The easy Prairie Loop is B skis territory because of numerous short patches of ragged ice. The track is indistinct in a few places as well, but the overall conditions on the Prairie Loop were at least fair, and probably good for such open terrain. In contrast, the Bluff Loop was in very good-to-excellent condition: little or no ice, no noticeable debris or damage to the track, and the hills were readily ascended without too much need for herringbone and then descended without worry. The steep connector from the park office to the Bluff Loop was in fine condition for the steep, sweaty ascent, but too fast and exciting on the non-stop descent (at least for us!).

(Mark Strobel)

Trails recently set the day before, but the deck was very soft and might benefit from additional packing. Open areas were drifted in, especially the Prairie Loop. Snow was loose on some hills making side stepping necessary. Expert section between posts B and A was quite challenging to descend. One section on the Bluff Trail that was parallel on the road was covered with snow spray from the snowplow. Despite the slowness of the trails, the views were exhilarating and a welcome change from my usual haunts.

Photos:

(Rick Vatsaas)

Groomed todau. Trails are in good to very good condition, thanks to our recent snowfall. Note: The Sand Point ski loop has not yet been groomed since the latest snowfall.

(Jake Gaster)

Lower segments are open. I can't speak for the upper, and given how upper looked a few days ago (decimated by hikers) you should check it out for yourself. The Lower section was very recently groomed! Given days of ice and melting in this area, with minimal snow accumulation, the trails were fast and fun. A bit crunchy and icy in spots, thus the B ski recommendation. A few minor spots to watch out for, including something of a small ski jump in the first bend of the field where drifted snow was hard to groom. But overall a delightful surprise given the last few days of melting and slush.

Photos:

(Dawn Mikkelson)

Skied lower trails. They were groomed just before the thaw, so they were fast! Mostly pretty fun, with a few minor patches of grass. Also there's at least one set of large footprints along a large portion of the tracks, which was disappointing, but didn't make a big difference.

(Dawn Mikkelson)

Not groomed after blizzard. Skied lower trails and sunk in up to hip deep in parts where snow drifted. It made me wish we'd brought snowshoes on our backs.

Photos:

(Dawn Mikkelson)

We completed our first grooming of the season on Friday! All three loops have been groomed, with the trail conditions being fair, with about 2" of base, though skiers should watch for low hanging branches with the heavy, wet snow. The sledding hill has also been groomed and is ready to be enjoyed!

(Jake Gaster)

Skied lower portion: Nothing is groomed, but tracks from others made this a fun adventure. The temps made things pretty sticky. Looking forward to coming back in better conditions.

Photos:

(Dawn Mikkelson)