After two weeks, it was nice to get back to xc skiing thanks to the Lapham snowmaking and grooming volunteers. The 1 mile man-made loop was enjoyable even with the hugh turnout of skiers.

Photos:

(Don Howell)

The snowmaking and grooming crews were busy over the last couple of days. Snow was made over the prairie loop to replace what we lost in the past weeks. No snow was made up summer stage or tail end hills but it was groomed and is in ok condition. The rest of the prairie loop was tilled and is in good condition. There are a set of classic tracks all the way around the outside and a single set on the inside. Thanks for your patience. Now let's ski.

(Mark Janis)

Unfortunately, the weather has taken its toll on the trails. There are multiple bare spots opening up on the warm-up loop, and it is fairly thin where there is still snow. We will not be doing any further grooming until we can get some more snow made.

(Collin Bergholz)

I skate skied early morning just as the Ginzu was finishing up grooming. Surprisingly good considering the warm temp of 44F. The loop had varied conditions from good to a few icy spots-good spots were from the recently made snow. l left after a couple hours, by then the good snow was pretty churned up. Hopefully the loop will survive the warm/wet weather. Kudos to the groomers in keeping the loop as good as it can be considering the warm weather.

(Dan Dudley)

The skate deck of the warm-up loop and summerstage hill were groomed again this morning. Conditions should be similar to yesterday. The classic tracks were left as is, they are becoming a little shallow. There will not be any grooming tomorrow.

(Collin Bergholz)

Good conditions for skate, fair conditions for stride. Manmade snow holding up well. Slushy surface layer on a firm base. One icy spot at the triangle intersection. Nice up and down on Summerstage Hill. Striding tracks are deteriorating and need to be reset.

(John McCarthy)

The skate deck of the warm-up loop and summerstage hill were groomed again this morning with the Ginzu. Conditions should be pretty good this morning. The tracks were left as is to try and preserve them with this weather.

(Collin Bergholz)

Very good conditions, especially considering the temperature, for skate and stride this morning. A layer of snowcone snow on a firm, slick base made for easy cruising. Many skiers from throughout the region, and even Illinois were enjoying the only ski game in town, made possible by your generous donations, and the efforts of our volunteers.

(John McCarthy)

The skate deck of the warm-up loop and Summerstage hill was groomed this morning with the Ginzu. Conditions should be pretty good this morning. The snow is a little dirty in a few spots. The tracks were left as is.

(Collin Bergholz)

Very good conditions again for skate and stride. Overnight spreading and grooming smoothed out the skate lanes and improved the tracks, while expending the skiable trail a bit on Summertime Hill and Tail End. Soft, snowlike surface layer on a firm base. Tracks are fast.

(John McCarthy)