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Reports: 426

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Reporting All reports Firsthand/grooming only

 
Twin Cities area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 29 - William O'Brien State Park (Marine on St. Croix):
  Night
  [ Trails: Closed ]
  Observation 
  
  Walked the ski trails tonight, a mix of frozen dirt, ice, and a little snow. Ok for hiking but not much else.
  (Jim Smith)
• NewJan 29 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Well, mid-day to early afternoon conditions were getting a bit slushy and somewhat icy where the sun was bearing down on the trails. Conditions in the woods were much better. A High School Ski Race was ongoing. Still, a very nice ski on a beautiful sunny day. Btw: I really like the extra loop at the top of the upper stadium! (not that we need more hills there, but a nice quick down and up on what was part of the World Cup course).
  Photos:
  (Dave Carlson)
• NewJan 29 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  All of the snowmaking, lit trails are open and in good condition, but none of the natural snow trails are open (as expected given recent weather.) Soft, but pretty fast snow on skate deck in mostly solid, good condition today, but a few spots are a bit icy.
  Photos:
  (Megan Evans)
• NewJan 29 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle Crime 
  
  Got to BC about 11:30, and had the trails practically to myself for an hour and a half. Skate deck was still decently firm and fast to begin but felt it softening and slowing a little bit more each loop as it went from partly cloudy to full sun. Classic tracks were still mostly there, except on the downhill curves. Can't say it's unpleasant skiing at 35 and sunny, if only the snow had a melting point of 45! In case you missed it - trails closed to the public for HS racing Thursday from 8am to 4pm.
  (Jay Lyons)
• NewJan 29 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  The snowmaking loop was in fair to poor condition. Appeared that trail was not groomed this morning. It was mildly rutted particularly on the uphills. There were a few spots with little ice balls. Downhills were fast but rut momentarily caught my ski at the bottom of Boulder Ridge. Surprisingly for 10 am, there was a high school meet going on. Despite the challenges, I was still able to get in a fairly fast run. [ High school conference championships are on-going this week, next week will be section championships -- Ed. ]
  (Keith Carlson)
• NewJan 28 - Elm Creek Park Reserve (Maple Grove):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Classic skied Elm Creek around noon; conditions still very good, not icy nor too soft, but still fast. The wind wasn't noticeable once you got off the top onto southern half. Some leaves on tracks in a few places. Thank you groomers!
  (Karen Peters)
• NewJan 28 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  The snowmaking trail is holding up remarkably well, both classic (which I skied) and skate (others observed, seemed to be getting adequate ski set and glide). A very small number of spots in the track exposed to the most direct sun are starting to glaze slightly.
  (Bob Cattanach)
• NewJan 28 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Conditions on the snow-making loop were excellent at my 11:10 start. I guess the temp was 38 degrees at my start (car's display read 40) and I estimated 42 degrees when I ended a half hour later. It was sunny with brisk SW wind. Despite the temperature, the snow had not corned. In fact, the little moisture that showed had me questioning whether I should have switched to the warmer Opti Wax with a 23 to 40 degree range. Skis skated slower than I expected but downhill runs were fine. There was no sugar build up anywhere on the trail. Thanks again to the groomers.
  (Keith Carlson)
• NewJan 28 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
  Morning
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle Secondhand 
  
  I got out at Theo around 7:30 am, before the high school races started (the race activity was ramping up by 8:30). Loppet staff said I could have stayed and skied "18" because they were not racing that section. Conditions were very good overall, with just a couple areas showing some dirt coloring and debris. Some classic tracks had leaves from the increasing wind. Great to have so much trail open in preparation for a big race weekend.
  (Glenn Hansen)
• Jan 27 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Battle Creek was a very nice ski this morning. The groomers had the trails in good shape with a firm skate deck topped with edgeable snow. It was almost 30° when I got there with the wind straight out of the west at 5 - 7 knots, so I spent most of the time up on the ridge skiing laps around the South Tree and North Tree loops (out of the wind). The short downhill at the south end of South Tree had an equipment track down the middle of the trail just before the left-hand turn, but it was avoidable. The bottom of the hill at the north end of North Tree was developing a "trough and wake" around the left-hand curve, but it was navigable. The snow was fast enough to be fun, but still controllable on the descents. All in all, the skiing was very good.
  (David Sonnenberg)
• Jan 27 - Elm Creek Park Reserve (Maple Grove):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Because there were races going on at Theo and Hyland, I went to Elm. I hadn't skied there all season, and had a great ski. The tracks were in amazing shape, and extra blue worked perfectly. It was almost deserted compared to my busy favorites, Hyland and Theo. Although, they did have a couple group classic ski lessons going on while I was there, and I realized how perfect Elm Creek is for teaching beginners. It looked like they were all having a fun time learning.
  Photos:
  (Bill Lundberg)
• Jan 27 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
  Morning
  Observation 
  
  There is a high school meet this morning so most of Wirth course looks to be unavailable. No signage on how long this will last.
  (Tim Holmstrom)
• Jan 27 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All ]
  Scheduling 
  
  Meets for the week: Wednesday, 1/29, Suburban East Conference 3:30pm-5:30pm, Thursday, 1/30, Suburban East Conference: 8am-4pm (Closed course), and Friday, 1/31 Metro East Conference: 3:45pm-5:15pm. The trails will remain open to the public during Wednesday and Friday meets, but please be mindful of the high volume of skiers expected during these times. Thursday meet will be a closed course during the timeframe.
  (Thony Thao)
• Jan 26 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied all the snowmaking trails yesterday. Great conditions. It was busy with MYSL skiers but they were courteous and left room to ski around. The classic tracks were a little beat up but the sun and the snow made for a great ski.
  (Kris Gerber)
• Jan 26 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
  Afternoon
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Both 
  
  I skied twice at Battle Creek, trying both skate and classic. The skate deck was pretty fast and well groomed, holding shape through all the corners. And when I got in the tracks on the big downhill, I found them pleasingly speedy, maybe the fastest I've descended on skinny skis. And the downhill tracks were deep and consistent. In the afternoon, the classic tracks were getting shallow and washed out in areas. I did also notice a little dirt in a couple corners. Glad to see so many people out enjoying the trails.
  (Glenn Hansen)
• Jan 26 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  At my 12:05 start, the snow-making loop was in excellent condition. it was 22 degrees, sunny with a moderate west southwest wind. The front parking lots were packed but a number of spots opened up by the time I returned around 1:40. Skier traffic wasn't bad though once you got past Willow Creek. Snow was drier and slower in the shade but otherwise ran pretty fast. Thanks again to the groomers for continuing great conditions.
  (Keith Carlson)
• Jan 26 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  All 7K open. Skate deck was firm and in great shape. Most of the tracks for classic were non existent most likely due to the races held Saturday and Sunday.
  (Jim Nehl)
• Jan 26 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
  Afternoon
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Nice temp and sunny. Probably because of the races yesterday, there are no tracks north of the roundabout. The snow was good, so it was fine anyway. Mostly clean and packed. Tracks on Green Meadow/Twin Lakes were good. Inner Meadow was double tracked (for classic only?). Beautiful day to be out.
  Photos:
  (Laurie Ford)
• Jan 25 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  The snow-making loop was in very good condition at my 12:30 start. It was the low 20's with a brisk west northwest wind but thankfully sunny. There was a little more build-up of loose snow (relative to earlier this week) on the climbs particularly at the top half of Boulder Ridge and the first climb on the Scenic Foothils return. It was crowded with skiers stacking up on the start of the 1st outbound Scenic Foothills climb and upper half of of Boulder Ridge. Two skiers ahead of me went down on the Boulder Ridge downhill ( they were okay) but I had no trouble with control and getting safely past them. There was only a modest snowplow wake that I easily crossed half way down. Thanks again to the groomers.
  (Keith Carlson)
• Jan 24 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied most all the snow making trails. Tracks are still mostly in good shape, but were getting shallow, and washed out on corners. Very little leaf debris in the track. Overall pretty good mid winter conditions. I'll take it!
  (Rick Vatsaas)
• Jan 24 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  The snowmaking loop was in excellent condition at my 3 pm start. It was probably 25 degrees with light flurries. Despite high school races starting after I got off the trail at 3:30, the skier traffic was pretty light. Snow might have had a hint of moisture in more sun-exposed areas and was pretty fast for my Opti Waxed skis. It was my second fastest skate of the year. Fast enough that when I cut the curves on the Scenic Foothills and Willow Creek downhills on my return I got onto ungroomed, rough boilerplate that I couldn't see in the really flat light. Thanks again for a great job groomers.
  (Keith Carlson)
• Jan 24 - Lake Elmo Park Reserve (Lake Elmo):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  I checked out Lake Elmo over lunch since I saw Battle Creek had a high school meet. Lake Elmo still has some snow, but not a lot of skiable segments. I did the Prairie loop first and that was maybe passable depending on how desperate and/or adventurous you are, but it wasn't great and you'll have to ski over some rocks and bare dirt. The green and brown trails looked to be in worse shape. I made it out to where those two trails split and turned around since it wasn't worth it for me with all the bare dirt. I'll be sticking to the manmade loops until we get more snow.
  Photos:
  (Nick Arth)
• Jan 22 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  The entire snow making loop was open and in excellent condition. Just enough loose snow for bite, no sugar build up on the uphills and no boilerplate on the downhills. While air temp was 28 degrees at my 1:45 start, snow was still cold and dry and unfortunately slow for me. Skier traffic was moderate preceding the high school races. Thanks again to the groomers.
  (Keith Carlson)
• Jan 22 - Elm Creek Park Reserve (Maple Grove):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Starting skiing about 11:30 am. Very few skiers out. Tracks were deep and fresh as they were groomed that morning. However, they were very icy and fast. I fell once trying to stay in the track around a tight corner. After that, I was out of the track completely on those fast tight corners. I got good kick with swix v40 blue extra wax.
  (Earl Stabenow)
• Jan 22 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Fabulous conditions. Classic track was great. Firm, but no ice. Skate deck looked firm and well groomed. On the man-made trails, you just can't ask for better conditions.
  (John Helms)
• Jan 22 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
  Morning
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  25° and exquisite conditions today. The snow was as good as it has been all season. Zero sugar, just wonderful, firm snow on the skate deck. Thank you, groomers and staff at Hyland and the Three Rivers Park system who make this all happen.
  Photos:
  (Matt Frantzen)
• Jan 22 - Theodore Wirth North (Minneapolis):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Pristine grooming at Wirth this morning--as usual! The trails were in great shape for classic and skate. There was a little debris in the tracks on occasion from all of our wind lately, but very minimal. There were quite a few adult ski lessons going on today, but the trails were pretty much deserted in the outer loops. It's always a fun ski at Wirth!
  Photos:
  (Bill Lundberg)
• Jan 21 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
  Night
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Machine made trails were excellent again. It was quiet tonight. There was a good wind going up the hill, meaning the downhills were less ballistic and the uphills came with a nice boost. Grooming was excellent as always.
  (Mike Schowalter)
• Jan 21 - Battle Creek Regional Park West (Saint Paul):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All ]
  Scheduling 
  
  Meets for the week: Tuesday, 1/21, Metro East Conference 3:30pm-5:30pm, Wednesday, 1/22, Math&Science 3:45pm-5:15pm, and Friday, 1/24, MPLS South/Roosevelt 11am-2pm. The trails will remain open to the public during all races, but please be mindful of the high volume of skiers expected during these times.
  (Thony Thao)
• Jan 19 - Hyland Lake Park Reserve (Bloomington):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Excellent classic conditions at Hyland. My skins got good grip in the tracks on all climbs, and the swix polar wax (7 or below) had great glide. Very uncrowded for a Sunday! Cold of course, but it felt great once one warmed up.
  (Mike Schowalter)
• Jan 19 - Elm Creek Park Reserve (Maple Grove):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  I skied classic this morning starting about 9:30. The first two laps were a bit slow but each lap got a bit faster, the last lap I stepped out of the tracks on the donut downhill. It looked like some one had done several classic laps before I got there also three laps skate, I never saw another skier for an hour and a half. The wind wasn't bad, I had to flip my glasses up due to frost and still didn't have to worry about my face. The classic skiing was good with lots of kick and fairly good glide. It looked like the skate was rather slow with ski tracks being at most one and a half ski lengths long.
  (Thomas Harris)

 
Duluth area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 29 - Magney-Snively Trail (Duluth):
  Afternoon
  [ B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Very icy in the track and skate lane. Track is very shallow to non-existent. The base is still ok and not much debris in the track or skate lane. We just need more snow so the groomer can go back out there.
  (Lori Mattson)
• NewJan 29 - Boulder Lake Management Area Ski Trails (Duluth):
  Afternoon
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Came up from Duluth today and thought it might be icy after yesterday. All things considered it wasn't too bad. Just did bear paw. No tracks set but folks left some for me to use. Not the best conditions for sure but just happy to get out there on a nice winters day.
  Photos:
  (Randall Helander)
• NewJan 28 - Boulder Lake Management Area Ski Trails (Duluth):
  Afternoon
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Worse conditions I've ever encountered in 15 years. Enough snow to ski on, but pretty much no grooves for the classical skier. Feet going everywhere and downhill was an adventure. But, still a workout and a beautiful day.
  (Carol Nelson)
• NewJan 28 - Magney-Snively Trail (Duluth):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Skied Spirit and Magney this morning (before the warm up). Magney has good coverage with an occasional rock or thin spot. Spirit is pretty dirty in spots (I skied on the edge of the trail to get around a few areas). Be careful with the downhill at Magney just before the Connector. It is thin (from ppl snowplowing) with debris poking through. I would consider side stepping on downhills rather than snowplowing if you're not comfortable skiing down (since our snowbase is so thin!) Think snow!
  Photos:
  (Elaine Nelson)
• Jan 27 - Bagley Nature Area (Duluth):
  Night
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Trails have been tracked. They set in quite well considering the shallowness of the trail, and hopefully, they last with the warm weather this week. I would still stay away from using good skis with thin base and some shallow rocks underneath. Trails are decent overall though, so get out and have some fun skiing!
  (Micah Hanson)
• Jan 27 - Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (Duluth):
  Night
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming Scheduling 
  
  Tonight we re-groomed all skate decks, following 2 days of very heavy use. Both trails are 100% covered and we pushed out the left side to give skaters more separation from the classic tracks. The track is 95% intact, some washouts on the turns. Shallow due to snow depth; we considered resetting, but with the 3 day forecast, decided we could not improve what we have. Looking ahead: Tuesday is a No Dog Day, Wednesday is a Member Dog Day. Thursday's East High Invitational has been moved to Spirit My due to our classic track conditions, so we'll be open 8-8 as usual.
  Photos:
  (John Graham)
• Jan 27 - Lester Park (Duluth):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  I had a great time at Lester and I'm grateful for our groomers! Here are some tips for a good time. Leave your good skis at home. Park at the chalet and ski the back half of Lester, the trails there are in beautiful condition. The front half has lots of dirt and leaves, especially on the hills.
  Photos:
  (Kari Hedin)
• Jan 27 - Magney-Snively Trail (Duluth):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  +1C overcast and breezy. Magney Snively is in fantastic condition. All the downhills were skiable without fear of dirt or rocks. There is still a lot of undulation but it is easy to ski through with some attention. The connector to Spirit Mtn is also in great shape. I skied from the Spirit Mtn trail system.
  Photos:
  (Louise Levy)
• Jan 27 - Upper Spirit Mountain Trails (Duluth):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  +1C overcast and breezy. The snow is thin in a lot of places, dirt and rocks have been pulled up by the groomer. But all the spots are possible to ski around with caution and low speed. I skied the 5km - and the connector to Magney Snively and the two loops.
  Photos:
  (Louise Levy)
• Jan 27 - University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center (Cloquet):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  I groomed and set track on both the pink and orange loop today. There is not a lot of snow to work with and the tracks are shallow in many areas. But the ground is almost completely covered with snow.
  (Mark Hagen)
• Jan 27 - Pine Valley (Cloquet):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  I skated the White Pine trail just after new grooming. The skate deck was fully covered and soft. A little dirt in a few spots. An old shallow classic track is on the side of the trail. The groomer had been through the Pine Valley main trail as well. Nice grooming with not much snow.
  (Tim Blais)
• Jan 27 - Magney-Snively Trail (Duluth):
  Morning
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Magney continues to be the best, most abundant real snow in the Twin Ports area. Complete coverage all over. The "baby" groomer was there today, not the piston, while I was out, saw it go by my house and then finishing up on the trail. Surprisingly there was a very small amount of tree debris on the trail and in the tracks given the strong wind we have had for the past two days. The skate lane was kinda combed, but you could still see the tracks from the previous activity after he was done. Temp was 32 when I was out. The classic tracks are pretty well used and misshapen throughout and were not regroomed. All pictures taken after the groomer was done. Still the best around town.
  Photos:
  (Eve Graves)
• Jan 27 - Chester Bowl (Duluth):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Went for a quick classic ski this morning! Tracks were generally in good condition, icy in some spots and a bit of occasional debris. Given the winter we're having, I was happy with it! The sunrise over the lake didn't hurt either.
  Photos:
  (Claire Mutch)
• Jan 26 - Boulder Lake Management Area Ski Trails (Duluth):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Absolutely beautiful! Smooth snow! Dog day so trails were messy.
  Photos:
  (Abel Johnson)
• Jan 26 - Korkki Nordic (Duluth):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Trails were well established with very infrequent twigs and very small bare spots. No ice except right by parking. Groomer was going out just as we were coming in.
  Photos:
  (Terry Brown)
• Jan 25 - Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (Duluth):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming Scheduling 
  
