Skier-made tracks, but nice width in my opinion - more like the distance in a groomed trail, and the tracks were packed and solid today so smooth skiing. Yes, there are snowshoers, but they seemed to be making their own 'tracks'. I'm betting the East trails get more traffic than the West trails (from the Jensen Lake trailhead), which were a bit soft on Sunday. Though if you have some Fischer Country Crowns (fairly wide) or true back country skis, the West trails would be fine.

(Robert Sullivan)

Nice skier track around the entire outer loop. Very nice ski. Soft and slow but very pretty in the woods.

(David Baumgardner)

Skied the more forested areas and, like other trails in the area, the tracks are set by the skiers themselves. I think there was about 9" of new snow in the area so trails were pretty fun and fast. A few icy spots, where it seems there is water runoff impacting a few sections, and of course walkers are out there, but pretty fun skiing. Honestly, without the grooming, maybe it would be helpful to send some snowshoers around the trails for a few loops :).

(Robert Sullivan)

It was a nice day for skiing at Lebanon Hills. Skied the big outer loop from Schulze, though not the spur trail by Jensen Lake. There were a few bare spots, one by marker 38 where the trail splits to the left to go around the big loop, or right to go in the forested section back to Schulze Lake, and then a bigger section, say 30 ft, where, as mentioned in the previous report, they are doing tree trimming (by Holland Lake). The tracks were holding up well after the recent grooming and snow, though a little icy by mid-day. However, with some delicate switching of tracks, it was overall what I would rate as "good" skiing, maybe "fair" if you are used to the immaculate trails at Hyland Park on man-made snow, as my better half is. Fairly busy day by Lebanon standards, many people out enjoying the nice weather. Have fun!

(Robert Sullivan)

Excellent mid-winter like conditions, with the exception of the area near Holland lake. beware of trails where tree removal is occurring on the north west end of the park. (came across the eery glow of some bonfires were branches were being burned). Some spots where complete water saturation of the snow is hard as rock, beware. Trail on the big hill is in excellent shape.

(Rick Vatsaas)

Skied the southern loop from the Visitor center. Trails were in very good condition (except the few road crossings) until I got near Holland lake - then there were at least 3 areas where I had to take my skis off and walk because they were completely dug up by tree removal vehicles. Also covered with sticks, tree shavings, etc. Still a beautiful day!

Photos:

(Lynne Nelson)

Parked at Jensen Trailhead and headed out towards the Western portion. Due to the windy conditions of the previous day, I was pleasantly surprised by all of the snow under the bridge. Thus I didn't need to take my skis off at that usual bare spot! The tracks were in great condition for 95% of the trail. A couple of the fair spots had excess moisture and melt. The western portion, being down in a valley, was sheltered from the wind and beautiful as the snow was still coating the trees. Great to have March skiing on natural snow!

(Julie Anderson)

Grooming all the trails in Lebanon Hills today with tracks set. Conditions are good with some places fair with wet and dirty sections but most areas are turning out nice. Trail access for both skiing and hiking/snowshoeing from the Holland Lake Trailhead is closed this week due to natural resource restoration work. Skiers are encouraged to use the Visitor Center Trailhead. The Jensen Lake Trailhead is open, though skiing access from there heading east will be limited. Western ski trail access from the Jensen Lake Trailhead (under Pilot Knob Road) is open with no trail closure issues.

(Katie Pata, Dakota County Parks)

Tracks holding. No bare spots. Spring skiing; some slush, soft snow, glazed tracks. What is sometimes known as changing conditions. I did not go the area with hills.

(John Couch)

On freestyle trails, great conditions. Found lunch time is great for snow being between icy and sloppy. Not too hard getting up the hills and not too slick going down the tricky turns.

(Laura Beaty)