This was our first time at Rainbow resort XC skiing and we will definitely be back. Skied 6k of classic and 3k of skate this afternoon. Was surprised to see so much snow. The area recently received 4-6 inches of fresh snow and Doug had been working on the trails to get caught up on the grooming. Skating was great. Classic tracks were also very nice. Get out here and ski! It's deceiving because we live a little over an hour away and wouldn't have expected to see snow or conditions like this. The cinnamon rolls in the lodge are great too!

(Lance Strum)

Very good skiing at Rainbow Resort. The 6K loop (skate/classical combo) and 3K loop (classical only) were groomed since yesterday morning's several inches of snow. I think there was ongoing grooming of additional trail during the day. Result is slightly soft and slow, but generally very good conditions. I saw no bare ground or obvious thin spots, and only very little forest debris. I think good skis would be fine.

(John Hershberger)

Fresh snow last 24 hours - trails are freshly groomed, snow is cold dry powder so conditions are soft. Air temp today was +11 but snow temp was -10. I waxed too warm not thinking that there would be such a huge difference so it was a slow ski (my husband was grumbling about his glide - I do the waxing so I had him ski ahead of me cause it is harder to hear him -pro tip "why don't you lead honey"). We skied mostly on the 3k gem that never fails to enchant me even with cranky spouse. I did check out the main trailhead to see how soft the snow and skate conditions are firmer but the dry snow is really loose and staying cold and abrasive.

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(Jill Troutner)

10* F: 3 to 4 inches of new powder snow overnight and this morning hrs. 6 k loop; Bucks Run; Rabbits Trail; Hawks Tr.; and 3K classic trail Tidd-Tec groomed and track set today. Base is soft but should set good overnight with the falling temps. Balance of trails have fresh snow over previous roll pack. Good skis time. Wow, completed grooming last night and was expecting up to maybe an inch of snow overnight and woke up to 3" of new white powder with heavy snow falling on and off until around 11:00am. With all the new snow falling, on the trails, and on the trees, it was a Winter Wonderland experience!

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(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)

3" new powder snow from last 7 days; average 4" base; 3k Classic combed and track set; 6k loop groomed with skate lane and track set; bucks run and Rabbits trail groomed with skate lane and track set. Balance of trails roll packed last week with 3" fresh powder. Fresh groomed base soft. Bring your good skis. Started out this morning over fresh snow and light snow falling and some skiers out and about. Completed grooming tonight in mild temps 20's above. Trails do have some twigs here and there from high winds of this past week.

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(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)

Beautiful terrain, scenery, and trails. More snow than the Brainerd Lakes Area. No bare spots and very few leaves or sticks. Great little lodge with snacks and lunch items. Friendly cozy environment with a great view. Worth making a day trip.

(Melissa Barrick)

One of the best classic ski condition so far in this ski season, on natural snow! Classic skied the 6k loops, started at 1:30pm at -4F and finished at 4pm with temp dropping to -10F. Windchill cut through thick woods. Trails are well groomed for classic and skate skiing! Some classic tracks are covered with drifted loose snow. Great workout for a chilly day!

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(Amy Xu)

All trails open and roll packed but part of 10k not track set. Snow has transformed to a dry sugary soft snow - not fast skate conditions but classic was pretty great.

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(Jill Troutner)

Fresh roll pack on 10k so conditions were faster and clean. Other section that were windblown were slower but classic track provided a great double workout. Dry powdery cold squeaky snow. Green/ polar wax, snow temp was -8F but air temp was 11.

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(Jill Troutner)

Eagles Run, Rabbits Trail, Cougars Run, Hawks Run, and Ridge Run now roll packed. Average base depth 3 to 4 inches; rolled packed 4" new snow from early morning snowfall. Balance of trail system is Tidd Tec groomed and track set. Lost Bobcat only trail not groomed. Started out mid morning and -9*F with very light snow showers falling then the sun came out and brighten things up. Went out to roll pack to help set up base on Eagles Run Loop. Base on other trails groomed yesterday is very firm. Snow is slow with cold temps but really setting things up.

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(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)