooming plans: An addition inch of snow fell after initial rolling. Additional rolling will likely be completed on Friday.
Photos:
(Bryan Pike) -
Dec 24 - Robert Ney Regional Park (Maple Lake):
Evening[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skied the north unit. No classic tracks but the trail was packed/groomed. Not great but considering the snow and mild temps. It's pretty good. Just glad to be skiing.
Photos:
(Matt Bergstrom) -
Dec 22 - Collinwood Park (Cokato):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Collinwood had surprisingly good conditions for classic over the weekend. There was just enough snow for a track with 95% coverage. The skate late was destroyed by hikers.
Photos:
(Chad Czmowski) -
Dec 21 - Quarry Park and Nature Preserve (Waite Park):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Classic track on two loops only. Thin snow, rocks hard to avoid in patches. Snow piled thicker where tracks are.
Photos:
(Carina Paton) -
Dec 21 - Robert Ney Regional Park (Maple Lake):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Trails were partially groomed. No classic tracks yet and some trails were only packed down with snowmobile. But, good to get out and ski. Still some sticks and stuff poking thru. I saw tracks from at least one person skate skiing.
(Matt Bergstrom) -
Dec 25 - Spidahl Ski Gaard (Fergus Falls):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Spent a lovely Christmas afternoon skiing the Deer Meadow, Emma's, and Speedy trails. All were in great condition, especially considering how little snow we've had. Some leaf and stick debris but not terrible, fairly easy to avoid. Classic tracks were in good shape throughout. Used good skis, but you could use B skis if you're concerned about sticks.
Photos:
(Amber Glawe) -
Dec 23 - Andes Tower Hill Ski Area (Kensington):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
The trails all have fairly good coverage for early in the year and first snowfall. There are some thin spots in the usual locations and I picked up all the sticks/branches that I could see. Be careful on the first small hill coming from the parking lot and going past the new campground. There are loose rocks and/or gravel under the thin snow.
(Chad Bergerson) -
Dec 22 - Spidahl Ski Gaard (Fergus Falls):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Excellent condition as always! The condition was simply perfect with temps in the high 20s and all freshly groomed trails. There were very few spots either grass poking through deep in the woods. I only skated, but most trails also had classic tracks set.
Photos:
(Ian Chang) -
Dec 21 - Kensington Runestone Park (Kensington):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Observation
Both Nordic and Fat Tire Bike trails have been groomed. Nordic trails are groomed for skate ski only, and most of the Fat Tire trails are in ideal condition.
(Jeff Pokorney) -
Dec 21 - Andes Tower Hill Ski Area (Kensington):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Thanks to the groomers at Andes for rolling and getting the trails in very skiable shape. There are some areas with sticks and leaves but nothing to hamper a good ski. Snow was soft after a few rounds.
(Jeff Reed) -
Dec 20 - Andes Tower Hill Ski Area (Kensington):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
All trails are groomed with skating lanes. No classic tracks yet. All trails have very good snow coverage with the exception of Finland. Expect leaf and small branches on trail. Enjoy.
(Marc Lundeen) -
NewDec 27 - Vasaloppet Nordic Center Trails (Mora):
Morning[ Trails: Closed, ]Observation Scheduling
Trails will be closed Friday and Saturday due to weather forecasts. At this time, we expect to reopen on Sunday. Snowmaking, hauling and grooming will continue when temperatures drop with the goal of extending the trail soon.
(James Conway) -
Dec 20 - Vasaloppet Nordic Center Trails (Mora):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Grooming Scheduling
From the grooming team: We received 2"-3" of new snow. As of this morning, we have an ~2km loop with good snow depth out of the Nordic Center. It was groomed this morning and has classic track set. Scheduling: the Nordic Center trail will be closed to the public on Saturday, Dec 21st from 10:30am-4pm as Mora is hosting a high school XC ski meet during that time.
(Jim Conway) -
Dec 20 - Black's Grove Park (Wadena):
Evening[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Groomed for classic. Thin in spots, but can ski around those spots beside the track. Received 6" of new snow yesterday. Sunrise loop not open.
(Terry Olson) -
Dec 20 - Black's Grove Park (Wadena):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Trails have been groomed with tracks set. In spots it would probably be better to ski out of the tracks. It is a bit of an adventure ski, get out and enjoy it.
Photos:
(Andy Dombeck)
Other Locations
Minnesota Southern
-
Dec 25 - Quarry Hill Park (Rochester):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Many bare spots with grass coming through. Thin cover. We only skied about 45 min before we gave up and went to Gamehaven.
(Joey Furst) -
Dec 25 - Gamehaven Park (Rochester):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skied The Pipe, Meander, and machine made snow on Rattler. Required quick avoidance skills to miss grass and dirt on the natural snow trails. This is probably the end of the natural trails for now. The City has not tilled the machine made snow for a few days now so it is a big sheet of ice, and thus not great to ski.
FYI: The main entrance to the park is on 50th St SE; rough address is 1301, (upper lot), not the old, lower lot off of 45th street. Neither Google or Apple Maps seems to be able to find the main entrance, which seems to cause a lot of confusion for skiers and shedders. Plus, some get sent to Gamehaven Scout Reservation, which has no grooming or sledding. Best to just look for 50th St SE off of St. Bridget RD SE.
(Jim Bennett) -
Dec 22 - Quarry Hill Park (Rochester):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
I freestyle skied Quarry Hill yesterday and today. The groomers have done an amazing job with very little snow! I found that the trails were about 10% faster today than yesterday. Coverage is mostly very good to excellent. There are some sections where it is necessary to use caution, if you want to avoid damage to your skis. I used one of my best pairs of skis today with no damage whatsoever over 10 km of skiing. There is short steep section of trail that I call "The Plunge" where extreme care is recommended. It is the section near East Circle Drive. There are hard-to-avoid exposed roots on this steep section, especially if you are moving downhill, North to South, or in a clockwise direction. I recommend that you either avoid this section or ski it South to North (counter clockwise). After skiing it a few times yesterday on my rock skis, I decided to avoid it completely today while using one of my best pair of skis.
(James Martenson) -
Dec 22 - Quarry Hill Park (Rochester):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Very thin trails but surprisingly skiable. I've never been here before and had a lot of fun on the winding trails once I figured out how to navigate things. Base is probably less than an inch over much of the trail system and fairly soft. Rock skis only - lots of hazards, including a bunch of literal 2" rocks on one uphill near the grooming shed. Get it before it melts!
(Spencer Davis) -
Dec 21 - Gamehaven Park (Rochester):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial ]Observation
The only areas with adequate snow and grooming are the base of the sled hill and the sled hill itself. (Lots of kids having fun on the sled hill, which is great!) Snow makers sit dormant despite perfect snowmaking weather. Other trails in the lower end of the park appear to have adequate snow, but no effort to groom. This is really disappointing.
(David Sas) -
Dec 20 - Gamehaven Park (Rochester):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
The Pipe, Meander, and the .7 km section of machine made snow on Rattler are groomed for freestyle. There are a few thin spots but quite good skiing overall. Hammer and lower Rattler are not groomed, total groomed is about 7 km. If you want to avoid going up and down Storebakken (Norwegian for The Big Hill) use the upper parking lot, not the lower.
Photos:
(Jim Bennett) -
Dec 20 - Gamehaven Park (Rochester):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Freshly groomed this morning, great skiing for the snow we have! Snowmaking was happening in the lower area. Skied the upper area and there are some areas with grass coming through. Not deep enough for classic tracks. Hopefully this snow stays!
Photos:
(Jennifer Dens Higano) -
Dec 20 - Quarry Hill Park (Rochester):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Trails were groomed prior to the last couple of inches of snow falling, so there's fluffy snow on top of the hint of corduroy. Some small bare spots and twigs, so I'm giving it a B skis rating, though I skied on my good skis and managed to avoid anything significant. No classic tracks set.
(David Sas) -
Dec 19 - Quarry Hill Park (Rochester):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
It was great to get out for first tracks on Quarry Hill on actual snow! I set my own classic track and it got better after a few laps. I was breaking through to bare ground at times, so I recommend rock skis. While I was skiing, the groomer came by, so I hope to give freestyle skiing a try tomorrow.
Photos:
(James Martenson) -
Dec 19 - Essex Park Ski Trails (Rochester):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Essex was rolled and combed this afternoon. No track has been set due to low snow depth. I'd advise B skis or rock skis due to the soft snow and bumps due to gopher mounds. About time we got snow down here!
(Andrew Wood) -
Dec 19 - Gamehaven Park (Rochester):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle Secondhand
The machine-made snow trail was tilled and combed this morning, but there was a couple of inches of new snow on top so it was hard to tell. Currently 0.7Km of the Rattler trail has machine made snow (out and back) though there is another section to the right from the bottom of the sledding hill that makes the total out and back ski almost exactly 1 Km. Watch out for the water hose crossing the trail in that section. Grooming plans: Plan is to groom again tomorrow morning.
(Jim Bennett) -
Dec 26 - Saint Mary's University (Winona):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Grooming
Our 1.5 K manmade loop is very good. Freshly tilled new tracks set. Good skis.
Photos:
(Steve Horeck) -
Dec 20 - Saint Mary's University (Winona):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
St Mary's ski trails have all been rolled. Our manmade loop is very good you can use your good skis. The rest of the system is thin but skiable; you may encounter a rock or twigs therefore rock skis are recommended and of course a little caution.
Photos:
(Steve Horeck) -
Dec 19 - Mississippi National Ski Trails (Red Wing):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
5 inches new snow. 5 miles on the lowlands groomed for skate and ski. Grooming plans: The bluff side will be groomed tomorrow.
Photos:
(Milt Hovelson) -
Dec 22 - River Bend Nature Center (Faribault):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Trails rolled - but not enough snow to set classic tracks. Enough snow and skier-made tracks for a great morning. Utilized Toko base with Swix Blue kick wax.
(Mark Wehe) -
Dec 20 - River Bend Nature Center (Faribault):
Evening[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Trails rolled - no tracks. Trails were in great condition. Hopefully they will set tracks after base firms up.
(Mark Wehe) -
Dec 20 - River Bend Nature Center (Faribault):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
First day of grooming. Packed but not tracked. Some rocks possible, especially on Arrowhead. Skiers observed using trails before we groomed; seems reasonable to say it's skiable.
(Randy McMeekin)
Wisconsin Northwest
-
Dec 26 - Birkie Trail (Hayward):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skied OO north to 34k and south a bit. Groomed, lots of debris on trail, very hard, icy, unstable - bit dicey on those hills! South was a little better - off shoots not groomed.
(Jennifer Michuda) -
Dec 22 - Birkie Trail (Hayward):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skied from OO to the Birkie Start on the skate trail. Conditions varied with leaves and dirt in some places and nearly perfect conditions in other places. There were quite a few skiers on the trail and there doesn't appear to be enough snow to regroom.
(Dave Nelson) -
Dec 20 - Drummond Ski Trails (Drummond):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Observation
We really would like to report great grooming and skiing at the Drummond Ski Trails, but alas.... We have had sporadic snow, all of a fluffy nature and not enough to create a base. We'll let you know when we get going.
Photos:
(Jim Crandall) -
Dec 20 - Birkie Trail (Hayward):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
We skated fresh tracks to Gravel Pit and met the groomer on his way back to OO. Some sticks and debris and grass in spots. Trail was only groomed south to Gravel Pit. We also skied north of OO down the first big hill. It was groomed but I turned around so I don't know how far the grooming went. Slow cold snow, but, sunshine made a fabulous ski.
