I skated north from Hatchery Creek, in the morning, before the temp got to 32. The trail had been heavily used, so the corduroy was gone. Still, it wasn't beat-up and the skiing was easy, with only a few twigs and leaves. The classic tracks (both sides) looked pretty good, despite a few oak leaves. I give it an 8.

(Don Quick)

Spectacular, wonderful trail conditions for Seeley Classic xc ski races. Abundant snow, excellent grooming, pleasant weather. Hundreds of xc skiers enjoying the Birkie trails.

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(Ken Kuznia)

Left Ironwood after the ski race and headed to the Birkie trail for a recovery ski. Skied out of Mosquito Brook. Lots of skiers and bikers (not on the Birkie trail though). Trail was in great shape. Lots of new snow up in the area, setting up for an amazing ski season.

(Jim Williams)

Classic skied Birkie Start to OO on the classic trail and back on the skate trail. 43 km I think, I don't know. Conditions are perfect. Tracks are deep, kick is awesome, glide was great. Hill climbs were kickable, and the skate deck was firm with traction, and was forgiving. I didn't bee line downhills because other people were skiing. Downhills were easily controlled. These conditions made for an awesome double high point solo experience! Got done and feel great! Thank you groomers! Can't wait for the Birkie Start to Fish Hatchery ski in a couple weeks.

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(Kevin Grand)

Strided from Fish Hatchery trailhead to a bit past Mosquito Brook trailhead for a total of about 16K this afternoon. The skate lane had been freshly groomed to about 2/3 width with one firm classic track set. Woods were beautiful with the new snow and the track was silky smooth, making for a great first ski of the season.

(Darren Blankenship)

Skied from OO to Timber Trail and back on the classic side. Doesn't get much better than it was today. New snow has covered the tree dandruff, trail was groomed well and it was a beautiful day. Just have to stay aware of the small trees, whips and branches that stick out into the trail corridor.

(Geary Searfoss)

From the Birkie start to Firetower, trails were pretty clear of debris. From Firetower on down to the 19k mark by the Gravel pit trailhead, it got gradually worse with debris. A large pine branch actually came down right before Gravel pit as I was skiing, so still be on the lookout. Trails were packed and tracked, skate deck was pretty firm, icy in some spots still due to the light sleet received overnight, but overall a pleasant and fast ski. Not crowded in the morning; I saw 3 people from the start to OO, then around a dozen more from OO to Gravel pit. Photo taken was in my favorite section between Bodecker and OO trailheads.

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(Tiffany Miller)

Skied from the Bodecker trailhead to OO. Skate deck was a little soft due to the warmer temps, but still very skiable. More debris in this section, but not terrible. At OO it cleared up some since it opened up to the Korte start, and that was pretty leaf and stick free. Picks back up again with debris once you reenter the woods. Trails around the Korte start were firm, and not bad with debris, considering. Classic tracks were set, nice and dirm.

(Tiffany Miller)

Skied from the start to Firetower and back, hit the Tony Wise trail for a bit upon my return. Birkie has just been groomed recently, so nice cord here. Skate deck packed and tracked, mostly firm at this point, but was starting to get soft near the end of the ski. Classic tracks were set as well, nice and firm. The Birkie trail was fairly debris free from this point to Firetower; you could use good skis in this section. Anything not Birkie main trail still has a fair amount of debris and hadn't been groomed as recently as the Birkie trail section I was on. There were some side trails that didn't look groomed at all; I also came across trail sections in the North End where you could not access the Birkie from since they were not groomed at all.

(Tiffany Miller)

Very good conditions considering the lingering storm damage (evergreen needles and stick litter) and melting that created come icy chunks and uneven surfaces for the groomers. Skied from OO to Fire Tower on the Classic trail and returned on the Birkie trail. Lots of people out enjoying themselves.

Photos:

(Genevieve Johnson)