Very good conditions this morning. I would rate the classic tracks at Afterglow as the best I have seen so far this December in Wisconsin. To see better I have been obliged to drive in to the Michigan Upper Peninsula. That said, there is grass showing in scattered patches at Afterglow and the classic track setter occasionally has bit down to grass, leaves, or sometimes a bit of dirt. These patches can be avoided as the skate deck is also good and always available. The one caution would be the far end of the No. 5 out-and-back trail. This is the only part of the Afterglow system not on Afterglow private property and instead on Chequamegon National Forest land that sees use by motorized vehicles until the hunting seasons are over and snow arrives. More snow will be needed to cover some of the problem spots on Trail No. 5. Afterglow groomer Pete Moline has flagged marked a point on No. 5 beyond which it is inadvisable to ski without rock skis. I skate skied all skate trail and later most classic track with good classic skis and without incident.

Photos:

(Mark Nienstaedt)

Very good conditions exist. All skate lanes groomed except Bob's trail. Over half of Bob's is in good condition, the hunters left deep ruts in the end of the road. The ruts are completely filled with snow but still has a few dirt spots at the surface of the trail. 3" of snow would cover it all and we would be in good shape. All other skate lanes are in very good condition with very good classic tracks. All Fat Bike trails also groomed. Trails have been groomed 8 times this season.

(Pete Moline)

Plenty of snow had some great skiing today. Part of Trail 5 (Bob's Trail) is closed near the end but everything else is open with plenty of snow covering the trails. Although I did not classic, ski tracks are set.

Photos:

(Bob Woelfl)

Trails have been groomed 3 times so far. We plan on opening for skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking on Saturday Dec 16th.

(Pete Moline)