Great early morning for a ski. Lots of powdery snow on the main 5k loop and side trails. Not groomed after yesterday's snowfall, but enough of a track for classic. Looked like plenty of skiers were out enjoying it this past weekend.

(Matthew Ohs)

Wide, smooth and well packed deck, thanks to the amazing work by the grooming crew! It was especially enjoyable with the wide trails taking me through the woods, up the hills, down the valleys, taking in the amazing view. Though not personally used, the classic tracks appeared well set throughout the entire trail system. This is the best condition I've skied at Saint Mary's, definitely worth the drive to Winona! Enjoy it while it lasts.

Photos:

(Ian Chang)

We received an additional 4" new snow. We have rolled, packed and repacked all trails. Classic tracks set on all major trail segments. The skate deck is still a little soft but really great skiing. Probably the best conditions we can provide for skiing.

(Bruce Johnson)

Overnight we received 3+/- inches of dry snow. We rolled all the trails this morning. The result is about 1" of packed snow on a hard, icy base. The snow has not bonded to the ice. Skate skiers will probably kick-out gong up some of the hills. We cannot set classic tracks at this time. All trails are open, but extreme caution on all downhills is highly recommended.

(Bruce Johnson)

40F+ overnight made the trails very mushy. The classic tracks are very soft and will collapse under weight. The skate deck is somewhat firm but is softening as the temps stay above 40. Areas of dirt are beginning to show, water has pooled in some sections of the trails.

(Bruce Johnson)

The new snow is slowly firming up. The skate deck has been freshly groomed on all major loops and a classic track set on the 5 K loop, and River Trail. There is a high school ski meet today from 12:30-3:30 so I expect many skiers will help pack the snow. This is the best snow cover we've had all season, come to SMU for a great weekend of skiing.

(Bruce Johnson)

10+inches new snow. We packed all trails this morning with Pisten Bully and roller. Conditions are very soft as the snow is very dry and deep. A classic track was set on the 5K loop and several smaller loops. The wind is blowing very hard and the tracks most likely will drift over. We will not groom Wednesday or Thursday morning due to the extreme cold. The Winona High School Nordic team will host a ski meet Friday starting at 11 AM so we will groom for that race.

(Bruce Johnson)

Saint Mary's received 12" of snow. The main 5k loop was rolled and tracked today. The rest of the trails will get worked on tomorrow. Expect conditions will be very soft for a few days but should be great by the weekend!

(Steve Horeck)

The 2K manmade loop can be tilled and combed and should be very good for the weekend, it's also tracked for classic. The rest of the trails are very firm and compacted and very thin with some dirt showing, minimal tilling will be able to be done, perhaps comb pressed in but still very firm.

(Steve Horeck)

We received 1" of snow over a very thin base. I rolled and combed the lower loops and that helped a lot. I left the upper trails for those that want to ski some fluff. The only track set is on our manmade loop, too thin everywhere else.

(Steve Horeck)