(Karen Possley) -
Dec 20 - Rock Lake (Cable):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Packed down the 2k, 4k, and 7k loops with snowmobiles. Everything else was left untouched. There are still some twigs/leaves coming through the snow, would recommend using rock skis.
Photos:
(Jackson Davis) -
Dec 20 - Mukwonago Trail (Hayward):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Rolled the 2K and 4K loop. Still lots of small twigs sticking through the snow, definitely some patchy sections with leaves. Would recommend using rock skis. The 7K and 13K were left untouched, great for some back country skiing though.
Photos:
(Jackson Davis) -
Dec 18 - Birkie Trail (Hayward):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skied an hour on the Birkie trail from the Boedecker TH south. It survived the warm up but was hard packed under 1/2" of new snow. Skiable and no bare spots. I would call it fair to good. The downhills were thrilling and there were a lot of wolf tracks on the classic side. Peaceful and beautiful as the sun was setting early. Happy to be skiing.
Photos:
(Tom Detzner) -
Dec 22 - After Hours Ski Trail (Brule):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Both
Huge kudos to the grooming crew; they've done a lot with our limited snow accumulation. Trails have good coverage, though thin in spots and still a bit bumpy. Classic tracks holding up well. Definitely recommend a klister base. Skating was solidly good. Do be on the look out for debris on the skate deck and in the classic tracks, mainly where the tree canopy is thickest. Between the two of us, we skied nearly all of the loop segments.
(Deb DeLuca) -
Dec 21 - After Hours Ski Trail (Brule):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Did the whole classic loop, trails were sparse in some spots under trees and a few rocks and sticks here and there. Would definitely do rock skis if you have them. Tracks weren't great so mostly skied beside them, still had a great time though! Saw a few wolf tracks also.
Photos:
(Rachelle Walker) -
Dec 21 - After Hours Ski Trail (Brule):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
I hit the trails for some classic skiing on a nice chilly morning. The base was very thin with much debris sticking through. I started off on Sally's, the classic track, and found the tracks very poor. This was entirely due to the lack of snow. I don't recommend trying this loop until we get a lot more snow. The other, dual use, trails were better, but still rather poor. My recommendations are to only skate ski here, for now. Big bonus was seeing wolf tracks in several places and what I think was some big cat tracks.
Photos:
(Adam Schwartz-Lowe) -
Dec 21 - After Hours Ski Trail (Brule):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
My first time out for the season...finally. After Hours had enough to snow to have both their classic and skate trails open, and as far as I could tell, everything was open. I skied the Aspen and Oak trails. It was cold but no wind, and the snow was crunchy and fast. It was a good first day. The trails themselves were completely covered but the snow is not deep and there are spots where grass is poking through and debris comes to the surface. There was no where I had to ski around or click out on the Aspen or Oak trails. There was only one set of tracks in front of me, and saw only one person on the trails around 8am. The only other thing sharing the trails was a wolf, as indicated by the (huge) fresh wolf prints on most of the Oak trail.
Photos:
(Richard Kaufman) -
Dec 20 - After Hours Ski Trail (Brule):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
All trails were groomed today including the classic trail and fat bike trail. The 2" of fresh snow helped a lot but there are still thin spots. Track was set on 80% of the classic trail and select places on the other trails. Expected a thin base in places and some debris. Be prepared to jump out of the track occasionally.
Photos:
(Jon Jurek) -
Dec 19 - After Hours Ski Trail (Brule):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
I skated 25k in a fresh 1/2" of snow. Unfortunately Brule didn't get the snow that was predicted. Most of the trail has a 1-3" solid base but the grass is still poking through under the pine trees. The gates are still up to prevent vehicles from entering the trails but the gates are easy to ski under/around. Maple, Oak, Aspen, River, Spruce and Balsam were groomed last Sunday. Expect a firm but wavy deck, thin spots and an occasional rock poking through. No tracks yet.
(Jon Jurek) -
NewDec 28 - Mt. Valhalla Ski Trails (Washburn):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Conditions were as good as they could have possibly been given all the rain and mild weather. We skied the C loop on the Valkyrie trails. Coverage was pretty good. Occasionally there would be a bare or very wet spot in the tracks, but they were easy to ski around. Some thin parts, some crusty parts, but mostly deep and wet snow. Some snow looked great, and some was extremely dirty and debris filled. We used wider metal-edged skis and they worked pretty well. Skinnier skis would have been a disaster.
Photos:
(Kyle Richard) -
NewDec 28 - Mecca (Mercer):
Morning[ Trails: Closed, ]Observation Scheduling
Recent warm temperatures coupled with light rain has deteriorated trail conditions. Trails are very soft, water puddles are forming along with scattered icy spots. Any type of trail use at this time (skiing, snowshoeing or hiking) will cause deep imprints in the trail base resulting in future grooming efforts difficult. Please refrain from using the trails until cold temperatures return.
(Becca Bartling) -
Dec 26 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Classic skied something between 35 and 40 km today, 3 hrs. Conditions are fairly good. Tracks are fairly shallow with softer sidewalls in areas, washed out in other places. Skate deck is firm. Hills have great Tracks and skate deck. It was a phenomenal ski with more awesome hill climbs than I can count. Thank you groomers! I'll be back.
Photos:
(Kevin Grand) -
Dec 26 - Mt. Valhalla Ski Trails (Washburn):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic Secondhand
My first time skiing Valhalla and it was a great find. I skied the A loop and the tracks were in pretty good shape - far better than I anticipated given how little snow we've had. Soft sides make it hard to stay in them consistently. No bare spots, a few sticks, and some leaves - I'll definitely go back tomorrow. A skater reported that the B loop was in good condition as well. Thank you to everyone who posts or I never would have tried this place!
(LeAnn Taylor) -
Dec 25 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
The skating was fast, and really great. Very firm and level skate deck. Skied the Abbey Rd/Northern Lights/Buzz loop. The coverage is still fantastic on everything except the Buzz, which is starting to show some debris poking through, but nothing major.
(Kate Ullman) -
Dec 25 - Mecca (Mercer):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Secondhand
Blue skies with temps in the 20s, great day of skiing! Coverage very good, some thin spots but easily avoidable. Skate lanes pretty level and firm, just enough of loose snow for your kick. Tracks firm, no icing.
Photos:
(Becca Bartling) -
Dec 25 - Mecca (Mercer):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skied the Wolf loop, Moose loop, Spruce Hills, and Osprey Loop. The track is still holding up on Moose, Wolf, and Osprey loops. Some track is also on Spruce hills. Thanks to the groomers and the great job they do. A hidden Northwoods gem.
Photos:
(David Deverell) -
Dec 24 - Mt. Valhalla Ski Trails (Washburn):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Valkyrie classic trails had set tracks on Friday. Skied the C loop today (Sun bowl). Very nice conditions overall, however the side walls of the tracks didn't set up well. Difficult to stay in the tracks on the corners and not the best grip but otherwise very fast and nice skiing. Plenty of soft snow to stay in control on the downhills.
Photos:
(Greg Weiss) -
Dec 23 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
All trails were beautifully groomed today, with the exception of Jolly Long. Groomers say that the skate and classic trails are in very good to excellent condition. Lots of smiling faces coming off the trails!
(Ann Mosey) -
Dec 23 - Mt. Valhalla Ski Trails (Washburn):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skated all of the trails, and they were in much better shape than a few days ago! Really nice skating, fast snow and good edge control!
Photos:
(Paul Belknap) -
Dec 22 - Mecca (Mercer):
Night[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming Secondhand
Trails are 95% snow covered with some thin areas. Skate lanes are combed, mostly level; tracks are set with some thin area. Definitely early season conditions but very skiable and fast. Skiers today reported conditions were fair to good.
(Becca Bartling) -
Dec 22 - Mt. Valhalla Ski Trails (Washburn):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Greg and I were excited to get back out there today and work on the skate deck on the Teuton trails today. The base is coming along, estimate about 6 or so inches, have fun out there!
Photos:
(Connie Rasmussen) -
Dec 22 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Classic skied 16 miles today. First ski out after a summer of marathon training. Felt phenomenal to get the low impact cardio in. Trails are great. Classic tracks are reliable, skate deck is pretty firm, a little soft in sections, some debris in areas so maybe not good for your best skis. I put in all the hill climbs I could for the first ski this season and I am thankful. Thankful for the groomers that give me the opportunity to push myself. Love it! I don't have quite as much time for Birkie training this year, but I'll be back! Keep on skiing!
(Kevin Grand) -
Dec 22 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Both
Feels so good to get on natural snow trails that are looking and skiing great! Ashawabay trails are plentiful, challenging, and super fun! Like everywhere, they could use more snow. But at least 90% of the system is pretty much perfect. A bit thin under the thicker pine stretches, but nothing to seriously worry about. Highly recommended!
Photos:
(Mick Dodds, Ski Hut) -
Dec 22 - Ashland Ski Trail (Ashland):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
Used $5 flea market no-wax skis with 3-pin bindings. Skied on a lot of grass and leaves. I enjoyed it. Conditions were poor at best. Santa is leaving coal in the Ashland Ski Trail stocking. Just not enough snow to ski.
Photos:
(Andy Goyke) -
Dec 21 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Both
Some of the best mid-December conditions in my recent memory! Skated the outer loop (Abby Rd, Northern Lights, the Buzz) and it was great- a pretty firm and flat base everywhere, not icy. The tracks are OK, no coverage issues but a little shallow and washed out in places after the freeze/thaw that happened last week.
Photos:
(Kate Ullman) -
Dec 20 - Mt. Valhalla Ski Trails (Washburn):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Classic skied a couple of laps on the Teuton side. There's generally good coverage, but still a bit lumpy. Looks like there was about 2" of snow from yesterday that was freshly groomed in, but the classic tracks were still mostly crusty, so I mostly strided out of the tracks. A beautiful day to ski.
Photos:
(Paul Belknap) -
Dec 20 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
3-4 inches of fresh snow from Thursday night was rolled and groomed. All trails were groomed. Excellent conditions.
Photos:
(Ian Meeker) -
Dec 20 - Mecca (Mercer):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
MECCA got 2-3" of snow on Thursday and grooming teams were out on Friday morning and afternoon. Tracks were set on 75% of the trails, with a shallow base there's some debris in the tracks. The entire skate lane was combed, is clean, and a little soft.
Photos:
(Becca Bartling) -
Dec 20 - Mt. Valhalla Ski Trails (Washburn):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
The Valhalla ski trails received about 3" of fluffy new snow overnight. We set track! They are early season tracks but they're tracks! All loops on the Valkyrie system are packed with the drag and all but one segment of loop A are tracked! And all loops on Teuton side have been dragged and all but A have tracks. There's a little stubble in places so I wouldn't bring your very best skis, and the dips and ruts need more snow to fill in.
Photos:
(Connie Rasmussen) -
Dec 18 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
I skied the 9 mile loop again and it survived another warm period perfectly. The groomer had made one pass so I skied on the ungroomed as much as possible. So nice to be skiing when most of the state is not! Finn Sisu!
(John Salden) -
Dec 21 - Balsam Branch Trails (Amery):
Morning[ ]Observation
About 2.5-3" standing with some ski tracks. I'm sure there are drift areas with more. I left; I only have the one set of skis and don't want to risk damage. Please do some snow dances, voodoo or pray whatever to get us some snow.
(Max Swanson) -
Dec 20 - Timberland Hills (Cumberland):
Morning[ Trails: Closed, ]Observation
We only have a couple of inches of snow, and not enough to attempt any grooming. Skiers may attempt to ski with rock skis, but we aren't recommending skiing at this time. Trails remain open for hiking. Think Snow!
