Skate deck was thin in spots but still skiable; some debris, but not a lot. Down to one classic track still set up with the warm up.

(Tiffany Miller)

Got out for 45 minutes of skiing and drills and I expected a block of ice after the warm weather in the day. On the contrary the surface was perfect. It was a very enjoyable evening ski.

(Marty Rosendahl)

Skate deck was hard and fast. Classic tracks are holding up well. Great to see more and more folks getting out there and it not be crowded. Did some trail planning and plotting with other Silvermine volunteers for the upcoming spring. As I was leaving, planning was to give Silvermine a grooming facelift soon for the upcoming couple days, once more fuel was procured.

(Tiffany Miller)

Skate deck was slightly soft with the smidgeon of new snow we got and the warmer temps but still packed and tracked and skied well. Classic tracks had snow blown into them, but I double poled in the tracks to pack it down, and they are still in great condition too.

(Tiffany Miller)

Snow was hard and slick, trail well packed and tracked. Fast corners. Classic tracks frozen in and set around the perimeter. Good temps and good trail to get out to ski; get your trail pass online while the temps are nice!

(Tiffany Miller)

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)