  Very busy day with more than 200 skiers signing-in. All trails are open, were tracked, and groomed Friday night. KidSki session 3 will be Sunday 1:45-3:45. With 125 kids, plus instructors and parents, the parking will be congested, the chalet and surrounding area crowded, and rentals paused until 3:45. Sunday is a No Dog Day.
  (John Graham)
• Jan 25 - Erkki Harju Ski Trail (Two Harbors):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  I skate-skied the outer loop and the inner loop. Conditions were pretty good for skate skiing! Slow with an inch or two of snow on top of the snow pack. There was a homemade classic track that looked quite fast. No lights on yet.
  (Katya Gordon)
• Jan 25 - Lester Park (Duluth):
  Afternoon
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied upper trails in Lester today. Conditions were great. A few thin spots, no rocks or branches. Nice groom. Classic tracks are not super deep and firm of course, but skied well, and so did the skate deck.
  (Tjaard Breeuwer)
• Jan 25 - Magney-Snively Trail (Duluth):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Magney has great coverage. Tracks are in pretty good shape throughout. Only one or two spots under trees that are sparse. Lots of skiers out enjoying the warm (comparatively) day!
  Photos:
  (Rachelle Walker)
• Jan 25 - Erkki Harju Ski Trail (Two Harbors):
  Afternoon
  [ B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Skated the inner loop, ungroomed, plenty of snow cover thanks to previous grooming. A few other brave souls have been out.
  (Jan Seppala)
• Jan 25 - Mother Bear Ski Trail (Brimson):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  It was a beautiful morning to be in the woods. About an inch of light snow had fallen since the last grooming, so it was a little slow going the first time around. Everything except the 7-8 trail was groomed. Still a lot of twigs sticking through, since the coverage is thin. The skiing is also bumpy because the snow just covers the ground. Grooming was excellent, and I was happy to make two full loops and enjoy the quiet. It is close to 13K if you ski the whole outer perimeter.
  Photos:
  (Adam Schwartz-Lowe)
• Jan 25 - Boulder Lake Management Area Ski Trails (Duluth):
  Morning
  [ B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  I skied bear Claw. Tracks not really visible. Covered by a couple of inches of fresh snow. But skiing was good. Get out there.
  (Penelope Morton)
• Jan 25 - Biskey Ponds Ski Trails (Duluth):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Had a good ski at Biskey. No recent grooming but all trails are skied in over the tracks set a bit ago. Fresh snow and above zero! Worth a trip to the trails.
  (Scott Thompson)
• Jan 24 - Boulder Lake Management Area Ski Trails (Duluth):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  I skied Blue Ox, Nine Pine and Bear Paw. The trail is still pretty bumpy but without a lot of obstructions poking through. It needs more snow to help even out some of the humps and bumps. The track wasn't established yet; just skied in by a few skiers. The backside of Blue Ox and most of Bear Paw were the nicest. The connector to the East parking lot was also nice but not quite uniform yet. It did not appear to be groomed today, but we also got some more snow this evening.
  Photos:
  (Peter Larsen)
• Jan 24 - Hartley Park (Duluth):
  Afternoon
  [ B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Tracks are starting to get a bit beaten up, but coverage is good except for a few thin spots here and there.
  (Catherine Winter)
• Jan 24 - Boulder Lake Management Area Ski Trails (Duluth):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Skate deck has been groomed on all trails and has been skied in. Good pole plants due to a firm base under loosely packed upper layer of snow that is deep in some places. Bear Paw is in the best shape follwed by Blue Ox. Nine Pine is the most uneven, lumpy, soft spots and some stubble poking up. No classic tracks set including lonesome grouse. Worth the ski. Get out and enjoy it!
  Photos:
  (Chandra Shoberg)
• Jan 24 - Biskey Ponds Ski Trails (Duluth):
  Afternoon
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  We classic skied Biskey around noon today. The trail has not been groomed since the 3 or so inches of fresh fluff. Thank you to whoever skied in the tracks on one side, our group skied in the other side too. Wolf run was in good shape, tracks about 95% in tact. We also skied Black Spruce which had plenty of coverage but maybe 40% of the tracks intact and quite a bit of uneven ground.
  (Eve Graves)
• Jan 24 - Piedmont Trail (Duluth):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  This may be my first trail report! Great to ski in the backyard again after the disappointment of last winter. The double track is in good condition with some sticks and leaves that are avoidable. Pole plants are a little soft but it should firm up with more skiers. Thank you to the groomers!
  (Chelsey Youngberg)
• Jan 23 - Biskey Ponds Ski Trails (Duluth):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Biskey is lovely in any conditions, of course. Today I found the snow coverage to be pretty good. But, any classic tracks set are faint memories after this week's snow, and the going was slow. A couple of people, and now one more, have skied all the trails since the snow. So, as of Thursday evening, probably consider the tracks to be skied-in, rather than machine set. Coverage was a bit thin in a few places, mostly just on the eagle ridge trail, hence the B skis. Pole plants were finding a firm base under the three inches of fluffy powder.
  (Will Daniels)
• Jan 23 - Piedmont Trail (Duluth):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Tracks are mostly intact and just a few sticks here and there that are easily avoided. Huge thank you to the groomers who have the trail in great shape after it was driven over last week by a vehicle.
  (Rachelle Walker)
• Jan 23 - Lester Park (Duluth):
  Afternoon
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Lower trail groomed. No track set, but one was skied in by an expert skier, very nice and even. A few thin spots.
  (Tjaard Breeuwer)
• Jan 23 - University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center (Cloquet):
  Afternoon
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  We classic skied around noon today. Trails were very recently groomed and there is a good track for about 50% of what we skied. The rest of the skied in or very shallow track was pretty skied out and misshapen and someone kinda skated on them at times. Lots of footprints, some on the tracks but walking is allowed. Those groomers got out there right away and it is appreciated!
  (Eve Graves)
• Jan 23 - Lester Park (Duluth):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Groomed this morning and I saw them taking another pass as I left. Skate deck soft but decent, track great in 90% with some washout on corners and hills. Variable debris on trail and some patches of grass sticking through but overall decent condition given snow.
  Photos:
  (Gabrielle Hester)
• Jan 22 - Hartley Park (Duluth):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Trails in good condition after the snow. A couple areas with thin layer of snow, but not an issue or damaging to skis.
  (Renee Allen)
• Jan 22 - Mother Bear Ski Trail (Brimson):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Trail was groomed on Wednesday after 3" new snow, and a stretch of -35 degree temps. Trail is getting better after each little snowfall, but still a little rough is the swampy areas.
  Photos:
  (Al Ringer)
• Jan 22 - Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (Duluth):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  3+ inches of snow overnight! Today we compacted all trails, groomed all skate decks, and set new classic tracks on both the 6K and 8K. It's still soft, untransformed snow, and saw a lot of use today, but the trail is smoothing-out, no exposed rocks, and safe for best skis. Thursday is a "Dog Day" for Season Members. We are open 8-8 everyday and the 3K lighted loop will be lit.
  Photos:
  (John Graham)
• Jan 22 - Pine Valley (Cloquet):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Appeared to have been groomed this morning. Good coverage with debris on sections of the trail. They were a few areas of dirt and stray rocks here and there but over all pretty good considering the lack of snow. Tracks looked to be in pretty good condition but contained more debris and dirt. White pine trail was groom but was very bumping making it hard to get a good rhythm.
  (Adam Van Straten)
• Jan 22 - University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry Center (Cloquet):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We groomed today but didn't set a track on most of the trail. We need more snow to avoid damage to the tracksetter.
  (Mark Hagen)
• Jan 22 - Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (Duluth):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  First time at Snowflake and was greeted with 3+ inches of new powdery snow. Skied the 8k loop while groomers ginzu'd the 6 k. Groomed 6 K was great, nice and flat and clean. New track was set as well. 8 k grooming was in process when I left. Snow is dry and cold and slow after the deep freeze of the last few days but was by far the best skiing of the season. Thanks groomers!
  Photos:
  (Keith Holmquist)
• Jan 22 - Erkki Harju Ski Trail (Two Harbors):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Noah and Mike got out with the groomers this morning and were able to do 1 pass but still not enough snow to lay a track down. It's probably alright to ski with your rock skis but still not really enough to skate without hitting a lot of bumps and grass.
  (Mark Gordon)
• Jan 22 - Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (Duluth):
  Morning
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Nice to see 2-3 inches of new snow and above 0 degrees! I skied the 8 k, it wasn't groomed yet but still fun. Groomers finished the 6 k and were heading out the 8 k when I finished. Thank you groomers for getting on this trail right away. Great conditions.
  (Joe Medlin)
• Jan 21 - Hartley Park (Duluth):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Conditions are moderate. Not icy, but a bit of debris, several notably thin spots with grass and maybe rocks, and the classic tracks are a bit washed out. B skis or rock skis recommended, and you may need to step out of tracks a bit. Was decent enough that we did both loops twice.
  (Will Daniels)
• Jan 21 - Magney-Snively Trail (Duluth):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Classic skied the whole loop. The track is washed out in places and debris and I noticed a couple rocks sticking up so you'll need to step out of the track occasionally. The hill going down to the Spirit Connector is a little sketchy and thin with some obstacles to avoid. Skate lane looked good. It's a narrow trail so try to preserve the track and not ski over it if possible. I never made it out here last year so a real treat to get to be out here in the woods. Watch out for the porcupine on Ely's Peak loop.
  (Carol Koos)
• Jan 21 - Spirit Mountain Nordic Center (Duluth):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  A huge thanks to the Spirit crew for excellent and reliable grooming this year. I was "first tracks" out on the corduroy at 10:30am and enjoyed the prime conditions. Thanks to the groomers who were out in the bitter cold - your dedication is appreciated! Skating was a bit slow, the classic tracks were gorgeous and would have been a better option.
  (Elaine Nelson)
• Jan 19 - Erkki Harju Ski Trail (Two Harbors):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Trails have been packed but no tracks. Some areas have skier set tracks off to the side. The dry snow has blown away on some open areas and hills leaving bare spot though all section on the 3K loop are passable.
  Photos:
  (Brad Anderson)
• Jan 19 - Piedmont Trail (Duluth):
  Afternoon
  [ B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  The bad news is the vehicle damage - enough to bring one's faith in humanity down several notches. The tires trashed both tracks for a good part of the course. The good news is that the loop with the big hill is unscathed, as is the return from F (junction with Evil Knievel) back to B (skate loop/two-way). The tracks in those sections remain solid and without much debris, and there's decent coverage on the big downhill.
  Photos:
  (Betsy Tabor)
 
Northshore/Gunflint area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 29 - Norpine Trail System (Lutsen):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Pioneer Loop, Lookout Mountain, Ridge Run, Deeryard Main Loop, Firetower, Short Loop, and Pioneer-to-Deeryard Connector groomed today. All trails are in excellent shape! Enjoy!
  Photos:
  (Adam Dettman)
• NewJan 29 - Central Gunflint Trail System (Grand Marais):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Excellent conditions, everything perfectly groomed (that we skied on anyway). Monday thru Wednesday skied Logging Camp north, and east of Flour Lake; North-South Link across Flour Lake; small part of Red Pine (eastern outlet); Deer Mouse; Moose Pasture; Beaver Dam; Poplar Creek; and Cabin Loop. Snow is pristine, temps perfect.
  Photos:
  (Vince King)
• NewJan 29 - Pincushion Mountain Trails (Grand Marais):
  Morning
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  When I arrived at onion river trailhead the groomer was finishing putting tracks down. I encountered him a number of times later going west towards the picnic loop. Tracks were perfect albeit a bit soft in places. It was wonderful to see this groomer who obviously took great pride in his work, and it showed. A perfect day: around 15 degrees, bright sun, new snow, and the joy of caulking in hard wax, rather than putting on klister, which I've been doing all winter.
  (Tony Pellegrini)
• NewJan 29 - Pincushion Mountain Trails (Grand Marais):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Entire system perfectly groomed and tracks set this morning over the fresh snow from yesterday. Fairly firm as well at 15deg temp. Wonderful!
  (John Witzmann)
• NewJan 29 - Central Gunflint Trail System (Grand Marais):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We received just shy of 3" of new snow. With a larger snowfall over good base, we were able to move quite a bit of snow over known rocks and thin spots, as well as do quite a bit of additional leveling. Everything has been groomed fresh again as of this morning. Fantastic skiing out there right now. The lake crossings are still blowing in by mid-day but we'll continue to groom them daily to keep them as fresh as possible. The rest of the trails are sheltered, and with calmer winds, they should hold up very well.
  Photos:
  (Zach Baumann, Golden Eagle Lodge)
• NewJan 28 - Central Gunflint Trail System (Grand Marais):
  Afternoon
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Yes, bring your best skis. 2-3 in of fresh last night, snow showers most of the day. Classic loop on the skins, perfect for groomed section, skiing in the 2-3 inches ahead of the groomer and following where others claimed it ahead me. Looped through BWCA section as well, always skier groomed there. It's like winter here.
  Photos:
  (Walter Ebertz)
• NewJan 28 - Upper Gunflint Trail (Grand Marais):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic Scheduling 
  
  Visiting Gunflint Lodge and enjoyed a day of skiing lots of the nearby trails! From the Lodge at about 10:30am, we did a large loop of Overlook, Rabbit Run, Aspen Alley, Highlands to Ham Lake, and then took it home on Rabbit Run and Overlook. Lots of fresh snow and great trail conditions, although we should have checked that Ham Lake hadn't been groomed. Made for great exercise making our tracks! Later in the afternoon, we skied Big Pine and about a mile and back of Lonely Lake. All the day's snow made for some really fun skiing. Thanks to staff for maintaining these trails!
  (Jimmy Canning)
• NewJan 28 - Sugarbush Trail System (Tofte):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied (classic) Onion River Rd yesterday afternoon and this morning. Lots of snow (probably 2-3" on Sunday night and 3" on Tuesday morning) on ungroomed or tracked trails. This morning I used skier made tracks on the road itself but the tracks leading from trailhead west were too snowy.
  (Anthony Pellegrini)
• NewJan 28 - Upper Gunflint Trail (Grand Marais):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Fresh snow last night so we were out grooming again this morning. All the following trails were groomed this morning with a skate deck and a classic track. They are setting up really nice and have a good firm base. The trails groomed this morning were - Overlook, Rabbit Run, Aspen Alley, Warren's Road. Cut Across, Power Line, Short Cut, River Run, Lower West End, Lonely Lake, Amperage, Big Pine and Little Pine (our lighted trail). We hope you can come up and explore our trails some time soon!
  Photos:
  (John Fredrikson)
• NewJan 28 - Pincushion Mountain Trails (Grand Marais):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Skied the whole system Monday and all the trails were perfect. The have the snow! Went back out this morning on 3 fresh inches of snowfall. No grooming as of noon. Now they have more!
  (John Witzmann)
• Jan 27 - Norpine Trail System (Lutsen):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Classic skied from Cascade Lodge up segments of Pioneer Loop to Lookout Mountain. Tracks were in good condition, had a few bare spots near stones/roots, but definitely fun. Thanks to Norpine Trail Association for the grooming!
  (Jimmy Canning)
• Jan 26 - Central Gunflint Trail System (Grand Marais):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Both 
  
