Whitefish Dunes State Park received 6-7" of snow yesterday. Unfortunately, the previous weeks warm up had set up soggy base that is now solid ice. We were able to set track for classic cross country skiing only. The red trail is in good shape, though the base of some tracks are icy, and pole plants will encounter ice. The yellow spur trail has many bare spots. The yellow/green return trail is in very good shape. Unfortunately, warmer weather will mean rapid deterioration of trail conditions, so come out soon to enjoy maybe the last good ski of the winter.

Photos:

(John Swanson)

Trail conditions are fair to good, excellent in some areas. Reset track on heavily used portions of Red, Yellow and Green Trails. Glad to see that many skiers had been out during the week despite the cold temps. Track is full depth in all but a few low snow areas under hemlocks and cedars. There's a little forest debris here and there.

Photos:

(Rich Dirks)

Trail conditions were fair to good, excellent in many areas. After about 6" of low to medium moisture content snow yesterday, all trails were rolled, packed and track set. Tracks are full depth nearly everywhere with the exception of a few low snow areas here and there and thru the pine plantation on the yellow trail. The old growth portion of the green trail was rolled and packed but track was not set. Woods debris is minimal. Tracks will be a little soft until they setup overnight. Whitefish Dunes State Park is groomed for classic only.

Photos:

(Rich Dirks)

Trail conditions - Poor, good in a few areas. With recent warm temps followed by a cool down and about 1/2" new snow on top, trails have deteriorated in many areas, with ponding in some low areas that has frozen. As long as temps stay below freezing, some of the trails are skiable, but the forecast is for above freezing temps for the weekend, which will turn the minimal trail base into slush. This is also the situation for the winter hiking trails. Consequently, the annual Candlelight Ski scheduled for Saturday evening has been cancelled.

Photos:

(Rich Dirks)

Wife and I skied the red trail. Temp was in the mi-30's. Although there were a couple thin spots and a bit of ice in the track, we felt the trail was in good condition.

(Gary Trew)

Touch up grooming today on red and yellow trails south of the road. Most of the trails had a solid base and tracked well. A little thin under the trees. Skiers should watch temperatures. Warm days to high 30s are predicted through Monday and cold overnights may result in icy trails in the morning changing to soft, slick trails by afternoon. Come prepared for changing conditions. Photo is the Whitefish Bay Creek accessible by skis from the Yellow Trail. A well marked sign takes you down a 1/2 mile trail, then back along the same trail. Very serene in winter. The Black Trail is available for hikers and snowshoers.

Photos:

(John Swanson)

WOW! For those who don't live in Northern Door County, we had an amazing snowfall with lake effect squalls. Overnight Sunday, Whitefish Dunes got about 10" of light, dry snow with another 2" Monday night. Icy base, but was able to pack it with the roller Monday afternoon, and put down deep tracks on all the trails on Tuesday, including the green trail through the old growth hemlocks. The trails are pristine and, and the low sun on the snow covered conifers is heavenly. Come out this week to enjoy it.

Photos:

(John Swanson)

Trail conditions - fair to good, excellent in some areas. 2" of new snow was groomed today, and with the help of considerable shoveling, most thin areas have been fortified making for many areas that have full depth tracks with occasional thin spots in the usual areas like the first kilometer heading out on the Red trail from the Nature Center. We continue to be plagued by hikers, snowshoers, and dogs. So skiers are encouraged to politely inform non-skiers you encounter that groomed ski trails are for skiers only and that winter hiking and snowshoe trails are located in other areas of the park.

Photos:

(Rich Dirks)

Trails had been groomed several days ago but were still in good condition for classic skiing. Most of the 9 miles of trails that we skied had a good track and were able to get a good kick and glide. The only area that was not in good shape was a short section under the thick pines near Clark Lake but still were decent. We were very happy to have made the 2 hour drive from Sheboygan for great classic skiing.

Photos:

(Don Schaning)

2" of dry snow last night. Trails groomed. Track set though in areas it is shallow and soft walls which should firm up overnight. Bare ground covered, though thin in areas with grasses poking through. Overall, good skiing conditions.

Photos:

(John Swanson)