Trail was groomed up this morning for the UW Eau Claire Nordic Clubs races; classic tracks not reset, but they seemed in decent shape. This event is typically held at Tower Ridge, but the low snow year caused them to pivot to using the Silvermine loop. Glad we make snow somewhere in the Chippewa Valley so that the College club can hold their fundraising event; happy to support the club, the organizers for the event were excellent. Snow was cold and fast; had a great ski before, during, and after the event.

(Tiffany Miller)

Packed and tracked, and the snow was a little sticky due to the warmer temps, but decently fast snow still. Classic tracks set, although soft and a little shallow.

(Tiffany Miller)

More snow was made last weekend and expanded the trail a little bit more in the field. Skate deck was packed and tracked, with a classic track set all the way around the expanded loop. Snow was nice and decently fast, even with flurries happening. And new this season, Silvermine has lights! For any early or later skiers, you can now turn on the lights and get some skiing in without depending on the daylight window; just plug it in, located off the sled nearest the first light. For the field light, you may need to go hit the button as well. If you do use the lights, be sure to turn them off before leaving. If you want to support the snowmaking, grooming, and light pole setting efforts, buy a pass or donate! And enjoy one of the few skiable snow areas open in the Chippewa Valley for now, although here's to hoping we get more snow soon so all XC ski areas can open up!

Photos:

(Tiff Miller)

Skate skied during the 11am hour. The new snow was on top of the man-made snow, but about noon grooming had begun on the small lap. Was a lot of fun, fast, and great place to ski without having to worry about damaging your ski base.

(Brady Zwiefelhofer)

Volunteer snowmakers added another 200 meters on to the snowmaking loop. Skate deck is flat and groomed. Classic tracks are set. Only snow for miles around!

Photos:

(Craig Manthe)

Loop closed during this warmup to preserve the base even the roadway up to the loop was soft, muddy, and rutted by a vehicle. Will be better and open back up when it gets cold again. Base is holding up with a few thin spots. Volunteer crew is talking about possibly making more snow the next weekend when the temps drop. If you want to support this effort, buy a pass or donate online!

Photos:

(Tiff Miller)

After a Christmas day groom, skate deck was packed and tracked; popular place in the Valley, being the only one where you can ski on snow. Some classic tracks set, getting soft as the temps were warming up.

(Tiff Miller)

Skate skied the man made loop. The new natural snow wasn't groomed yet as of early afternoon, but the base below it was firm and the glide was pretty fast. This report is just for the small man-made loop for good skis. Observation of the other trails are not yet groomed; no ski tracks on those either.

(Brady Zwiefelhofer)

Skate deck holding up well, got a groom yesterday. Snow was fast, and I noted only 2 small icy spots on the inside of the small hills. Smooth skiing all around on a lovely afternoon.

(Tiff Miller)

The main small loop held its snow through the warmup last weekend and is skiing well. Handful of skiers out already this morning, skate deck was packed and tracked. A few leaves on the trails, but pretty clean other than that. No classic track really set up currently. Trail has been groomed a few times so far, so the snow is in good shape. Get your pass for the only skiable snow in the Chippewa Valley right now; here's to hoping we get a good amount of natural snow so more ski spots in the area can open up, and Silvermine can open up more trail as well.

(Tiffany Miller)