  Magnificent skiing up the Gunflint Trail this weekend! They got 6-8" a week or so ago, and 3" this weekend. All the trails I skied were in good to excellent condition, although my ski bottoms did get nicked a couple of times, so I'd recommend B skis. Both lodges are grooming almost daily and now that the weather is warming and the snow is getting faster, the conditions are excellent.
  (Bob Amis)
• Jan 26 - Bally Creek Trails (Grand Marais):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied all the trails and loop on Sunday. Trails were skier groomed through 4-6 inches of fresh snow since last grooming. Underlying deck was good and firm, kicking on blue wax excellent. No pole plant plunging. Great day.
  (Tim Nelson)
• Jan 26 - Pincushion Mountain Trails (Grand Marais):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  My fiancée and I are visiting from Chicago and classic skied East Overlook, West Overlook, Lower Snowman, Upper Snowman, and B&B Loop. Pretty much all the track was in great condition. Thanks to the staff that groom so out-of-towners like us can enjoy some excellent trails!
  (Jimmy Canning)
• Jan 26 - Upper Gunflint Trail (Grand Marais):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We got out this afternoon to groom the 3 or so inches of fresh snow we got. We groomed Big Pine, Little Pine (our lighted trail), Overlook, Highlands, Ham Lake, North Star, Upper West End, Lonely Lake and Amperage. All were groomed with a classic track and a skate deck. The trails have good coverage. The tracks are setting up nice and firm and not icy.
  Photos:
  (John Fredrikson)
• Jan 26 - Central Gunflint Trail System (Grand Marais):
  Afternoon
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Wonderful wintry conditions on the Central Gunflint. Enjoyed first 3 hour ski of the season. Some sections carried a half inch of fresh from last night and some were immaculately groomed this morning. Solid classic tracks and firm skate deck throughout.
  Photos:
  (Walter Ebertz)
• Jan 26 - Cascade River State Park (Lutsen):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Magical day in the mountains. Skied 30k from Cascade parking lot up Wolf Pack Run (had first tracks) to Bally Creek. And back down. Didn't see a soul until about 2k from Bally Creek where a nice couple was headed the other direction toward SHT crossing and Pike Lake Road. What an incredible, remote, beautiful trail. Plenty of snow, skier made tracks, good skis. Pretty fun going back down the 8k from PLR to park. 70% of return trip is either (a) point 'em or (b) a nice easy double pole to keep your momentum. Whole system end to end including Norpine to Lutsen looks to be in pretty good shape for 100k Ultra on March 8.
  Photos:
  (Kirk Geadelmann)
• Jan 25 - Norpine Trail System (Lutsen):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied 20k Massie loop to Ski Hill Road via Lutsen Connector and back. Found 2 inches fresh snow. Really nice. Coverage still a little thin in spots on west end of system. But I used good classic race skins and it was great. Such a beautiful trail.
  Photos:
  (Kirk Geadelmann)
• Jan 25 - Sugarbush Trail System (Tofte):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  From Britton Peak classic skied the big loop out via Hogback to Picnic, then East Oberg, and connector to Homestead and reverse Hogback. There was 3-4 inches of fresh ungroomed powder on all the trails I skied. I broke the classic track to the end of Picnic loop so going was slow. But the rest of loop, classic skiers had packed the track and skiing was much smoother and faster. Glad I was on classic skis as the skaters seemed to be working pretty hard in the soft snow. However there was a firm deck underneath and skiing was great on blue wax. It is beautiful and a light snow continued to fall most all afternoon. Glad the low snow conditions seem to be over for the season.
  (Tim Nelson)
• Jan 25 - Norpine Trail System (Lutsen):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied the first section of Deeryard, lovely conditions, wish I had more time to ski the full loop. Well set tracks, firm pole plants, beautiful time in the forest.
  (Tim Moore)
• Jan 25 - Pincushion Mountain Trails (Grand Marais):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  New Snow Last 24Hours: 4" , Trail Base: 4-6". All trails are groomed for skate and classic skiing. Conditions are perfect!
  Photos:
  (Timothy Lederle, Pincushion Ski and Run Club)
• Jan 25 - Pincushion Mountain Trails (Grand Marais):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Perfect! New snow, freshly groomed in the morning, mid 20s, little wind. Awesome grooming. Very enjoyable and challenging skiing at Pincushion. Trail system laid out very nicely in a flowing manner.
  Photos:
  (Ken Kuznia)
• Jan 25 - Pincushion Mountain Trails (Grand Marais):
  Morning
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  My wife and I skied the pincushion trails the last two days. Awesome! Thank you to the groomer! The track was pretty firm for fresh snow. The pistol bully does the job right. Thank you to the fresh snow. So worth the drive!
  Photos:
  (Erik Olson)
• Jan 25 - Sugarbush Trail System (Tofte):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Fun, snowy, long ski at Sugarbush today. About 2-3" of fluffy snow on top of a firm skate deck. We skate skied Picnic loop clockwise and it was a slow, beautiful slog with the fresh snow. Onion River Road was groomed when we got there and that is in excellent condition. Coverage is good everywhere, just slow with the fresh snow. First 2 photos are from the Picnic Loop, the last two from Onion River Road. Overall, love skiing at Sugarbush!
  Photos:
  (Patty Carlen)
• Jan 25 - Norpine Trail System (Lutsen):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Pioneer Loop, Lookout Mountain, and all Deeryard trails (inc Short Loop + Firetower) groomed Saturday morning. Great conditions throughout! West End trails (inc Massie, Hall, and Ski Hill Rd Connector) will have benefited from the extra snow. West End trails were groomed Friday.
  (Adam Dettman)
• Jan 25 - Sugarbush Trail System (Tofte):
  Morning
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Broke trail from Oberg trailhead early this morning. Groomer had been out on Onion River Rd starting the process of grooming in the 2-3 inches of fluff that fell overnight. Beautiful morning in a quiet forest.
  (Tim Moore)
• Jan 24 - Norpine Trail System (Lutsen):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  From Cascade lodge trailhead I skied up west Pioneer, over to Deeryard, around Deeryard to the fire tower, then up and down fire tower trail and back via the short loop. It was nice to see the short loop open and groomed again. Back via the connector and down east Pioneer. Light snow was falling all afternoon putting some light fluff in the tracks and great kick and glide. But the light snow covered up some of the sticks and dirt at the lower elevations, so B skis would be best. Short Loop is also a bit rough and thin but it sure is nice to have it open again and it is quite a challenging run. The Deeryard loop and Fire Tower trail were immaculate. Great day on the trails.
  (Tim Nelson)
• Jan 24 - George Washington Pines (Grand Marais):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Trail Base: 10" Snowfall Last 24 hrs: 1". We did several rounds of packing and set a track, making for some really nice skiing and hiking conditions. Some spots still contain sticks and brush sticking up. Please be mindful to pick up after your pets.
  (Kris Rich)
• Jan 24 - Bally Creek Trails (Grand Marais):
  Morning
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Wildly beautiful today at Bally Creek with the light new snow and freshly groomed trails - thank you trail groomers! If you are a beginner, or a cautious skier like myself, this is a great place to ski. There are many trails with only gentle elevation, and the signage makes it easy to navigate the trail system. Note: As I was leaving, two snowmobilers headed down the road towards the groomed trails.
  Photos:
  (Kay Dierking)
• Jan 23 - Pincushion Mountain Trails (Grand Marais):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Sweetness and perfection. Skied all the trails at Pincushion today. Grooming was recent after a 4 to 5 inches of new snow on Wednesday. Classic tracks were firm with a little dusting of new snow at the bottom. Temps were just above 0 and polar wax provided all the kick needed. Deck was firm. No issues with outside pole plants plunging. Only complaint was the tracks were too curvy sometimes to stay in them. But great day, thanks to mother nature and the grooming crew.
  (Tim Nelson)
• Jan 23 - Bally Creek Trails (Grand Marais):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  All loops at Bally Creek have been groomed, except for the Cascade connector trail. The NE loops have been groomed for the second time this season and are shaping up. The last snow on Tuesday night made for some beautiful tracks, and really helped filling in the trail. Most loops are clear of brush and rocks. Some spots still contain brush sticking out but is getting few and far between. Your most precious skis are still not recommended on all loops.
  Photos:
  (Brett Gerrard)
• Jan 23 - Banadad Trail (Grand Marais):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We groomed the Banadad Trail again on Wednesday, the first 10k. Parking lots are plowed. 2-3" of new snow.
  Photos:
  (Andy Jenks, Banadad Trail Association)
• Jan 23 - Upper Gunflint Trail (Grand Marais):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We were out early to hit more if the trails after the inch or so of snow we got yesterday. This morning we groomed Overlook, Highlands, Ham Lake, Northstar and Upper West End. All with classic tracks and skate deck. Trails are setting up nice and form and are not icy at all. Grooming plans: Our plan is to hit the rest of the system by tomorrow morning to have everything in great shape for the weekend.
  Photos:
  (John Fredrikson)
• Jan 22 - Upper Gunflint Trail (Grand Marais):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We got an inch or two of snow last night. We groomed Big Pine, Little Pine (our lighted trail), Lonely Lake and Amperage tonight. All were groomed with a classic track and a skate deck and are in good shape. Grooming plans: The plan is to get out tomorrow and Friday to have everything freshly groomed for the weekend.
  Photos:
  (John Fredrikson)
• Jan 22 - Norpine Trail System (Lutsen):
  Afternoon
  [ B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Most of the trail you could use your good skis on, but I started at Cascade Lodge and the first little section had more dirt and sticks showing. I followed the groomer so I was the first one on the trail. Amazing conditions, beautiful snow and incredible trails! I am excited to take my women's group trip here this weekend!
  Photos:
  (Kim Rudd, Endurance Adventures)
• Jan 22 - Pincushion Mountain Trails (Grand Marais):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Classic skied the Pincushion Mt loop, along with all the green trails and Canyon Curves. Conditions are excellent, and all trails are being Piston Bully groomed as I was out there. I used B skis, but you could use good skis with a little care.
  Photos:
  (Timothy Lederle, Pincushion Ski and Run Club)
• Jan 22 - Sugarbush Trail System (Tofte):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Classic skied 8K of the onion river trail this morning. Freshly groomed and in very good condition The temperature was low teens with very little wind. The fresh snow from overnight was a welcomed addition to the base.
  Photos:
  (Julia Fisher)
• Jan 22 - Pincushion Mountain Trails (Grand Marais):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Four inches of fresh powder over an already great base of trail! I skied behind the groomer as they rolled the trails first and then piston bully beautiful tracks at the end! I'm excited to bring my women's Endurance Adventures ski trip group here in the coming days!
  Photos:
  (Kim Rudd, Endurance Adventures)
• Jan 19 - Sugarbush Trail System (Tofte):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  We started our ski from the Britton Peak trailhead. The snow was in great shape along with skate deck conditions. Loved this system. Despite the wicked cold temps, we were sheltered away from the wind and the sun came out for a brief period. Good skis if you are careful, B skis if you are not. Cannot wait to go back! Thank you to the groomers for a wonderful job with the snowfall last weekend.
  Photos:
  (Scott Cummings)
• Jan 19 - Northwoods Ski Trail (Silver Bay):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Trails are in need of more snow but still worth a ski, some spots of heavy duff on the way in, and most trails have places where the tracks have been wiped out. Overall slower than expected for the cold, could've used a fresh coat of glide wax. Skier set tracks on Bean trail are pretty decent, rougher in low area along the pond, lots of little humps. The payoff is ideal conditions on Bean and Bear Lakes with a stiff crust about an inch deep, good coverage on the west end of Bean and enough to get by the rinks along the south. Full coverage on Bear too, just remember the wind will likely be at your face on the way back!
  Photos:
  (Elizabeth Hesser)
• Jan 19 - Pincushion Mountain Trails (Grand Marais):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  -20° at the start didn't stop us. Great coverage and excellent grooming. This was well worth a trip from the Cities. Thank you to the groomers for providing excellent conditions given this low snow year.
  Photos:
  (Scott Cummings)
• Jan 19 - Sugarbush Trail System (Tofte):
  Morning
  [ B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied classic the first two loops (to E I think) from Britton Peak trailhead. Some debris early on in the tracks. Skate deck had some dirt mixed in in spots.
  Photos:
  (Laura Ferry)
 
Iron Range area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 29 - Mount Itasca (Coleraine):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  A cold evening rewarded the new grooming with rock solid tracks and crisp corduroy on the biathlon loop and the main loops of the Grant-in-Aid trails. Some of those back trails were not scratched up last round and won't give much of an edge so proceed with caution.
  Photos:
  (Jeff Pesta)
• NewJan 29 - McCarthy Beach State Park (Side Lake):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Just finished grooming Red Top and Big Hole Trail Loops. Excellent shape at 20F, one foot of snow on ground. Couple trees across Red Top, no chain saw today, so be careful! Couple sections, first time groomed in a couple of years. Enjoy!
  (Neil Gardner)
• NewJan 28 - Big Ridge (Grand Rapids):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All ]
  Secondhand 
  
  County groomer reported all trails packed and tracked.
  (Catherine McLynn)
• NewJan 28 - Sugar Hills (Grand Rapids):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  The full system was groomed on Saturday, both skate and classic. I skied the majority of the system late this morning. Classic tracks were great and skate deck looked pretty firm in most areas. We have had some pretty stiff winds so there was some debris on the trails. It's probably the best conditions we've had in the last three years, very fun. Grooming plans: We plan to groom on Friday morning after the temps cool a bit. We may have to leave the track alone if we don't get any new snow but will make that decision on Friday. Get out and enjoy the best skiing we've had at Sugar in a long time.
  (Tony Carter)
• Jan 27 - Suomi Hills (Grand Rapids):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Entered Suomi Hills from Orange Lake Road. That segment had several inches of snow on the tracks since the last grooming. A fox had followed one track the full length until the turn off for the North trail head. The snow skied in well and it was very easy to turn on steep downhills. I eventually connected to other skier tracks coming from the North and South trail heads. Now is a great opportunity to check out these scenic trails.
  Photos:
  (Jeff Pesta)
• Jan 26 - Mount Itasca (Coleraine):
  Night
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  All trails groomed and tracked except exit ramp. Trail system is as good as it's been in years, due to the recent snow.
  Photos:
  (Derek Youngren)
• Jan 26 - Aurora Recreation Trails (Aurora):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  I skied the blue loop this afternoon after we got a few inches of light fluffy snow yesterday (or earlier in the week). Trails were fully snow-covered and had been groomed recently but not tracked since the last snowfall. I was easily able to follow the skied-in tracks from someone who had been there before me. It was a nice day to be out on the trails!
  Photos:
  (Marcia Podratz)
• Jan 26 - Forest History Center (Grand Rapids):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Conditions were mostly decent. Dogwalkers have been over much of Sylvan Point since the trails were groomed yesterday. We were the first skiers on the Forest History Center side of the system, which was mostly in very good condition.
  Photos:
  (Bryan French)
• Jan 26 - Legion Trails (Grand Rapids):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  We skied all the loops. These trails haven't been groomed for a while. Skier-made tracks were all we saw. Someone had snowshoed through the track on the lake side of the trail.
  Photos:
  (Bryan French)
• Jan 26 - Mount Itasca (Coleraine):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Both 
  
  Even with a little snow drifting in some of the tracks, MYXC skiers, coaches and parents enjoyed great skiing in the tracks and grooming. Even the steep downhills were fun and not formidable. 5 year olds mastered Frog Pond. 7 year olds Waterfall. Not all, but some. Recent snow ensured good bite to snowplow if needed, but why do that?! Classic skiers use G2 skis, no wax. Skaters had firm deck throughout.
  (Catherine McLynn)
• Jan 26 - Sturgeon River Trails (Chisholm):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Trail was good, good tracks with fresh snow. Very friendly trail for those of us who are not so proficient. Beautiful day. Thank you to the hikers who walked outside of the tracks. Much appreciated.
  (Antonette Flynn)
• Jan 25 - Portage Park (Cohasset):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Trails were groomed Saturday morning with excellent conditions. By Monday the wind had blown in some sections of trail, but it's still great out there!
  (Stephanie Kessler, Cohasset City Parks)
• Jan 25 - Alder Pond (Grand Rapids):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  After the modest overnight snowfall, high winds caused some drifting in the more open areas, but this was a small percentage of trail length. Tracks were a bit shallow in places but there was ample snow coverage everywhere. Didn't go to the South trail and don't know what that is like.
  (Brad Bensen)
• Jan 25 - Blueberry Hills (Deer River):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Both 
  
  Fresh snow 2 inches on top of packed and tracked trails. Youth skiers had great fun skiing in the classic tracks with lots of good snowplowing snow to manage the steeper downhills. Skate skiers had to work a little harder on the uphills. Temps mild, perfect day out after long cold spell. Groomers have enough snow now!
  (Catherine McLynn)
• Jan 25 - Forest History Center (Grand Rapids):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We finally got out to groom today at 1pm. Snow varies between sublime and subpar. The snow in the few subpar sections is pretty compressed, and our Tidd Tech wasn't able to scratch things up enough to make the track soft and fluffy. We've had to alter our normal ski trails due to our horse-drawn sleigh rides using part of the River Trail. This may be temporary - we'll be looking into cutting a new alternative trail this summer. Get out and enjoy!
  Photos:
  (Bryan French)
• Jan 25 - Trout Lake Recreation Area (Grand Rapids):
  Morning
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  The trail to the trout stream was very good with 1-2 inches of fresh powdery snow over the previously groomed track. Thanks to the groomer!
  (Julie Fedje-Johnston)
• Jan 24 - Mount Itasca (Coleraine):
  Night
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  All trails except otter slide pistenbully groomed tonight after the races. Trails look great! Thanks Section 8 with trusting us to host your race! With the added snow, conditions are as good as we could hope for.
  (Derek Youngren)
• Jan 24 - Giants Ridge (Biwabik):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  It was snowing as I skied. Deck is still soft but more trails had been groomed since yesterday. Coverage is perfect everywhere except Wynne Creek trail segment which was a bit bumpy, waiting for more snow to smooth it out. I skied Silver, Laurentian, Wynne Creek, Summit and Bronze and it appeared Gold and Biwabik Spur were groomed.
  Photos:
  (Cheryl DuBois)
• Jan 24 - Big Aspen Recreation Area (Virginia):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Grooming conditions are improving as we get more snow although there are still a few rocky areas so use caution. All trails are groomed except for the temporary closed area for logging. Have fun out there.
  (Dave Coy)
• Jan 24 - Cowhorn Lake (Grand Rapids):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  DNR groomer had set tracks on Boomer Blue yesterday since the fresh snow and they had set up nicely. I turned off onto the tracks on Loop 2 to enjoy the rolling hills and twisty turns, but was disappointed to find long sections without tracks. At first I thought it might be an area where the snow was too thin, but as I continued on, I found more long stretches usually down and up a hill without tracks. Those trails are so much fun in the tracks both down and uphill except for a few steep hills where herringbone is needed. I contacted the DNR requesting that the groomer leave the tracksetter down throughout the system. Hoping that conditions improve.
  (Catherine McLynn)
• Jan 23 - Giants Ridge (Biwabik):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Skied Silver, Summit and Bronze. Coverage was awesome. There were no bare spots. All three trails I skied were freshly groomed. Soft because of new snow. Tracks were set on Summit and Bronze.
  (Cheryl DuBois)
• Jan 22 - Carey Lake (Hibbing):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Received a surprise 6 inches of fluffy snow. All trails were worked and groomed. Good base and excellent conditions.
  Photos:
  (Kraig Stolhammer)
• Jan 22 - Cowhorn Lake (Grand Rapids):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Did Boomer Blue. 2-3 inches of fluffy snow didn't hide the track entirely. Looked like I was the second person to ski and all the tracks are cut in. Ice/leaf litter contact was minimal (a few spots are minimal base). It is very pretty. It appeared that nobody had skied the connecting Cowhorn trails yet.
  (Dave Kooda)
• Jan 19 - Mount Itasca (Coleraine):
  Night
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming Scheduling 
  
  Groomed and tracked all lower trails, service road, bitter sweet and mag view. All other trails were groomed last Thursday and are good to go. Mt Itasca will be hosting a high school race on Friday Jan 24th all day all of the lower trails will be closed to the public but upper service road and the upper trails will be open.
  (Derek Youngren)
• Jan 19 - Forest History Center (Grand Rapids):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied as much as I could on the trails. They have been packed with the snowmobile, and in some places, things had been packed down by draft horses pulling a sleigh. In other areas, people had skied in their own tracks.
  Photos:
  (Bob Conzemius)
 
Ely area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 29 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Perfect conditions on about 2-3" new snow on a firm base. Was being groomed as I left. Reminder to use the new Jensen Trail entry/parking, since the Flathorn Lake entry trails are still blocked by bridge washouts.
  (Bob McKlveen)
• NewJan 28 - Howard Wagoner Trail (Tower):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Today I skied the Golden Eagle Loop on the Wagoner Trail. Trail conditions are good. The exception is where a vehicle came off the road /snow machine trail and messed up the packing and grooming. Fortunately the damage wasn't extensive throughout the system. Very windy today, but most of what was to come down in the form of branches and debris was already down from the day before.
  (Mark Roalson)
• Jan 27 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
  Night
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Trails are in very good condition. Plenty of snow. I skied a loop from the new Jensen trailhead into the bog. Very beautiful.
  Photos:
  (Tim Grebner)
• Jan 27 - Howard Wagoner Trail (Tower):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  The trails have a good base. Fortunately some people broke the trail ahead of me after the last snowstorm but that was fine with good kick and glide.
  Photos:
  (Mark Peil)
• Jan 26 - Howard Wagoner Trail (Tower):
  Night
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  A beautiful evening and night ski on groomed, firm trails covered with 2 inches of fluffy dry powder snow. These trails are an easily accessible old pine forest gem on 135 just south of Tower. A beginner loop from the parking lot is lighted until 10 pm. We used headlamps and skiied one and half hours throughout the rest of the loops.
  Photos:
  (Michael Wilke)
• Jan 26 - Birch Lake Plantation Trail (Babbitt):
  Afternoon
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Good skiing conditions. The track was good throughout the plantation proper. The track to the Babbitt/Birch lake beach was refreshed.
  Photos:
  (Mike Ahern)
• Jan 26 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Trails were groomed yesterday, and today was "absolute" perfect skiing conditions. About 2" of new snow, fresh grooming, temperatures in the teens, and the sun was out. We skied to the shelter from 1, and came back 24>23>22>21>14>17>3.
  Photos:
  (Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)
• Jan 25 - Howard Wagoner Trail (Tower):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Great conditions. It was cold since the last grooming and the base is perfect. We got a couple inches of fresh snow in the set tracks. People have been out enjoying the beautiful forest.
  (Aaron Kania)
• Jan 25 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  All trails groomed this afternoon over the couple of inches of soft new snow that has fallen in last two days. Due to fluffiness of new snow the tracks are somewhat soft today. On our waxless skis, glide was somewhat slow, but still good (and quiet!).
  Photos:
  (Mary Shedd)
• Jan 24 - Silver Rapids Ski Trails (Ely):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Silvermine had a fresh groom after my ski Wednesday and it was nicely packed and tracked. Two sets of classic tracks are also set around the trail, and they are solid. Deck was cold but skied well and pretty fast. Nice to do some skating on some fresh corduroy as well.
  (Tiffany Miller)
• Jan 24 - Birch Lake Plantation Trail (Babbitt):
  Morning
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  A nice track exists for all 6+ miles of trails. Including the loop down to the Babbitt beach on Birch Lake.
  (Mike Ahern)
• Jan 24 - Howard Wagoner Trail (Tower):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All ]
  Observation 
  
  Trails were just groomed after receiving 3 inches of new snow the other day. They look great!
  (Bill Stocker)
• Jan 23 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Excellent conditions from the inch or so of new light, cold snow over firm base and tracks set last week. Easy to "re-set" the tracks just by skiing. Should be an excellent weekend for skiing!
  Photos:
  (Mary Shedd)
• Jan 23 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  This was our first time skiing on this trail and we really enjoyed it. The "Grand Opening" banner from the recent parking lot opening was a nice welcome :) . Trails were not groomed yet from the recent light snow, but it was still a lot of fun skiing 9.5km! There were a few sticks here and there, but overall coverage was good. What a great day!
  Photos:
  (Woody Unruh)
• Jan 23 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  First time going here today and it's a really great trail system! There was about 2" of snow on top of the tracks but enough of a base to keep you in the tracks.
  (Jonathan Wolfe)
 

