45 degrees under full sun as I write this, but our trails remain 98% covered. The classic tracks have broken-down, however both trails are skate-able. The base is thin, but exposed rocks are easily avoided. I suggest rock skis, and certainly not your best skis. Tomorrow we enter a freeze/thaw cycle, so the best skating will be after 0900. We are open 8 am - 9 pm. Light will be on til 9 pm.

Photos:

(John Graham)

Given the lack of snow, the classic track was in remarkably good shape. On the 6K loop, I saw two small somewhat bare spots, but they were easily avoidable. Spotted a deer on the trail, but she was easily avoidable, too. Kudos to groomers for keeping the trails in good shape!

(John Helms)

Our trails are still 99.9% covered with a shallow base, and the classic track is worn but skiable on both trails. Amazing, considering that they were set 11 days ago! Future plans: We are going into the "use it before you lose it" mode; we'll be open regular hours, and KidSki Lesson #4 will proceed on Sunday. Expect deteriorating conditions each day. We'll reassess conditions on Tuesday as things develop. Strange winter.

(John Graham)

The classic track was very good, considering the lack of snow. There were a couple of dirt spots, but not a big deal. The 6K loop (Jane's plus Special K) is open. Congratulations and thanks to the groomers for making do with so little!

(John Helms)

The frigid week has preserved the deck and classic track, despite a lot of use. The Washburn HS team came up today to enjoy natural snow. We're 99% covered with a very hard base. Because of the shallow base, we can not refresh the deck: the Ginzu knives just tear the compacted snow off of the ground. So, we are what we are until we get another snow. All trails are ooen skate and classic. We're open 8am-9pm on Mon-Sat, 8am-8pm on Sunday. Member Dog Days are Mon, Wed and Sat. KidSki lesson #3 will happen on Sunday 1:30-3:30 pm, so the chalet and parking lots will be crowded.

(John Graham)

Considering the lack of snow, the trails were very good. The classic track is holding up well. There were very very few spots that were not completely covered, and those were not a problem at all.

(John Helms)

Trails are a bit icy, but the fresh snow from last night helped. The tracks are set and work for the most part, some points you have to get out to avoid debris. You can avoid the nasty sections so good skis are possible but I would recommend B skis.

(Eleanor Dolan)

We had a very busy weekend, many visitors from out-of-town, capped off by a temperature-abbreviated KidSki session. Salute to the hardy kids and parents who attended. Our trails remain 99.9% covered, and the classic tracks are well-used, but defined. So, all trails will remain Open, groomed for classic and skate. But, the base is so thin that we're reluctant to groom it until we get added snowfall. We'll be open 8 am-9 pm Mon-Saturday. Member Dog Days are Monday and Wednesday.

(John Graham)

Conditions for skate continue to improve. The grooming crew (ie. Jim and John), once again, did a wonderful job working with the small amount of snow we have received so far. As usual, the 'Snowflake snow belt' received a bit more snow this week than the rest of Duluth and conditions, albeit uneven and a little bumpy in places, are very skiable with full coverage. The 8K is better due to less heavy use. B skis recommended but, other than some dirt in some of the classic track, nothing there to damage your good skis either. Cold temp means slow skiing but get out there, bundle up and have fun on natural snow. As they say in Norway- "There is no bad weather, just bad gear". Enjoy.

(Thomas Heinitz)

All trails are groomed, skate and classic. Today we set track on the 8K. It's a nice track but there are a few spots where the track-setter dragged the ground under the shallow base, bringing up debris. These spots are easily avoided. The 8K skate deck was widened and re-groomed. The 6K, groomed last night, picked up more snow after 1 a.m. than forecast, but skiers said it was good skiing. Snow in the 6K track was quickly skied-in and the track is firming-up. We're open 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mon-Sat and 8-8 on Sundays. Friday is a No Dog day, Saturday is a Dog Day for season members. Grooming plans: We will refresh the grooming as the weather actually develops.

(John Graham)