The entire snowmaking loop was open. It was 28 degrees per the Swix thermometer with a light overcast. Up to the top of Scenic there was a fairly consistent 1 1/2 to 2 inches of sugar on the trail that really slowed me on my second time out this season despite newly waxed skis. Thereafter the flats were pretty clean and faster but there was still sugar churned up on the climbs particularly on the 1st portion of the Scenic climb after the Boulder Ridge downhill. Just beat the start of the high school races when I got off the trail at 3:30.

(Keith Carlson)

Fairly good conditions, icy in some spots and slow uphills, but otherwise good! Entire 5k loop is open, but hopefully snowfall will allow the natural trails to open up. Thanks to the groomers!

(Ella Bakken)

Overall decent conditions at Hyland this afternoon. There was some ice in the tracks at times and coarse snow, but still very skiable with a couple stops to rewax. Hopefully we'll get some snow soon!

Photos:

(Bill Lundberg)

Tracks were hard and icy. Lots of leaves frozen in on the Southern part of the trail. Snow depth looked great. I used my skin skis that worked pretty well. Now if I could only do something about the motor...

(Rick Vatsaas)

The entire snowmaking loop was open and in good shape other than the approximately 37F temp. After bringing mismatched equipment, I ended up renting skis and boots. So what was certain to be a slow ski was probably even slower on the unwaxed rentals. I did one loop at a blistering 5.2 mph. Only a light layer of wetter snow on top with little sugar churned up on the climbs. The Boulder Ridge downhill was easily negotiable with only light snowplow wake on it. Thank you Three Rivers park admin and groomers and I guess the early season cold temperatures for getting the full snowmaking loop open much earlier this season. Looked at my records for last year and saw that the full snow making loop was not open until Jan. 17.

(Keith Carlson)

Great conditions this morning for a ski. Classic tracks were firm and in pristine shape. Skate deck was nice corduroy. No complaints other than being too warm.

(Scott Greymont)

Excellent conditions on the 5K loop for both classic and skate. Snow was very beginner friendly - no ice! Thanks to Three Rivers for great trail work!

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(Bill Oyler)

There is now a good amount of pack and coverage on all man-made portions, from the Star Loop and WIllow Creek through Scenic Foothills and Boulder Ridge. The skate deck is fairly even but a tad icy on the flats, with many users taking advantage of the quality snow-making. A few small sections were a bit too narrow to comfortably pass, and some of the well-worn uphills are getting a bit sugary, but all in all these are great conditions considering it's almost entirely human generated. The unworn corduroy of the teaching area proved a bit icy, but the main circuit is the best you can find in the area at present. Many thanks to the groomers, as always!

Photos:

(Pieter DeHart)

All 5k of manmade loops are open! Solid skate deck. Boulder downhill was fast and not icy. A few tracks from snowmaking on the trails. Great skiing!

(Taylor Forsyth)

Great conditions this morning with a well set and solid classic track. However, new snow had already blown into the tracks near the visitors center and in a few other spots. Deer post holing was also apparent in a few locations. The skate deck was in nice shape as well.

(Ben Ruhme)