Other Locations

• Jan 27 - Tilson Creek Ski Trail (International Falls):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Thanks to Burgess and groomers for rolling and resetting track yesterday. I skied outer Blue Loop and Red Loop with connectors in between. Track was fast and in good shape everywhere. A few small 2" flat rock spots on Blue. Stubble picture is from Blue that groomers mentioned.
  Photos:
  (Steve Langenbrunner)
• Jan 26 - Tilson Creek Ski Trail (International Falls):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Beautiful day - sunny and about 25 F above! (Finally) We got about 3" of snow and so we ran both Ginzus over all trail sections, setting new tracks as we went. Everything looks good except for a section on the main Blue where our inability to mow has left sticks. If you ski down the "improved" big blue hill please be careful!
  Photos:
  (Burgess Eberhardt)
• Jan 25 - Tilson Creek Ski Trail (International Falls):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  I skied in about half inch of fluff. Track was firm so worked good. I did Blue Shelter loop. Good coverage on all sections but some short stubble spots. All pictures from Blue.
  Photos:
  (Steve Langenbrunner)
• Jan 22 - Tilson Creek Ski Trail (International Falls):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Close to 4" of nice new snow. It was cold! Maybe 8 above, but the tracks look good and should set up. Skate deck looks super. We ran both Ginzus over everything including all of the Blue. There are a few sticks on the east end of the Blue where we couldn't mow. Everything else is good.
  Photos:
  (Burgess Eberhardt)

 
Bemidji area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 29 - Movil Maze Trail (Bemidji):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Refreshing morning outside on the nature trail. B to good ski conditions. I actually cleared the trail in several areas with smaller trees/debris on the trail. Skied approx 16 K (10 miles) with the trail still holding up after the 38 degrees temps.
  (Lisa Martin)
• Jan 27 - Movil Maze Trail (Bemidji):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Due to the recent delightful new snowfall, the trail is improving. Suggest B skis to good skis. Skate skiing is improved, and classical tracks are set. Conditions based on 20 degree temperatures while skiing. Simply nice to be in Nature.
  (Lisa Martin)
• Jan 27 - Buena Vista Ski Trail (Bemidji):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  West side of Buena Vista was groomed over the weekend. Rolled, dragged and track set. Still a bit thin in spots. Should ski nice. Caution: The tunnel has no snow in yet. Recommend parking across the road at town hall parking. Gate is open and groomed up to it. East side of Buena Vista was groomed over the weekend. Rolled, dragged and combed out. No tracks yet. In the trees will ski nice, soft yet. All fields are windblown and very little snow. Recommend skiing from old homestead out and back, crossing over at the narrows. Avoid going to the island and...
  Photos:
  (Michael Huerbin)
• Jan 25 - Movil Maze Trail (Bemidji):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Just about perfect conditions, freshly groomed this morning after 3 inches of snow yesterday. Hard to leave the trail!
  Photos:
  (Brett Arenz)
• Jan 25 - Hobson Forest Trail (Bemidji):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Like skiing on a cloud this morning breaking in the trail at this beautiful location after a fresh snowfall last night. Totally sheltered from the wind as well. Blissed out!
  Photos:
  (Brett Arenz)
• Jan 21 - Montebello Trail (Bemidji):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Windblown in spots with a little bit of leaves and debris from the wind throughout, but otherwise pretty solid skiing. Classic tracks throughout and only a few avoidable thin spots.
  (Michael Meehlhause)
• Jan 20 - Three Island Park (Bemidji):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Both 
  
  Great day skiing. Skate was pretty much a bust, but I realized later that I was probably on the worst trail for that (Gold). The blue loop looked like it might be good for skate. Classic was very good even with tracks with some debris and nearly bare spots. I got pretty good glide on classic too. Once you get going and warm up, the cold isn't bad. The warming house saved us. We had a fire going and got that room to a nice temp. Couldn't have done it with kids, without the warming house. Thanks to the volunteers who chopped and stocked the wood. Thank you Bemidji for a great weekend.
  Photos:
  (Isaac Olson)
• Jan 19 - Movil Maze Trail (Bemidji):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Both 
  
  Skied classic and skate, mostly on blue, green and gold trails. Classic was better. Good grip and glide. The tracks are so so with quite a bit of leaves and sticks in the tracks. Skate was a little rough due to hard uneven surface, slow snow, and debris on the trail. Overall really not bad and pretty good for classic skiing. Having a lodge there made a big difference with the cold for my kids in particular. Lots of fun and only saw one other person skiing.
  Photos:
  (Isaac Olson)
 
Detroit Lakes area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 29 - Mountain View Recreation Area (Detroit Lakes):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Classic tracks are holding up sufficiently well, despite having some fat tire tracks and foot traffic over the ski track in different places. The trails skied good enough overall, and it was a good afternoon to be out.
  Photos:
  (Glenn Gifford)
• NewJan 29 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  After yesterday's warm up I wasn't sure what to expect for classic skiing this morning. The snow had transformed very little making for great hard wax kick and even better glide. I skied some of the north, west and middle trails. Conditions were excellent throughout the trails I skied!
  Photos:
  (Tom Dooher)
• NewJan 28 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Another great day! We got a little bit warmer today with high temperature at 37 but the air was dry with very little moisture saturation at the surface, exception on a few very direct south facing hills, and the snow held out great, skiing was nice. Late afternoon headed out for the evening groom under a beautiful sunset, combing out the skate lanes on Skaters Waltz, the extension loops and Eira Bikwadinaa Hill. No one skate skied on North Loup so only did the start loop up there. After skate groomed, switched to the 5' Ginzu groomer and set a singletrack on Rootin Tootin, Roy's Run, Sap Run and Sukkerbusk. Other classic trails look good, might be a handful of glazed areas but cooler temps on the move and should be real nice skiing on Wednesday, especially on today's fresh groomed.
  Photos:
  (Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)
• NewJan 28 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most ]
  Observation 
  
  Mild temps/ west wind; Deer View, Black Bear, Eagles Run, and Ridge Run skied in with double track sets for the North Star Conference Race. Balance of trail system Groomed on Saturday. We had a great day for the North Star Conference Race held Tuesday. There were five teams participating and we started out in the mid 20's and finished the day at 37* with a west wind. Overall snow held up fairly good to the temps and traffic. Grooming plans: Grooming of the trails will be on going for the remainder of the week. Bring your good skis.
  Photos:
  (Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)
• NewJan 28 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  The classic trails are in great shape at Maplelag. Tracks are crisp and fresh with plenty of snow. Skin skis worked well today, skiing from about 10:30 to just past noon. Excellent morning to be out!
  Photos:
  (Glenn Gifford)
• NewJan 28 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Transformed snow has made for a firm pack-much faster conditions. Snow temp at -3. Hosting High School classic ski race this afternoon so double track set on sections of 6k and 10k loop. Track is solid and deep-snow still dry so track is crumbly in places.
  Photos:
  (Jill Troutner)
• Jan 27 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Low temperature 16 degrees, hi temperature 34 degrees, sun cloud mix. Silky snow on top of rock solid transformed base. Just a few small areas softening, transforming and glazing over later afternoon. 90km of trail open. 50km groomed classic, 15km groomed skate, 25km groomed fat bike Comments: Absolute incredible day on the trails. Did get a bit warm but snow held out great and with the deeper snowpack covering the underbrush, the sightlines through the woods with the late January sunshine is pretty much awesome. Groomed all the skate trails in the morning including North Loup for the first time since the fresh snow, cheating on the snow that had softened on the sun kissed areas and reset the track on Bulhead lake. At sunset reset track on Sap Run, Sukkerbusk, JibFly and Twin Lakes curating the new snow with a bit of the transformed in the base. Other classic trails didn't see much use today and track is holding out well. A few leaves here and there. The 25km fat bike loop "FatLagChilada" also groomed this afternoon cheating the snow like we did on North Loup. Grooming plans: We will groom again late afternoon tomorrow on the skate trails and reset track on Rootin Tootin and Roy's Run. 25km fat bike loop will also be groomed again mid afternoon. If fat biking, please ride in the mornings this week before noon.
  Photos:
  (Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)
• Jan 26 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Grooming Scheduling 
  
  Trails in process of grooming. Average 5 to 6'base. Deck is still bit soft from fresh snow groomed over this past weekend. Please note that our ski trails will be closed to the general public Monday and Tuesday. We are hosting a Nordic conference event on Tuesday. In process of grooming for event yesterday and today. Open to public spectators.
  Photos:
  (Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)
• Jan 26 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  About 4" on new snow on Friday, freshly groomed for classic and skate. The deck was a little soft but a lot of fun. 25 degrees, wind was maybe 12 - 20 but trails are well protected. Make sure you venture out to the "Top of the Rainbow" (pictured). There are some exciting roller coaster hills.
  Photos:
  (Jeffrey Quam)
• Jan 26 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
  Afternoon
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Both 
  
  This was our first time at Rainbow resort XC skiing and we will definitely be back. Skied 6k of classic and 3k of skate this afternoon. Was surprised to see so much snow. The area recently received 4-6 inches of fresh snow and Doug had been working on the trails to get caught up on the grooming. Skating was great. Classic tracks were also very nice. Get out here and ski! It's deceiving because we live a little over an hour away and wouldn't have expected to see snow or conditions like this. The cinnamon rolls in the lodge are great too!
  (Lance Strum)
• Jan 26 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Both 
  
  Very good skiing at Rainbow Resort. The 6K loop (skate/classical combo) and 3K loop (classical only) were groomed since yesterday morning's several inches of snow. I think there was ongoing grooming of additional trail during the day. Result is slightly soft and slow, but generally very good conditions. I saw no bare ground or obvious thin spots, and only very little forest debris. I think good skis would be fine.
  (John Hershberger)
• Jan 26 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Early morning low of 12 degrees rising to a high of 24 degrees. Machine groomed packed powder on 65km of trail, 15km groomed skate 50km groomed classic. Very good to excellent skiing being reported. Comments: All the western classic trails reset with new tracks this morning, new track set on lake segment of Bullhead lake trail, and Skaters Waltz and Eira Bikwadinaa Hill skate groomed. Grooming plans Monday: Skate trails will be renovated and combed, new tracks set on select trails.
  Photos:
  (Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)
• Jan 25 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Another snow globe day with what we call "prairie effect" snow. Sun was shining but snow kept on coming! Up to 5" the past 24 hours. Groomed about 75km today on 65km of trail open (50km classic, 15km skate), hitting all the trails except western trails Wavy Gravy and Island Lake which drift more when the wind blows like it did today. Last trail groomed was Bullhead/Bootleg. Thought it had cleared off and wind settled down but another wave of snow came filtered beautifully by the snow. The trails groomed first this morning will have snow on top that fell after grooming with a few drifted areas but was skied in. Skate deck will be a bit soft for Sunday skiing but should set up tonight. Grooming plans: Plan to groom the two western trails mentioned above and touch up a few other trails .
  Photos:
  (Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)
• Jan 25 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Fresh snow last 24 hours - trails are freshly groomed, snow is cold dry powder so conditions are soft. Air temp today was +11 but snow temp was -10. I waxed too warm not thinking that there would be such a huge difference so it was a slow ski (my husband was grumbling about his glide - I do the waxing so I had him ski ahead of me cause it is harder to hear him -pro tip "why don't you lead honey"). We skied mostly on the 3k gem that never fails to enchant me even with cranky spouse. I did check out the main trailhead to see how soft the snow and skate conditions are firmer but the dry snow is really loose and staying cold and abrasive.
  Photos:
  (Jill Troutner)
• Jan 25 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  10* F: 3 to 4 inches of new powder snow overnight and this morning hrs. 6 k loop; Bucks Run; Rabbits Trail; Hawks Tr.; and 3K classic trail Tidd-Tec groomed and track set today. Base is soft but should set good overnight with the falling temps. Balance of trails have fresh snow over previous roll pack. Good skis time. Wow, completed grooming last night and was expecting up to maybe an inch of snow overnight and woke up to 3" of new white powder with heavy snow falling on and off until around 11:00am. With all the new snow falling, on the trails, and on the trees, it was a Winter Wonderland experience!
  Photos:
  (Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)
• Jan 25 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Wow, 5 inches of fresh snow! We started out breaking trail and shortly met the groomer, who advised us that he had just finished Roy's Run and the North Loop, so we headed that way. It was still snowing and drifting a bit, so the skiing was on the slow side. Beautiful wooded trails, protected from today's winds. Fun skiing on these twisting winding loops. Took Sukkerbusk back in. That was getting lots of use. After a break we went back out and skied most of Rootin Tootin (it was!) and Mother North Star. They were both freshly groomed and fun.
  (Margie Rock)
• Jan 24 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  1-2" new snow. Today's high reached at 9pm at 26 degrees after a morning low of 15. Very good to excellent conditions. Comments: Snow globe conditions with falling throughout the day including a snow burst late afternoon made for very nice skiing and locals that have skied all season since our opening day on November 21st reporting "best of the year". Bullhead/Bootleg was the most popular trail today and good to see folks venture on this adventure loop which has improved at the transition areas from the recent snowfall. Trails not skied on as much were a bit slower and softer with the fresh snow on the most recent grooming. This afternoon groomed on the Section skate course including Eira Bikwadinaa hill and also the extension loops when the snow was dumping! With the snowpack getting deeper, the deer are starting to use the trails for winter travel. We are also seeing more wildlife with barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, pine martens and wolf and coyote tracks on the outer trails. Grooming plans: We will plan to be out in the morning grooming some portion of the trail system.
  Photos:
  (Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)
• Jan 24 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  3" new powder snow from last 7 days; average 4" base; 3k Classic combed and track set; 6k loop groomed with skate lane and track set; bucks run and Rabbits trail groomed with skate lane and track set. Balance of trails roll packed last week with 3" fresh powder. Fresh groomed base soft. Bring your good skis. Started out this morning over fresh snow and light snow falling and some skiers out and about. Completed grooming tonight in mild temps 20's above. Trails do have some twigs here and there from high winds of this past week.
  Photos:
  (Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)
• Jan 24 - Rainbow Resort Trails (Waubun):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Both 
  
  Beautiful terrain, scenery, and trails. More snow than the Brainerd Lakes Area. No bare spots and very few leaves or sticks. Great little lodge with snacks and lunch items. Friendly cozy environment with a great view. Worth making a day trip.
  (Melissa Barrick)
• Jan 24 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied Sukkerbusk, Bullhead Lake, and Bootleg extension. They were in very good condition. Lots of fun climbing and descents. The marsh was skiable. Then we skied Sukkerbusk to Wavy Gravy and added on the Twin Lakes Trail. The grooming was not quite as good on the last two trails, tracks not as deep and a little soft in places. Still great. A really good day.
  (Margie Rock)
• Jan 24 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Wherever you start at Maplelag, you will find superb conditions. Classic tracks firm, but not too fast with a bit of fresh snow. Today, I chose Wavy Gravy, Lake Island, Twin Lakes, and North Loop. 25 K of first rate recreation. Enjoy your weekend - on the Maplelag trails, of course!
  (István Gombocz)
• Jan 23 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic Grooming 
  
  Early morning low of -15, rising to high temperature of 0. No wind, stunning sunshine. Excellent mid winter conditions. All 90km of groomed trails open. 50km groomed classic, 15km groomed skate, 25km groomed for fat biking. Comments: What a fantastic day on the trails! All the outer classic trails and Rootin Tootin were fresh set with pretty much perfect results. Skate deck on Section course was groomed and a run out to Bullhead lake. Took the 7' Ginzu up to Roy's Run first time this year to level the deck a bit. Track set nice, just a few bigger groomer chips is all. Bullhead/Bootleg is best shape it has been in all year after the latest snowfalls this year. We also groomed out the entire 25km FatLagChilada loop with favorable results. A few soft spot where it was drifted but should set up good tonight and be nice riding for tomorrow. This evening I classic skied the Section classic course to dial in the best line for track setting. We will start setting best line on that course end of next week. Grooming plans: Touch up grooming planned in the afternoon Friday.
  Photos:
  (Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)
• Jan 23 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Fabulous, winter magic indeed. Fresh, crisp snow groomed to perfection. Roy's Run, then Bullhead Trail, then Mother North Star, then Sap Run twice, total of 22 K. The cold with no wind and with plenty of sunshine wasn't a factor. Challenge, adventure, recreation, and fun!
  Photos:
  (István Gombocz)
• Jan 22 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  High temperature today was just after midnight at 19 degrees. Gradually dropped to -8 by 9pm. 2" of fluff snow past 24 hours. Very good to excellent mid winter conditions. Comments: All the skate trails were groomed this morning and new track cut on most of the inner classic trails. After the snow stopped and wind settled down, we were back out resetting all the double track trails. Grooming plans: We will be back out in the morning cutting new track on the singletrack classic trails and touching up other trails as needed.
  Photos:
  (Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)
• Jan 22 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Fresh snow! A great morning to stride and glide through the woods! There was snow coming down most of the morning and it made for a silky smooth ski!
  Photos:
  (Tom Dooher)
• Jan 21 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Very good to excellent mid winter conditions. 3-6" compacted base on trail, 4-12" snow depth in woods. Morning low of -23 rising to a high temperature of 10 degrees as of 9pm. Windy in afternoon. Around 1" of new snow as of 9pm. Comments: Another brisk morning but warming up nicely, just a little breezy in the afternoon. Pretty quiet day on the trail other than the Moorhead Nordic Ski team getting laps on the Section courses. Early evening started to snow. Groomed a few trails. Grooming plans: We will be back out in the morning grooming all the skate trails, setting track on the inner classic trails and Twin Lakes to the west. Trails not fresh groomed tomorrow should still ski very nice with the new silky snow on top.
  Photos:
  (Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)
• Jan 20 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Early morning low -31. Warming up to a high temperature to -23. Very good to excellent mid season conditions. Thin covering of Arctic dust on recently groomed trails. Comments: Didn't quite get warm enough to run the groomers today so no new grooming but overall the trails are in excellent condition. It's tempting to pull out the Pisten Bully on a day like today but there are a few spots we know we might pull up dirt and we don't want skiers to have to ski around those areas when good ski conditions exist. Went out for a classic ski at -22 air temp on Sukkerbusk and Roy's Run this afternoon. The glide was a little slow with the coating of Arctic frost but tracks were bomber and in near perfect form. Such an amazing sensation to be in the forest in weather like this. Thought provoking if we will have any more like it this season!
  Photos:
  (Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)
• Jan 19 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Very good to excellent mid winter conditions. Morning low -22, mostly sunny, light winds, frost snow mid day temperature -12, clearing completely and calm evening. Comments: It was a brisk day for sure but the trails saw action with skiers and fat biking. In the woods was pretty nice. The trails tracked yesterday set up bomber and skied the best. Complimentary skier traffic keeping the glide relatively snappy. In the afternoon tracked Roy's Run with near perfect results and touched up a few of the inner trails. We are also close to completing our new trail head sign! Grooming plans: Tomorrow afternoon plan to reset track on western trails.
  Photos:
  (Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)
 
Park Rapids/Walker area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 29 - Soaring Eagle Trail (Park Rapids):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Snow depth 6", no new snow, 2-3" hard groomed base. All trails are groomed for skating, and Lilly's, Eagle, and Lake also for classic. Lilly's is good, Eagle fair with some icy patches on south exposed hills after a high of 40 yesterday. Clockwise is better on Eagle. Photos are Lilly's (clean) and Eagle, with the spot covered in fir cones, probably cut down by a red squirrel.
  Photos:
  (Deane Johnson)
• Jan 24 - Cut Lake Ski Trail (Pine River):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Not enough snow to set tracks but fun to check out this beautiful area. Lots of wildlife tracks and areas on the trail where deer had bedded down. Some large exposed rocks that you would want to watch out for.
  Photos:
  (Brett Arenz)
• Jan 24 - Soaring Eagle Trail (Park Rapids):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Conditions are good to fair, with some twigs and debris, especially under trees. New snow is coming down, probably an inch. Snow depth is 6" with a firm base of 2". All trails are open and were groomed today. Lilly's beginner loop has a classic track, others DIY till we get more snow. Sunday open house from 1-3 is going again, with free ski rental that day. Hikers and dogs are welcome on snowshoe trails but please not on ski trails.
  Photos:
  (Deane Johnson)

