Trails have just been groomed. It went better than expected, 3 inches of new snow made grooming possible. I used my waxless skis, it was a little sticky, and there was an occasional open ground where wetland boggy humps protrude. I am enjoying the beautiful spring ski that it is.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

By 3 o'clock today an inch and a half of new snow arrived and it is still snowing. There are no tracks that were visible however, the skiing was delightful. The hard packed base with fresh snow on top makes you feel like you are floating through the forest. Depending on how much snow accumulates will be the determining factor if grooming is to occur this week. Don't let that deter you though because it is indeed beautiful spring conditions.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

In above-freezing temperatures spring skiing is good. Still 80% snow-covered - a few bare spots in the bogs where the tops of the hummock are losing snow. Debris on the trail is increasing, but didn't cause any problems since we were using waxless and the debris has sunk below the surface of the snow. Tracks are disappearing however with folks skiing on them they are somewhat still visible.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)

In above freezing temperatures spring skiing is very good. Still 99.9% snow-covered - just a few bare spots in the bogs where the tops of the hummock are losing snow. Debris on the trail is increasing, but didn't cause any problems since in the melty conditions it is mostly sunken in. Tracks are still visible and useable, but they are shallow and offer no real support. We have no plans for grooming through the weekend, but believe the snow coverage to stay with us for awhile (even if we start gaining more bare spots). In frozen (<32°F) weather, trails will be icy and rough - wait for the warm.

Photos:

(Mary Shedd)

Still plenty of snow on these trails. Tracks are becoming a little broader and shallower in warm weather, but they are still distinct, have a firm base, and have minimal ski-slowing debris. Almost no bare spots. Truly lovely spring skiing that should hold up for awhile.

Photos:

(Mary Shedd)

Conditions are very good for spring skiing: plenty of snow here - no bare ground and very little debris. I skied today in mid-40's temps. Skiing was a little slow and occasionally sticky for my wax less skis. The segments I skied (see photo of map) were all skier-tracked on top of an inch or two of snow that has fallen since previous grooming (March 6th): tracks were a soft 1/4" on top of well defined and firm base. No ice (as of yet). The outer western loops will be slow for the first skiers since they are not yet skied on. And I have no info on the eastern trails north of Flathorn Lake. Just beautiful out here.

Photos:

(Mary Shedd)

Though 2 inches of snow had fallen this morning, the shorter loops from the parking lot were skied in. Two feet of snow in the woods up there and minimal sun exposure on some of the loops so should be good for a while.

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(Sparky Stensaas)

These trails are the best, not having been subject to the melting temperatures of more southern regions. Freshly groomed the day before, after a fresh snowfall, the conditions were great for a morning ski experience. Much appreciation to the groomers and caretakers of this system. Even after the sun came out, the snow did not get sticky. The wind was brisk, but not too bad. I used XC skis with "skins". This trail system is, however, a long way to travel to from most areas even in northern Minnesota. It takes an hour and a half plus from the Iron Range, but well worth the cost for a workout. I will try to make a donation to the trail association.

(Mark Roalson)

Outstanding conditions as the trail has just been groomed! Thought we were right behind the groomer until we came upon a huge pile of grouse feathers clearly a fresh kill right next to the ski trail. Just when we thought skiing couldn't get any better - it did! The fresh snow made all the difference! Thanks groomers for the great March skiing!

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(Karla Anderson)

2 1/2 inches of snow fell last night and this morning covering up the tracks making it difficult to ski. Grooming plans: We plan a groom tomorrow morning, turning the trails into another winter Wonderland experience.

Photos:

(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails)