Due to the historic warming over Xmas, coupled with over an inch of forecasted rain, we are closing all trails at Mt. Itasca for Sunday and Monday, Dec 24-25. We hope to resume "normal" operations next week. Let's hope for a Xmas miracle of snow>rain.

(Jonathan Arntson)

Lower biathlon course loops plus Triple Twister and Roller Coaster have been Pisten Bulley groomed. Track set for high school race Thurs Dec. 21 from about 10 to 2:30. Very fast and slick.

(Catherine McLynn)

Upcoming events that will affect public skiing: Biathlon races on Dec 16 from 11:45-1 pm, on Dec 17 from 10:45-noon. HS Races on Dec 19 and 21, with course closure from 10-2:30. Grooming plans: We anticipate getting through the rain without much damage to our base, Pisten Bully should rejuvenate trails when it freezes down again.

(Jonathan Arntson)

Groomed with the snowmobile and Ginzu groomer to freshen things up after the warm weather. Just over 1 km of trail. Set a couple tracks, but left most of the old ones as-is (tracks will be former that way). Grooming plans: Snowmaking will resume tonight, and we will make snow when it is cold enough.

Photos:

(Bob Conzemius)

They have a loop that is just under 1k open. It was hard packed, man-made snow, but very ski-able. There is a decent hill as part of the loop too. There was also a classic track set well. Just a small amount of debris on the trail. Hopefully it got cold overnight so they could run the groomer over it again. All in all a great alternative to running!

(Amy Lelwica)

Nice and deep tracks set tonight on 1.5 k of man made snow with plenty of room for skating, too. A dusting of snow tonight added texture to the firm set up.

(Catherine McLynn)

Very good skiing on man made snow today for the first biathlon race of the season. 1.4k of connected trail is now groomed for skiing. The outer loop just under a k, with options for variable levels of difficulty. Grooming plans: classic track should be laid tonight if grooming goes as planned.

Photos:

(Jonathan Arntson)

Manmade snow loop of nearly 1k, groomed for skating. Grooming plans: Will be pushing out more snow over the next few days to expand trail. First biathlon race of the year on Sunday, so trails closed from 11:45 am until about 1 pm. Anticipate classic track next week.

(Jonathan Arntson)

800 meter man made loop open with excellent skiing. Thus far just groomed for skating. Grooming plans: Anticipate classic track soon. Snowmaking over Thursday and Friday nights will likely result in a significantly longer course soon. Trail fee required, including Venmo option.

Photos:

(Jonathan Arntson)