Trail conditions were very good considering the amount of snow. May want to avoid the first blue turn-off at N2 and the final turn-off at N9 since these sections contain pines and the deck is thin. The skate deck was packed and a little rough close to the trailhead. This made it tough to glide well based on my ability. Conditions improved with distance from the trailhead. The blue loop sections between N3 and N8 were more enjoyable for with a flatter and softer deck. I used my best skis with no issues.

Photos:

(Stephen Wadle)

Skied the entire Blue loop where the first few k's thru the pines were a real challenge-bumpy thin hard packed surface and tons of pine cones to dodge but once you get out of there it gets much better on the back side of Blue where its less used and an enjoyable ski. Too little snow for good consistent tracks.

(Dan Dudley)

Hard packed 2-3" base very lumpy and uneven with little loose snow for good edging. Difficulty in keeping proper balance for skating. Did the White and Purple trails. The White trail was the worst especially the long narrow and very lumpy downhill followed with a very thin and uneven steep climb. It will need more snow to make it better for skiing. The groomed man-made at Lapham was much better.

(Don Howell)

2-3" of new snow on top of a shallow solid ice/hard pack base and cold conditions, plus the DNR rolling all color trails, made for a good day of skate skiing. Not enough snow to set track, but that didn't hinder a bunch of classic touring skiers from enjoying the trails. Lots of smiles all around! I skied the full Blue loop, White loop and others and all were good to go. Loose/rolled cold snow was slow, especially on the up hills and the down hills were very controllable. Still recommend B or rock skis because I know there are rocks just under the snow surface on segments of the Red, Green, Orange, Green and Blue loops. White and Purple loops would be fine for A skis.

(Dean Hanke)

Skied the white. Looked to be first skater out after the groomer. Powder overnight made it slow going. Still a beautiful morning out after the fresh snow.

Photos:

(Nick Penz)

All trail colors were rolled by DNR on Wednesday after receiving 2-3" of wet snow. Believe it or not, pine needle/grass base of White and Purple trails were surprisingly ok for skating...99% good snow coverage, with 1% double poling over snow/grass base. Obviously, there are not tracks. Knowing how many rocks exist on trailhead start and the rest of the Red/Orange/Green/Blue trails, I would discourage skating these trails, rolled or not, until we get more snow. Compared to the 1K loop at Lapham Peak and the cast of "thousands" of skiers, it was a welcome change of pace as I did multiple laps of the 3.25 mile White trail in solitude.

(Dean Hanke)