Wirth natural snow trails on land are groomed for classic and skate and are in good shape. Conditions on lakes are currently quite poor due to large amounts of slush under the snow due to the weight of the snow and the amount of moisture in the most recent snowfall. It makes grooming equipment get stuck, and then turns to ice after we come through. We are hoping for conditions to improve as temps turn colder.

(Robert Ibler, Loppet Foundation)

Skied several laps on the existing manmade loop. The skate deck and classic tracks had been groomed and the new snow has firmed up well. The bridge to the South trails is groomed with good coverage but there is no way to connect to it yet. The twin lakes loop is still closed and they were blowing snow on it this evening. The Judy Loop has not been groomed this season. None of the natural trails north of the Parkway have been touched this year despite now having +15" of new snow.

(Andrew Brown)

Gorgeous winter wonderland today. Fresh snow paradise, even on the manmade trail. Still so much better than the south on the golf course. They had not groomed since yesterday, but the manmade section was good. It was great to see blue sky and the sun. My skins with new skin strips were very good.

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(Diane Pattridge)

I couldn't wait any longer to get out an enjoy the new snow. The natural trails north of Glenwood had at least two inches of powder on top of the last groom, which made for pretty slow going (but faster than I expected and super fun). The snowmaking loop is where I spent most of my time, and it was groomed more recently with probably an inch of powder. Looking forward to tomorrow when things will likely be a bit firmer. Hope to get the full loop open soon.

(Sam Knuth)

Same trails open on the made snow (no Inner Meadow, Twin Lakes, North Finger or Trail 18). So nice to have La Squadra, it helps space people out more. The decks were a bit soft, and getting slightly sugary on La Squadra and the meadow uphill. Plenty of snowplowing going on today, but the deck hadn't gotten down to anything crusty or icy yet. I took JD Rivers to and from North Wirth and that was starting to get a touch thin in spots, hopefully we get more cover (anything would make it good coverage).

(Dan Boody)

Good conditions at manufactured snow trails at Wirth. Classic tracks seeing a lot of traffic, but holding up well. I found better kick on the corduroy on the outside or between tracks. Note to others: I realize the parking at the old chalet is pretty confusing, but please don't double-park cars. I saw at least 3 cars parked in at around noon--including my own!

(Adrian Swanson)

Excellent on the snowmaking loop, as usual. At 6 p.m., unlighted Green Meadows was magical, with the waxing moon casting shadows of the trees on the skate deck, headlamps of fat tire bikers flitting through the woods like ghosts, and the hoots of a great horned owl. If you've never skied by moonlight, you should have an opportunity some night soon.

(Lois Braun)

Pristine and heavenly groomed trail. Break out that sassy silky skin-suit you've been saving for that special day. Watch out for the newbie and wee ones ski school.

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(Stephen Tannen)

Maybe one of the most beautiful days for skiing I've seen at Wirth. When the sky got blue over the hoar frost at the top of Ridgeline, it was mesmerizing. The made snow loop was great- a little soft on the La Squadra uphill, but so nice to have it open. Still no inner meadow, though it looks close. North Finger does not look like it's been built up at all yet. The natural snow cover across the road (Skyline, etc) is some of the most complete I've seen. The warming temps softened it up so there were zero icy patches.

(Dan Boody)

The natural snow trails are all in great shape for skate and classic. The man-made snow loop was in even better shape, and has been extended to include the LaSquadra drop and climb, and the snow tubing hill was in full swing. Felt like mid-winter conditions all around - thanks Loppet team!!

Photos:

(Bill Oyler)