Continued excellent skiing this morning. The 2.5K loop had solid tracks and a clean, level skate deck for all the Birkie skiers who were getting in some late training. Carpe Skiem!

Photos:

(Bob Warpinski)

Took a drive up to the Ariens Nordic Center this morning to see a freshly groomed 2.5km loop. It was in perfect condition for both skate and classic and was fun and fast with many happy skiers commenting on how it was a skier's heaven! I put in 30km in prep for the Birkie next week and by the time I left the snow had become a little soft, so get there early for the fast snow!

(Dan Dudley)

Terrific conditions for kickers and striders thru 11 am this morning! The tracks were deep with a nice speed enhancing glaze to start the day. The pictures were taken at 9:45 am. We're lucky to have this gem. Carpe Skiem!

Photos:

(Bob Warpinski)

Hopped on the trails right as things opened this morning, and were pleasantly surprised. The grooming and conditions are better than almost anywhere I've been in the midwest right now, with about 2.4K of interesting, rolling terrain to stay on skis during this dismal winter. Skate lane was wide, in good shape, and only a few small potential patches of snert. Prior to 8:30am the hills were still holding up fairly well in the skate lane, and even though there was some variation in condition (a few small patches of sugar mixed with a few icy spots near the biathlon range), it was easy to hold a steady pace throughout multiple loops. Classic was a bit more variable, with most of the tracks ranging from full depth to 1/4 depth, and almost all ice (where present). Some curves and side-switches lacked tracks, but no more than 20 meters or so. All in all, skate was more enjoyable than classic given the eccentricities of the snow condition, but as folks started to roll in it seemed as though plenty were enjoying themselves in both styles. Well worth the visit, and many thanks to the amazing snow-making and grooming!

Photos:

(Pieter DeHart)

The early morning conditions were very good on the 2.4 km skate deck. Adjacent classic tracks were slightly icy and fast. Because of transplanted man-made snow, some dirt is mixed in, but less than 5% of the trail.

(Jules Blank)

Sean is a miracle worker. The trails were great with no mush! 2.5 Km loop was fast and fun. Thank you Sean Becker and ANC.

Photos:

(Lynne Dzuba)

The skate deck was 2.4 km, well groomed and fast. Adjacent classic tracks appeared robust.

(Jules Blank)

The 2.4 K manmade loop was holding up well thru 11 am offering both striders and skaters a nice ski. As the morning wore on kickers had the advantage enjoying Ariens' signature full depth tracks courtesy of the piece of equipment shown in the picture! Be sure to check for ski hours over the next week. Let's hope this big red machine has some snow to push around soon. Carpe Skiem!

Photos:

(Bob Warpinski)

The 2.4km skate deck was groomed very well, and there were adjacent robust classic tracks. The skate deck was wide, level, and well compacted. Kudos to the groomers and the ever pleasant front desk person, Horst.

(Jules Blank)

Skaters and striders who braved the early morning fog enjoyed very good conditions until around 10 am. After that it became more of a "workout". Be sure to check before coming out for possible modified hours. Carpe Skiem!

Photos:

(Bob Warpinski)