The 7 km loop remains open. Snow coverage on the trail is fair to good. With snow melting, there is definitely more sediment in the trail and several small bare spots are emerging. At present, these can be skied around. Due to trail conditions, rock skis are recommended. With the current forecast, it will not be possible to make additional snow or groom.

(Jim Conway)

We currently have a 7 km loop open. Snow coverage on the trail quality is generally good. While there are currently no bare spots, there are stretches with less snow coverage and some sediment and organic matter in the trail. Rock skis or B skis are recommended. With warm weather, it may not be possible to make additional snow or groom. Focus at this time is trying to preserve the trail to support the Vasaloppet ski races. We may need to reduce days/hours or even temporarily close the trail. Note: Thursday the trail is closed to the public 10am - 5pm (major high school ski race); Open to the public at 5pm.

(Jim Conway)

There is a fair amount of debris in the classic tracks, like leaves and sticks. I have skin skis, and it was OK when I was diagonal striding, but when I was double polling, the debris would sometimes cause my ski to stick suddenly. There were some places with dirt patches where you have to avoid the classic tracks. All things considered, I think they have done a good job with the snow they have, and they have made a lot of snow that they were just starting to move onto the trails this afternoon when I left. They have races scheduled for next weekend, and I hope they will be able to have them.

(John Helms)

Worth the trip. I love these trails. Fun to not be going around in small loops. I really appreciate the hard work that has been done by all the volunteers to put together approx. 7.5k. That said, it is a pretty thin base with some dirt and occasional small rocks mixed in, and lots of debris from today's strong S. wind. The base was rock hard, so tough skating. Lots and lots of snow piled at both snow depots, so hopefully they'll continue to build up a thicker base in coming days.

(Keith Gilbert)

Skied in the morning and afternoon, about 7.5K of trail freshly groomed with tracks set. The trail is in great condition, I would say you could even use good skis but there were a few thin/dirty spots out on the Vasa Hills portion of the trail. More snow is being made and I expect the trails will only get better.

(Phoebe Miron Kroll)

As of today, we have 7 km of trails open and groomed due to the heroic efforts from the Snow Farmers this week. Snow conditions are good to very good. Get out and enjoy it this weekend! Snowmaking and moving are still in process, please be on the lookout for tractors on the trails!

(Jim Conway)

We currently have a 2 km loop open. Snow Farmers are actively working to make, spread and groom snow with a goal of completing additional km by this weekend. Please be on the lookout for tractors on the trails!

(Jim Conway)

The current 1 km loop is open to the public through Friday evening. Grooming plans: Snow Farmers are working to make, spread and groom snow with a goal of completing up to an additional 1 km by this weekend (total of 2 km). Snowmaking and snow movers are in progress. Please be on the lookout for tractors on the trails!
Note the following special hours this weekend: Saturday: Trail closed to public until 3pm for major ABC Relay ski meet w/ 20 teams; Open to the public at 3pm. Sunday: Trail closed until 1pm for Fat tire bike race; Open to public at 1pm. Monday: Trail closed until 1pm for HS ski race; Open to public at 1pm.

(Jim Conway)

Conditions were good at the First Chance race Saturday. An approximately 1K loop was available for the event. Temps were warm, but snow base/coverage was good. Grooming plans: With colder temps beginning in earnest this week, the Snow Farmers plan to continue making and spreading snow to expand the 1K.

Photos:

(Jim Conway)

Trails are not currently open, but snowmaking, distribution, and grooming is in process. They project to have an approximately 1K loop ready for the First Chance race Saturday, January 6th.

(Jim Conway)