(Louis Muench, CASTA) -
NewDec 28 - Silvermine Nordic Trail (Eau Claire):
Afternoon[ Trails: Closed ]Observation Scheduling
Loop closed during this warmup to preserve the base even the roadway up to the loop was soft, muddy, and rutted by a vehicle. Will be better and open back up when it gets cold again. Base is holding up with a few thin spots. Volunteer crew is talking about possibly making more snow the next weekend when the temps drop. If you want to support this effort, buy a pass or donate online!
Photos:
(Tiff Miller) -
Dec 26 - Silvermine Nordic Trail (Eau Claire):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
After a Christmas day groom, skate deck was packed and tracked; popular place in the Valley, being the only one where you can ski on snow. Some classic tracks set, getting soft as the temps were warming up.
(Tiff Miller) -
Dec 24 - Tower Ridge Ski Area (Eau Claire):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Home for the holidays and was able to get out for 10k at Tower. Definitely rock ski conditions with plenty of roots, rocks, and bare patches, but overall it was still skiable. Downhills were not groomed but most of the trails were still in okay shape.
Photos:
(Alex Menacher) -
Dec 21 - Tower Ridge Ski Area (Eau Claire):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Conditions were good for what fell from the sky. Most trails were open that we skied, some black trails were not. There is ground poking through as it seems newly groomed, and downhills were a bit dangerous in order to avoid the dirt, and thus falling with some speed. Was happy to get 10k in!
(Anna DeMers) -
Dec 20 - Tower Ridge Ski Area (Eau Claire):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Groomers did well for what they had to work with. Trails vary from passable but with open spots to pretty decent and everything in between. Most hills are not open and those open are barely passable. But skiable. Enjoyed most all the trails. Worth going, I think.
(Dave Wood) -
Dec 20 - Tower Ridge Ski Area (Eau Claire):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Made decent conditions out of scant snow from yesterday. Some leaf streaks here and there but skiable even for this noob. Not groomed for classic at the moment.
Photos:
(Pieter Ver Steeg) -
Dec 20 - Silvermine Nordic Trail (Eau Claire):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle Observation
Skate skied the man made loop. The new natural snow wasn't groomed yet as of early afternoon, but the base below it was firm and the glide was pretty fast. This report is just for the small man-made loop for good skis. Observation of the other trails are not yet groomed; no ski tracks on those either.
(Brady Zwiefelhofer) -
Dec 20 - Tower Ridge Ski Area (Eau Claire):
MorningObservation
Skiers out this morning and trails from the road looked groomed.
(Pieter Ver Steeg) -
Dec 20 - Red Cedar River Trail (Menomonie):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
We received 3-4 inches of snow. Rolled trail from Menomonie to Downsville. Rock skis recommended as very thin base.
Photos:
(Bill Kryshak) -
Dec 18 - Silvermine Nordic Trail (Eau Claire):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skate deck holding up well, got a groom yesterday. Snow was fast, and I noted only 2 small icy spots on the inside of the small hills. Smooth skiing all around on a lovely afternoon.
(Tiff Miller) -
Dec 20 - Willow River State Park (Hudson):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
We rolled all trails yesterday and it is packed but very thin. We had only 3" of snow yesterday but this morning it was fairly firm allowing for some skating on rock skis. Tried to groom tracks--no way, not enough base. At least we have a packed base ready for the next snowfall.
(Jeff Roberts) -
Dec 19 - Willow River State Park (Hudson):
Evening[ Trails: Closed, ]Grooming
All the trails were rolled today but coverage is very thin. We had maybe 3" of new snow. Due to the low level of snow trails are still open to hikers. Campground loop might be an option if you're desperate to try some skiing.
(Bill Callas)
Other Locations
Wisconsin Northeast
-
NewDec 28 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
Morning[ Trails: Closed, ]Observation Scheduling
We received 3/4" of rain last night which damaged the ski trails so we have decided to close the ski trails until further notice. Do your snow dances.
(Erin Blow) -
NewDec 28 - WinMan Trails (Winchester):
Morning[ Trails: Closed, ]Observation Scheduling
Trails are closed. We have maintained much of our base which is now turned to ice. No major updates or changes until we get several inches of snow to work with.
(Isaac Cowart) -
Dec 26 - Schlecht Lake (Minocqua):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Dressed up the surface, still a few low spots, but good early low snow for skating. No track set.
Photos:
(Chad Metzger) -
Dec 25 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
Night[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
The trail crew got out and groomed up most of the interior ski trails Wednesday night - and they are skiing pretty great! The skate decks in particular are looking pretty nice. Some thin spots and rocks here and there. Get out there and enjoy it!
Photos:
(Erin Blow) -
Dec 25 - Razorback Ridges Trail (Sayner):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
All loops except for Bruce's Roundabout have been rolled. It was late getting it finished after waiting for logging projects to be completed, but trails are now mowed/hand brush whacked and skiable. As many of you know, Razorback Ridges is usually split with half the loops groomed for skate only and half for classic only. With the current lack of snow and poor conditions, classic and skate skiers may ski any of the loops that they choose until we get enough new snow to begin setting tracks. I would suggest using rock skis or other skis reserved for poor conditions.
(Will Maines) -
Dec 24 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Another great day at Winter Park. Inner trails are in great shape, nice and fast today. Used my B skis (just to be safe) but good skis can certainly be used. Big shout out to the staff at MWP for keeping it all going this week!
(James McLaughlin) -
Dec 24 - WinMan Trails (Winchester):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Grooming crew combed the skate deck on all 23k this morning. With temperatures in the mid to high teens, the trails are grooming excellent right now. Tracks are still set throughout the system. There are still some thin spots so bring the B skis but overall coverage is still very good.
(Isaac Cowart) -
Dec 23 - Schlecht Lake (Minocqua):
Evening[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Base of trails were touched up today. Good for skating, couple bare spots need to watch out for but otherwise good early skiing.
Night skiing is available until 8 PM. Lights are on around.
(Chad Metzger) -
Dec 23 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Most of the non-expert trail are very good. Stay off Nutcracker. Tracks are nonexistant or very shallow.
Photos:
(Eric Koch) -
Dec 23 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skied this morning and into the afternoon. Trails were in great shape, though I stayed on the interior trails for the most part. Fun day for sure!
(James McLaughlin) -
Dec 23 - Moccasin Ski Trail (Elcho):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Classic skied the middle easy loop. Trail was rolled but not tracked and there was an inch of fresh powder on top. Untracked classic contributions were still pretty fun.
Photos:
(Andrea Roenning) -
Dec 22 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
Night[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Groomers were able to get out at night and refresh the skate deck and re-set new classic tracks around the Cookie Loop: Silver Strider, portions of XC Express, and Nepco's Cruise. Long trails are pretty uneven and thin, we recommend sticking to the interior trails. Most interior trails are skiing very well right now and have pretty good coverage with a few thin spots and rocks here or there. Expect classic tracks to be shallow. Happy Eve of Christmas Eve!
Photos:
(Erin Blow) -
Dec 22 - Three Eagle Trail (Eagle River):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Wow, the groomers worked miracles with the 2-3 inches of snow we got! Great skating decks and tracks were good. A few bare spots but mostly good coverage. The tracks were pretty deep for the little they had to work with. Skied from Sundstein trailhead. WooooHooooo!
Photos:
(Greg Dahl) -
Dec 22 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Trail was in good shape considering the low snowfall. Good coverage on 90 percent plus, with the occasional rock and or forest litter to contend with. Stayed primarily on flatter terrain, but still used rock skis. Surface was hard, bumpy, some skidding but fairly fast and still very enjoyable. Not much in the way of a classic track.
(Kirby Schulller) -
Dec 21 - Razorback Ridges Trail (Sayner):
Evening[ Trails Open: Most, ]Observation
I have been behind the eight ball getting Razorback trails fully ready for skiing this fall. The Sayner-Star Lake Lions operate Razorback Ridges through a land use agreement with the DNR, and this year's spring and summer the DNR had two major logging operations going on the trails on both the south and north ends of the system. The loggers were supposed to be done and out by late summer but didn't get all their logs out and trails graded back to usual condition until early Nov. As a result, with deer season also interrupting normal prep I could not get all trails mowed and ready for grooming before snow fell. At present time I have all the loops except Long Rider and Bruce's Roundabout mowed--yes, I mowed in December. I am hand clearing those two loops with a brush cutter. I have been out and rolled all loops, but with a hard as a rock ice base underneath and about three inches of powder on top there are places where significant stubble is sticking through. A few skiers have been out. I would advise using second or third best skis and exercising caution on steep downhills because of the hard ice base. I will update as soon as additional snowfall happens.
(Will Maines) -
Dec 21 - Three Eagle Trail (Eagle River):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Trail in great shape. Tracks in very good shape and looks good for skate skiers as well. Someone walked on part of the deck for the skate skiers. Thank you Jimmy, nice job making a little snow work for many happy skiers.
(Michael Gerlach) -
Dec 21 - WinMan Trails (Winchester):
MorningObservation
WinMan crew did the high school/middle school race today well. A flat, fully covered skate deck made for lots of happy racers. Thanks for sharing.
(Ken Schoville) -
Dec 20 - Cassian Two-Way Ski Trail (Rhinelander):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Got back to working on the base today. Yesterday's snow was minimal, 2-3" of fluff. Due to the recent meltdown, the original base got pretty icy and hard. The groomers just laid down corduroy today, no tracks. The deck is paper thin, and keep in mind the underlying base is icy. Keep the good skis at home, and use only your B skis.
(Dennis Zielinski) -
Dec 20 - Three Eagle Trail (Eagle River):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Trail groomed and tracks set. Just enough snow to "get her done!" Please go check it out a report how it feels!
(Jim Meiers) -
Dec 20 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Good skate ski on Tornado Alley, Yukon, Wolf Track out to cabin, Steeplechase and Nepcos. Some thin areas under pines mostly on Wolf Track and thin cut brush sticking up on sections of Wolf Track. River Run was rolled, not groomed. Lake Marie and black trails were closed.
(Susan Fisher) -
Dec 20 - Madeline Lake Trail (Arbor Vitae):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
A few inches of new snow. All loops were rolled/packed and are skiable. Still a thin base and expect early season conditions. The sign is up for skiing only now to preserve the base.
(Lynn Wright) -
Dec 20 - Treehaven (Tomahawk):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Grooming
We received about 2" of very light fluffy snow yesterday and I was able to flat groom some trails today. Prior to the recent snow, we still had an icy base in spots, but also had large stretches of bare ground. Where there was existing base there is now a skiable trail, but expect rock ski conditions. Elsewhere the coverage is generally spotty or too thin to ski. Sugarbush is the only trail that I would recommend skiing at the moment; coverage is pretty good until the downhill east of map point 22. Recommend avoiding other trails until we get more snow. Grooming plans: we most likely will not groom again until after the holidays, but as always will post a report if we are able to groom.
Photos:
(Eli Anoszko) -
Dec 20 - McNaughton Lake Trail (Lake Tomahawk):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Trail received about 3" of new snow. All loops were rolled and all loops are skiable. Expect debris throughout the trail and thin areas on the red by the lake and the blue/green by the lake. Rock skis are recommended. No tracks set as more snow is needed.
(Nikki Kloes) -
Dec 20 - Escanaba Trail (Boulder Junction):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Approximately 2" new snow. All loops were packed with the groomer. No tracks set. Trails are skiable, but conditions are poor. Rock skis are recommended. More snow is needed.
(Joe Fieweger, Wisconsin DNR) -
Dec 20 - Nose Lake Ski Trail (Rhinelander):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Got back to working on the base today. Yesterday's snow was minimal, 2-3" of fluff. Due to the recent meltdown, the original base got pretty icy and hard. The groomers just laid down corduroy today, no tracks. However, the deck is paper thin, and keep in mind the underlying base is icy. Keep the good skis at home, and use only your B skis.
