Having arrived in time for the HS racing to be just about to get underway, I ventured off onto the Northern Lights loop with my rock skis to see what I could find and avoid being in the way of the racers. I would definitely call it rock ski conditions, but there were stretches that were surprisingly good. If you stick to the eastern portion of the loop closest to James Deane Parkway, that was probably 90% really good skating. That other 10% though was a couple of short stretches that were half snow/half rock. The western portion including the big hill (both up and down) and the farthest north end before you turn around were really thin and strewn with rocks and debris with vegetation poking up through the snow. All in all, for my first ski on non-man-made snow for the season it was actually really pleasant and I don't think I made my rock skis any more rock worthy than they were to begin with.

(Ben Mullin)

Just skied the manmade. No lightning, rain and wind like in Germany for the TdS and no La Bomba storm like out east... just your standard issue cold (but not so much). And, hey.... pssssst.... there was some glide - don't tell anyone-....( or some/most of the 2 layers of kick wax I had on for NYD wore off - could've actually used a little more kick).

(Mark Lahtinen)

Skied classic mid afternoon. Classic tracks were pretty good overall but had an odd ridge along the inner edge of the right track. So, be careful not to catch a ski when stepping back into the tracks. Snow was expectedly slow but the plus side to that was the kick was great with cold kick wax of the day. I took a few skating strides on the skate deck and found it to be not as miserable as I expected. I also saw ski tracks down the Northern Lights loop and down towards the boardwalk but make no claim as to the conditions of the snow past the viewing window from the man-made loop. Clearly thought from the tracks present, several have ventured out onto those trails. Wind was noticeable but quite tolerable. I was a little too conservative with one too many base layers, resulting in several laps of unzipping jackets and jerseys in an attempt to equilibrate my excess body heat with the outside temperatures. A beautiful day overall, confirming that old Norwegian saying: "There's such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing".

(Leif Irgens)

Skied the man made snow loop again with community group taking lessons. What a cold night to be out! Snow was slow for skating (didn't wax specially for this so uphills were great workout). The beginner skiers were real troopers out there spending over an hour working on skills and trying to keep warm. It is a challenge getting out, but beautiful moon and great snow coverage make getting a little exercise a great time with friends.

(Dean Kleinhans)

Conditions were good as to be expected on the man-made. What a difference a day makes without the wind and minus 20 wind chill (my limit). No problem with kick but glide was hard to find in spots...skate lane seemed faster today when I got out of the track.

(Mark Lahtinen)

It was like skiing on styrofoam. The man made loop was open and perfectly groomed. A few four letter words. Brrr, cold, slow, nott fast, well youu gett thee idea. Stay home stay warm.

(Don Callander)

Only Valley trail was open as a 2 1/2 K loop. Conditions were excellent, we skied the loop 3 times for an excellent workout. Well worth the $9 ski pass.

Photos:

(Earl Stabenow)

Only Valley Trail (Intermediate) was operational, and in great condition, this morning. Man-made snow.

(Marcelo Garza)

Skied the lighted trail. Conditions were wonderful! I assume most of the snow is of the man made variety. Tracks were firm, very well set. No bare spots anywhere. Just an occasional leaf in the tracks. Very pleased!

(Craig Fischberg)

Skied classic and skate mid-morning. The rest of the 2.5 km man made loop is now open. The 2 km that have been open were in good shape, even after the extra traffic from a race out there this morning. Solid classic tracks and a skate deck I would call "just right". Not to firm, not too soft; maybe a touch slow. Personally, I found the new 0.5 km portion to be a bit slippery in places (to say icy would maybe be a bit harsh). However, I did have some trouble slipping in the classic tracks through there, even with skins for kick. All in all though, good conditions.

(Leif Irgens)