Skied the Red Trail this afternoon. Although I haven't been skiing in the past couple years, I would rate the trail as only fair. While there is a set track, it has already seen a fair amount of use. IMO it isn't fast. The bottom of the track is solid, but the sides are soft and the didn't hold the skis well, making it easy to "fall off" the base. Hopefully the pending storm will add to the snow pack and allow for better conditions.

(Gary Trew)

Red Pine trail to the west is very soft. Your skis will sink in the soft snow on each kick. The trails to the east (Classic only) have set up much better and are enjoyable to classic ski. All trails are groomed and track set.

(Dick Roeber)

12 inches of lake effect fluff yesterday and last night. The Ridges Trail (7.5 miles) groomed for traditional skiing is in very good condition. The Red Pine Trail (3.5 miles) is groomed for skate and traditional skiing and is being packed and groomed now. Expect somewhat soft conditions until it sets up.

Photos:

(Guy Willman)

I was out this morning, all three loops were open, but some bare areas and lots of pine needles/tree debris on the trail. I did hit some gravel once or twice and I moved off the groomed trail from time to time. The east side was in better shape then the west side. It was a decent trip, but I'm planning on heading further north tomorrow.

(Justin Meyer)

I skied all of the Ridges loops and conditions were fair. Quite a bit of needles and small branches made the skiing slower but still a very enjoyable workout in frigid conditions. Some of the laid tracks were damaged due to fat biker not adhering rules of no cycling on the trails.

(Ben Harrison)

The Red Pine loops have been re-rolled for skating this morning and are in fine fast shape. The existing tracks on both the Red Pine loops and the Ridges loops are as is due to the melting and lack of snow refreshment. They are all skiable with a decent existing track, but expect worn and icy conditions. Good time practice your double poling with minimal grip wax.
The back country is a whole different animal. There is still 3-6" of densely packed snow throughout the forest. We spent the majority of our ski day cutting new track in this snow. It packs beautifully and provides an easy return trail. For a nice outing, go out in your widest skis with 3-4 folks to share the trail cutting. The same conditions apply to those interested in snowshoeing. Check my previous post for recommended areas.
A reminder regarding fat tire bikes. All loops and the Ice Age Trail are closed to biking. The Ice Age trail, in particular, is a national scenic trail and is closed to biking year round. There is biking currently available on the snowmobile trail and on the horse trail south of the parking lot just off of County O.

(Grant Houghton)

4" new snow this morning on top of 8" made for slow skate conditions but still enjoyable. Did two loops of the 5k red pine. Tracks were good for classic. Many skiers enjoying winter wonderland. It will get better with more grooming. Nice trails with many small roller hills.

(Don Howell)

Got a chance to put some backcountry and track miles in over the last two days. Conditions are very good to excellent throughout the entire forest. East loops (Ridges trails) are fully tracked with good snow cover and little debris. West loops (Red Pine trails) are rolled for skating with a good track set on the side. Backcountry (untracked fire lanes, paths, lake dunes and inland dunes) have around 8-9" of fine powder. Snowshoeing and hiking is available on the Ice Age Trail, the Nature trail, the area south and west of the Red Pine loops and south of Molash Creek. Please stay off of the ski loops unless you are wearing skis. Even minor footprints and snowshoe prints can affect skating surfaces and poling.

(Grant Houghton)

The Lakeshore received 8 inches of snow on Wednesday. The Ridges Trail groomed for classic skiing was groomed early this morning and is in good condition. The Red Pine Trail groomed for both skate and classic skiing is being packed today and should be in good skiing condition by Friday. Expect good conditions through the weekend.

(Guy Willman)

Point Beach had a base of 1-3" throughout the woods. We are currently getting heavy snowfall with afternoon lake effect predicted. All trails will have sufficient snow to wear at least your B skis. The plan is to have track set on the Ridges (East side) trails sometime tomorrow.

(Grant Houghton)