(Dennis Zielinski) -
Dec 20 - Washburn Lake Ski Trails (Woodboro):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Got back to working on the base today. Yesterday's snow was minimal, 2-3" of fluff. Due to the recent meltdown, the original base got pretty icy and hard. The groomers just laid down corduroy today, no tracks. The deck is paper thin, and keep in mind the underlying base is icy. Keep the good skis at home, and use only your B skis. Also, there is a segment of trail the groomers omitted: Due to logging, and resurfacing Herringbone Hill about 1 mile of trail is closed off. We are waiting for more snow before we haul the heavy equipment over it.
(Dennis Zielinski) -
Dec 20 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Classic
First time for tracks at Winter Park this year. With a solid ice base there were elements of shallowness and squirrelly squiggles, but overall a satisfying experience.
(Ken Schoville) -
Dec 20 - Anvil National Recreation Trail (Eagle River):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Anvil received about 3 inches of dry fluffy snow last night. The trails were rolled. No tracks were set. There is currently a 3 inch packed base.
Photos:
(Valerie Knurr) -
Dec 20 - Moccasin Ski Trail (Elcho):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic Grooming
With 3.5 inches of new, fluffy snow on top of an inch base the entire trail was rolled, but not dragged and not tracked. The trail is in good condition except the Luge where some rocks are still exposed. I classical skied and did a little skate skiing on the shortest loop and it is skiable.
(Chuck Wetzel) -
Dec 20 - Raven Trails (Woodruff):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Approximately 3" new snow. Red and yellow loops were packed with the snowmobile. Skiing is not recommended on these loops due to poor snow cover. Blue and green loops were rolled. Poor conditions and rock skis recommended on these loops. No tracks will be set until we get more snow.
(Joe Fieweger, Wisconsin DNR) -
Dec 20 - WinMan Trails (Winchester):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
It snowed! Team was out early this morning running our typical grooming operations for the first time of the season. We have 2-3 inches of new snow on top of a very solid deck that was established yesterday. Tracks are set. Skate deck is level. Good skis all around. Get and enjoy the best skiing of the year so far at WinMan.
(Isaac Cowart) -
Dec 20 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
With the 3.5" of snow we received yesterday, we can open the ski trails again! Even better, the grooming team set the first classic tracks of the year. All interior trails that have been groomed have tracks. Trail depth is still a little variable and there may still be a rock or two around, but the trails are looking very nice right now!
Photos:
(Erin Blow) -
Dec 19 - WinMan Trails (Winchester):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skate skied outer red loop and interior trails. Firm groomed base with inch of fresh snow. Three groomers out during our ski. Some areas of narrow sections of trails bit uneven from groomer tracks. Overall great ski!
Photos:
(Susan Fisher) -
Dec 19 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
Morning[ Trails: Closed, ]Grooming
Ski trails remain closed due to firm and fast trail conditions. With no new snowfall yet, we have made the tough decision to keep the ski trails closed today. Safety of our guests is our number one priority. Grooming plans: Groomers will plan to be out this evening in the hopes of getting the trails opened up for tomorrow! Thank you for your patience and understanding!
(Erin Blow) -
Dec 18 - Three Eagle Trail (Eagle River):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Trail was open but very icy. Tracks not set and not rolled. I skied from Hwy 45 to mud creek bridge and back. First mile was icy and difficult. Next 2 miles was actually ok. More snow would really help. Skiable but not great, I did skate only.
(John Gustavson) -
Dec 23 - Iola Winter Sports Club Trails (Iola):
Evening[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Got out on green and blue loops after that fresh heavy stuff came down. Morgan and crew rolled out skate deck and there was very little grass poking through. Seems too thin for classic tracks yet. A little mashed potatoey with the warmer temp. I would not get good skis on yet but B skis were perfect.
Photos:
(Josh Terrill) -
Dec 20 - Nine Mile County Forest Recreation Area (Wausau):
Morning[ Trails: Closed, ]Grooming
The Wausau Area received about 4 inches of snow on Thursday (Wednesday we were at bare ground). At Nine Mile, we have rolled some of the ski trails. Snowshoe and bike trails will not be groomed. Our hope is to preserve the snow we have ahead of any warmer weather. All trails remain closed due to low snow.
(Bradley Mroczenski) -
Dec 26 - Neshota Park (Green Bay):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skied the red loop a few times (4.5k with some good hills!) and even though the temperature has been above freezing the snow in the woods at the park was pretty decent, a little soft but not icy, with great coverage. A hidden gem!
Photos:
(Jami Riley) -
Dec 26 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skaters and striders alike needed Rudolph with his nose so bright to navigate the loops at The ANC this morning. Foggy, misty and 34 degrees. Skating was the better choice this morning given the hills proved tough to grip with my skin skis. Carpe Skiem!
Photos:
(Bob Warpinski) -
Dec 25 - Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve (Appleton):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Trails not groomed. Snow coverage is okay in some sections, woodland sections often have some roots rising through the snow. Hikers also are allowed on ski trails til grooming starts.
Photos:
(Michael Kelly) -
Dec 24 - Point Beach State Forest (Two Rivers):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Ski'd the Red loop (Ridge Trail) at around noon today and the Blue Loop. Trails are not groomed, but open. The first half of the Red loop has well set trails from other skiers (classic), and isn't half bad, although it's thin in spots. The blue loop and second half of the red loop were not groomed, and did not have tracks from other skiers. The blue loop was very bare in spots. Would recommend just keeping to the red loop, specifically the first segment before you end up turning around. Still beautiful!
(Connor Becka) -
Dec 24 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Good grooming on the 2.5 km trail with clean snow, wide lanes, and good adjacent diagonal tracks.
(Jules Blank) -
Dec 24 - Hilly Haven Golf Course (De Pere):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Trails were all groomed this morning after the much needed 1.5" snowfall yesterday. Ski trails are in fair condition since the tracks are slightly bare here and there on the classic track. The skate lane has overall good coverage. The bike trails are slightly soft but the base is looking better. Enjoy the trails and Merry Christmas! Restaurant is closed until Jan 3.
Photos:
(Charles Demske) -
Dec 24 - Reforestation Camp (Green Bay):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Trails were groomed this morning. The base is very thin and there are multiple bare spots throughout the trail system. At least one pass with the groomer was made on all trails with the exception of Pers Loop (on Maples) and Oaks hills, short cut, and technical loop. Most of the ski marks and footprints were removed for better skiing. The best skiing will be found on Maples and on the Lighted Loop. The Ski Lodge will be closed for the holidays Dec 24-25. Enjoy the trails and have a Merry Christmas.
(Ben Gordon) -
Dec 23 - Neshota Park (Green Bay):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Both
Neshota knoll got steady snow yesterday afternoon in the forest microclimate! No bare spots, beautiful, and a short drive from home. We didn't see anyone else there. Couldn't get enough of it! Skied classic with no wax skins and a little skating too.
(Karen Early) -
Dec 23 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
No better way to wear off some Eggnog than doing a few pre-Christmas loops at The ANC! Excellent mid-Winter conditions across the 2.5K loop, a loop that contains several interior loops for added variety. On behalf of my Nordic Ski community a special Merry Christmas to The Arien's Company, Sean & Heather, and the entire ANC crew for giving us the gift of skiing. Carpe Skiem!
Photos:
(Bob Warpinski) -
Dec 23 - Neshota Park (Green Bay):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Observation
Current conditions are 2 inches of base with no classic tracks set. There are some thin spots and light debris throughout the system. Grooming plans: No grooming will occur this morning due to the warm temperatures. We are hopeful for new snow to add to the base and the trails will survive.
(Josh Schmitt) -
Dec 22 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Trails are in incredible shape. Deep man made snow with track set well. Skating deck was firm and flat with good bite. Pretty much perfect. Sean has been working around the clock to make snow for reserves to make it through warm weather and for upcoming events. If you haven't skied Ariens you really should. Trails are fast and safe with good climbs and descents, a well designed course. And of course a remarkable biathlon venue!
(Tom Davenport) -
Dec 22 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
The trail is now 2.5 km with distance added on the south end and part of Mammoth. Skating surface is wide, level, well compacted and clean. Adjacent diagonal tracks were slightly slower due to some recent snowfall. The diagonal tracks were still robust. Worth the drive.
(Jules Blank) -
Dec 22 - Neshota Park (Green Bay):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Further work was done to compact and level the skate deck this morning. The base at Neshota is soft and currently about 2 inches thick. There are some thin spots and light debris throughout the system. B skis are recommended. Grooming plans: Trails will be groomed again Monday morning. No Classic tracks will be set until we get more snow.
(Josh Schmitt) -
Dec 21 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
Terrific conditions this morning. Kicked the 2.5K loop in single digit temps under a blue sky and light winds. Lots of happy skiers. Heavy snowmaking taking place on the southern end of the network. Worth the drive (from anywhere). Carpe Skiem!
Photos:
(Bob Warpinski) -
Dec 20 - Point Beach State Forest (Two Rivers):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skied our Red, Blue and Green trails in the afternoon. Great feeling to stretch put in a stride n glide on fresh snow! Our State Park was eager to offer open trails for us. Thank you! A little premature on setting tracks. Red trail was best. You need to levitate over some grassy spots especially on western loop of blue and green. I was just so happy to be out!
Photos:
(Karen Early) -
Dec 20 - Reforestation Camp (Green Bay):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Trails were packed and groomed with the Tidd Tech this afternoon. There is a flat skate deck but no tracks were set due to the soft, thin base after the snow was compacted. Sections of trail have some sticks and leaves.
(Jason Petrella) -
Dec 20 - Barkhausen Waterfowl Preserve (Green Bay):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Staff groomed about 4-5 inches of light fluffy snow this morning. Trails were rolled early then a pass was made with the tidd tech on the shores loop. Trails are looking pretty good, however there is only about 1 inch of soft base. No tracks were set and some debris is present. Enjoy the trails!
(Jason Petrella) -
Dec 20 - Hilly Haven Golf Course (De Pere):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
All trails were groomed today but some bare spots do exist. Grooming plans: Drifting today will require another groom in the morning but hoping this will help fill in bare spots. Dogs are welcome. Restaurant open this weekend.
Photos:
(Charles Demske) -
Dec 20 - Neshota Park (Green Bay):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Trail rolling is complete, and the skate deck has been leveled. Neshota currently has about 2.5-inch base so classic tracks have not been set. Trails are soft with some thin spots in windblown areas and light debris. B skis are recommended. Be sure to purchase your ski pass as rangers will be out checking this weekend. Grooming plans: Trails should be groomed again early Sunday morning.
(Josh Schmitt) -
Dec 20 - Point Beach State Forest (Two Rivers):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Ski trails were packed. We still need more snow to have a better base. Some bare ground in areas of the trail. The trails near the office have a track that was set.
(Quinn Henseler) -
Dec 18 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Rare areas of pebbles, especially near start line. The uphills are starting to deteriorate, but only slightly. All things considered, the trail is in very good shape with recent grooming. Trail is approximately 1.8 km. Adjacent tracks were good or very good.
(Jules Blank) -
Dec 18 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
Enjoyed an early ski this morning under a mostly cloudy sky in 29 degrees. There was 3/4 depth tracks and well groomed skate deck across the 1.7K network (which rests atop a solid base that averages 24"). Carpe Skiem!
Photos:
(Bob Warpinski) -
Dec 20 - Potawatomi State Park (Sturgeon Bay):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
4" of fluffy dry snow. All trails except green rolled but no tracks. Rock ski conditions and caution recommended, but we need to start building a base which will hopefully last the next warm spell.
