Felt great to be back at ABR. 33 to 35°. Snowing the whole time. Classic skied just about 40 km, with double Highlands loops. Tracks were true, even, and perfect for kicking and gliding in the constant wet new snow. Outside pole plants occasionally broke through, with the warm weather. Glide got slow, especially for the last 20 km. Hill climbs were kickable, downhills were well groomed, and herringboning was almost simple with the firm soft conditions. Alot of smiles from others enjoying the conditions. All and all an awesome day to expend some energy and call it a Birkie trainer. I just might have to come back for another great ski tomorrow! Thank you groomers.

(Kevin Grand)

We groomed about 55 km of trails this morning, the combination trails. It did rain while grooming and after but the trails groomed were skiable. Skiers enjoyed getting out especially mid morning after the rain stopped. Grooming plans: We will be back out grooming in the morning.

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

We received a good 1-2 inches of snow yesterday and last night. Both Pisten Bully's were out for a good early morning shift today tilling up about 44 km of combination trails and 12 km of classic 2-track. Wide track was out setting some very pretty track on all the classic only another 36 km of classic for a total of 92 km fresh groomed. Grooming plans: Pig Heart is heading out in the early morning to regroom with the bigger Pisten Bully.

Photos:

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

We skied at ABR from Friday to Tuesday. Skied all the classic trails and many of the combo striding and skate trails. The trails are all in perfect condition and wonderful temps for skiing in January. Tuesday there a light mist in the air which made the classic tracks super fast so had a fun easy day of skiing. I used my wax skis and had no slipping and great glide. Lots of people enjoying the trails.

Photos:

(Laurie Fabrizius)

Skied the Sisu race on Saturday. The course was in spectacular shape. The ABR crew did an amazing prepping the trails with all the snow. One of the top place to ski in the Midwest.

(Jim Williams)

It was a wonderful SISU ski race starting at ABR and finishing in downtown Ironwood. I skied the 15km classic race which was groomed to perfection. Tracks were perfect for the classic racers. All the volunteers helped to contribute to the success of the race. There is nearly waist deep snow off the trails. Should have a long season of excellent skiing.

(Ron Fabrizius)

Eric and the grooming crew have done a fantastic job of grooming the new snow for tomorrow's Sisu Ski Fest! The skate deck is nice and firm and the snow is pristine. Did 23K "previewing" the race course - oops! It was just so fun out there we couldn't stop ourselves! Probably not the recommended warmup ski for a 30K. The classic tracks looked great. Should hold up well tomorrow.

(Jay Lyons)

Nine hour shift in the Pisten Bully's today. The SISU Race director asked for a firm course after the new snow and we are working our "Bully's" to get you one! Four passes this afternoon after the snow stopped into the Finnish Line. Fun to have lunch with the Finnish Line Banner installers at Bens Place Restaurant, just across the street. The Bullies did double duty on the ABR end of the SISU this morning. The course is looking very good. The new 8-10 inches of heavy wet snow the last two days brought down a few more twigs. We are trying to nip them as we groom, if you see one we missed Friday, you can snap it off. Classic only trails got some loving from Wide Track and Partner, they are in great shape, Ridge Runner is Classic only until Sunday.
Reminder: The SISU Race course is open for racers with bibs to ski on Saturday from 9-3:00. It is forbidden to ski on the race course if you are not a SISU Participant with a race bib. ABR Day skiers have many km of trails to ski on race morning 9-4 and skaters have 10 km to skate until 12 PM when the ABR race course is open.

Photos:

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

We received about 4 inches of heavy wet snow overnight. Both Bullies were out for 6 hours tilling up the new snow and setting tracks. Three smaller groomers took care of the single tracks. Ridge Runner is classic only today through Sunday. 98 km groomed and open. Lodging: The Kaartunen House is available for the weekend due to a cancellation.

Photos:

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)

Three groomers out today and trimming brush. The trails are in great shape. Firm tracks, level skate deck with a silky/creamy surface, good pole plants. It should be a great SISU Saturday morning 9-12:00. The majority of the combination trails will be closed from 9-12 Saturday morning. The majority of the classic only trails will be open. A nice three hour ski would be tamarack 2 track to wolf tracks and otter slide then puumala 10 km if the race is done at Saari and coyote.; for skating the deer trail and Historic trail then the 5km dog friendly trails will be open and peltonen pass and Popple flats will be open, at noon the entire trail system is open. We have a ribbon cutting at the Historic Trail Tuesday at 10 am, this is a part of the Project Connect connecting ABR Trails to the community. The ribbon cutting is at the Erwin Township Historic Site on Van Buskirk Road. You can ski there on the Historic trail off of the Deer Trail.

(Eric Anderson, ABR Trails)