Firm, fast surface for skating. A 3/4 to full depth classic track in most places. The man manmade loop is frozen hard so pretty bullet proof but they're grooming often so there is plenty of corduroy and loose snow to edge. Snowmaking was going full force while I was there. At this point, they're only 100 yards or so away from connecting 2 shorter sections into one longer (and very challenging) loop. Once that's done, you'll really be able to get your climbing in if you want.

(Andy Schwartz)

If you are an early morning or evening skier, the Birkie has good news...the snowmaking loop has lights! The lights are small but will provide enough illumination for navigation. For now, they are all along the 1k loop. Come check them out!

Photos:

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

Pulled into the birkie start area at 7:20 am this morning. Groomer had just begun setting track. Entire man made loops are groomed with fresh corduroy. and in wonderful condition. Planned to ski 10 K classic, but with the wonderful tracks it was difficult to quit after 15 + K's. Will be great this weekend. Enjoy!

(Dick Roeber)

We extended the length of the human-made loop/trail by about .5 km, extending the total length of the human-made section to about 2 km. There are 3 sections of the trail where we have pushed snow out and groomed, making those 3 sections of the trail out-and-backs. That 2 km length of trail was groomed (including classic tracks) again this morning and will be ready for some great weekend skiing. Enjoy!

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

We groomed the human-made loop (including classic tracks) this morning. We will continue to groom this loop as needed so you can continue to expect good conditions on the human-made loop.
Snowmaking update: We continue to make snow as the temps allow. We have pushed snow down a new loop. When we get more snow, we can groom that loop as well.
Birkie Trail update: Not enough snow yet on the rest of the Birkie Trail for grooming equipment. We have heard reports of good skiing on the ungroomed Birkie Trail. Check out other Birkie Trail reports to hear what skiers had to say about their experiences.

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

I skied 3-4 k south from OO on Saturday including picnic table hill, and north of OO past Boedecker on Sunday. Good snow coverage and the snow compacted nicely under the skis both days. In fact, in the places where a lot of people had skied, there was actually a pretty good ski surface. There was not enough snow to set track, and I would not recommend using your best skis, but it was pretty good skiing.

Photos:

(Tom Detzner)

Grooming plans: We continue to make snow around the clock. Once we have enough new snow stock-piled, we will open a new section of the human-made loop. After the close of skiing today, we will groom the current human-made loop (including classic tracks) and have it ready for a busy weekend of skiing. There is still not enough natural snow on the rest of the Birkie Trail for grooming activities. We will post again later tonight on exactly what grooming was done. Enjoy!

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

Had a wonderful ski on the 1.21K, man made snow loop, at the Birkie start area. One herringbone hill and one long gradual uphill. One fast downhill and several short downhills. They are making snow for another loop. What a great venue for December 6th. A shallow track 1-2 inches in depth is set for classic skiers.

(Dick Roeber)

We just finished up grooming the 1.4 km human-made loop at the American Birkebeiner Trailhead. We received an extra 1" of snow last night which mixes well with the primarily human-made base. We are continuing to make snow and will extend the length of the loop later this week. We will continue to groom the human-made loop as needed. Check back for more details. Enjoy!

(Kurt Proctor, American Birkebeiner)

The trails at the Hwy OO trail head have enough snow for skating with rock skis. Probably not enough to set track.

(Tom Detzner)