We headed out to ski the Forestry Center at 11:30 am and the temps were 50F so we expected slow conditions, but that is far from what we experienced! Plenty of snow left over there, only one disconnected area but we took a different trail. The groomers did an excellent job of making firm tracks and they were consistent throughout. What was in the tracks varied from glare ice (which was a blast to double pole), to fast snow, to slow snow, to a few sticks here and there and other various tree debris, but nothing ski stopping. There was plenty of snow to get out of the tracks on the downhills too so it wasn't scary except one sun exposed spot where I chose to walk and others skied. When we left temps were close to 60F. If you enjoy a good spring ski and big trees, aren't too picky about conditions, it's a fun place to go!

Photos:

(Eve Graves)

I set a track this morning on most of the perimeter of the pink and orange trails. That means we now have one big loop instead of two smaller loops. That is because the portion of the trail in the middle may be burned away soon by the sun.

(Mark Hagen)

Skied most of the trails and enjoyed the gentle terrain. With the 13 MPH winds, the tall pines provided welcome shelter. Trails had good coverage throughout. Tracks were sprinkled with forest litter, but nothing to concerning for your best skis. The tracks had been set several days ago and were showing wear. There was a light coating of either new or blown snow that slowed the pace. Swix Extra Blue worked fine on the 18-20 degree snow.

(Rick Vatsaas)

Scheduling note: This Saturday, Feb 22nd, is the Scouts annual Beargrease Derby and there will be many activities, teams of kids pulling sleds and walking traffic on the orange trail until the middle of the afternoon.

(Mark Hagen)

I just finished grooming and setting track on all of our ski trail. Conditions should be very good now.

(Mark Hagen)

Orange loop Track was in fantastic shape. Cold temps have held conditions. Only a few skiers were there before me. Did not see any skiers when I was there.

Photos:

(Tim Miller)

I got out right in front of the groomer today and met them on the trails several times. Snow was a little soft and snow deck was soft starting out when I was ahead of the groomer. Looping back onto the freshly groomed trails was a nice way to end.

(Morgan Smith)

We classic skied the Forestry center today and it looked like it had not been groomed since the last snow or two. Tracks were still in pretty good shape, misshapen for parts of it but not much. Completely debris free and pole plants were solid.

Photos:

(Eve Graves)

Gorgeous classic only trails through varied terrain including beautiful mature red pine. Small section damaged by hiker, all trails were skied in tracks- grooming has not occurred since last snowfall. So nice to ski on actual snow, but looking forward to returning after grooming.

Photos:

(Jean Garbarini)

We groomed and set a track on the whole trail this morning. About 8 inches of snow fell overnight. Have fun!

Photos:

(Mark Hagen)