The trail was combed recently for skating. There were two other skiers that went before I did on Sunday. Used Toko yellow HF on my stiffer Rossis and glide was great. Warmer moist snow with those skis work out well for me; I find it to be faster so hope others can find the same. No fluff on the trails, though I would like to note I only skied the 12k north loop today. The Tram loop did not look to be groomed rather recently but there are skate tracks so probably skiable. The base is still very firm so it might be possible to hit the trail with the right timing this week. Less debris on the trail as compared to 2-3 weeks ago. I think good skis are fine as most debris is easily avoidable. Still a lot of snow. No classic tracks were set. There are areas of the trail wildlife made holes on the deck so just be careful when you hit these short stretches. One more note: at the south trailhead the snow doesn't look groomed and there are some ruts; just over the hump the trail is fine.

(Brady Zwiefelhofer)

Classiced Hickory Ridge this afternoon. North and south loops. It's rolled and tracked. Beautiful day to ski with so much snow on March 1st!

Photos:

(Mike Craemer)

Everything groomed with big Ginzu. Tracks set everywhere. Skate lane is a bit soft in spots and new classic tracks will be as well. Tracks from yesterday are firm.

(Jeremy Cowell)

Some of our group skied 16k Classic and other skated today. The classic track was good but the loop at the end of the Highland Lowland lakes was not tracked. The skate lane was a bit soft but very skiable. It was a beautiful day to be skiing!

(Gale Otterholt)

Entire system groomed this morning with Gator and big Ginsu. Tracks everywhere but Dog Island. Will groom again early tomorrow morning.

(Jeremy Cowell)

An All-Star three-man grooming crew produced what the Chief proclaimed an Olympic-class Trail! The entire system contains groomed skate deck and track.

(Mike Dahlby)

Skied Dog Lake Trail this afternoon, twice -- perfect conditions. Sincere thank you to the groomers, great work.
Classic track set.

(Jo Hecke)

All trails rolled and combed last night. The intent is to set a track and continue to refine the skate lane today. Very skiable as is, just might be a little soft. With a little luck and love the trail might just be closing in on perfect! Believe it or not, it took approximately 14 hours to pack, roll, and comb after recent snowfalls on the base of ice! Great job by the Friends of Hickory Ridge and their All-Star Groomer!

(Mike Dahlby)

Trail grooming activities commenced this morning. The dry and fluffy snow is challenging for the groomers. As of 2:00pm today, the South, North, and Tram Loops have been packed with a snowmobile. Packing will continue on the Highland/Lowland and Dog-Island Loop. Depending on the timing of the next round of snow (not a complaint!), the trail may not receive actual grooming activity until Friday. All of the trails are open for use, but do not expect the ultimate in groomed conditions at this time. The beauty of the woods is cannot be overstated! The trails should be great for the weekend.

(Mike Dahlby)

Skate deck was soft on uphills with such dry snow. Classic tracks were set on most of the trails but not where snow was too shallow or where deer have been rooting around. A little dirt and duff but you could ski around it. No track on Highland Lowland section. I didn't ski Dog Island loop but heard it was groomed for skating. Tracks were fast and good kick was possible. Many happy Chippewa Valley skiers with big smiles were out there.

(Karen Possley)