(Karl Schroeder)
Wisconsin Southwest
-
Dec 21 - Hixon Forest (La Crosse):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Most of the course groomed with two passes with the roller and comb - no tracks are set. Course looks good considering how fluffy the snow is. The road from the parking lot to pump field has a lot of rocks exposed - suggest avoiding it. The trail to the "brush pile" area is....brushy... not the best. The golf course will ski good. Use rock skis.
Photos:
(Tom Ley) -
Dec 20 - Coulee Experimental State Forest (Bangor):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
All the trails were groomed, but the snow is really thin. There are area areas with lots of leaves and grass, etc. showing. There are no classic tracks set.
(Kevin Schilling) -
Dec 20 - Hixon Forest (La Crosse):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
We have rolled all of the trails twice. Coverage is thin, use rock skis. No classic tracks set. Skiing is better on the golf course.
(Scott Cooper) -
Dec 25 - Levis/Trow Mound Trail (Neillsville):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skied 20K. Freshly groomed, soft but beautiful. Thin in spots but navigable around leaves, sticks and dirt debris.
(Aaron Miatke) -
Dec 21 - Levis/Trow Mound Trail (Neillsville):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
All of the trails are groomed although ground and twigs appear at intervals. However I was able to maneuver around the rough spots. The trails are only groomed for skating. No classical tracks.
(Jim Mohr)
Other Locations
Wisconsin Southeast
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NewDec 27 - Greenbush Ski Trails (Greenbush):
Morning[ Trails: Closed ]Observation Scheduling
Trails remain closed! Given the warm temperatures and significant precipitation overnight and today, all trails are not skiable. What snow remains on the trails is 100% saturated. We will update when conditions change.
Photos:
(Thomas Werner) -
Dec 26 - Greenbush Ski Trails (Greenbush):
Afternoon[ Trails: Closed, ]Observation Scheduling
The Greenbush Ski Trails are closed and will not be opened until we get freezing weather. Please respect the resource and do not hike or ski on the trail system.
(Michael McFadzen) -
Dec 26 - Zillmer Ski Trails (Campbellsport):
Afternoon[ Trails: Closed, ]Observation Scheduling
Due to forecast we are temporarily closing the ski trails at Greenbush and Zillmer trails to preserve the trail base until temperatures return to freezing conditions. If possible, please avoid using the trails. A friendly reminder to all that within the Kettle Moraine State Forest – Northern Unit there is no hiking allowed on trails that are groomed for skiing regardless of whether skiers are present.
(Andrew Straka) -
Dec 26 - Greenbush Ski Trails (Greenbush):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Firm base, groomed for skate skiing. Track not set for classic. Several thin spots. No gravel encountered. Small tree down on flat portion of Green trail, easily bypassed. Skied Green, Red trail. Pink not groomed.
Photos:
(Jeff Strong) -
Dec 25 - Sheboygan Jaycee Trails (Sheboygan):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
I skied both loops at Maywood a couple times. Both loops had very good snow cover. It was nice to get outside skiing for an hour or so and not have to drive a 45 minutes to get there. I saw two other skiers enjoying this "urban trail" while I was there (and three hikers). Thank you, groomers, for the Christmas gift of groomed trails for those of us who were able to get out and enjoy them.
(Tom Hauch) -
Dec 24 - Greenbush Ski Trails (Greenbush):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
We received 2-3 inches of snow yesterday. All the trails were compacted this morning without track set except on black. I would suggest rock skis if you intend to classic on black. The skate deck on the other trails still have a few thin spots that can be avoided. The surface will be soft until temps allow it to setup. Merry Christmas to all and enjoy the white ribbons of joy.
Photos:
(Thomas Werner) -
Dec 24 - Greenbush Ski Trails (Greenbush):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skied the brown loop. It was groomed and in good condition. A few leaves poking through, but easily avoidable. Really nice morning on the trails!
Photos:
(Steven Fons) -
Dec 24 - Sheboygan Jaycee Trails (Sheboygan):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
The inch and half of new snow was groomed into the skate deck on Trail 9 and the Prairie Loop this morning. I did not reset the track. The new snow will fill in the bare spots. Ski it in. Enjoy a ski this morning and an eggnog this afternoon, Merry Christmas!
Photos:
(Leo Dreikosen) -
Dec 23 - Zillmer Ski Trails (Campbellsport):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
All trails have been groomed. Tracks have been set around the Brown loop and the outer Red loop. Unfortunately, due to equipment failures I was unable to set tracks on the Green or Yellow Trails. As always please use caution when using the trails and watch for debris / other skiers. While we did get a fair bit of snow this past week there are still some thin areas where the ground can be seen, especially under dense tree coverage and on some portions of the outer yellow trail. Grooming plans: Based on forecast, we are unlikely to be out grooming much over the next week.
(Andrew Straka) -
Dec 23 - Zillmer Ski Trails (Campbellsport):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Thank you groomers for getting these trails in great shape! Bare spots in certain areas that are completely avoidable. I used my good skis. Track had been laid on portions of the trails. Perhaps more signage is needed at trailheads as I told several groups of people over the last couple days that hiking is not allowed on groomed trails.
(Rose Krebsbach) -
Dec 22 - Greenbush Ski Trails (Greenbush):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
It was great to get on the Greenbush Trail again. There was no set track today, but the green trail was packed and with good snow cover. If you are an experienced skier you could get-a-way with your good skis. It was easy enough to avoid the very few areas that had minimal snow coverage. I have skied much worse. Get out and enjoy it while you can.
Photos:
(Steve Freckmann) -
Dec 22 - Sheboygan Jaycee Trails (Sheboygan):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
A nice ski today. The trails have held up pretty well since I groomed two days ago. The only real problem was a fat tire biker had rode down the trails.
Photos:
(Jim Van Akkeren) -
Dec 21 - Greenbush Ski Trails (Greenbush):
Night[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
All skating trails were groomed late Saturday night. Not enough base to set tracks. The snow is still dry with sharp crystal structure but hopefully will firm up after being worked and single digit temps. There are some minor debris spots that should be easily avoidable.
Photos:
(Thomas Werner) -
Dec 21 - Greenbush Ski Trails (Greenbush):
Night[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
I skied the brown loop. The skate trail was groomed and had been skied by many skiers. But the classic track had not been groomed. I was using my old classic skis. So I had a very bad time.
(David Janda) -
Dec 21 - Zillmer Ski Trails (Campbellsport):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Both
Lots of skiers out there enjoying the early season snow fall. There is more than adequate snow coverage and depth on all the trails that were groomed. Thank you groomers for "paving the way" for a Pre-Christmas ski.
Photos:
(Tom Hauch) -
Dec 21 - Greenbush Ski Trails (Greenbush):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
The long solstice shadows laid across the beautiful ski trails on this sunny day. I did the purple and part brown. The skate deck was much more solid than I anticipated. Just a few sticks and dirty spots. No classic track yet.
Photos:
(Jim Van Akkeren) -
Dec 21 - Zillmer Ski Trails (Campbellsport):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
I did the outer most loop with my good skis. There is definitely snow coverage there. I didn't see any bare spots out there.
(Robert Hermann) -
Dec 21 - Zillmer Ski Trails (Campbellsport):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Did all the trails that were groomed. A few rocks on the back stretch of yellow. Overall not bad. Thank you groomers!
(Rose Krebsbach) -
Dec 21 - Greenbush Ski Trails (Greenbush):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Great conditions out this morning! Not all the trails are fully packed down yet, but good coverage overall. Get out here while it lasts!
(Ben Bartley) -
Dec 21 - Zillmer Ski Trails (Campbellsport):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Brown, Red and Green trails were rolled, part of yellow was rolled. Equipment issues caused us to have to stop. Grooming plans: We will attempt to groom Sunday or Monday when equipment is back up and running.
(Joe Giesfeldt) -
Dec 20 - Greenbush Ski Trails (Greenbush):
Night[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
All skate lanes were groomed Friday night. No track set. Complete coverage of light fluffy snow. Expect an occasional rock or two just below the surface.
Photos:
(Anthony Schwaller) -
Dec 20 - Zillmer Ski Trails (Campbellsport):
Evening[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Skiing on this trail today brought me much joy - the conditions were ideal for traditional skiing. It was not sticky nor icy, and there was full snow coverage, even in the wooded areas typically susceptible to exposed tree roots or rocks. The trails were fully groomed, although a track had not been set. The trails were absolutely gorgeous!
(Miranda McIlheran) -
Dec 20 - Sheboygan Jaycee Trails (Sheboygan):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Trail 9 and the Prairie Loop were groomed and tracked today. The trail is soft. The classic track is thin in spots. It's gorgeous out there. All other trails are no longer groomed but you are welcome to break trail.
Photos:
(Jim Van Akkeren) -
Dec 20 - Greenbush Ski Trails (Greenbush):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
We picked up a good 8" last night, All trails were rolled this morning, surface is rough for now but skiable, no tracks are set. Rock or B skis are recommended.
Photos:
(Dan Meyer) -
Dec 26 - Lodi Area Ski Trails (Lodi):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Both Scheduling
Good skate and classical skiing again today on 3.3k of golf course trails. Scheduling: Trails will close Friday and remain closed until it freezes again.
(Dale Fanney) -
Dec 25 - Lodi Area Ski Trails (Lodi):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Excellent conditions here in Lodi with much more snow than Madison. Trails have been very well groomed, including tracks set on most of the trails. Skating deck was firm and wide. Just a few spots of grass showing thru on some of the tracks. Open areas in the sun didn't seem to be suffering much damage, as the temps didn't get too warm. Probably the best skiing around Madison right now. Get out and enjoy!
(Lorin Weiler) -
Dec 25 - Lodi Area Ski Trails (Lodi):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Both
Went for a wonderful Christmas Day skate and classic ski across the golf course trails at Lodi. As others have mentioned, there is definitely more snow and better conditions than many places in Madison at present, and the grooming is pretty nice. Skate lanes were wide and a little slow, but in good shape with only a few patches of grass and needles under a few pines. Classic tracks were thinner, with points of exposed grass and thinner tracks under the pines, as well. All told, decent conditions across the trails and worth the visit!
Photos:
(Pieter DeHart) -
Dec 25 - Lodi Area Ski Trails (Lodi):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Both
Good snow cover on the entire 3K loop. Skate deck perfect. Tracks are good, with only a couple of spots where grass is peaking through. Had a very nice Christmas ski!
(Laurie Lata) -
Dec 25 - Mirror Lake State Park (Baraboo):
MorningObservation
From the parking lot, lots of snow up here. Trails appear to have great snow cover, and haven't been groomed after the couple inches of snow on Monday.
(Thea Larson) -
Dec 24 - Mirror Lake State Park (Baraboo):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Just a winter wonderland ski today. We classic skied. Great coverage. No track set but very skiable!
Photos:
(Trudi Delain) -
Dec 24 - Lodi Area Ski Trails (Lodi):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Regroomed with another 1" of wet snow yesterday. Skate and classic are very good! 3.3 k golf course loops are groomed, please stay off field loops.
(Dale Fanney) -
Dec 24 - Blue Mound State Park (Blue Mounds):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
We skied the blue, red, and orange loops. In the late morning the snow was a bit icy, but by the early afternoon it was starting to soften up quite a bit. Coverage is still mostly excellent, but there are some exposed ledges here and there, and the snow on some of the major downhills is getting quite thin from snowplowing. I'd say borderline rock/B ski conditions.
