The crews were removing Loppet race structures this morning, and it was snowing a bit. This kept the crowds down (I only saw a few skiers). The new snow covered whatever the final state of the race trails, but it was actually very skiable. I'd call it late-wave Birkie conditions but in a good way. =) Classic tracks were a mixed bag. They were washed out half the time, the rest of the time they were filling with the new snow. Skied my normal distance with a slightly slower pace. It was nice to be out!

(Paul Larson)

I was pleasantly surprised. Skied 13 km and it was great. Maybe the slightest sugar on some uphills but nothing to complain about. The parking lot was nearly full, so obviously others were enjoying it as well. Classic tracks did look shallow, but many classic skiers were out.

(Paul Larson)

I skied the stadium area and Twin Lakes last night until about 7:30 pm, and conditions were better than I expected, even with the snow appearing dirty in a few areas. The overall pack was quite firm in and out of the tracks. And as temps dropped, the speed increased.

Photos:

(Glenn Hansen)

Wirth was holding up nicely at 8:15 this morning. The tracks were a bit glazed in parts, but that is to be expected. Jumped onto the skate deck to double pole and found it fast. However, conditions were rapidly changing when I left close to 10:00. Anything exposed to the sun was transforming (I thought someone had climb onboard for a ride coming downhill from Coaches' Corner to Jim's Corner). Many thanks to the groomers!

(Michael Kuhne)

Well, mid-day to early afternoon conditions were getting a bit slushy and somewhat icy where the sun was bearing down on the trails. Conditions in the woods were much better. A High School Ski Race was ongoing. Still, a very nice ski on a beautiful sunny day. Btw: I really like the extra loop at the top of the upper stadium! (not that we need more hills there, but a nice quick down and up on what was part of the World Cup course).

Photos:

(Dave Carlson)

I got out at Theo around 7:30 am, before the high school races started (the race activity was ramping up by 8:30). Loppet staff said I could have stayed and skied "18" because they were not racing that section. Conditions were very good overall, with just a couple areas showing some dirt coloring and debris. Some classic tracks had leaves from the increasing wind. Great to have so much trail open in preparation for a big race weekend.

(Glenn Hansen)

There is a high school meet this morning so most of Wirth course looks to be unavailable. No signage on how long this will last.

(Tim Holmstrom)

All 7K open. Skate deck was firm and in great shape. Most of the tracks for classic were non existent most likely due to the races held Saturday and Sunday.

(Jim Nehl)

Nice temp and sunny. Probably because of the races yesterday, there are no tracks north of the roundabout. The snow was good, so it was fine anyway. Mostly clean and packed. Tracks on Green Meadow/Twin Lakes were good. Inner Meadow was double tracked (for classic only?). Beautiful day to be out.

Photos:

(Laurie Ford)

Fabulous conditions. Classic track was great. Firm, but no ice. Skate deck looked firm and well groomed. On the man-made trails, you just can't ask for better conditions.

(John Helms)