 
Brainerd area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• Jan 25 - Wolf Lake Ski Trails (Brainerd):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  1/2 inch of snow over several days. Groomed pulling the ginzu. Debris showing through in areas. No classic track set due to thin base. Skate skiing should be decent.
  Photos:
  (Bryan Pike)
• Jan 25 - Larson Lake (Deerwood):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  A series of light snowfalls totaling almost a full inch. Pulled ginzu groomer this morning. Grass stubble less apparent but still visible in areas here and there but not a problem to ski over.
  Photos:
  (Bryan Pike)
• Jan 24 - Larson Lake (Deerwood):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Great day out at Larson, nice and warm 19 degrees when I hit the trails in the middle of the afternoon snowstorm (1"). Thanks to the groomers who have are making the most of a slow snow year the trail is quite flat and firm just a few spots of uneven ground.
  (Clay Alexson)
• Jan 24 - Northland Arboretum (Brainerd):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Trails were groomed pulling the ginzu this morning. An overall improvement with smoother skate deck overall. Sand and thin areas on Little Ben Trail. Overall-decent. 1.5 to 2 inch base. 85% of trails have good snow coverage (1st photo). 15% or less has sand mixed with snow but easy to ski thru without ski grabbing (2nd photo).
  Photos:
  (Bryan Pike)
• Jan 22 - Larson Lake (Deerwood):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  A very light dusting of snow this morning while we skied. Deck has texture for getting an edge for skate skiing. Grass stubble here and there but not a problem to ski over.
  Photos:
  (Bryan Pike)
 
Fergus Falls/Alexandria area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• Jan 24 - Andes Tower Hill Ski Area (Kensington):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Coverage was fairly good given the lack of snow this season. There were less bare spots to worry about and the groomers had widened a good portion of the trails. The skate deck was firm and very fast. Deep Woods was actually in very good shape as some kind soul had gone through and removed sticks/branches and the snow coverage was good in there.
  (Chad Bergerson)
• Jan 24 - Andes Tower Hill Ski Area (Kensington):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  I groomed the skating lane on most of the trails. Just not enough snow to retrack the classic track. The wind brought down more leaves and some of the classic track as leaves in them. Snow is thin on some of south exposure trails. I didn't do anything with Deepwoods because of the leaves. Have fun!
  (Marc Lundeen)
 
Mora/Hinckley area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• Jan 25 - Vasaloppet Nordic Center Trails (Mora):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  I participated in the Founders Classic race and also skied at Mora on Thursday. They had about 5.5-6 K of trails groomed for the race, and they had other sections that were open on Thursday. The conditions for the race were excellent. The classic track was pristine. The snow farmers have really done an outstanding job of getting the trails in shape with man-made snow. Thanks and respect to them!
  (John Helms)
• Jan 25 - Vasaloppet Nordic Center Trails (Mora):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied classic today for about 2 hours. Very good skiing conditions for classic and skating. There's about 7 km in pretty good shape.
  (Peter Osterberg)
• Jan 22 - Vasaloppet Nordic Center Trails (Mora):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  I skated almost 9 km along segments of the Dala and Belltower loops. The skate deck was hard and rough with edgeable snow that varied from thin to non-existent. The first segment of the Dala loop from Point 2 to Point 3 had quite a bit of tree debris, but was relatively skiable. The classic tracks were intermittent and regularly shifted from one side of the trail to the other. The trail conditions have gone from very good (last week Thursday) to only fair today. On the plus side, the Vasaloppet crew has made a huge pile of snow and was moving it out onto the trails. The temperature was in the high 20s, and I was skiing where I couldn't last year, thanks to the grooming crew.
  (David Sonnenberg)
 

Other Locations

• Jan 25 - Black's Grove Park (Wadena):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  I still needed to lift the track cutter in a few places. The snow that has fallen over the last few days was very light and fluffy, not much help filling a few low coverage areas. We did spend some time shoveling snow onto two off camber areas. The trails aren't perfect, but skiable. Pit Run is still in the adventure skiing category.
  (Denny Barry)

 
Rochester area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 28 - Gamehaven Park (Rochester):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Hot conditions made the trails softer and slower. When I came back to coach the high school ski team in the afternoon, conditions had firmed up but also got a little icy.
  (Joey Furst)
• NewJan 28 - Gamehaven Park (Rochester):
  Morning
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Machine made loop was groomed overnight and I made the first tracks. Base was soft but in good condition. Recommend getting out their early as possible. Did not ski in the classic tracks but they looked good.
  (Sarah Johnson)
• Jan 27 - Gamehaven Park (Rochester):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Windy conditions with small amounts of debris on the trail and in the tracks. Still good quality snow after grooming this morning, get out and enjoy!
  (Joey Furst)
• Jan 27 - Gamehaven Park (Rochester):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Machine made snow trail in great condition again. Grooming plans: As of today we have worked out an arrangement for RASC to groom on the days when the City's groomer is off. RASC will only groom with the Ginzu, not the Pisten Bully, it in most cases this should eliminate the "no grooming" surprises . Thank you for your patience.
  (Jim Bennett)
• Jan 26 - Gamehaven Park (Rochester):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Close to 20 skiers out when I was! Really really cool to see these trails get used. In tougher shape after the weekend and the high school race on Friday. Didn't get groomed over the weekend, so a pretty firm surface with a lot of slippage if you pushed too hard. Still very skiable though.
  (Joey Furst)
• Jan 26 - Gamehaven Park (Rochester):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Skated at first light this morning on all the snow. The base is holding up well, but given the cooler temps and no new grooming was a bit of a mixture of icy (first stretch at the bottom), and well-worn, but not unpleasant or too difficult. It was hard to get an edge on some of the more heavily shaded areas and a few of the turns, but there wasn't much sugar buildup on the large hill or any other small climbs. All told, happy to have some snow in the Rochester area!
  Photos:
  (Pieter DeHart)
• Jan 25 - Gamehaven Park (Rochester):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Man-made snow trails are still in good shape, but heavily packed and icy in places after Friday's ski invitational traffic. Seeing that this is the only snow in Rochester, it would be great if the trails could be groomed for the weekends!
  (Luke Cossette)
• Jan 23 - Gamehaven Park (Rochester):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic Scheduling 
  
  Machine made loops were all groomed and tracked this morning. Excellent conditions. The Rochester Invitational high school race will be taking place tomorrow from 3-6 pm.
  (Jim Bennett)
• Jan 21 - Gamehaven Park (Rochester):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  After no grooming on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, all machine made snow trails were groomed and tracked today. There is a track around the entire system, in both directions on the two-way areas. The track is not perfect everywhere, but skis really nice. Skate deck is flat and firm.
  (Jim Bennett)
 
Red Wing/Winona area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 28 - Saint Mary's University (Winona):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Our manmade loop is continuing to surprise. New tracks set. Skate lanes tilled and combed. B skis but still full coverage.
  Photos:
  (Steve Horeck)
• Jan 26 - Saint Mary's University (Winona):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Partial, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  The man-made loop is still holding up really well. On Saturday they groomed and reset tracks and on Sunday things still skied great. You could use good skis if you are mindful of not looping through the middle tracks in the woods. I am very appreciative of what SMU has been able to offer in this otherwise almost snowless winter!
  (Chris Stindt)
• Jan 20 - Saint Mary's University (Winona):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Partial, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We retilled and reset track on our 2K loop Conditions are very good. Grooming plans: We're going to loosen up Wednesday when it warms up.
  Photos:
  (Steve Horeck)

 
Cable/Hayward area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 29 - Birkie Trail (Hayward):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  There's plenty of good skiing available at the north end. The core snowmaking loops of course have the best conditions. They were freshly groomed, fast, and almost perfect. I branched out to explore a variety of natural snow trails around Mount Telemark. The natural snow is more of a mixed bag, but mostly good for skating. The base is getting very firm. The powerline and nearby trails are in good shape. Others are more questionable with thin spots, etc. I did see some rocks but don't think i hit any. Off the beaten path, you can find trails that have been groomed but few are skiing. Very enjoyable day! Think snow.
  (Louis Muench, CASTA)
• Jan 27 - Hayward Recreational Forest (Hayward):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  The ski trails have all have been groomed. Track haven't been set due shallow base. The corduroy is looking very good. The sledding hill was groomed too. All the Snowshoe trails are open.
  Photos:
  (Kathy Moe)
• Jan 26 - Birkie Trail (Hayward):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, Rock skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  First time on the Birkie trail system aside from last years looped manmade snow event. I skied from base camp at Mt. Telemark out on the skate trail to the Timber Trail access and back on the classic trail. The tracks set on the skate trail were were in varying condition with many areas thin/washed out or filled with debris (leaves, twigs etc.). Classic trail was in much better shape with apparently only skier made tracks. The area needs more snow for quality tracks to be set and the skate deck was better but still a thin base. Based on my experience, B skis would be fine on the classic trail; rock skis recommended on the skate trail.
  (Ben Ruhme)
• Jan 26 - Birkie Trail (Hayward):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Dropped into OO for a quick visit to the Birkie Trail on the way home from Mt Ashwabay. Skated north to Boedecker on the skate trail and back on the classic. There was quite a bit of grass and leaves to work around on the skate trail, especially closer to OO - it got better as we went further north. Classic trail on the way back was better, you could use good skis there without worry - a lot less debris and thin spots to avoid. There was one set of classic tracks set on the skate trail but they looked pretty much unskiable - frequent grassy patches that you would have to jump out of the tracks to avoid. Ironically, there was no track set on the classic trail, but there were skier-made tracks most of the way that would be far better than the groomed track on the skate trail. Definitely need more snow, but there's a base there.
  (Jay Lyons)
• Jan 26 - Birkie Trail (Hayward):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied classic from Hatchery to Mosquito Brook and back. The trail had been groomed since the limited snowfall on Saturday but conditions seemed no better than the week before and the trails are probably even worse than they look based on the gouges I found in my skis after I was done. The base is too thin to set tracks in with a lot of leaves and grass showing through in places, and those bare spots aren't so easy to avoid on the downhills. I wouldn't recommend skiing this segment until we get more snow.
  (Wade Pearson)
• Jan 26 - Tomahawk Lake Ski Trail (Barnes):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Yay! So excited to "skis" the day on our local trail system for the first time in several years! The groomer did the best with the current situation of little snow that is also very dry. The tracks ranged from ideal - deep and firm and extra-white - to shallow with grass. Skate deck also looked variable. The conditions improve the further you get from the park trailhead. All in all, pretty lovely given the hand mother nature had dealt us this winter!
  Photos:
  (Pamela Toshner)
• Jan 25 - Birkie Trail (Hayward):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Classic skied Friday, skate skied Saturday from Birkie start area both days. Classic tracks very good on snow making loops near start but debris interruptions once past power lines requiring frequent step outs, so I stayed closer to Telemark on Friday. Saturday chose to skate and skied from start to OO. Lots of friendly people of all ages and abilities out skiing the recently groomed Birkie skate trail all the way. Recommend B skis after power lines due to debris and thin snow. Was glad we were skating due to the low snow tracks and had a very enjoyable ski.
  (Paul Wagener)
• Jan 25 - Tomahawk Lake Ski Trail (Barnes):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Two ski grooming passes were made over the entire system yesterday. A classic track was made on the edge. The skate deck was soft but should have firmed up. The classic track was surprisingly decent. It is very thin underneath the pine trees. The warming cabin with changing room is open. There is a porta potty outside. Enjoy.
  Photos:
  (Marc Lybeck)
• Jan 25 - Hayward Hospital Trails (Hayward):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  The entire system of ski loops has been groomed this morning and is double tracked (with the exception of the upper loop by Beaver Lake, which had been tracked a day or two earlier, it was covered with fresh snow today). No skate deck, just groomed for classic. The base is thin and a little soft, the tracks aren't that deep, and there are areas with grass, leaves, or pine needles in the tracks, but considering how little snow there is out there I was pretty happy with the conditions. You might not want to use your best skis, but probably you could get away with it and not damage them.
  (Wade Pearson)
• Jan 25 - Birkie Trail (Hayward):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied from mosquito brook to hatchery and back. Bitch hill well covered and fun! 35% covered trail easy to to navigate to skate skis. Worth the trip and adventure.
  (Audun Mikkelson)
• Jan 25 - Rock Lake (Cable):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  There is 6-8 inches of snow in the woods that compacted to 1-2 inches of base on the trails. I saw many fresh coyote (?) tracks in the half inch of new snow. You might risk using B skis if you avoid that rock in the middle of the trail 2 km from the end of all loops except the 2k loop (see photo).
  Photos:
  (David Byrne, Minnesota Rovers Outdoors Club)
• Jan 24 - Mukwonago Trail (Hayward):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  First tracks on the trail and conditions were very good. Some leaf and twig debris in the tracks and on the skate deck but generally avoidable. I'd say I was in the tracks 50% of the time. The outer long loop was rolled but not tracked. So fun to be out in the woods on natural snow. Great job by the groomers with what they've been given!
  (Michael Gotzsche)
• Jan 24 - Birkie Trail (Hayward):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied south from OO today. The classic track is very thin with grass/leaves showing through every 20-50 feet or so, so you have to constantly hop in and out of the track. The skating lane looked better. Still a few brown spots but easier to avoid those. Thursday I skied the section from the trailhead in Telemark to the power line - that has better classic tracks and very little leaves or ground showing through.
  (Michael O'Connor, Rochester Active Sports Club)
• Jan 24 - Drummond Ski Trails (Drummond):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  All of the Drummond Ski Trails were rolled today. No tracks were set. Dale and Jim removed downed and frozen deadfall as we took a bumpy ride over the hidden branches and rocks. We won't attempt to set tracks until we get a real snowfall.
  (Jim Crandall)
• Jan 23 - Mukwonago Trail (Hayward):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Mukwonago received 3 more inches of fluff. We pulled the groomer around all loops. We did set tracks, but quality varies from excellent to debris filled. I wouldn't recommend using your best skis, but a lot of it can be avoided if you are skate skiing. If classic skiing, plan on not using tracks in places (mostly under the pines). We did not set tracks on the 13 Km loop. The skate deck still has some lumps and bumps, but the snow is smooth! Happy skiing!
  Photos:
  (Katie LeMoine)
• Jan 23 - Rock Lake (Cable):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Rock skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Rock Lake received approximately 3 inches of fresh poof yesterday. Forest Service staff used snowmobiles to pull the groomer with the comb down, making two passes this morning/afternoon. Once compressed, there was about 1 inch of new snow on the base of the trail. Setting tracks was attempted on the 2K and 4K loops, but there was not enough snow. There are some small twigs and leaves on the trail. It was approximately 3F degrees when the trail was groomed. Rock Lake Loop was not groomed.
  Photos:
  (Natalie Osowski)
• Jan 22 - Birkie Trail (Hayward):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Birkie Ridge: Wonderful skate skiing this early afternoon. Inch or more of fresh fluff covering the Birkie's new corduroy and periods of heavy snow while we skied. Some dirt and leaf caution still required but better all the time.
  (Tom Dunaway)
• Jan 22 - Hayward Recreational Forest (Hayward):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  All ski trails have nice corduroy with about a 2 to 3 inch base. No tracks, more snow is needed to set track. Snowshoe trails are open with nice new fluffy snow. The sledding hill has been groomed with nice runs.
  Photos:
  (Kathy Moe)
• Jan 22 - Birkie Trail (Hayward):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  What a treat to ski on natural snow! Seeley/Cable got 2-4 inches of beautiful powder, making conditions quite good. It's certainly thin, but I was not hitting the ground. Classic track were set on the skate trail but they were marginal with occasional dirt and grass showing through. Skied the classic trail from Timberline to OO. It hadn't been groomed and it was slow but how nice to have the Birkie trail to yourself in a snowstorm! So nice to not be skiing in circles!
  Photos:
  (Michael Gotzsche)
 
Superior area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 28 - After Hours Ski Trail (Brule):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  My first time skiing this trail system. I skied the Classic Trail, Maple, part of Oak, White Pine, North/East Loop, and Aspen, about 20 km total. The worst thing I can say about conditions was that there were pine needles and leaves in some of the tracks, with the problem being greater on the Classic Trail, as it is more in the trees than the trails groomed for skating. You could avoid many of these sections by jumping out of the tracks. My poles hit some soft spots a couple times, but it I maybe wouldn't have noticed if I had larger baskets on the poles. And there were a few spots where grass was showing through in the tracks. But the base was pretty solid and there were machine set tracks, which is not such a common thing to find this year on natural snow.
  (Wade Pearson)
• Jan 27 - After Hours Ski Trail (Brule):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  There was a solid snowpack in most areas. It was uneven in some spots and not the fastest snow. It wasn't too bad though.
  Photos:
  (William Beisang)
• Jan 27 - Superior Municipal Forest (Superior):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial ]
  Observation 
  
  I hiked some of the yellow trail today. There's not a lot of snow on the sections I saw. There were some brave skiers on classic skis who left some tracks, but it looks like they turned around after so long. Lots of grass sticking out of the snow.
  Photos:
  (Richard Kaufman)
• Jan 26 - After Hours Ski Trail (Brule):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Skied Maple, White Pine, Red Pine, Nebagamon Creek, Oak, Spruce, and Aspen. Very good conditions, a little bumpy in just a couple of spots.
  Photos:
  (Peter Nordgren)
• Jan 26 - After Hours Ski Trail (Brule):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Good solid base with day old lake effect snow on top. Skate skied most of the loops. Skiers have packed down fresh snow and things were pretty fast. Tracks were set and very fast. If you want to ski on real snow that actually comes from the sky, this is the place!
  Photos:
  (Tom Weber)
• Jan 25 - After Hours Ski Trail (Brule):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Go and get it! First time here. Skate skied. Best kept secret for recent lake effect snow. Also some snow coverage from Friday evening that made for a little soft stuff after last groom. Classic track set nicely. Great warming clubhouse and meeting new people who are out for first time this year and grateful for the snow!
  Photos:
  (Catherine Olson)
• Jan 25 - After Hours Ski Trail (Brule):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Skate skied, trails were soft and a bit bumpy but with a good base under to keep most debris out of the way. I would use B skis. Just a few thin spots. Classic tracks set. I skied maple to oak to white pine to river and the loop and back. It was glorious! Get out there!
  (Trisha Evans)
• Jan 23 - Superior Municipal Forest (Superior):
  Evening
  [ B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Skied the Millennium Trail and stayed on the bike path. It was definitely skiable but pretty bumpy. The dog was pulling me and it was great to be out for the first time.
  (Brad Anderson)
• Jan 23 - After Hours Ski Trail (Brule):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Brule had a bonus 5-6" lake effect snow over the first part of the week. BRSF groomed and set track today on most trails and also made a pass down the classic trail. I didn't see tracks on the classic trail. The fat bike trail was also groomed. Looking better than ever so far this year.
  Photos:
  (Jon Jurek)
 
