ABR was phenomenal this morning. The skate deck had excellent glide with expected bare spots here and there, but easily navigated around. Poles had good push too. We skied all open skate trails for four hours this morning and there are some phenomenal stretches out there where you can V2 with ease and speed. However, the heavy damp snow grooves and open areas on some of steep downhills means you have to proceed very slow and cautiously. Our B skis had a deep warm-snow stone-grind, with warm-structurite added due to the high snow moisture. Today we skied on a High Performance Yellow Toko with a dirt-resistant black wax mixed in for outstanding and durable glide for the entire time we skied. With the challenges of the warm weather and thin snow, kudos to the ABR groomers. Thanks again for a very fun fast day.

(Luke Fortney)

Classic skied something in the 30 km range this afternoon, 2 hours 43 minutes. The snow is soft but the ski and experience is second to none. Conditions are great for the weather. There's many bare spots showing up here and there, but they are avoidable. I used good skis because I didn't find an up to date report. No damage to my skins and no gouging to my bases. The highland was epic and serene, a few of the hill climbs and downhills had gravel and dirt but it was easy to ski around. Ski this now! Thank you so much for always giving the best conditions ABR groomers! That was awesome Birkie training, who knows what the conditions will be.

(Kevin Grand)

Groomers were out again this morning, they groomed 46 km including 6 km of new classic tracks. Skiers have been happy. Not the thick base we are used to but mild temps. The skiers that like it fast like conditions at 9 am, right after grooming. Recreational skiers like it best after 12 noon. There was one damp spot on the highlands loop this morning.

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(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

Groomers were out again this early morning. The trails continue to groom up well every morning. Grooming plans: We have been grooming about 40 km every morning. Some of the classic only trails are showing signs of wear with the tracks worn on curves. We plan to retract on Friday or Saturday on the narrow classic only trails. Skiers have been happy, the warm temps have not affected the trails.

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

First time at ABR, and it won't be the last! Under a cloudy sky with almost no wind and 28 degrees we strided all the classic trails off of the River and Tamarack trails. The tracks were worn, but enough to hold you. Sure, they could use 3 feet of snow, but the glide was great and the tracks were clean! Carpe Skiem!

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(Bob Warpinski)

Skated about 25K of the extensive ABR system. Nice firm skate deck, snow felt a little slow but they had new snowfall this past week and it was cold so that's no surprise. Classic tracks looked mostly good, washed out on a few hills. A few dirty spots easily avoided, we used B skis but I wouldn't have worried about good skis. Beautiful to ski through the snow-laden pines. Love those ABR trails!

(Jay Lyons)

Classic skied something over 30 km today, about 2 hours 15 minutes. Absolutely perfect conditions. Tracks were firm, deep, yet there was some give in the snow. Glide was good, for the cold snow. Kick was phenomenal. Hill climbs were well groomed, firm with that natural snow softness, down hills were well groomed. The skate deck was firm soft, easy to edge on. Just an awesome ski. Everything was great. you sooo much groomers. I needed that. I'll be back.

(Kevin Grand)

The new snow groomed up well. It felt good to be back out in the Pisten Bully. Skiers were pleased with conditions.

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(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

Lovely day at ABR. Most trails were fully open and freshly groomed. Skate decks were soft due to the new snow and slow due to the cold, but they're perfectly groomed and have very rare spots of dirt or grass. I used my good skis and did not regret it. Classic tracks were uniformly excellent, classic was the better choice today.

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(Mike Keyes)

The new snow last night groomed up well and many of the classics were reset. The snow continued over the day with another 2-3 inches. Grooming plans: Groomers will be back out in the morning.

Photos:

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)