It's possible to have a decent ski at Balsam Branch. Nothing is tracked, but -- this is key -- no one has walked the trails with their dogs. With the copious snow that's fallen Saturday afternoon, an April ski should be lovely tomorrow.

(Sue Leaf)

Packed and tracked. The skate deck looked firm. Tracks were fast with a few glazed over areas. The temp did not get above freezing and it remained overcast so the trail did not soften up. Rare spots where there was bare ground. Not sure how many of the trails were groomed. I skied parts of the blue, black and green trails. The Black loop beyond the trail intersection to the east was not groomed. At this time of the year they do collect maple sap along the trails so you may see ATV, snowmobilers on the trails or ruts from ATVs. The parking lot is muddy and full of pot holes. Amazing conditions for the 8th of April.

(Michelle Stone)

I stopped by on the way home to see if it was groomed and it was not. Looks like a bunch of people blazed a classic trail. How far and where I do not know. Way to much snow to consider anything but classic.

(Paul Schaaf)

Early morning skate skiing paid off here, about noon it got weak! All shaded areas on north side were very good. Classic tracks had been deepened by skiers on warmer days, so skied on the main course way. Some bare patches on north south links so beware! Overall worth the drive!

(Kim Weber)

Very snowy mid-winter conditions, but with tapped maple trees along the trail. There is a ton of snow still just north and east of the cities. The trails were in fantastic shape last night. Perhaps a bit soft for skating, but the tracks were great for classic.

Photos:

(Ben Mullin)

Very good late season skiing. Groomed and tracked all trails today. It suppose to get warm, so get out now.

(Greg Hoelscher)

Six inches of snow. Track and skate lane groomed. Tomorrow should be good skiing. Plan on grooming again.

(Greg Hoelscher)

Groomed to perfection. Fast solid track and a firm skate deck. No ice and very little leaf litter. Skied the blue and black trails. Thanks to the groomers.

(Michelle Stone)

Just enough snow to freshen things up. Groomed skate lane and track. Looked really good. I will need to get out tomorrow and give it a try.

(Greg Hoelscher)

5 PM skate ski. Trails have held up very well despite the warmer temps. Skate deck was very firm still, classic tracks seemed to be in good shape. Due to the recent high winds there is a lot of tree debris on the trails so I spent a fair bit of time flicking branches off the trail.

(Jim Kelley)