Photos:
(Kyle Richard) -
Dec 24 - Lodi Area Ski Trails (Lodi):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Both
Trail was excellent for both classic and skate. Significantly more snow here than there is in Madison. Only a handful of spots with grass/dirt coming thru - easily avoidable.
(Ken Walz) -
Dec 24 - Mirror Lake State Park (Baraboo):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Winter wonderland in Baraboo! Another 1-2 inches of fluffy stuff on top of the couple that the park got yesterday. The trail system hasn't been re-groomed in a few days, but given how light the snow is on top, paired with a solid base it was faster than expected. Wide lane for skate (no classic tracks set), and very quiet on the trails, with snow covering the trees in all directions. I say B skis, but you could use good skis and easily avoid the very few branch pieces or pine cones.
Photos:
(Pieter DeHart) -
Dec 23 - Mirror Lake State Park (Baraboo):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Lots of snow up in the Dells. Mirror Lake received another 1 or 2" today while Madison got sleet. Skied in a beautiful snow storm around noon. Hastings and Ferndale are great. Haven't been groomed for a couple of days but, plenty of coverage. No tracks. Turtleville is pretty beat up from walkers and thick snow. Only 3 trails groomed: Hastings, Ferndale and Turtleville. B or good skis. It may not last too long so Get after it!
Photos:
(Dave Supple) -
Dec 23 - CXC Outdoor Center (Middleton):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Both
Stuck to the man-made snow portions today, including the new short stretch in the upper field (with a hairpin turnaround)...trying both skate and classic. It looks like they did a regroom last night, so things were looking good. The newer stretch was a nice pack of fresher-made snow, and with the warmer temps was more snowlike and less icy, so a good change from the rest of the course. The hill along the powerline is holding up well, even with more traffic on the course. All in all, very thankful for this great place in our backyard, and skiing in December!
Photos:
(Pieter DeHart) -
Dec 22 - CXC Outdoor Center (Middleton):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle Secondhand
Day 2 of the Middleton Nordic opener, we skated the snowmaking loop during the 5K Freestyle Fun Ski. Groomers mentioned that they did not regroom the golf course due to lack of more snow, so we used good skis with no issue on the manmade kilometer. Deep classic tracks were visible throughout the area we skied. The field loop is shaping up nicely for them to open it soon. All in all a great day on well-made base of snow in the Madison area!
(Pieter DeHart) -
Dec 22 - Mirror Lake State Park (Baraboo):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Absolutely excellent skiing given the amount of snow so far. They've gotten probably 6-7" and have done a great job of grooming. A bit soft on the edges, no tracks set, with the skied in portions largely clean and leaf/stick free. The base overall is pretty firm. Very surprisingly not many people here!
Photos:
(Lorin Weiler) -
Dec 22 - Lodi Area Ski Trails (Lodi):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Excellent skating conditions for the entire golf course loop! Deck has firmed up nicely and made for great skiing. A few spots with a little grass poking through, but easily avoidable. Trail into field is also open, wouldn't recommend good skis there.
(Sydney Flick) -
Dec 21 - Mirror Lake State Park (Baraboo):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
No classic tracks but folks have "evoed" a trail where there is no grooming. Skating was fabulous on the groomed trails, Hastings, Fern Dell and Turtleville with some short sections seemingly perfect and debris, soft spots and a few bumps in other sections, Perhaps skiers have forgotten about how lovely Mirror Lake is, as the parking lot was nearly empty and ranger said traffic was intermittent.
(Leslie Taylor) -
Dec 21 - Blue Mound State Park (Blue Mounds):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
Best snow of the season so far for me. Probably about 6" of snow on the ground. Lots of the trails had been rolled but none had machine set tracks. Plenty of other folks skied before me so there were tracks to ski in, but skiing on the rolled snow was sweet, very sweet. Lots of trees came down in the park from the wind storms we had in May and June. Big trees. Lots. Not many folks out today when I was skiing late afternoon. Beautiful.
Photos:
(Christopher Quandt) -
Dec 21 - Lodi Area Ski Trails (Lodi):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Opening Day with very good conditions for skating and classical on Golf course loops- 3.3k. Field loops are groomed for skating and a bit thin- rock skis only.- 2k Overall - very good conditions. Grooming plans: Skate decks will be regroomed tonight, next grooming will be Monday morning.
Photos:
(Dale Fanney) -
Dec 21 - CXC Outdoor Center (Middleton):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Had a mostly enjoyable skate across nearly 6 miles on what was open, from the snow-making loop, Round-a-bit, West loop, Round-a-lot, and Pleasant view. The current snow-making loop is in great condition, and if you want to stick to that you can use your good skis. Venturing further afield across the golf course necessitates use of rock skis, as there are patches (especially on West loop and near the clubhouse on pleasant view and Round-a-lot) of exposed grass, pine needles, and other hazards. That said, large stretches on the golf course are excellent, and well worth it for the adventurous souls. The only locations at present where there are also classic tracks are on the snow-making portions It looks like they continue to rapidly build up snow on the upper field for potentially opening soon. All in all, a fantastic resource, and with the Middleton Nordic Opener today and tomorrow (free classic and skate lessons, and free s'mores and hot chocolate!) well worth the affordable day or season pass. Huge thanks to the crew for all the snowmaking and grooming!
Photos:
(Pieter DeHart) -
Dec 21 - Lodi Area Ski Trails (Lodi):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Both
Plenty of snow. Skied the 3 K golf course loop. Skating lanes have full coverage, but a little soft. Classic tracks good throughout.
Excellent grooming by Dale. He was touching up the skate deck when we left.
(Laurie Lata) -
Dec 21 - Blue Mound State Park (Blue Mounds):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Trails have been rolled but no tracks set; just corduroy. I skied the blue loop and Pleasure Valley. Coverage is still mostly excellent, the only exceptions being the pine grove in Pleasure Valley (nearly exposed roots on the downhill) and the initial descent into the campground (bunch of stubble/brush sticking out). Other than that, I'd argue good ski conditions. The base is still very soft, so skating will likely be a bit of a slog.
Photos:
(Kyle Richard) -
Dec 20 - Mirror Lake State Park (Baraboo):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle Secondhand
More than adequate snow, but skiing was a chore as the trails hadn't been fully groomed yet. Only the RH side had been rolled once, though they were continuing to groom. Very soft base due to the fluffiness of the recent snow. Some sticks on the trail, but not bad. The ranger said they don't expect to set tracks as there is not enough of a base to do that. Beautiful day to get out into the woods though!
(Lorin Weiler) -
Dec 20 - Lodi Area Ski Trails (Lodi):
Afternoon[ Trails: Closed ]Secondhand
From groomer Dale: New snow rolled overnight on the 5k course. Groomed this morning and set tracks on the golf course loops. Field will be groomed for skating only. Recommend B or rock skis in the field, golf course fine for good skis. Course needs to set up, still soft. Skiing open tomorrow!
(Sydney Flick) -
Dec 20 - Odana Hills Golf Course (Madison):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Full coverage, aside from minimal thin areas between the golf course and playground, with a soft skate deck. Rolled but not packed-thus somewhat deep fresh corduroy throughout the golf course and playground. No classic tracks set. Overall very decent conditions and quite skiable.
(Gene Musser) -
Dec 20 - Blue Mound State Park (Blue Mounds):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Roughly 6" of light, fluffy snow on mostly bare, frozen ground. A little more in some areas, especially in the drifts and at the very top. Less under the pines in Pleasure Valley. The park is still digging/plowing itself out, so as of this morning the trails are still ungroomed. I skied Pleasure Valley, John Minix, some of the campground, and the trail up to the top. Coverage was excellent, but since the snow is so light, wider skis are a must until the trails are packed and groomed.
Photos:
(Kyle Richard) -
Dec 18 - CXC Outdoor Center (Middleton):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
1 k trail manufactured snow. Well groomed. A couple of hills, all in good shape. Come out and ski!
(Dave Minden) -
Dec 18 - Blackhawk Ski Club Trails (Middleton):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
It was nice to get out on a partly sunny day. I classic skied and it was pretty nice. There were no tracks set so it was a bit slippery in places. I had metal edges on which helped. Snow was nicely groomed and the skaters were having fun it looked like. Hopefully we will get some of mother natures snow and tracks can be laid.
Photos:
(Christopher Quandt) -
NewDec 28 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Recent rain and warm temps have definitely taken a toll on man-made trail. But, the trail is still well covered and very skiable with a firm, wet, "rough", and somewhat dirty base. Magic Carpet downhill is good until it meets the base loop. Look out for ice/slush/standing water on the trail and in the tracks at the base. Tracks are still there in a much more thawed shallow/wider form. I was very lonely, with only 5-7 other skiers on the trail in upper 40's temps! Very blessed to be skiing thanks to all the trail snowmaking volunteers!!
(Dean Hanke) -
Dec 26 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Evening[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Did some laps tonight. Man made loop in good condition all things considered. No bare spots. No issue getting an edge.
(Paul Dix) -
Dec 26 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Despite the 42 degrees, mist and fog, the ski conditions were surprisingly good. It was enjoyable 15k ski.
(Don Howell) -
Dec 26 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic Secondhand
Skied the manmade loops around noon on classic skis. Skiing was good despite the temperatures rising into the 40's with fog and mist. Mostly clean snow with occasional spots of pine needles and deer tracks. Skate lanes were still firm but softening. Some skaters thought it was better than yesterday due to a softer top layer. Tracks were still holding shape but becoming slick or moist. Lower loops had slick or wet tracks and upper wooded loops were just slick. There was a very short section near the trailhead obviously slushy/wet.
(Michael Graham) -
Dec 26 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Observation
Sadly the weather has taken a turn for the worse. We will not be grooming for the foreseeable future. Rain may open up some bare areas so please ski with caution. Grooming plans: We will be back out grooming when the temperatures drop below freezing and the trail drys out.
(Mark Janis) -
Dec 25 - CLCF Nordic (West Bend):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Perfectly groomed trails on all natural snow for xMas! It doesnt get any better. All the skate lanes are newly groomed and the classic trails are deep, if not a little soft after new snow and a few days of skiing. Skin skis today with only a little slip--mostly very good grip/glide. Low 20s start. High 20s by 10:30.
(Russ Sobotta) -
Dec 24 - CLCF Nordic (West Bend):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skated today at 2:00pm. Very nice conditions, even in the deep part of the woods. Little to no debris, and thick snow made for a nice time, no concerns with using good skis. Thanks Gerry!
(Ben Barts) -
Dec 24 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
Classic skied the man-made loops around noon. Very busy with families. Trail was in excellent condition for both skate and stride after grooming this morning. Holding up well to the heavy holiday traffic. Fully covered with clean snow. Mostly fresh snow in the mix from last weeks snowstorm. Tracks were full depth. All man-made trails are now open including the 1-mile Woods Loop. All loops are now skiing the normal directions, mostly one way. Other park trails are rock skiing only. Kudos to the snowmaking volunteers.
Photos:
(Mike Graham) -
Dec 24 - CLCF Nordic (West Bend):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Lots of snow at CLCF. Trails were nicely groomed and a little soft due to the 3+ inches of snow they received the day before. New track was not set but the old track looked good.
Photos:
(Joel Lammers) -
Dec 24 - CLCF Nordic (West Bend):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Out around 10AM, found fabulous new / soft snow conditions. Groomer had been out earlier in morning so some fresh corduroy, good coverage throughout. Lot was full with many happy faces on trail. Combine that with stunning scenery - a bit of "ski heaven".
(Dave Miller) -
Dec 24 - Pike Lake Unit (Hartford):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Classic
No grooming yet, but there's a decent set of classic trails set by previous skiers. Snow was a little sticky at times, but everything is covered.
