Arguably the finest ski conditions of the season today at The ANC! Perfect tracks. Fresh corduroy. A blue sky and a low wind in 30 degrees. Glorious. Carpe Skiem!

Photos:

(Bob Warpinski)

First tracks and fresh corduroy on the 2.4K of Ariens this morning, with the light conditions better than ever. Skate was a bit slow due to the transformed snow, with a few small patches of older and faster snow on the turns of slingshot. Due to today's biathlon competition we bypassed the range, but that looked well set and groomed, as well. Plenty of snow and fairly consistent conditions across the skate lanes throughout the entire course. Classic tracks were nearly full depth throughout but variable in speed, with warmup and slingshot being a bit icy (and slightly dicey on downhill portions) as the remainder seemed more freshly groomed and we were able to get more purchase on the uphills. While the wind was whipping in some directions, the temp was fairly consistent and comfortable after one lap. All told probably a better bet for skate today.

Photos:

(Pieter DeHart)

First time here, kudos to Ariens staff. Beautiful facilities and course. Unfortunately we're only able to ski 2.5k of trails, several times. Had it not been so windy and cold, would've stayed longer.

Photos:

(Barbara Boes)

Spectacular nordic skiing at The ANC this morning! Perfect tracks + A Bright Blue Sky + 26 breezy degrees = A Fun and Fast Ski! Six snow guns were busily making snow adding to the winter atmosphere. Carpe Skiem!

Photos:

(Bob Warpinski)

Early morning grooming was done on the 2.4 km man-made snow loop. The corduroy was fast, level, well compacted and perfectly clean. Adjacent classic tracks were robust and fast. Overall, a very good experience.

(Jules Blank)

Continued excellent skiing this morning. The 2.5K loop had solid tracks and a clean, level skate deck for all the Birkie skiers who were getting in some late training. Carpe Skiem!

Photos:

(Bob Warpinski)

Took a drive up to the Ariens Nordic Center this morning to see a freshly groomed 2.5km loop. It was in perfect condition for both skate and classic and was fun and fast with many happy skiers commenting on how it was a skier's heaven! I put in 30km in prep for the Birkie next week and by the time I left the snow had become a little soft, so get there early for the fast snow!

(Dan Dudley)

Terrific conditions for kickers and striders thru 11 am this morning! The tracks were deep with a nice speed enhancing glaze to start the day. The pictures were taken at 9:45 am. We're lucky to have this gem. Carpe Skiem!

Photos:

(Bob Warpinski)

Hopped on the trails right as things opened this morning, and were pleasantly surprised. The grooming and conditions are better than almost anywhere I've been in the midwest right now, with about 2.4K of interesting, rolling terrain to stay on skis during this dismal winter. Skate lane was wide, in good shape, and only a few small potential patches of snert. Prior to 8:30am the hills were still holding up fairly well in the skate lane, and even though there was some variation in condition (a few small patches of sugar mixed with a few icy spots near the biathlon range), it was easy to hold a steady pace throughout multiple loops. Classic was a bit more variable, with most of the tracks ranging from full depth to 1/4 depth, and almost all ice (where present). Some curves and side-switches lacked tracks, but no more than 20 meters or so. All in all, skate was more enjoyable than classic given the eccentricities of the snow condition, but as folks started to roll in it seemed as though plenty were enjoying themselves in both styles. Well worth the visit, and many thanks to the amazing snow-making and grooming!

Photos:

(Pieter DeHart)

The early morning conditions were very good on the 2.4 km skate deck. Adjacent classic tracks were slightly icy and fast. Because of transplanted man-made snow, some dirt is mixed in, but less than 5% of the trail.

(Jules Blank)