After 100" of snow this year to date and dragging our trails, this morning we can finally classify all trail conditions as excellent.

Photos:

(Arlyn Aronson)

The groomers had big plans to roll and set tracks this morning but when weather turned into more like a blizzard, they we gave up and spent the day rolling and dragging trails. Still, skiing was good. All trails are becoming nice and leveled and firmer. On Sunday, New Year's Eve, the groomers plan to get out early to pack the trails and reset tracks. We'll be hosting the Nordic Ski Club of Milwaukee too...so stop by the chalet and say hello!

Photos:

(Sandy Aronson)

All trails were retracked this morning and remain in excellent to good condition.

Photos:

(Arlyn Aronson)

For the first time this year, we've had enough snow and cool weather to get our trails back to excellent condition. We started to drag them yesterday, and will continue doing that. Please note, all of the trail sections are not all excellent; some we'd call good. We will continue to drag trails which will firm up this cold snow, and bring the condition of all trails, to a higher level.
Fat bikers will find any sections that we ran the drag over will be in firm riding condition.
Included in this photo set are a couple from last night's Candle Luminary Ski.

Photos:

(Arlyn Aronson)

We were out three times yesterday to knock down this lake snow, attempting to improve trail snow depth. Today everything looked much, much better. All trails were rolled and most received tracks, exception being the west side of Mud Lake (trail 4) and Thoroughfare, down to the summer parking lot (trail 16). We've included a few bonus photos taken last night. Trails near the chalet for tonight's annual Candle Luminary Ski should be in excellent condition.

Photos:

(Arlyn Aronson)

We took advantage of the freshly set tracks this morning and had a great ski, before the wind picked up more and temps dropped down. Santa has really delivered!
Remember the Candle Luminary Ski on Tuesday, December 26th, at the Chalet from 6 PM - 8 PM. FREE, fun, family friendly event! Chili cook-off and bonfire to follow. Sponsored by Portage Health Foundation.

Photos:

(Sandy Aronson)

With temps dropping and fresh snow falling overnight, Colin was out early this morning and rolled everything down. This was to help freeze over the wet locations and gather more snow, since the wind was predicted to kick in today. After that, an abbreviated pattern of tracks were made because of the wind and low temperature. Trails on the city side plus Vista trail was done, as was the gorge including the New River Trail extension (trail #4) for the 1st time ever! This new section was cut out this spring. The old route to Churning Rapids (trail #8) was also tracked this morning. Of course trails remain rough, but they are improving!

Photos:

(Arlyn Aronson)

Early this morning we rolled the 3" we received overnight and made new tracks. Trails are looking better but more snow is needed to smooth over the rough spots. The only ones to not get tracks are the section upstream (north) of Pebbles pit road on trail 4, to the gate into Churning Rapids; also trail 4 on the west side of Mud lake. Notably, the reopened Outback did get tracks for the first time this year, as did the Lookout loop in CR. Many skiers were seen this morning and skiing was reported to be very good.

Photos:

(Arlyn Aronson)

With just a dusting of fresh snow, we got out to add corduroy and shovel over a few wet locations this morning. After that the city side, most of the gorge and vista trails were rolled and new tracks made. Past Mud Lake and back to town on trail 8 was also done. This wasn't enough snow to spit at, so our trails remain quite rough. However, skiers say it's pretty good!

Photos:

(Arlyn Aronson)

Rolled all trails this morning. For the first time this season, we could cross the wet spot to enter Churning Rapids, so the Tower Loop also was rolled. Many wet spots present in Churning Rapids. Late morning/early afternoon, tracks were set in Maasto on the city side trails, gorge, vista, trail 8, Sunset, and the east side of Mud Lake loop. Some areas look great but many spots of thin coverage and wetness remain. Trail conditions are not yet excellent (as we like to see) but skiing is still good.

Photos:

(Arlyn Aronson)