Photos:
(Sally Eschrich) -
Dec 24 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming Scheduling
I had the Pisten Bully out early this morning grooming the entire manmade trail system. New tracks were set and skate deck was tilled on all trails. Both look to be in great shape. Enjoy skiing. Please don't expect trails to be groomed Christmas Eve or Christmas Day unless Santa makes a surprise visit in the Pisten Bully.
(Mike Koester) -
Dec 23 - CLCF Nordic (West Bend):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic Secondhand
Great mid-day ski today on very nice classic tracks. Most of the tracks still in great conditions while some area find skaters who have lost their way and obliterated the very nice tracks. Great hill climbing grip with skin skis with variable bindings set fairly forward. Started snowing again as I was leaving, 2-3 more inches fell. Grooming plans: Jerry plans to groom again early tomorrow.
(Russ Sobotta) -
Dec 23 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
The warm temps and fresh snow created some slick conditions for skating. If you've got the ability to keep you edge you were going to fly. If you're a beginner you were going to struggle. Tracks looked pretty clean for those folks doing classic.
(Michael Tate) -
Dec 23 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
Man-made loop felt great for a couple laps, and then things kicked up a notch as it started snowing! Great gliding through the woods and down the Magic Carpet, too, as the winter wonderland materialized. Little icy on a couple stretches on the back corner of the main flat, and some twigs here and there, but overall very clean and plenty smooth.
Photos:
(Taylor Soderling) -
Dec 22 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Evening[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
We have a full man made loop! The last of the piles have been spread. The skate deck was tilled and is in great condition. About half of the classic tracks were reset and are full depth and firm. The remaining tracks are in fair to good condition. Grooming plans: The snow off to the side of the start area and in the playground will be spread out sometime in the coming week.
(Mark Janis) -
Dec 22 - Brown Deer Park (Milwaukee):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
North side of the park for classic skis was broken in, likely by intrepid souls rather than a groomer. Trailhead felt like the Birkie starting line with 6 lanes, though they eventually merge and fork helter skelter by the end of the curve. Old inner loop by the big field had a fence up that at least two people saw fit to push through. One trail goes off into the woods on the very north corner that abruptly ends. Inner loop of the main two that circle the traditional route was much nicer, the one by the road faded frequently. For a mercy, the heavy foot traffic intersected a lot but never seemed to impact the improvised ski channels. Downhill portions lose their ruts, so prepare to freestyle a bit. Only a couple twigs/branches down, but many portions have less than an inch of packed snow on top of paved sidewalk, so brace your arms. South side by the golf course is not groomed for skate skiing. Lots of criss crossing traditional ski trails, though. Overall, a fun first day back at it!
(Taylor Soderling) -
Dec 22 - Brown Deer Park (Milwaukee):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Trails are not professionally groomed, but well skied-in by lots of skiers. Snow was great today until the sun came up and the temperature made things sticky.
(Allen Daily) -
Dec 22 - McMiller (Eagle):
AfternoonObservation
Stopped at McMiller this afternoon, but did not ski. The skate deck looked very thin, with grass poking through and bare spots around the shelter by the parking lot. The trail to the biathlon loop looked pretty thin as well.
(Ben Bartley) -
Dec 22 - Menomonee Park (Menomonee Falls):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Trails did not appear to be groomed. I alternated between blazing my own path on trails shared with hikers and utilizing some well-established tracks of previous skiers. Ski tracks were more intact the farther from the dog park you got. I utilized the purple and yellow trails and did not encounter any bare spots.
(Cathy Schroeder) -
Dec 22 - CLCF Nordic (West Bend):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Awesome skiing conditions. The classic tracks were plentiful, very well set, and firm throughout about half of the system. My Madshus skin skis had great grip up all of the hills (except for the Apple Tree Hill but that's a steep one). Skate lanes looked really nice. Fox Hill (with its own micro-climate) received approximately 12" in the bullseye of the last storm. It really groomed up nicely with complete coverage. Bring your good skis.
(Russ Sobotta) -
Dec 22 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic Secondhand
Classic Skied the Manmade Loops 11am - 12:30 pm. Temp rose to the high 20's. Conditions mostly excellent. Skate lane looked like groomed new snow. Tracks last groom was Friday morning. Tracks were very skiable: not glazed or washed out or dirty. Tracks have held up well to Lapham traffic due to recent cold weather. Blue Extra kick wax worked well. Some of the Woods Loop temporary 2 way tracks were reset to dual tracks on one side instead of single track on each side. This created confusion with classic skiers not always skiing their right hand track of the dual track and not using them on downhill. A friend skied on the natural snow trails and recommended rock skis.
(Michael Graham) -
Dec 21 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Night[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Grooming
The Piston Bully was out at night tilling the skate deck. It should be in great shape. Level and firm with a nice loose layer on top. The classic tracks were left in place and are in great condition. Alex did a great job running the machine. Grooming plans: Snowmaking has concluded and has left us with some nice piles to push out. We will be doing that during the day tomorrow and should have everything open for skiing on Monday.
(Mark Janis) -
Dec 21 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skate skied Saturday afternoon. Snow was still a bit cold and slower. The man-made loop around the shelter prairie is in good shape. If you want to ski the south prairie loop, bring your rock skis. Lots of opportunity for long, not particularly steep hills (except the short hill east of summer stage) on the man-made loops. Tracks are well set on the man-made loops. Tracks not set around the south prairie, as the snow is not deep enough. Should be really good on Sunday.
(Sandie Pendleton) -
Dec 21 - Nordic Ski Trail (La Grange):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Snow was slow but coverage was enough to keep moving. Southern section (e.g. purple) much better than northern (e.g. Green). Lots of rocks and debris to dodge on Green. Purple surprisingly clean and skatable.
(Wendy Ochs) -
Dec 21 - Brown Deer Park (Milwaukee):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial ]Observation
Classic portion is open and people have classic skied on the golf course side. It had not been groomed for skating as of 3pm Saturday.
(Adam Hudson) -
Dec 21 - CLCF Nordic (West Bend):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Classic tracks were very good, firm and deep. The skate lane was good, still soft in some spots especially the east/west loops in the woods. The Porta potty will arrive Monday.
(Jerry Gensch) -
Dec 21 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Classic
I did laps on the manmade loop thos morning. The classic tracks were in great shape, getting hit on one side with the new snow being made but that did not prevent skiing any part of the loop.
(Michelle McArdle) -
Dec 21 - UW-Parkside Ski Trail (Kenosha):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
It looked like no grooming had been done yet. There were two sets of tracks from other skiers. One set went up the self grooming trail and the other went on the path of where the groomed trail would be. The conditions weren't bad, but I could see there being some bare spots on the normally groomed route.
(Carsten Western) -
Dec 21 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
The Piston Bully was out tilling the skate deck of the snowmaking loop. The classic tracks were left in place and are full depth and firm. Snowmaking was in progress to complete the loop and fill in low spots. There will be a few unspread piles to ski on and around tomorrow. The trails off of the snowmaking loop were groomed with the roller yesterday as well. It is fairly thin but skiable. There was not enough depth to set tracks. Good skis on the man-made snow, rock skis on everything else.
(Collin Bergholz) -
Dec 20 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Night[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Grooming
The Piston Bully was out tilling the skate deck. The classic tracks were left in place and are full depth and firm. Snowmaking was in progress to complete the loop and fill in low spots. There will be a few unspread piles to ski on and around tomorrow.
(Mark Janis) -
Dec 20 - CLCF Nordic (West Bend):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic Secondhand
Out for light classic ski around 1PM. New soft snow conditions with good coverage throughout. Initial grooming tracks helped to pack trail. Grooming plans: Spoke with groomer Jerry who indicates formal grooming will take place after break-in period for new snow machine. Anticipate snow settling overnight with additional grooming tomorrow. Many thanks to those who contributed to acquiring new grooming machine!
(Dave Miller) -
Dec 20 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
The fresh snow and the recent grooming has the man-made ski trail in excellent condition. The Into the Woods section is two way until the Dark Cutoff is completed. Come on out and enjoy some great skiing.
(Will Edwards) -
Dec 20 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Grooming
The piston bully was out early this morning grooming the open portion of the snowmaking loop. Conditions should be really good with this fresh snow mixed in. Grooming plans: There are plans to start making some snow starting late tonight through mid day tomorrow. The plan is to finish off that short stretch into the woods to complete the snowmaking loop. Please be cautious and give room for the snowmaking equipment and the groomers.
(Collin Bergholz) -
Dec 19 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
With the groomers report last night, I arrived at 1pm with it snowing and 2" of fluff snow on top of the groomed man-made skate deck. It was slower but still enjoyable.
(Don Howell) -
Dec 19 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Both
Thanks again to the groomers as Lapham had a good skate deck and good classic track. New snow falling from mid morning on. The man-made snow loops are nearly complete; awaiting the short segment south of Summerstage Hill for a completion of the snowmaking loops.
Photos:
(Charles Brummitt) -
Dec 19 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Got to Lapham this morning to find the trails freshly groomed with nice deep tracks for classic skiing and the skate deck looked ready to go. Lots of skiers out having fun, especially with the snow beginning to fall. I have been out to Lapham about 3 times a week for the past 3 weeks, and feel incredibly lucky to have been able to ski. Thanks to all the volunteer snowmakers, groomers, and others who work so hard to make this happen!
(Lisa Muxworthy) -
Dec 19 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Nice skiing today on freshly groomed trails. The new snow that is falling is starting to slow things down. With all but a small section of trail groomed, there is two-way skiing up Magic Carpet ride past 2 tier all the way to the dark cutoff making for a nice long loop.
(Paul Keber) -
Dec 18 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Night[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
I had the Pisten Bully out tonight and groomed and reset tracks on all the man-made trails that we have open. It should be a great day of skiing, come on out and enjoy. Grooming plans: Weather permitting the Snow Makers will be back out this weekend and could complete our whole man-made trail system. Happy skiing!
Photos:
(Beattle Adelmeyer) -
Dec 18 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
The skate deck was hard packed and icy. I did 50% double poling as it was difficult to skate with little edging to push off. I was disappointed the icy condition were not reported this morning; I would not have driven up 60 miles round trip.
(Don Howell)
Michigan Upper Peninsula
-
NewDec 28 - ABR (Ironwood):
Evening[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
We started out with a groom crew here at 6 AM. We collaborated and delayed grooming for a bit since it was raining. I checked all my grooming hand books and Snowcross searched you tube... there were no instructions. Bull Dog told us to dress properly, put on "your Big Boy Pants" and get out there! Crasher was reluctant so he devised an umbrella windshield wiper system. We groomed old ABR (previously reported) this morning, found dirt spots, slush spots, icy spots and good stretches of snow. We had a busy day with satisfied skiers. Conditions were as advertised and skiable. Grooming plans: We have 4 groomers coming in to groom at 6 am. We will groom old ABR skate lanes. Classic tracks will be left as is until we get more snow. Expect tracks will be glazed/icy on the single tracks, this is fun for the flats but can be difficult for beginners on trails with hills so we are suggesting deer trail and jacks flats and cherry dairy for classic without hills. Intermediate skiers may enjoy the combi trails more going down River, Popple Flats, with hill bypass at pit point, memory, river and coming back on blueberry and meadow ridge. The dog trails are holding up well since they don't get much use.
(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails) -
NewDec 28 - ABR (Ironwood):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
We are just coming in grooming in the rain. The conditions have deteriorated from yesterday. There are many thin areas, wet areas and bare areas. We groomed the wide trails of old ABR and the dog trails, it is skiable and we are open.