Ashland/Bayfield area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 29 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Classic Only on Sugarbush to cabin tracked. Anchor, Telford, Abbey, and Beginners classic were tracked and skate was refreshed. Snow was hard and grooming results made an vast improvement.
  (Ann Mosey)
• NewJan 29 - Mt. Valhalla Ski Trails (Washburn):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming Observation 
  
  We briefly attempted to groom but were doing more harm than good so decided to leave the trails as is today. The classic tracks on all trails still look pretty good although they will likely be slick and little icy. High wind has left pine needles and small debris on the trails in some areas.
  (Kaelin Hall)
• NewJan 29 - Mecca (Mercer):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  MECCA picked up two inches of lake effect snow early this morning. Groomers set track and corduroy. Surface is a bit soft.
  (Becca Bartling)
• Jan 27 - Mecca (Mercer):
  Night
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Tonight the skate lanes on the entire 23K trail system were combed and lightly renovated. Conditions are good to very good with a few thin spots.
  (Becca Bartling)
• Jan 27 - Mt. Valhalla Ski Trails (Washburn):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  All loops on the Teuton side were touched up and new tracks set. There was about an inch of new snow that was worked in. Skate deck and tracks looked amazing, but may be soft with warm temperatures.
  Photos:
  (Katie LeMoine)
• Jan 27 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Classic Only trails were fully groomed including Sugar Bush, Oppendahls Alley, Seagull Classic, and Deer Path.
  All Skate and Classic combo trails were also fully groomed including Abbey Road, Beginners Loop, Skid Row, Northern Lights, the Buzz, Seagull, Anchor, Zig Zag, Roller Coaster, Telford, and Jolly. Excellent conditions!
  (Ann Mosey)
• Jan 26 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Both 
  
  Wonderful weekend skiing at Mt Ashwabay. Plenty of snow, even a little new snow on Saturday that wasn't predicted but that's lake effect. Well worth our 4 hour drive from the Twin Cities! We're lucky to have the manufactured snow trails locally but it sure was nice to get on the real stuff. The Summit ski race is here next weekend, unfortunately we can't go, but highly recommend from previous participation. It's a fun race, well supported by the local volunteers, and where else can you win a homemade pie by winning your age group?
  (Jay Lyons)
• Jan 26 - Mecca (Mercer):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Wonderfully freshly groomed and tracked trails. The tracks were full depth throughout except for a very few places. The skate lane was wonderful as well. The warm trailhead cabin is nice for changing clothes and just warming up. This place is a favorite of mine because of the beautiful wooded terrain that is perfect for xc skiing and great grooming.
  (Larry Dobberstein)
• Jan 26 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  All trails including Abbey Road, Beginners Loop, Skid Row, Northern Lights, the Buzz, Seagull, Anchor, Zig Zag, Roller Coaster, Telford, and Jolly Loop were groomed and tracked today. Classic Only trails including Sugar Bush, Oppendahls Alley, Seagull Classic, and Deer Path were also fully groomed. Excellent conditions!
  (Ann Mosey)
• Jan 26 - Mt. Valhalla Ski Trails (Washburn):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  I put aside the fancy modern skis and donned the old wooden skis, complete with 3 pin bindings, and did the 9.9 km classic ski loop. Snow is very nice and the grooming was good. Beautiful winter day.
  Photos:
  (Geary Searfoss)
• Jan 25 - Mecca (Mercer):
  Night
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Grooming team was out at night resetting tracks and renovating the skate lane after receiving 4" of new snow throughout Saturday. Very good conditions, best of the season so far.
  (Becca Bartling)
• Jan 25 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  All skate trails were groomed in fresh snow including Abbey Road, Beginners Loop, Skid Row, Northern Lights, the Buzz, Seagull, Anchor, Zig Zag, Roller Coaster, Telford and Jolly.
  (Ann Mosey)
• Jan 25 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  What a difference skiing on natural snow is compared to man made at Hyland. Trails were well set in most places. There was fresh snow coming down at times but that didn't seem to impact the conditions.
  (Scott Greymont)
• Jan 25 - Mt. Valhalla Ski Trails (Washburn):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  The combi skate/classic Trails have about 3" of powder on a packed base. Skateable, but slow and somewhat awkward. The classic tracks are still fine with good poling for the most part. The classic only side was groomed more recently and is in good shape. Amazing ski of the Sun bowl / loop c yesterday.
  (Greg Weiss)
• Jan 24 - Mecca (Mercer):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Groomers were out tonight renovating the skate lanes. Tracks were set on the Flowage 15k Winterfest loop. Conditions are good to very good with just a few thin spots.
  (Becca Bartling)
• Jan 24 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Good amount of snow and all trails are well groomed. I know because I skied just about all of them today. Place to go in northern WI.
  Photos:
  (Geary Searfoss)
• Jan 24 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Mint conditions for classic and skate. Super fun skating on the newly groomed fresh snow - plenty of coverage so race skis are totally safe. All of the trails are groomed and skiing really great.
  Photos:
  (Bill Oyler)
• Jan 24 - Mecca (Mercer):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Trail is a little soft from the recent snow but always a pleasure to ski. Tracks are in very good shape. Skate deck is also good but still has a few thin spots that are easily avoided.
  (Rodney Silvis)
• Jan 24 - Copper Falls State Park (Mellen):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Rock skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Rolled the Meadow with the UTV. Hardly any snow added. The better spot to ski will be the first little loop about 2 acres in size, this is the firmest part of the whole trail. Another okay spot will be the straight-away along Hwy 169. Otherwise grass poking through in spots.
  Photos:
  (James Enigl)
• Jan 24 - Uller Trail (Pence):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  No grooming but lots of snow! 6-8" fresh on top of solid base. Easy to maneuver, breaking trail on blue and yellow loop.
  (Elissa Cedarleaf Dahl)
• Jan 23 - Mt. Valhalla Ski Trails (Washburn):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  All trails on both the Teuton and Valkyrie sides are now groomed and tracked! It was great to see so many friendly folks on the trails today. Happy skiing!
  (Kaelin Hall)
• Jan 23 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  These may be some of the best trails I've ever been on. They have a definite old school vibe to them, especially the trails we took. We classic skied Deer Path and Sugar Bush plus some of the connector trails. All were groomed to perfection. We did not skate, but the skate surface looked just as good. Well over a foot of snow.
  Photos:
  (Pete Wurl)
• Jan 23 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Classic skied 41 km of phenomenal hill climbs and controlled downhill glides today. I'm a little sore, that was my longest of the season yet, but great conditions for it! Cold lake effect snow so glide wasn't great. Mostly a kick, kick kick ski. Freshly groomed conditions, deep tracks semi firm skate deck. The best Birkie trainer I've had yet this season! So thankful for the Ashwabay grooming crew. I will be back!
  (Kevin Grand)
• Jan 23 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  All trails are groomed and in excellent condition. This includes classic only Sugar Bush, Oppendahls, Seagull, and Deer Path, and all skate trails including Abbey, Beginners Loop, Skid Row, Northern Lights, and the Buzz. And its snowing!
  (Ann Mosey)
• Jan 23 - Mecca (Mercer):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We received five to six inches of lake-effect snow. Groomers were out leveling and combing all 23k of the trail system; cold temperatures set-up the skating platform and tracks nicely. Conditions are good to very good.
  (Becca Bartling)
• Jan 22 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Classic Only trails including Sugar Bush, Oppendahls, Seagull and Deer Path, were tracked. Excellent conditions! Abbey, Beginners, Skid Row, Northern Lights, and the Buzz skate trails were rolled. Lots of new snow.
  (Ann Mosey)
• Jan 22 - Mt. Valhalla Ski Trails (Washburn):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We got a few more inches of beautiful snow! Loops A and B on the Teuton side are groomed and have tracks set. Only one side of Loop C is groomed, no tracks there yet. Valkyrie trails have only been dragged, no corduroy or tracks. Still getting used to our new (larger and heavier) groomer so you may notice some areas where the grooming gets a little messy, especially on tighter or sloped curves. Thanks for your patience while we keep improving! Grooming plans: The plan is to get the rest of the grooming completed Thursday.
  Photos:
  (Kaelin Hall)
• Jan 21 - Montreal Trails (Montreal):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  All trails are packed and most are firmly tracked, including the trails we skied: Number 4, Deep Rock Run, and Ye Olde Grade. With about 6" of snow in the woods some twigs are poking through near the Rose Wreath trailhead, but not on most of the trails. We'll bring our good skis next time.
  Photos:
  (David Byrne, Minnesota Rovers Outdoors Club)
• Jan 20 - Mt. Valhalla Ski Trails (Washburn):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  2-3" of fresh snow since the last groom. Skied the classic only side "C" loop. Beautiful scenery here.
  (John Leaf)
• Jan 19 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Skied most of the system. 1-2" of fresh powder over the top of the skate deck. Slow going, but fantastic coverage and beautiful scenery. Safely good ski conditions on all trails.
  (John Leaf)
 
Rice Lake area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• Jan 26 - Timberland Hills (Cumberland):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Trails remain ungroomed due to insufficient snow, but classic skiing is fun especially if you follow the skier-set tracks. The snow is dry and powdery with no base underneath. Grab those old waxless skis and enjoy what's there.
  Photos:
  (Louis Muench, CASTA)
• Jan 25 - Barron Area Nordic Trail Association (Barron):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Skating on Saturday morning was pretty good. I only had one ground grab of my skis in 17k and I think that was a stick that I saw. Decent glide on 22 year old skis with the dusting of snow we picked up on Friday. We have enough snow to skate on, but not enough to set tracks. The trails in the fields to the south of the woods are not open yet, they need more snow. For the first time in 2 years, the timer has been set so the lights will be on every night from dusk until 9:00 PM.
  Photos:
  (Tyler Gruetzmacher)
• Jan 23 - Barron Area Nordic Trail Association (Barron):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Skiing Thursday evening at +3F had the glide of styrofoam. But the skate deck is well covered and yielded some glide in areas. I wouldn't use good skis, but there aren't any big rocks looking to eat your skis for lunch. We have a nice level deck, waiting for snow.
  (Tyler Gruetzmacher)
• Jan 22 - Balsam Branch Trails (Amery):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied the green loop and beginner trail including new prairie section, and a the small loop of Blue (nearest parking) in the evening. This is all natural snow, nothing manufactured. Trails are very chopped up, but there is still a decent pack down from 10 days ago and the powder dusting overnight made it fast. No track laid. Careful of rocks showing through along the green. Lights pop on about 5:15pm. Plenty of fun and beautiful as ever in the woods.
  Photos:
  (Soon Guenther)
 
Eau Claire area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• Jan 27 - Silvermine Nordic Trail (Eau Claire):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Got out for 45 minutes of skiing and drills and I expected a block of ice after the warm weather in the day. On the contrary the surface was perfect. It was a very enjoyable evening ski.
  (Marty Rosendahl)
• Jan 26 - Silvermine Nordic Trail (Eau Claire):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle Secondhand 
  
  Skate deck was hard and fast. Classic tracks are holding up well. Great to see more and more folks getting out there and it not be crowded. Did some trail planning and plotting with other Silvermine volunteers for the upcoming spring. As I was leaving, planning was to give Silvermine a grooming facelift soon for the upcoming couple days, once more fuel was procured.
  (Tiffany Miller)
• Jan 25 - Silvermine Nordic Trail (Eau Claire):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Skate deck was slightly soft with the smidgeon of new snow we got and the warmer temps but still packed and tracked and skied well. Classic tracks had snow blown into them, but I double poled in the tracks to pack it down, and they are still in great condition too.
  (Tiffany Miller)
• Jan 22 - Tower Ridge Ski Area (Eau Claire):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
  Observation 
  
  Very thin with patches of dirt and leaves. What snow is here has been rolled. Not worth a visit without more snow, in my opinion.
  Photos:
  (Bob Schwartz)
• Jan 22 - Silvermine Nordic Trail (Eau Claire):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Snow was hard and slick, trail well packed and tracked. Fast corners. Classic tracks frozen in and set around the perimeter. Good temps and good trail to get out to ski; get your trail pass online while the temps are nice!
  (Tiffany Miller)
 
Phillips area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• Jan 23 - Wintergreen Ski Trail (Park Falls):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Rock skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We rolled the ski trails today and loops A, B, and D are open. There's not enough snow yet for set tracks down. There's still some debris poking through the snow in some areas, but not much. If you're interested in being a trail volunteer, please let us know! Have a great day!
  (Aaron Thompson)

 
Rhinelander/Eagle River area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 29 - Razorback Ridges Trail (Sayner):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  We enjoyed a blue bird afternoon skiing the classic trails that had been groomed earlier in the day. No ice, a few leaves, but no branches. The groomers have done an excellent job with the amount of snow available. Conditions were good to very good.
  (Rob Wixson)
• NewJan 29 - Razorback Ridges Trail (Sayner):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic Grooming 
  
  Robert groomed the skate side loops last night. He feels they are mostly decent for skiing, but if doing Long Rider and Bruce's Roundabout he advises B skis due to stretches where there is stubble sticking up along with new fallen oak leaves and occasional dirt patches. I groomed most of the classic loops this morning. With less and less snow to work with the tracks for the most part are holding up well, with good coverage almost all the time. The exceptions would be Oak Ridge and Lions Pride where extensive clearcut logging was carried out on Northern Highland State Forest land last summer. About 2 or 3 kilometers on those two loops, along with a similarly exposed piece of clearcut along Hair Raiser have left some stretches blown almost clean of snow down to hard ice underneath. It's a very short patch on Hair Raiser that has iffy tracks. I skied Doug's Folly, Short Cut and Wild Thing this afternoon on my good skis and found mostly good tracks.
  (Will Maines)
• NewJan 29 - McNaughton Lake Trail (Lake Tomahawk):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  The red skater's loop was groomed, and all other loops were leveled and tracked. The green/blue loop near Helen Lake has debris in the tracks and track is very shallow, use caution. Tracks on the rest of the trail are good, with some fluctuating depth especially beneath conifers.
  (Nikki Kloes)
• NewJan 29 - WinMan Trails (Winchester):
  Morning
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  WinMan was in excellent condition today. The sun broke through as we started and with well formed tracks we were off and running/gliding. Another wonderful choice in the area.
  (Ken Schoville)
• NewJan 29 - Escanaba Trail (Boulder Junction):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  All loops have been leveled and tracked. Most of the trail is in good condition but still have some thin areas on the blue loop next to Lost Canoe Lake.
  (Chanice Pitzke)
• NewJan 29 - Pioneer Creek Trails (Conover):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Went out this morning and groomed/set track on all trails. A few dirt spots and occasional oak leaf debris, but overall very nice conditions.
  Photos:
  (Don Merten)
• NewJan 29 - Raven Trails (Woodruff):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Green and Blue loops were leveled and tracked and are in good condition (good skis ok). There are still a few thin areas. A new track was set on the Red loop everywhere there is enough snow to do so. Overall condition of the red loop is fair with some areas of very thin snow cover. The yellow loop is less than 1/2 tracked. Thick conifer cover on much of that loop means there is little snow on the trail. The yellow loop is in poor condition overall due to poor snow cover. B skis or rock skis on the red and yellow loops.
  Photos:
  (Joe Fieweger)
• NewJan 29 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Groomers got out and touched up skate decks this morning on most of the interior trails just before the morning lake effect snow squalls came in! Conditions remain the best, especially for classic, on the west side of the park (Tornado Alley, Base Loop, Survivor, Nose Dive). Grooming plans: We plan to have groomers back on the trails Friday morning!
  (Erin Blow)
• NewJan 28 - Washburn Lake Ski Trails (Woodboro):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Pleasantly surprised, but overall conditions are just fair. It appears as though it's been several days since it's been groomed, and there has been a good amount of skate and classic traffic on the segments I skied. Conditions are pretty typical of low snow. Some organic debris, and a few dirt clumps, and the occasional rock. That being said, there were many segments that were in great shape and enjoyable to ski. Certainly skiable conditions, but as I said earlier, fair.
  Photos:
  (Pete Wurl)
• NewJan 28 - Schlecht Lake (Minocqua):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Nice to ski here at least once per season. I'm not quite sure if the trails are one way. Some signage has arrows, others not. Hilly enough to get in a hard workout. Firm and quick skate surface. One section near lake Tomahawk had pretty thin cover due to the strong wind. I enjoyed skiing on Schlecht lake. Thanks groomer.
  Photos:
  (Brian Ciske)
• Jan 27 - Razorback Ridges Trail (Sayner):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Recently groomed skate deck, thin but not enough to hold you back. Attached pic is of the worst spot (was on Long Rider). Occasional leaves and leaves from todays strong wind but not bad. Some areas of single pieces of brush poking through. Tracks looked mostly good, a little dirty here and there.
  Photos:
  (Brian Ciske)
• Jan 27 - Pioneer Creek Trails (Conover):
  Afternoon
  [ B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Skate deck was soft, uneven, and not recently groomed. Some thin spots under trees. Lots of leaf debris due to wind. My fault for not checking first.
  (Wendy Reese)
• Jan 27 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Groomers touched up skate decks this morning and report great conditions on the interior trails. We are waiting for more fresh snow to re set the classic tracks. Skate decks are firming up nicely out there! Wolf Tracks to the cabin and back is the best long trail to hit up today. Enjoy!
  Photos:
  (Erin Blow)
• Jan 26 - Schlecht Lake (Minocqua):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Another 2 inches of snow packed down. Surface is getting better. Solid level surface is getting better. Lake I loop was groomed also. 18" of solid ice makes great level surface to train and work on technique. Good solid track is set. Still few spots thin on snow. Lights on till 8pm.
  Photos:
  (Chad Metzger)
• Jan 26 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
  Afternoon
  [ B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  We skied the Wolf Tracks race course, shortened this year to a 10.3k multi loop thing instead of the "Tour de Park" single lap. Nevertheless, I found conditions to be quite good. There may have been a brown spot here and there, but mostly white space and smooth conditions. While classic skiing, the skate deck looked firm, level, and fast at 28 degrees. Overall, I'd call the terrain rolly with a spot or two of vertical interspersed with flattish sections good for double pole and V2.
  (Ken Schoville)
• Jan 26 - Washburn Lake Ski Trails (Woodboro):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Conditions are variable, but fair to good at Washburn. No grooming since the light snowfall yesterday. About 40% of the trails have good coverage- at times the tracks were better than the deck. Classic tracks were present on almost all trails, they were in decent condition throughout. Overall great conditions considering the amount of snow we've got! Kudos to the grooming team!
  (Lukas Swoboda)
• Jan 26 - Escanaba Trail (Boulder Junction):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  About 8-10" of snow, and all trails are tracked on this very pleasant, mostly single-track trail. Skied green trail around Pallette Lake. A few sections a bit thin with roots (reason for B skis), but mostly snow was good.
  Photos:
  (Dave Higgs)
• Jan 26 - Razorback Ridges Trail (Sayner):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  First one out. Conditions were great, there were a few spots with branches down but beautiful trail otherwise. I did 5.8 Miles total and completed lions pride.
  Photos:
  (Maggie Carter)
• Jan 26 - Razorback Ridges Trail (Sayner):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Skied almost all the skating segments - 11 miles total - and had a great time. Groomers have done an admirable job with meager snow. There are widely scattered lumpy stretches and dirty patches, but mostly it's good- to very good-skiing. A little soft and kinda slow today, but it should set up nicely over time.
  Photos:
  (Rick Bie)
• Jan 26 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We picked up another inch of so of fluffy snow yesterday. Groomers were out touching up skate decks on the interior trails and are reporting great conditions! Classic tracks were not re-set but are skiing great regardless. There's a few thin spots in places but are easily avoided. Tornado Alley, Survivor, Nosedive, Beaver Pond, and Base Loop are in the best condition! Please note that there is a broken down piece of grooming equipment on the beginning of Wolf Tracks. We tried to get a long trail done for today but fate had other plans...
  Photos:
  (Erin Blow)
• Jan 25 - Raven Trails (Woodruff):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied blue trail that was tracked and in good shape. Good skis were fine on blue trail. Did not ski red trail, but saw it was tracked. Reason for selecting B skis is because with the relatively small amount of snow the red trail could be thin under trees and rocky in places. Again, thank you to DNR / state groomers for doing a good job with minimal snow.
  Photos:
  (Dave Higgs)
• Jan 25 - WinMan Trails (Winchester):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Good coverage, a couple inches of powder on top the recent grooming. Was still snowing when we left at 3pm. A couple hill climbs had just a bit of dirt/debris, but overall very nice.
  (Daryl Hinz)
• Jan 25 - Moccasin Ski Trail (Elcho):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Trails have ok coverage with some grassy spots. I skated down the Muskellunge and up the center Expressway.
  (Andrea Roenning)
• Jan 25 - Washburn Lake Ski Trails (Woodboro):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  It was groomed about 2 days ago. The skate deck had good coverage. Most of the tracks looked decent. We had about 2 inches of snow since the last grooming.
  Photos:
  (Eric Koch)
• Jan 25 - Madeline Lake Trail (Arbor Vitae):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Groomed and tracked and an inch of new snow overnight helped. Groomers have done a good job with still minimum amount of snow, thank you.
  Photos:
  (Dave Higgs)
• Jan 25 - Nose Lake Ski Trail (Rhinelander):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Rock skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Conditions are between fair and good, leaning towards good. 90%+ is good or better, just a few thin spots under the pines as previous mentioned. Those thins spots are easy to spot, and dance around. Even if you engage deep in the track as I did, the debris you touch is leafy, woody or pine cones. In other words, I never hit a rock or frozen soil. So there you have it. The skiing right now is better than in July.
  Photos:
  (Pete Wurl)
• Jan 24 - Razorback Ridges Trail (Sayner):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Finished grooming all trails yesterday afternoon and evening. Classic loops for the most part are good to very good with decent track set on all of them. Finished grooming skate loops in the evening. They vary from mediocre to very good. There are patches here and there of stubble still sticking up or a little bare ground with leaf litter, but a couple skiers I talked to said overall it wasn't bad. Wouldn't you know it, after all that grooming I woke up Saturday morning to a fresh half-inch or so of snow on the ground with very light snow continuing. Overall conditions should provide for quality ski outings.
  (Will Maines)
• Jan 24 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Very good conditions. You will not be disappointed. Most of the tracks looked pretty good. I saw few places with dirt in the tracks but it was easy to avoid. Nut Cracker was in very good condition except for about two spots, which was avoidable..
  (Eric Koch)
• Jan 24 - Anvil National Recreation Trail (Eagle River):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  The skate deck was narrow, too soft, irregular/ lumpy. I broke through the surface repeatedly, sinking in several inches. Skied the East and West loop trails. Both were pockmarked by pedestrian traffic which presumably occurred prior to yesterday's grooming. The foot fall holes left by hikers were where my skis broke through the surface of the skate deck. Go elsewhere to skate ski.
  (Sean McMahon)
• Jan 24 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Trails are looking nice after the 2-3" of snow earlier this week! Groomers have gotten most of that new snowed pressed in and have set new classic tracks and skate decks on all trails including all three long trails. Coverage is really good on most interior trails with a few thin spots here and there on the east side of the park. Conditions are still a little thin in spots on River Run, Wolf Tracks, and Lake Marie. Wolf Tracks is your best bet at a long trail. Grooming plans: Groomers plan on being out again tonight getting things groomed up for the weekend.
  (Erin Blow)
• Jan 24 - Minocqua Winter Park Nordic Center (Minocqua):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic Secondhand 
  
