I skied from the Britton Peak trailhead, covering all of the nearby loops and Hogback. The well-formed classic tracks were glazed and fast. Other than a short segment with quite a bit of spruce right by the trailhead on the lower (lakeside) part of the entry trail, the track was clear of debris. I didn't have much problem with soft pole plants given the top layer of crust over the snow.

(Erik Larson)

Skated from Oberg trailhead around Picnic loop to Hogback, Homestead, and the connector back. Skate deck was much firmer than previous days and quite a bit faster. Tracks looked firm but glazed. I think there was some small drizzle this morning that caused this. But my poles rarely poked thru the deck which was a nice change from previous outings since the storm last week. Overall skiing was pretty sweet. Grooming appeared to be quite recent.

(Tim Nelson)

Excellent coverage and grooming for both skate and classic. There was a crust on the trails due to rain earlier today. Traffic seems to be working that out. Also on less popular trails poles punched through a lot. Must work on my technique a bit. All in all it was a great day in the North-woods.

(Andy Willette)

Back to Sugarbush today for a late afternoon ski around Homestead and Hogback from Britain Peak trailhead. Grooming keeps getting better and fresh cord and firm tracks were a joy. Pole plants on the woodside of the classic track are still soft, but not complaining. Great to have all this snow and a dedicated grooming operation.

(Tim Nelson)

I'd call it an embarrassment of riches. Plenty of snow, and so much that it's hard to pack. On occasion, the poles were punching through, and there was about 5 inches of new snow overnight. The groomer was out rolling and trying to widen the trail and for good reason. I hooked a tip in the deep snow on the edge of the trail and got spun around a number of times, going down (not bad) twice. All-in-all, great skiing and it was fantastic to ski in the woods for a change. Wow, what a trail system.

(Jay Wenner)

Classic skied the Moose Fence loops and then headed down connector to the Picnic Ridge Trail. Four inches of new snow had not yet been groomed so we set the track. Got to Picnic Ridge trail and snowmobile roller had been thru covering half the track, which allowed firmer skiing with no pole plunging. Was great classic skiing all the way to Brittion Peak. Love all this snow, a real winter wonderland! Glad to see the groomer out on New Year's Eve day. Thanks much.

(Tim Nelson)

Skated from Oberg Aroun Homstead, Hobback, & Picnic Loop. Beiautiful grooming, tons of snow. Skate deck soft and slow for me. Picnic was firmer than Homestead or Hogback, which was surprising given Picnic was just groomed last night. Great day, lots of skiers having a good time.

(Tim Nelson)

Skied Homestead and Hogback counter clockwise from the Britain Peak trailhead. Tracks were superb. Deck and pole plants were a little soft due to the large amount of new snow over the last several days, 24 inches in my driveway! Winter wonderland with all the snow in the trees. Lots of people out enjoying a tremendous grooming effort over the last few days post this mega snow dump. Thanks groomers. Looking forward to a great holiday week on the trails.

(Tim Nelson)

Kudos to our groomer Daren Peck! Greg and I skied Hogback late last week after it had been rolled, fun skiing but rough conditions. Today I skied Hogback from Britton trailhead, the parking lot area looked fabulous the segment heading thru the spruce trees and up to B was rough but what a surprise when I headed from C to E and then up onto Hogback....Tracks! For the most part the tracks were fast and solid, with the low snow I still had to watch for surfaced rock, dirt or sticks. The top of Hogback was so fun. Heading down the backside of Hogback one would need to be careful as there is more exposed rock/ruts and on the very bottom before coming to G there are 3 separate water bars that are easily skied over, just need to be careful. I had Atomic Mover waxless skies that I consider good skis, used caution and did not put any extra grooves in them. Not all trails have been rolled or tracked, caution needed until you figure out where the problem areas are.

Photos:

(Liz Wagner)

Onion River Road classic trails were in better condition than I expected considering how warm it has been. I only did the first 2.5km out and back, which was fine for good skis. Could use a grooming as there has been a lot of traffic on the trails. Some debris from trees on the trail, but not bad or unexpected due to trees lining the trail. Lots of people out skiing today.

(Jamie Swanson)