Photos:
(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails) -
NewDec 27 - ABR (Ironwood):
Evening[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
We had a full crew out today grooming early this morning. The skate lanes groomed up pretty well but the groomers are bringing up some debris... not rocks but organic matter, dirt on the high spots and leaves and nuts when we groom over where the squirrels are digging holes in the trails looking for their nuts. There are about 6 bedrock exposures on the 43.8 km we groomed today Classic tracks on the main trails are worn, glazed but skiing pretty decent. We reset classic tracks on Hemlock (the beginning is rough after the slight downhill but the rest was pretty good) jack and white pine, tamarack 2 track and sunset groomed up well. Wolf tracks is still pretty hit and miss. I am going to close puumala tomorrow and ridge runner because of some thin snow conditions on the downhills. Grooming plans: We have a full groomer crew in the early morning, based on the forecast we should be able to make lemonade in the morning.
(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails) -
NewDec 27 - ABR (Ironwood):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
All of the classic only trails were set in the morning. However the warm temperatures caused them to deteriorate by the afternoon. The skate deck looked really good. All in all it was a good day of sking in-spite of the warm temperatures.
(Eric Koch) -
NewDec 27 - ABR (Ironwood):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
We groomed about 45 k of combination trails and set 37 k of new track on classic only trails, some thin areas from snowplowing and grooming but very skiable. Picture of jack pine.
Photos:
(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails) -
Dec 26 - ABR (Ironwood):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
45 km of combination (skate and classic) trails were groomed up this morning by three of us. The trails turned out very good. Classic only trails are skiable but the classic tracks on the combi trails are much better. Hemlock downhill to River and Wolf Tracks are open but not as snow covered as others. Grooming plans: Five groomers scheduled for the early morning. We plan to regroom the main trails including the Highlands and dog trails across the road tomorrow but we do not plan on regrooming classic tracks until it cools and we get another inch or two.
(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails) -
Dec 26 - ABR (Ironwood):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Another very good afternoon of skiing. Really, no deterioration of the trails since I was last here on Monday despite no new snow. I arrived at 2:00 pm and it was 34F and same when I left two hours later. Just a few more areas where the trail is brown, but still very comfortable skating: consistent deck, no icy spots.
(Charlie Dee) -
Dec 26 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
All trails freshly groomed and tracked this morning. Come and enjoy! The overnight temps kept the base in good shape.
(Deborah Leonard Greiter) -
Dec 25 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic Secondhand
Skied Wolverine this Christmas evening around 3:30 pm. Very good skiing, pretty fast and good classic tracks. One section was reported to be bare due to wind by the groomer on the pond loop. Get out on skis while conditions are good!
Photos:
(Liam Schoeller) -
Dec 24 - ABR (Ironwood):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
We had a great day of skiing today with 45 km of fresh grooming and 27 degrees. The skiing has been very good with the exception of Hemlock downhill and wolf tracks cedar swamp, we are 100% open with 92 km of trails. Grooming plans: We don't like to have employees work on Christmas but we do have a groomer volunteer to groom with me on Christmas Day.
Photos:
(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails) -
Dec 24 - ABR (Ironwood):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Conditions were fabulous for my ski at ABR this Christmas Eve. These were the best conditions of the year from my experience. Trails were much flatter than they have been the snow was fast and edge control pretty much perfect.
(Kirby Schuller) -
Dec 23 - ABR (Ironwood):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skating was great. While it hasn't snowed for several days so there are some dirty spots appearing, they are small, infrequent and easily avoidable. The skate deck is firm with excellent purchase for skate-offs. Fa La La.
(Charlie Dee) -
Dec 22 - ABR (Ironwood):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Observation
Today I saw 4 out of 8 of our groom crew on the trail skiing. That is a sign the conditions are pretty good...and I get the info on what needs regrooming. That's great feedback from our crew. Grooming plans: Tomorrow we have a groom crew of 4 and we will be resetting tracks and regrooming skate lanes.
(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails) -
Dec 21 - ABR (Ironwood):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Combi trails very good for both skate and classic; classic-only trails could use more snow but still fun and skiable.
Photos:
(Will Andresen) -
Dec 21 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
All trails were groomed this morning. Conditions good to excellent! Solstice skiing at it's best. Welcome Irondale High School skiers!
Photos:
(Deborah Leonard Greiter) -
Dec 20 - ABR (Ironwood):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
This is the kind of ski/trail report I love to write... All trails groomed and open. The new 3 inches really leveled out the trails and made for new clean classic tracks. Ridge Runner is classic only Saturday, skating Sunday. Puumala is skiing good with a few spots to dodge, it was opened today. Wolf tracks still has a few spots to watch. Grooming plans: Skate lane groomers will be out early morning to make fresh corduroy.
(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails) -
Dec 20 - Miners Memorial Heritage Park (Ironwood):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Fresh tracks (and deck) at Miners. Sparkling snow. Almost good skis but probably safer with Bs. Everything groomed including Curry Trail into downtown.
Photos:
(Sue Schroeder) -
Dec 20 - ABR (Ironwood):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Just set track on all trails with the grooming team. Most areas are in good ski condition with some small isolated areas rated as B skis.
Photos:
(Kyle Pallin) -
Dec 19 - ABR (Ironwood):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
what a blast today grooming the new snow into the old base. We had 5 of us out there today "bombing around" as we call it (better known as grooming with 2 way radios). We start out with a plan and then change it as needed. Today Crasher groomed the south skate lanes including the new redesigned. Calmed down Ridge Runner, he also headed east on Deer Trail and did the Historic Trail. BullDog, Partner and Snow cross teamed up on a major widening, leveling and renovating of the classic only trails setting new track -- they broke a few eggs to make that omelette (code for they brought up some debris in the process). Pig Heart picked the Candy with the big 108 and groomed skate lanes north then headed out on Jessie's Trail the Tamarack 2 track to level and renovate ahead of the with classic trail groomers (broke a few more eggs down on the south end). Skiing was rated as good today, dodging the egg shells on the classics and very good on the combo trails for skate and classic. An inch of new snow slowed the skating down mid morning. Grooming plans: It is snowing now and we have a groom crew scheduled to groom at 6 AM.
(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails) -
Dec 19 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Groomers reset some classic tracks and groomed all the skate lanes this morning. Snow started lightly this afternoon and into the evening.
(Deborah Leonard Greiter) -
Dec 18 - ABR (Ironwood):
Evening[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
A fun morning of grooming, we had 6 of us out in 2 teams of 3. I headed north with Black Smith, And Bull Dog and we renovated and reset tracks on the "candy" River, Popple, Memory, Sulos, Deer, Cherry and Hilltop. Classic tracks turned out pretty good mixing in the old and new snow and skate lanes were mint. Crasher, Snowcross and Wully Bully groomed to the south, they also had a successful result. Skiers were pleased. Grooming plans: It snowed all day and we have a 5 person groom team on schedule for 6 am. We will work on some classic only trails and the combo trails.
Photos:
(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails) -
Dec 18 - ABR (Ironwood):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Skate skied most of the trails in 2-inches of fresh snow! Firm base under fresh snow. Fantastic ski! Thank you ABR.
(Susan Fisher) -
Dec 18 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
All trails groomed this morning for skating and striding. A couple inches of snow fell overnight and more was coming down this morning. Good conditions.
(Deborah Leonard Greiter) -
NewDec 27 - Valley Spur (Munising):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All ]Observation
Temps ran up to 39F overnight and probably won't get below freezing until late Saturday night. A number of classic skiers out today and report tracks were holding up. With the forecast, we are asking skaters to stay off the skate deck if they are leaving deep marks.
Photos:
(John Gierke) -
Dec 26 - Valley Spur (Munising):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Both
Groomer John C was out early and scratched up the skate lanes but left the classic tracks. Skaters were giving it a very good to excellent rating as the last two melt downs firmed up our deck with some light snow since mixing in well with the old snow. Classic tracks are faster. A solid 12" base throughout the system. Lodge will be open everyday from 10a-4pm every day through New Year's Day.
Photos:
(John Gierke) -
Dec 22 - McKeever Hills (Munising):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skied the complete loop. Generally really nice in A and B. C needs more snow and tracks on much of it.
Photos:
(Mike VanWormer) -
Dec 22 - Valley Spur (Munising):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Very good conditions, 3-4 inches of fluff has fallen since yesterday mornings grooming. Tracks were still in good shape, with any new snow skied in. Easy control on the steep downhill was welcome.
(Patrick Doornek) -
Dec 21 - Valley Spur (Munising):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
I skate skied B, Z and parts of G early this afternoon. The trail had been recently groomed. It was in great condition, very smooth. The trail was a little soft and the fresh snow made the skiing a bit slow. Glide was faster in the classic tracks. The inner trails are more firm. These trails are gorgeous.
(Joe Polacheck) -
Dec 21 - Valley Spur (Munising):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Observation
Lake effect snow showers kept drifting in yesterday and overnight so groomer was out early this morning to roll the system and set track.
Photos:
(John Gierke) -
Dec 20 - Valley Spur (Munising):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Conditions were amazing! Groomer was out Thursday and today there was a fresh dusting on top of a hard-packed snow base. Truly a winter wonderland here. The warming hut has friendly staff, and tea kettles for hot drinks. Well worth the drive and trail fees.
Photos:
(Amy Schultz) -
Dec 20 - Valley Spur (Munising):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Light snow coming down overnight and during the day made for great conditions, both classic and skate. After the warm up last Sunday/Monday the base firmed up with still a solid 10". Thursday the groomer mixed in 4-5" of new snow. Today skaters were happy with an inch or two fluff, so good control and great glide. Classic was very good. Kick wax with pine tar prevented any icing with the fresh snow off the lake. Look for great weekend skiing. Lodge open every day from 10a to 4p.
(John Gierke) -
Dec 20 - McKeever Hills (Munising):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Entire system got groomed today, turned out good, could use more fresh snow over the hard packed snow.
(Mark Bender) -
NewDec 28 - Swedetown Trails (Calumet):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Observation
We are suspending grooming for today are more than likely tomorrow because of the warm weather and rain. We feel that this is the best way to preserve the current conditions of our trails. We'll update when grooming resumes.
(Tom Alberg, Expedition Inn) -
Dec 25 - Swedetown Trails (Calumet):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Merry Christmas to everyone today and when you get done opening your presents come on out enjoy the fantastic conditions. All trails have been tiller groomed and tracked this morning.
Photos:
(Tom Alberg, Expedition Inn) -
Dec 22 - Swedetown Trails (Calumet):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
All trails have been tiller groomed and tracked and the conditions are excellent. Get out and enjoy.
Photos:
(Tom Alberg, Expedition Inn) -
Dec 24 - Rapid River Ski Trail (Rapid River):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Grooming
Loop A and parts of Loop B are packed only with no tracks. With very low snow cover snowshoes are a good choice to enjoy your visit to RRSki Trail in the beautiful Hiawatha National Forest.
Photos:
(Howard Wilson)
Other Locations
United States
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Dec 25 - Tahoe Donner XC (Truckee, CA):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Beautiful conditions at Tahoe Donner Cross Country with fresh new snow over the holidays. Good skis with well-set deep classic tracks. Very firm skate deck.
Photos:
(Mindy Benton) -
Dec 23 - Snow Mountain Ranch (Granby, CO):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Two beautiful days skiing at Snow Mountain Ranch. Skied Pole Creek, Just, Gaskill, Blue Ridge, and Ute. Classic track was firm and debris-free throughout.
(Margie Grilley) -
Dec 22 - Snow Mountain Ranch (Granby, CO):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Conditions are excellent! Classic skied Tabernash to blue ridge to pole creek. Good skis, great coverage and most trails are open.
(Jodi Hotvet)