  Skied the interior trails, found good coverage with deep tracks. Some debris and dirt here and there that was easily avoided. I heard those on the outer trails reported good conditions on good skis with occasional avoidable thin spots.
  Photos:
  (Jennifer Weibel)
• Jan 24 - Pioneer Creek Trails (Conover):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  20 km of exceptionally good track, today, right after a grooming. With the southerly wind blocked by "the Hill", conditions were... exceptional. Don't let the rolled only feeder trail from the parking lot confuse you--as soon as you cross the snowmobile trail, you will be in heaven, skating or classical! There are a couple of small turf spots, but overall, this is the best the sport has, right now, in Northern Wisconsin. See you on the trail. Enjoy! And to Don, at the Vilas County Forestry dept: I didn't know YOU were grooming the Pioneer Creek Trail. Thank You!
  (Bob Nussbaum)
• Jan 24 - Cassian Two-Way Ski Trail (Rhinelander):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  The Cassian classic trail was tracked this morning.  As with Nose Lake and Washburn the tracks appear the same way.  Skiers will find some nice tracks, and there will be some thin spots.  Most of these undesirable areas will be found in and around recent logging activity.  Based on these results, you may want to leave the good skis at home.
  (Dennis Zielinski)
• Jan 23 - Schlecht Lake (Minocqua):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Another 2 inches of powder Paff snow packed tight. Track is set on the trails and also the lake loop is tracked and open for skating. Still a few bar spots. The lights are on until 8 PM each day.
  Photos:
  (Chad Metzger)
• Jan 23 - Nose Lake Ski Trail (Rhinelander):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Nose lake was tracked today.  The results are mixed. The east loop has the most thin spots, especially on the north side of Nose Lake road, and the open areas on the south side. On the west loop, the results are better, with the exception of the stretch under the pines shortly after the trail split.  Probably would be a good idea to leave the good skis at home.
  (Dennis Zielinski)
• Jan 23 - Anvil National Recreation Trail (Eagle River):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We received 2-3 inches of fluffy snow yesterday. All trails were groomed today. We set track on East, West and Military trails. Unfortunately, our track setter had some electrical issues and we were unable to lift the tracks on hills. The entirety of those trails are tracked. The packed base is 3-4 inches so the tracks are shallow. Lake Loop, Ninemile, and Devil's run have been groomed with no tracks set. The snow is packing well with some soft spots.
  Photos:
  (Valerie Knurr)
• Jan 23 - Razorback Ridges Trail (Sayner):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Just finished grooming all but Long Rider and Bruce's Roundabout on the skate loops side of the system. Those two are planned for tomorrow. Also, finished this afternoon grooming and setting track on all classic loops. I tend to be a tough grader when it comes to ski conditions, but today I can thankfully say that the classic loops can be considered very good to excellent with tracks set on all loops. Very little litter. The skate loops I finished I would rate from fairly good to very good. Some loops have a high rise in the center of the trail left behind by logging projects last summer. The loggers graded most of it when logging was completed, but in some places it will take more snow to level things out. Overall, skiers of both methods should find good to great skiing now.
  (Will Maines)
• Jan 23 - Pioneer Creek Trails (Conover):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  All trails were groomed today. I had set a track but expect to jump out in thin areas. Overall trails are looking good with thin cover scattered throughout the system. Things are setting up nicely, enjoy the weekend!
  (Don Merten)
• Jan 23 - Escanaba Trail (Boulder Junction):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Got about 4" of powdery snow, which was enough to set the first tracks of the season. All loops are tracked and track depth may very with a few thin spots on the blue loop next to Pallet Lake.
  (Chanice Pitzke)
• Jan 23 - Moccasin Ski Trail (Elcho):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Received about an inch of snow yesterday. Rolled entire trail and dragged the skating side on the outside loop. Trail is not tracked and where dragged hit the ground in a couple of spots. Luge Loop still has some rough areas but overall should be good for classical and skate skiing.
  (Chuck Wetzel)
• Jan 23 - Raven Trails (Woodruff):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Trail received 2-3" of light, fluffy new snow. All loops were packed and tracks were set everywhere there is enough snow to do so. Green and Blue loops are completely tracked and in fair to good condition (Probably ok for good skis). The worst part of those loops is the segment from the trailhead to where the red loop splits off. Red loop is mostly tracked with some fair to good conditions and some poor conditions where snow cover is thin (B skis if you're careful, otherwise rocks skis). The yellow loop is less than 1/2 tracked. Thick conifer cover on much of that loop means there is little snow on the trail. The yellow loop is in poor condition due to poor snow cover (Rock skis).
  Photos:
  (Joe Fieweger, Wisconsin DNR)
• Jan 23 - Madeline Lake Trail (Arbor Vitae):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  First tracks set of the season. All loops are tracked and conditions are good. Track depth may vary. First time pulling the groomer with the new Honda UTV.
  Photos:
  (Lynn Wright)
• Jan 23 - McNaughton Lake Trail (Lake Tomahawk):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Trail received 3" of snow. The red skater's loop was groomed, and all other loops were tracked. The green/blue loop on the east side of Helen Lake has debris in the tracks and track is very shallow, use caution. Tracks on the rest of the trail are good, with some fluctuating depth especially beneath conifers.
  (Nikki Kloes)
• Jan 23 - WinMan Trails (Winchester):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Trails are in excellent condition right now. We had about 4" in total of new snow. Lake effect from early yesterday was compressed throughout the day then we got nearly an inch of good quality snow in the evening. All the trails were groomed this morning and completed right around 8:30am. Result is "white" everywhere for the first time this year. No areas of thin skate deck or debris on the classic tracks.
  Photos:
  (Isaac Cowart)
• Jan 22 - Northwood Golf Course (Rhinelander):
  Night
  [ Trails Open: Most, Rock skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied in the evening with the Wed night ski group. Northwoods was groomed and tracked earlier in the day with an additional inch or so of fluffy snow falling after the grooming. Tracks are a bit shallow and there is some debris here and there. Mostly it is just grass and oak leaves to avoid, but there are a few places with some dirt and the occasional rock in the track. Judy's Vista and the short cut trail were rolled but not groomed. The skate deck is starting to level out, but still uneven in spots. Overall much improved from last week.
  (Eli Anoszko)
• Jan 22 - Razorback Ridges Trail (Sayner):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  I arrived mid-afternoon just as a band of heavy snow came through. The inner loops had just been rolled - I believe out to Mary's Frolic - but I went ahead and plowed through Long Rider/Bruce's Roundabout, 3-4 inches not yet tilled, with my best skis. Dry, buoyant snow made for pleasantly fast conditions. Very little remaining stubble although the narrow course and minimal base using the available grooming equipment results in a significant crown.
  (Duane Jacobson)
• Jan 22 - Washburn Lake Ski Trails (Woodboro):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  With the addition of more fluffy snow today we were able to groom and set track at Washburn. For the most part the tracks turns out nicely, but in the open areas whee logging took place expect the tracks to be thinner, with some leaves, sticks, and other debris visible. We still have a small segment of trail closed. There is concern over possible damage to the newly reseeded area at Herringbone Hill, along with haul rode create during logging. Hopefully more snowfall will allow us to open that segment.
  (Dennis Zielinski)
• Jan 22 - Treehaven (Tomahawk):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, Rock skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We received a fluffy inch of snow today and I was able to touch up a lot of our trails. Its still rock skiing without tracks, but every flake counts! Best conditions can be found on the N 1/2 of Big Pine, N 1/2 of Red Oak, and Sugarbush. Conditions are pretty rough between map points 18 and 19 on the Red Oak Loop and also on the downhill by map point 28 on Big Pine. We normally are classic skiing only but without enough snow to set tracks skaters are welcome for the time being. Photos show the current range of conditions from pretty good to pretty bad.
  Photos:
  (Eli Anoszko)
• Jan 22 - Three Eagle Trail (Eagle River):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  All trail segments open! Groomed for skate skiing and the classic track has been set. Good conditions with a few bare sections under the trees. Enjoy the trail!
  Photos:
  (Christopher Nafziger)
• Jan 22 - WinMan Trails (Winchester):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Fresh snow falling throughout the day over grooming. My first couple of loops were on a couple inches of fresh over the morning's grooming. Then the groomer came out and re-groomed the skate deck on the shorter loops, which I did next. Then, I finished up on the 4-5 km loops, which had not been regroomed. Slower conditions with cooler temps and fresh snow, but beautiful and fun.
  Photos:
  (Sue Schroeder)
• Jan 22 - WinMan Trails (Winchester):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Conditions were great. 2 or 3 inches of fresh fluffy snow made a nice improvement. Groomers were out laying fresh cord for the skaters and setting full depth track for striders. No concerns with anything, bring your best skis.
  Photos:
  (Pete Wurl)
• Jan 22 - Ed's Lake National Recreation Trail (Crandon):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Trail has been rolled and combed but no tracks have been set. Snow is a little thin is a few spots and some brush is still poking through in places but it has a few inches of snow now.
  Photos:
  (Blake Rouzer)
• Jan 19 - Schlecht Lake (Minocqua):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  I skied the outer perimeter loop, then the loop around Schlecht Lake, and finally the loop on Schlecht Lake. Overall conditions I would rate as fair. There are a few spots where snow cover is thin but they are easy to navigate around. The temperature was around minus seven but there was no wind.
  Photos:
  (Jim Gantz)
• Jan 19 - Washburn Lake Ski Trails (Woodboro):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Good coverage of snow but deck had not been rolled in a while and no tracks set. Seemed like only one other skier had been here in days, which is not the norm for this gem.
  (Dave Grace)
• Jan 19 - Three Eagle Trail (Eagle River):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Three Eagle was in good shape for both skate and classic. There were a few thin spots in the tracks to hop around and a fair number of oak leaves and pine needles but overall surprisingly nice conditions for the limited amount of snow. Conditions were somewhat better on the West side and a little thinner on the East end.
  Photos:
  (Eli Anoszko)
 
Wausau area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 28 - Iola Winter Sports Club Trails (Iola):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails: Closed, Rock skis ]
  Scheduling 
  
  With the warm weather trails are closed for the time being to preserve the base. We will update when we receive more snow.
  (Morgan Pease, Iola Winter Sports Club)
• Jan 25 - Nine Mile County Forest Recreation Area (Wausau):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails: Closed ]
  Observation 
  
  All major trails have been rolled but none have been groomed. We are so close, just need a few more inches and then hopefully we can finally start skiing in Central Wisconsin!
  Photos:
  (John Fox)
• Jan 23 - Iola Winter Sports Club Trails (Iola):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Partial, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We received about 1.5" of snow last night that I compacted this morning on all of the trail systems - Green, Blue, Black. Green was groomed this evening and is in okay to good shape (b-skis recommended). No tracks set. Blue and black still don't have quite enough coverage to be dragged yet.
  (Morgan Pease, Iola Winter Sports Club)
• Jan 22 - Iola Winter Sports Club Trails (Iola):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Rock skis ]
  Observation 
  
  Green loop is open but very rough - lots of bare spots, icy snow. Not worth traveling until we have more snow.
  Photos:
  (Morgan Pease, Iola Winter Sports Club)
 
Green Bay area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 29 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Despite a strong North wind, the snow got warmer and sticky. There was still excellent corduroy on the lateral part of the trail. Skating was fast. Diagonal tracks were fast and holding up well.
  (Jules Blank)
• NewJan 28 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Impeccable snow conditions today. Windy but pleasant temperatures. Well worth the ride (and trail fee). Thank goodness for Ariens this miserable winter.
  Photos:
  (Jim Van Akkeren)
• NewJan 28 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Reliably perfect tracks and skate deck. 30 degrees with a stiff westerly wind. Appreciate how the grooming team tightened up the track runouts and pickups! Well done. Carpe Skiem!
  Photos:
  (Bob Warpinski)
• NewJan 28 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  The trails are always very well groomed, but today was one of the best ever. The snow is clean, well compacted, and fast with a wide skate deck. Classic tracks were also beautiful. Excellent skiing today.
  (Jules Blank)
• Jan 24 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Fun in the sun! Classic tracks like glacial canyons. A level & firm skate deck. It doesn't get much better than this (especially since the wind was out of the south, southwest). Take advantage of this gem. Carpe Skiem!
  Photos:
  (Bob Warpinski)
• Jan 23 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Perfect skate deck. Perfect tracks. The pesky northwest wind was the only drawback. The area received about j1/2" of snow overnight. Skied in 12 degrees under a crystal blue sky at 10 am. Carpe Skiem!
  Photos:
  (Bob Warpinski)
• Jan 23 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Crisp corduroy on a 3.5 km skate deck. Clean, well compacted and wide skate lanes. Diagonal tracks were substantial. The northerly wind was stiff, but the conditions were still excellent.
  (Jules Blank)
• Jan 22 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Classic skied the 3.5 km of trails today. Chilly, 16 degrees, with a south wind partially blocked by the wooded area to the south of the trails. Tracks were solid, deep and clean. Skate deck was very good. If you haven't been out skiing yet this year, try this ski trail. Trails are wide and smooth. Lots of hills, but most can be easily climbed with the right wax and the downhills are fun, but not scary or dangerous.
  (Bill Konieczki)
• Jan 22 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Terrific trail conditions for both techniques today while battling a strong wind in 17 degrees under a cloudy sky. Super fun to be skiing while the UWGB Nordic team worked out. Mount Becker, the northern most climb, is great fun on both the up and down. Carpe Skiem!
  Photos:
  (Bob Warpinski)
• Jan 22 - Ariens Nordic Center (Brillion):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Well groomed trail of 3.5 km which was flat, wide and fast. Diagonal tracks showed slight wear and tear, but were still very good. A fun day to be at this venue.
  (Jules Blank)

 
Sheboygan area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• Jan 23 - Zillmer Ski Trails (Campbellsport):
  Morning
  [ Trails: Closed, Bare ground ]
  Observation 
  
  Overnight we received about one inch of snow coverage. However, it was not quite enough to begin grooming ski trails.
  (Andrew M Straka)
 
Madison area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 28 - Blackhawk Ski Club Trails (Middleton):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Nice spring type ski conditions. Soft snow with minimal ice. Tracks were laid and were definitely skiable. Not too many folks out. I guess this is our lot in southern Wisconsin ... 50 degrees in January. Ski when you can and where you can is the new mantra.
  Photos:
  (Chris Quandt)
• Jan 26 - Blackhawk Ski Club Trails (Middleton):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Lots of folks out today with the blue sky and no wind and 30 degree temps. Snow was tough for the classical skiers. No tracks left after the warming we have had. So us classical folks slid around a bunch in a lot of places, but in some places it was ok. Skate skiers were having a better time with the conditions. Still, it is snow, and there is a whole lotta brown out there without snow.
  (Chris Quandt)
• Jan 22 - Blackhawk Ski Club Trails (Middleton):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Those little dustings of snow added up to almost an inch of snow in places and that softened the skiing up. It was a nice day skiing with nice grooming and nice dusting. Good amount of folks skiing today on this winter warming we had today :-).
  Photos:
  (Chris Quandt)
 
