Hoffman is ready to ski! All trails were rolled, groomed and tracked except for Star Wars and Buck Ridge. We'll get to those another day.

(David Challe)

Trails skied great in the late morning. The grooming touch up today did wonders to make the deck down right pleasant. I was expecting something crunchy and icy so this was a pleasant surprise. Some leaves and twigs starting to collect on the deck but nothing big. Still skiing race skis. Encountered a crew from snowless Wisconsin Dells. FYI, no tracks set which made the skate deck extra wide and nice.

(Ben Larson)

Central- southeast loops (as you look at map view) are open and in good shape for skate skiing. No classic tracks are set. Ground was firm but top layer still have decent traction for skate in about 90-95 percent of groomed trails. It was 35 degrees today so conditions might harden slightly overnight. Much better conditions than expected. Open and groomed trails were: lower pines, upper pines, logging, fuji-cutoff, spring run, juba run.

Photos:

(David Wagner)

The lower trails were groomed this morning. The skate lane looks to have improved. The coarse icy snow has broken up in most places. Take care between 5 and 6 and the hill on Jubas Run at 18 due to ice and a thin base.

(David Challe)

Fantastic timing from Dave grooming on Wednesday! Deck is firm and sounds icy but is in great shape. It's smooth and there is just enough give you can dependably get an edge. All lower trails open. Coverage is still great. Some debris starting to show up but not bad. Ski your fastest skis! (No classic track).

(Ben Larson)

I just finished a cautious ski using my old Salomons. Good to very good edges and as expected it was firm and fast yet manageable. I skied all of the recently groomed trails except Juba's Run. Be careful coming down the hill between numbers 5 & 6 (the hill leading to the open field near the overflow parking). That area has an icy thin base with plenty of debris. Overall a great ski, I'll be back this afternoon!

(David Challe)

Lower trails (Lower Pines, Upper Pines, Logging Road, Fuji Cutoff, Spring Run, Skyline and Juba's Run) were groomed tonight. Several passes turned into what looks like a decent skate lane. Debris and a couple very thin spots will be encountered with other sections being debris free.

(David Challe)

Trails were getting extra firm / icy by late afternoon. Surprised that it wasn't softer due to the warm up today. The magic of Hoffman holding the chill in. Could be quite icy in the morning until it warms up and softens in the warmer temps. Still amazing coverage and depth. Some minor leaf debris collecting in the tracks. Couldn't get any hard waxes to kick on the glaze. You'll need klister, skins, or scales until the next grooming or snow cycle.

(Ben Larson)

Still good conditions as of this afternoon. Had a great classic ski and had the entire place to myself. Some sections of trail had quite a bit of leaf debris/seeds in the tracks, while other sections were completely clear. Very fast tracks and deck. This base will last a long time.

(Paul Verdon)

All trails were groomed and tracked at night. A little leaf litter remains. Trails have smoothed out nicely with minimal soft spots. It will be the best skiing Hoffman has seen so far this season!

(David Challe)