About 6-7" fluffy new snow in last day or so. Tracked green loop only today. Rest of trail was groomed about mid snowfall yesterday and was left to "ski in" as today's grooming didn't seem to improve conditions. Conditions vary greatly from poor (very thin - not enough snow to set track) to very good. The tracks in hardwoods sections are mostly good or better. The conifer sections are very thin. Do not take good skis on this trail at this time. There are many short sections of trail with no track due to thin snow cover.

(Joe Fieweger, Wisconsin DNR)

Conditions vary greatly. Five days over fifty degrees was not a good thing for this trail. The tracks under the hardwood sections were really good. The conifer sections were bare ground except for an inch or two. I hit ground many times but went back and kicked snow over the bare spots. Do not take good skis on this trail at this time. The short loop yellow has the most hardwoods so is in fair to good shape. The other longer loops have sections of twenty to one hundred yards of just combed trail as tracking was pulling up ground. So far about 3 inches from storm so not as much as we needed. Other area trails in more open areas may be a good choice until we get more snow. Or if you just want a quiet scenic ski and have some rock skis then go to Escanaba. Overall mostly in fair condition.

(Dan Jacoby, Wisconsin DNR)

Conditions on Escanaba ski trail vary today. I was able to cut ice and lay fresh track on the yellow loop or shortest loop of 2.5 miles. Conditions on this loop are fairly good. Most of the track was fully formed but large granule type snow after 50 plus degrees. The other loops are still icy and although not closed may have a few bare spots. The conditions on the loops other than the yellow are fair with an and icy bottom on the tracks. The road in will put a little dirt on your vehicle but if I was looking for a little quiet trail to ski Monday, I would try the yellow loop at Escanaba.

(Dan Jacoby)

Erased icy track and a lot of debris, still a lot of leaves but most loops turned out good. Some not fully formed track but most full. Expect fast in the morning and slow in the afternoon due to warm predicted temperatures. Can not run machines if too warm out.

(Dan Jacoby, Wisconsin DNR)

Excellent conditions with a dusting of fresh snow. Firm base and pole plant area. Some leaf debris but that is normal this time of year. Windy today but cloudy last few days so trails not deteriorating from warm temperatures. Birds are active at the shelter building. If you have not, now is the time to ski Escanaba Trail classic loops, conditions do not get much better than this.

(Dan Jaocby, Wisconsin DNR)

The temperature was 15 degrees when I started and still the same several hours later when I finished. I skied the red loop. I always find the grooming here to be meticulous. The downhills, and there are many, are always dragged so one can maintain control. Overall conditions were good to very good and speed in the track was average. Always a fun ski.

(Jim Gantz)

I used a leveler then cut and tracked the entire. Conditions are excellent with 13.5 inches of snow in the woods. There is 5-6 inches of soft snow over some hard snow but finally enough cushion for unplanned landings. With possible warmer air temperatures the condition may go towards very good but should hold up well as tracks set firm today with dropping temperatures.

(Dan Jacoby, Wisconsin DNR)

Very good conditions and 12.5 inches of snow in the woods. A small amount of debris with a few oak leaves and a bit of blocky track in just a few areas under the pines. 90% great track and set well before skiers arrived. Don't forget to slow your vehicle down on big curve to the right coming out, you know the one that says 15 MPH. Many animal tracks after 1.5 inches of fresh powdery snow.

(Dan Jacoby, Wisconsin DNR)

Skied the longer Blue trail and it was fantastic! Excellent conditions, a great track and very few icy spots...even on the downhills. Although the parking lot was fairly full, we didn't see another person. Kudos to whomever was at the warming hut right before us and had the fire still going. :).

Photos:

(Jason Schultz)

Trail in very good shape. Little debris and thin spots mostly covered now after 2-4 inches of snow on Monday. 12 .5 inches of snow on picnic table. Unless called to other tasks I will groom it again end of week. Expect a firm base and a medium to fast track.

(Dan Jacoby, Wisconsin DNR)