Gate across road is closed due to warm temps. Ok to walk in but skiing likely to be sketchy.

(Catherine McLynn)

All except the new loop were rolled today per Matt Becker, county groomer. No tracks set. Barely enough snow to cover.

(Catherine McLynn)

The road to the parking lot has not been plowed and the trails are not groomed. A few skiers had gone before me, so there are skied in tracks.
Matt Becker from the Itasca County Park System has news about Alder Pond: This summer and fall we expanded the Alder Pond ski system to include a new 2-mile loop much closer to the main entrance gate. The parking area will be located on the left side of the road about a ¼ mile past the main green gate. I've asked the plow operator to provide enough parking for a few cars there. The loop is not signed yet but it will be obvious once we get out there and pack it the first time. This winter is somewhat of a trial run for this new route and if everything goes well with being able to maintain it, we will plan on putting signage up for next winter. This new loop is much more hilly and technical than the rest of Alder Pond and will NOT be beginner-friendly. We highly recommend skiing it in a counter-clockwise direction as there are two very steep descents that a skier would have to climb if going clockwise. Any feedback on the new loop from skiers this winter is welcome.

Photos:

(Jon Byrne)