I took my last ski of the season at French this afternoon. There were quite a few skied in tracks which made for decent skiing most of the time. The first long downhill on the Lake View trail was rutted up with either snowmobile or 4 wheeler tracks as well as ski tracks. So it was a little difficult trying to ski down! The vehicle had been on some of the other trails as well. I have to finally let go of skiing! It's time to think about biking and kayaking!

Photos:

(Bill Lundberg)

Pretty good snow conditions. No grooming, but all trails are skier-tracked. I didn't find any bare spots or rocks, but did have one spot with a little slush.

Photos:

(Craig Wiklund, North Star Ski Touring Club)

I had a good ski at French this afternoon making my own trail most of the way. Someone had made a classic track before me on some of the trails. Some snowshoers had also been out. It was powder conditions with no ice, so I had good kick and glide. No one had been on the hilly trails on the west side of the park. Wish we would had this a couple months ago!

Photos:

(Bill Lundberg)

It was a winter wonderland at French this morning. Starting at 11 AM I was the only person there skiing and didn't see anyone else but dog walkers. There was plenty of snow in most places in the Prairie and the trails through the hills like Medicine Lake. There were some blank spots where trails had heavy gravel cover especially the steep Medicine Lake section coming off Prairie. I never had to take my skis off but in some cases I had to Ski uncomfortably close to the edge of the trail. One thing I didn't know that I found out today is that most of the trails have a base of some type of gravel or limestone.

(Dan Zenk)

I have been looking forward to skiing local. I am surprised how well the trail set up overnight. The trail was freshly rolled this morning. I spent much of my ski practicing the time honored sport of "Flickin' Sticks". It is very satisfying to pick up a stick with the tip of your pole and send it arcing off the trail, without breaking stride. There was no track and the practice loop was not rolled. I did want to ski the new Challenge Hill. The bottom was changed and there is a straight run out no snow plowing.

Photos:

(Craig Schulz)

Some sections with roots or rocks sticking through but overall great! Probably could get away with B skis if you're careful and it's light out (I was out with a headlight). Had to contain my rage at the folks who have put giant divots in with boots and bike tires.

(Ben Fuller)

Trail was rolled and French Park but no tracks set. I classic skied since there is a thin base but never hit anything. Should be more firm in the morning! Mostly covered accept a few spots here and there. Due to the rocks they have put down (which I am not sure why they keep doing this) you need to use older B skis. Many years ago they out wood chips down instead of rock for erosion and it was much better!

Photos:

(Kim Rudd, Endurance Adventures)