Milwaukee area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 29 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Very good conditions for skate and stride this morning, but softening and slowing down as the temps rose. A loose layer of snow on a firm base. Classic tracks are variable with some solid and others less well formed. The base is showing some ice along the northeast side of the Field Loop, with less loose snow on top. Newly groomed Playground trails are the best they have been all season. The descent down Magic Carpet is slow, due to the wind and the softening snow.
  (John McCarthy)
• NewJan 29 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  I had the Pisten Bully out early this morning and tilled, reset tracks, and groomed the playground on all the man-made snow trails. Skiing should be excellent today with the beautiful weather we are having. Good to be back grooming, happy skiing!
  (Beattle Adelmeyer)
• NewJan 28 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Excellent conditions for skate and stride this morning. The Pisten Bully left a shallow layer of loose snow on the firm base, providing a perfect skating surface. Magic Carpet was fast but easily controllable. Nice, new tracks are solid and full depth. Temps were rising and the wind was really picking up, so expect conditions to change.
  (John McCarthy)
• Jan 27 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
  Night
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  The Piston Bully was out at night grooming the man made trails. The skate deck was tilled and is in great condition. New classic tracks were set and are in great condition as well.
  (Mark Janis)
• Jan 27 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  A very firm base with just a little loose snow made for fast, but challenging skate conditions. A strong SW wind was blowing the finer snow off the surface. Best was the climb up the Start Hill, and on the Green Cutoff. Magic Carpet is fast but with just enough loose snow to make it manageable for most skiers. Tracks are solid and fast, and catching some of the blowing snow, providing a kickable surface.
  (John McCarthy)
• Jan 26 - Nordic Ski Trail (La Grange):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails: Closed ]
  Observation 
  
  Trails are a mix of bare ground and 1 inch or 2 of blown fluff. Plenty of foot traffic. Nothing here for skiers.
  (Johan Ihlen)
• Jan 25 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
  Night
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  The Piston Bully was out at night grooming the man made trails. The skate deck was tilled and is in great condition. New tracks were set throughout and are in great condition. The playground was also groomed and should be in great shape for family day Sunday.
  (Mark Janis)
• Jan 23 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
  Night
  [ Trails Open: Partial, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Piston Bully was out at night on the man made loop. I set new tracks and tilled up the skate deck. There are a couple rough spots on magic carpet but otherwise it should be pretty nice conditions in the morning.
  Enjoy!
  (Alex Matson)
• Jan 23 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Generally good, but slow conditions for skate. The snow is very cold from the last week and the mixed-in snow from yesterday, so expect a good workout. Sporadic grooming by the Pisten Bully provided a faster surface. The spreading and grooming of the new snowmaking was done when I got there so everything was open, but there are occasional icy spots on Magic Carpet and Hoot Owl that change the speed of the snow surface. Some tracks are brand new and looked great; others are left from yesterday and are a bit more broken down.
  (John McCarthy)
• Jan 23 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  The man-made loop was groomed this morning with the ginzu, and the tracks were dug out and reset. Conditions should be very good with this thin layer of fresh snow. There is a section of the trail closed for some additional snowmaking. It is closed from the bottom of Hoot-Owl Hill to the bottom of Magic Carpet. This means that there will be some two-way traffic in the section that goes through the woods. Please give snowmakers and groomers space while they are out there working. Grooming plans: Plans are to spread that snow later today and then groom it tonight with the piston bully, so the full snowmaking loop should be open tomorrow. Unfortunately, we did not get enough snow off of the man-made loop to groom the rest of the trails. So, for now, those trails will remain ungroomed.
  (Collin Bergholz, Wisconsin DNR)
• Jan 22 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Fresh snow made a big difference on the trails today. Good conditions for skate with a variable depth, loose surface of dry, windblown snow on a firm base. Tracks were infilled with the new snow, providing a good kick. Downhills were a bit slow, but fun and easy to ski.
  (John McCarthy)
• Jan 21 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
  Night
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  The Piston Bully was out at night grooming the man made loop. The skate deck was tilled and is in great condition. New classic tracks were set and are full depth. The center leg of the lower loop was set up for the Wednesday night races.
  (Mark Janis)
• Jan 21 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Great conditions for skate and stride. The recent till and groom of the skate lanes left an excellent surface of soft corduroy on a firm base. The old tracks are firm and fast, but picking up a little windborne debris. For those using waxable striding skis - like me - the surface is very abrasive, so don't expect your kick wax to last too long.
  (John McCarthy)
• Jan 20 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
  Night
  [ Trails Open: Most, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  The Piston Bully was out tilling the skate deck. The classic tracks were left as is and are in great shape. The skate deck is flat and firm. Dress warm!
  (Mark Janis)
• Jan 20 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: Partial, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skate deck was ginzu-groomed and had a thin layer of loose snow on a very firm base. Track was left from Saturday and was firm and fast. Transitions from track starts and stops were a little challenging as the surface was very firm with no loose snow.
  (John McCarthy)
• Jan 20 - Lapham Peak (Delafield):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Partial, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Good conditions on a cold day for the man-made trails. Classic skied about 10 miles (1.5 mile loops). Tracks were firm throughout, and I got good grip with my skins. Corduroy on the deck was hard and slick when I had to step out of the tracks. I drove up from Chicago to finally get some skiing in, and it was beautiful to sweat on a cold, cold sunny day. Thank you to the crew at Lapham!
  Photos:
  (Daniel Meyers)

 
Ironwood area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 29 - ABR (Ironwood):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Great surprise 3-4 inches of lake effect snow overnight. We took both Pisten Bullies out and a single track groomer and groomed 87 km of trails this morning. At 20 degrees they set well and with sun they skied very nicely. I don't think conditions could get much better. We plan to regroom again in the morning.
  Photos:
  (Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)
• NewJan 28 - ABR (Ironwood):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We have been daily grooming. Today snowcross and pig heart groomed 67 km including setting new classic tracks. Conditions were reported the last 2 days as the best in 2 years! The wind did blow in snow during and after our 4 hour groom cycle but most of the trails groomed were wooded and ok. Grooming plans: Tomorrow we have Crasher joining the groom team so 3 of us will groom in the snow that fell and blew in the trails. We have been running and grooming with both Pisten Bullies but we are being conservative and are using light equipment tomorrow.
  Photos:
  (Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)
• NewJan 28 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
  Morning
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Wonderful Wolverine! Lots of good memories here and today did not disappoint. Deep and firm tracks, and except for a few wind blown areas made for great kick and glide. If you're looking for good vertical and scenic trails along with good grooming, I'd recommend Wolverine.
  (Ken Schoville)
• Jan 26 - ABR (Ironwood):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  What a great weekend of skiing, snow globe Saturday conditions with 83 km groomed and sunny and 24 degrees today with the new snow groomed on 92 km of trails. Both Pisten Bullies were out grooming this morning along with three smaller groomers. The trails are in mint condition and classic tracks are as good as it gets. Skiers were very happy with conditions. Grooming plans: Tomorrow wully bully and pig heart are headed out for touch up grooming in the morning. We are not resetting the classics, they are skiing very well.
  (Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)
• Jan 26 - ABR (Ironwood):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Wonderful skiing throughout the entire system. Great grooming with deep, solid tracks almost everywhere.
  Photos:
  (Ian Duncan)
• Jan 26 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  All Wolverine trails are groomed and in great shape. There was around 2-3" of fresh snow from yesterday that groomed up nice!
  Photos:
  (Deborah Leonard Greiter)
• Jan 26 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  Mint conditions for skate and classic on all of the Wolverine trails! Fresh grooming and fresh snow made it a little soft and slower, but there is no need to be in a hurry when conditions are this good. Bluebird day as well! About as good as it gets.
  Photos:
  (Bill Oyler)
• Jan 26 - ABR (Ironwood):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  It was a bit warmer, so I put in a big day on the skate skis. Skied pretty much all the skate trails, and had "hero" conditions. Got on Windy Ridge and the dog trails for the first time this season... Was loving the technical turns with perfect grooming.
  Photos:
  (Sue Schroeder)
• Jan 25 - ABR (Ironwood):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Morning grooming covered by newly fallen snow. The snow continued throughout the day. Good skiing in a snow globe... Lots of folks out enjoying the snow.
  Photos:
  (Sue Schroeder)
• Jan 25 - ABR (Ironwood):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Both 
  
  All trails were groomed really nice this morning. I got in 40k of skate skiing and 10k of classic, and the conditions were outstanding. Snow falling all day, but not too much to cause any problems. Race skis are completely safe to use. Thanks ABR groomers!
  Photos:
  (Bill Oyler)
• Jan 25 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  All trails groomed and track reset this morning. Got about 3" fluffy stuff last night. Just started snowing again, should be a wonderful day to ski! Conditions are excellent!
  (Deborah Leonard Greiter)
• Jan 23 - ABR (Ironwood):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Excellent tracks today. The last 36 hours brought us enough snow for the Piston Bully to get out again this morning. As far as I can tell you can use your best skis on both combi and classic-only trails.
  Photos:
  (Will Andresen)
• Jan 23 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  After six plus inches of new snow, all trails and skate lanes were freshly groomed this morning. Excellent conditions.
  (Deborah Leonard Greiter)
• Jan 22 - ABR (Ironwood):
  Evening
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  What a nice surprise, lake effect snow all day long! Skiers enjoyed the firm base under the 4-6 inches of snow that fell on today's morning grooming! We groomed most of the combi trails this morning and retracked. Grooming plans: We plan to have Pig Heart groom with the bigger Pisten Bully on all of "old ABR" early in the morning. Crasher and Black Smith will groom the Highlands and Ridge Runner (not sure yet if Ridge Runner will be classic or skate). After 9 am coffee break we will conquer some of the classic only trails, not sure if we make it to Puumala trails and wolf tracks.
  Photos:
  (Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)
• Jan 22 - ABR (Ironwood):
  Afternoon
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Six inches overnight made good skiing even better. Snow still coming down after morning's grooming made for nice, soft skiing today. I would say it's safe to use your good skis on the combi trails, but it might be best to stick with B skis on the classic-only trails a little longer.
  Photos:
  (Will Andresen)
• Jan 20 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Great kick and glide. Beautiful day to classic ski at Wolverine. The sun was shining and the classic tracks were running fast despite cold temps. I skied all the trails except the Ponds loop. Great ski conditions. Waiting for temps to moderate before skating. Skate lanes still looked a little soft from the weekends snow.
  Photos:
  (Johann Geyer)
• Jan 20 - ABR (Ironwood):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Classic tracks at ABR were in great condition, including the classic only narrower trails. We skied here on Saturday as well, and there appeared to be even more trails groomed since then! Thank you groomers for braving the cold! I used a cold weather quick wax that I purchased in the ski shop (for a reasonable price) and had excellent glide in the tracks.
  Photos:
  (Tracy Stacy)
• Jan 19 - Miners Memorial Heritage Park (Ironwood):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Very good conditions after the inch or two of snow from last night was groomed in. Thanks to a mid-day groom, tracks were firm, and fast with no drifted snow. Skate lane appeared quite a bit slower, but was very firm the few times I stepped out of the track. Temps were in the single digits below zero.
  (Jonathon Rulseh)
• Jan 19 - Miners Memorial Heritage Park (Ironwood):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Subzero temps made for great grip but not much glide. Beautiful bluebird day with perfect grooming. Only saw a few other folks, who were snowshoeing on the snowshoe trails.
  Photos:
  (Sue Schroeder)
• Jan 19 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Our dedicated volunteer groomers reported in that all skate lanes and tracks freshly groomed this morning. Excellent conditions.
  (Deborah Leonaed Greiter)
• Jan 19 - ABR (Ironwood):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  I am so impressed by the dedication of our staff, both grooming and working the ski shop, shoveling and plowing etc... and our skiers. They are so loyal and dedicated to our ABR family. We groomed up 78 km of trails today at -18 F, set tracks on 61 km. Skiers were pleased. I am so impressed with the turn out of skiers on a cold day. The wooded trails were used mostly and the trailside warming cabins were heated by skiers to help extend the distance they could venture out to. Grooming plans: Monday we plan to touch up skate lanes, re-track the Highlands, re-track Puumala... maybe more.
  Photos:
  (Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)
 
Marquette area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• NewJan 29 - Maple Lane Ski Center (Skandia):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  After 4" of powder in the last two days, our trails were packed and tracked this afternoon. We are prepping for the Skandia Lions Winter Carnival this weekend. It is a fund raiser for local food pantries. We also packed a coasting hill for the kids (and some grownups).
  (Ronald Stenfors)
• Jan 27 - Valley Spur (Munising):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  The Valley Spur trail maintenance crew spent the bulk of the morning cutting branches and slightly widening the trail. The trail had not been groomed from the weekend. Tons of snow. Lots of pesky Beech leaves in the tracks. The Z and G trails provided the best skiing. Carpe Skiem!
  Photos:
  (Bob Warpinski)
• Jan 26 - Noquemanon Trail (Marquette):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: Most, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Conditions were very good at the Forestville Trailhead for both skate and classic. Marquette got 1-2" of new snow overnight and everything was freshly groomed. Used good skis and didn't see any debris on the core loops around Forestville, conditions closer to 510 may still be in rougher condition, but didn't make it out to that part of the trail on Sunday. On Friday the section by 510 still had a few small spots of ice, dirt and one or 2 rocks barely poking through but was overall in good shape.
  (Eli Anoszko)
• Jan 26 - Valley Spur (Munising):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  So impressed and appreciated that these trails were freshly groomed by early this morning after about 6 inches of snow fell Saturday night. A big thank you to the groomer! The tracks were deep and solid which made for great classic skiing, including the steep hills on trails G , I, and Z. Joanie and I hit the Munising Trifecta of classic skiing the last three days after visits to McKeever Hills, Pictured Rocks, and Valley Spur. We enjoyed all three trail systems and it was well worth the drive from the Madison area.
  (Darren Blankenship)
• Jan 26 - McKeever Hills (Munising):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Beautiful ski with plenty of snow, sunshine and natural beauty to go around. First time skiing these trails and I loved the challenge of the big hills, which was made extraordinary by the extra snow that made the steep and curvy downhills very manageable. Nice deep track.
  (Clark Reinke)
• Jan 25 - Valley Spur (Munising):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Both 
  
  Plenty of snow here! Classic tracks were deep and in excellent condition. Skating lanes were soft but getting skied in and faster as the day went on. Lots of people out enjoying the trails. Fun day!
  Photos:
  (Marla Meyer)
• Jan 25 - Valley Spur (Munising):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Absolutely fantastic today. Great tracks and skate deck. I can not say enough about the perfect conditions. Thanks so much to those who maintain the chalet and trails.
  Photos:
  (James Kyes)
• Jan 25 - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Munising (Munising):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Day 2 of our ski getaway from Madison and Joanie and I enjoyed another great classic-only trail. The trail had been groomed the day before with a dusting of overnight snow, which made for some very good conditions with a solid track. There is a good variety of trails here, from gently rolling to bigger hills, with plenty of curves to keep you honest. You can also enjoy some nice views of Lake Superior and at least one frozen waterfall. Thanks to the groomers for their efforts!
  Photos:
  (Darren Blankenship)
• Jan 25 - Maple Lane Ski Center (Skandia):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Set track on all trail segments this morning. All of the skiers we had out were very happy with the trail conditions. Will groom as needed.
  (Ronald Stenfors)
• Jan 25 - Valley Spur (Munising):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Freestyle 
  
  It was beautiful! A bit slow but enjoyed having real snow versus skiing in Wisconsin with man made snow because we don't have any snow down there. Gorgeous scenery! Thank you Valley Spur!
  Photos:
  (Marie Sumnicht)
• Jan 24 - McKeever Hills (Munising):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Excellent conditions early this afternoon on this gem of a single-track classic only trail. The groomer was just finishing when Joanie and I arrived and carved a perfect track through the entire system. There is some nice old growth forest here and some big hills on Loop C to enjoy. It was well worth the drive from Madison. Thanks to the groomer for his efforts and reporting conditions on this website.
  Photos:
  (Darren Blankenship)
• Jan 24 - Valley Spur (Munising):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Wednesday found LES all day. Thursday morning the entire system groomed. Our log in Worel's is our snow gauge. Deep set classic tracks throughout the system. Kick wax and skins working well.
  (John Gierke)
• Jan 24 - McKeever Hills (Munising):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  We picked up snow all week, groomed in another 5 inches of LES, the whole system is in great shape. Classic skiing should be excellent all weekend.
  Photos:
  (Mark Bender)
• Jan 22 - Valley Spur (Munising):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Light snow falling all day. Skied in classic tracks were very good. NWS says Munising has received 133" of snow this season, so a great base throughout the system.
  (John Gierke)
• Jan 22 - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Munising (Munising):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  All trails are in good shape, a few inches of lake effect snow since the last grooming made for an excellent ski.
  Photos:
  (Michael McFadzen)
• Jan 19 - Valley Spur (Munising):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Dr. Zhivago scenery with single digit temps and strong NW wind. JC groomed in 4" early in the morning, but more was falling during the day. Classic was great, with a short kick zone and thin layer of Guru Green. Lodge is open all week 10a-4p.
  Photos:
  (John Gierke)
• Jan 19 - Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Munising (Munising):
  Morning
  [ Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Skied this morning. Trails are packed with no tracks set and 1-2" of fresh snow on top. Still had a great ski.
  (Tony Schwaller)
 
Houghton area
[ forecast/conditions ]
• Jan 19 - Swedetown Trails (Calumet):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  Brrrr! Cold day today! Apologies to early bird skiers - we had a few issues this morning with the grooming machine and were not able to get going until 9:30. All trails have been freshly groomed with the Husky Grooming machine, other than the Bear loops and Birch. Those should still have some intact tracks under the about 2 inches of fresh snow we got last night, with the exception of the windblown areas on those trails.
  Photos:
  (Tom Alberg, Expedition Inn)
 

Other Locations

• Jan 26 - Watersmeet Ski Trails (Watersmeet):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  I skied most of the loops. Because I was short of time, I did not ski the final loop (Danger Hill). I always enjoy the narrow, rolling trails found here! This trail is located next to, and groomed by, Sylvania Outfitters.
  Photos:
  (Tim Schmidt)
• Jan 23 - Land O' Lakes Trail (Watersmeet):
  Afternoon
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Grooming 
  
  The trails were groomed late Thursday afternoon.  Tracks are well formed and deep and the poling areas are firm.  Conditions should be very good or better.
  (Bob Turnquist)

 

Other Locations

• Jan 19 - Muskegon Winter Sports Complex (Muskegon):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Both 
  
  Trails were freshly groomed but there was a little snow over an icy base. Tracks were shallow, skate was better. The base is pretty solid however.
  (Greg Pupillo)
• Jan 19 - Muskegon Winter Sports Complex (Muskegon):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, B skis ]
  Firsthand: Both 
  
  Skied as it was snowing which made for fun but slow conditions. Good coverage on all the lighted trails. B skis for Spencer's advanced and Verna's classic because there were a couple areas with lots of sticks poking up. You could use good skis if you avoid those two trails.
  Photos:
  (Carter Green)

• Jan 25 - Snow Mountain Ranch (Granby, CO):
  Morning
  [ Trails Open: All, Good skis ]
  Firsthand: Classic 
  
  Fantastic skiing. Plenty of snow and it keeps coming. Pisten Bully grooming daily.
  (Sue Bradley)