Temp 17F, in the wooded classic only trails, very little wind. It was such a fun classic only trails along the River channel between Elbow Lake and Little Bemidji Lake. The classic trails on the 23km system are in good shape even after the wind. The sun was out, and skiing is peaceful and spiritual, and fun.

Photos:

(Amy Xu)

Great skating conditions at Rainbow-I would be comfortable using good race skis if I was careful but today I chose B skis and rock skis since I hoped to tackle the big hills where the snow can be thinner. Finally enough snow and savvy grooming meant we could get out on the big climbs. Snow is cold and dry and green/blue waxes were running great. It was ridiculously fun to finally get outside and on ski trails after how brutally cold it has been here.

Photos:

(Jill Troutner)

Wow! What a gem! Doug (the groomer) did an excellent job grooming the entire 23km trail system. I skied all the track sets he put down. Overnight and morning wind blew hard, but the tracks are in excellent shape except a few spots I stepped out to protect my new skin skis that I plan to race at Birkie, Arctic Circle and Rainbow Rendezvous! It's fun to try out new skis as the man-made conditions are different from the natural snow. I thought unless we ski Birkie and Arctic Circle on man-made snow, I'd better try my new skis on natural snow when the snow conditions are very good! Of course, if you do not like to step out of tracks, I'd suggest you use your B skis or whatever works. As the season comes long, skiing on natural snow in deep forest is such a blessing! I'm so glad to see skiers out there enjoying the "balmy" weather. Before we know, the winter season is winding down. Doug would love to see you ski the well-groomed Rainbow Trails! Also, stop by and have some hot drinks and soups, jump in the hot sauna, stretch/yoga, and try the new thing Rollga!

(Amy Xu)

Had a great ski at Rainbow Resort this afternoon. Skied 15k and the skate deck was great and the tracks were nice considering the snow. A little shallow in a few spots. So nice to get out on natural snow and very peaceful. Thanks to Doug and the team at Rainbow for their great work with their trails and the cider hit the spot in the lodge.

Photos:

(Adam Farm)

Went out this morning at a -5F with the tidd tech and combed all of the 20K trail system; I set track on the 6K loop, part of Wolf Run and Rabbits Trail. I also combed and track set the 3K Classic only trail. Found the average base depth to be 2 1/2" and very firm. Set up with the colder temps the past couple of nights doing it's job. Track sets are fair at best with spots where the track setter brought up leaves and dirt once and awhile. Skating the trails should be good. All trails are open for skiing with exception of Lost Bobcat.

Photos:

(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)

We had a good surprise today, with snow showers predicted we ended up with 2 1/2" of new snow. I headed out this afternoon at a -5F and some gusty winds out of the NW. What I like about the big woods the most is that those winds are only felt a few times for short distances going thru the forest by open areas. We now have an average 2 1/2" firm base and both the 20k trail system and the 3K loop by the lake are now roll packed. We do not have a track set but are getting real close and the skate skiing is rated as good. Very few areas where a few pesky grasses protrude thru.

Photos:

(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)

Out the door this morning with a -5F greeting me, I hooked up the Tidd tech and did some combing on the 6K loop, Black Bear, Deer View, Eagles Run, and Ridge Run. I found the base very firm from yesterday's roll packing. Our average base is 1 1/2" (firm); the rest of the 20k trail system is roll packed and skate skiable. No track sets at this time. The best skiing will be Black Bear north on Brushcat and back in on Deer View; this is a 3.5 K loop. The 6K loop would be another good option. Skiing on Eagles Run and Ridge Run will have more areas of leaves and twigs etc.

Photos:

(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)

I headed out this morning to roll pack the 1 1/2" of new snow fall. Temps hovered around 5F and there were snow showers in the air for the first couple hours of grooming. Picked a few twigs along the way and found the trails to be in fair shape with still a few areas of grasses poking up along with a few leaves here and there. Sorry to say but we cannot put in a track set at this time for our packed base average is 1 1/2".
Colder temps will give us a firm base set up and for a good skate ski option Black Bear out to Brushcat North to Deerview which is a 3.5 K loop. If you want a workout come back in on Ridge Run. All trails are skiable but there may be some things to watch for here and there.

Photos:

(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)

Awoke this morning with 2 1/2" of wet snow accumulation on the trails and 29F. Started up the Viking and roll packed the 20k trail network with the exception of the Lost Bobcat Trail. Light snow continued to fall and the temps slowly were dropping. Stopped along the way to pick up sticks and twigs and just to enjoy the winter wonderland views. Our average base is 1" so no track sets will be set; base is soft now but with colder temps it should firm up. We have some twigs, bumps, and leaves here and there but trails are open for rock skis and skating only. I also roll packed the 3K trail and found it to be a beautiful journey thru the woods and along the channel.

Photos:

(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)

Happy new year to all! We received a dusting of snow Dec 30th along with some colder temps. Our trails remained closed but we are frozen up and anxiously awaiting more snow.

Photos:

(Douglas Schumann, Rainbow Resort)