Skated Birkie trail at the start line up through Elevator Shaft. Beautifully groomed 4k, tracks set. No rocks or dirt seen. Warming hut appreciated!

(Richard Searl)

The Boedecker Loop (OO to Boedecker on Skate and Classic trails) has been groomed for those wanting to ski despite the cold temperatures! No tracks at this time.

(Carolyn Senty)

Skied the loops by OO and south on the trail about 5 km from OO. Surprisingly I was the only one there in minus 12 temps! Trails are rolled with nice corduroy, not deep enough for tracks to be set. There are a fair amount of dirty patches, but no bare ground showing through. Very doable on rock or even B skis. While it's too thin for a race it has me encouraged that it's a good base.

(Michael Gotzsche)

I went for a relatively long ski on the snowmaking loops today. Conditions were very good. Ironically, the only complaint is that the new natural snow slowed down the glide. The tracks looked great. But I'm thankful for every flake this winter. They appear to be getting a lot more distance opening soon - which is needed for the upcoming events.

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(Louis Muench, CASTA)

I skied 1/2 hour at both the 00 TH and Boedecker TH. 3-4" of snow at each. No grooming, so skiing was hard, but fair to good glide, and no damage to skis.

(Tom Detzner)

Great day to get out skiing at the trailhead! 3" of fresh snow on top of a good base from the snowmaking crew. 1.8k for the longest loop. Kept getting busier as the day went on with everyone excited to get out on real snow.

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(Jack Burns)

32k marker on the skate course/00/Roam Basecamp. 4 inches of fresh powder on the Birkie trail plus a solid foot of Hope. Skate deck not groomed. Classic tracks set old-school by another skier. Rock on.

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(Lars Gaalaas)

Lovely morning at the Birkie Trailhead/ Start area. Got there right when it opened and was rewarded with a freshly-groomed trail. My skins worked like a charm in the fast, firm tracks. Skate deck looked solid and even. Kudos to the crew for making the best of a tough situation. The main 1.3km loop meanders through the woods, and I actually felt like I was rolling into OO each time I came through. Lots of champs and smiles out there!

(Pamela Toshner)

Happy to report we are on schedule and skiing will open at 8am on Thursday Jan 4th. Looks like approx 1.6k with a few loop options. Snowmaking will continue with more trail to reopen. Thanks for your patience.

(Ben Popp, American Birkebeiner)

Update: As snowmaking continues we are still feeling good that by Jan 4th we will have approx 1.5km open (see map). Keep checking back for additional updates as we keep making more snow and get back to skiing!

Photos:

(Ben Popp, American Birkebeiner)