11 A.M. And 40 degrees. Just classic skied the 5 and 10 k trails. The 5k track is very good, still well-formed, and fast. Some debris skied into the track. The 10k track is more worn, but was about 90% intact and still nice to ski in. Some debris, particularly on the final 4k. Skate lane on the 5k newly groomed, but soft and getting sticky as the day heats up. 10K skate lane rated "good" by returning skate skiers. Due to current and forecast temperatures snowflake will operate on spring hours this weekend. The trails will be open from 7:00 A.M.-11:00 A.M. Trails will be closed from 11:00 A.M.-6:00 P.M. We will then be open from 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. We are closing the trails to dogs from this time, through the weekend. Members are welcome to run their dogs on the oval. We expect to be closed on Monday, due to forecast rain. The extended forecast is for a return of winter temps, and snow late next week, so we are doing all that we can to give birkie/kortie skiers some final training, while preserving the trail for march skiing.

(John Graham)

Inspired by those great high school skiers skiing their hearts out at State Meet yesterday (champions every one!) I got out for an early morning ski at Snowflake. Skate lanes a tad chunky here and there, but no ice at all, great glide and plenty of edge. Classic tracks deep and solid, but debris starting to be an issues here and there. All in all, nearly perfect conditions, and a beautiful ski in the north woods. Just reaching freezing when I left about 9:45 AM. Let's all please follow John's instructions about when to stay off the trail through the next few days. Predictions are for back to below freezing next Thursday and possible snow Friday!

(Tim Holst)

Great skiing today! We are re-grooming the Skate lanes on the trails tonight, and expect to offer very good ski conditions on Friday morning. We have a good base, and winter temps will return. With that in mind, we'll go into this warm-up trying to preserve the trails. Hours this weekend will probably be limited to avoid afternoon high temps. Anticipate our being closed on Monday if it rains. Anticipate restrictions on Dog activity when the trails soften. We will provide updates on our answering machine and via Skinnyski posts as conditions change. Think Snow!

(John Graham)

Skated 5k, wary because of recent warm temps but pleasantly surprised by good conditions. Groomed last night, there are no ice patches or open areas. Enjoyed a peaceful hour in the woods. Thanks, Snowflake!

(Andrea Watson)

Both trails open, groomed classic and skate. Skate lanes were groomed Wednesday night: the snow is very hard, ginzu knives would not cut deep, so we have a thin layer of corduroy over a hard fast base; 5k classic track set on Monday is hard, glazed and fast. Some washouts on the turns and climbs, but otherwise good. The 10k classic track, set on Feb 7th, is also hard, glazed and fast. Based upon the crash marks I saw tonight, the 10k is skiing very fast and best for intermediate/advanced skiers. Please keep member dogs off the 10k. We'll be open 8:00 to 8:00 today and Friday.

(John Graham)

The 10K and 5K Skate lanes were groomed again this morning. They are firm, fast, and a bit icy. The 5K Classic track, set yesterday, has really hardened-up and was fast when I skied it this afternoon. A bit icy in some areas. The 10K Classic track is somewhat worn, but has hardened-up and was also fast today. Due to the firm conditions, Member dog-owners may take their dogs out onto the 5K trail again. We're open until 7 tonight and will be open from 8-7 tomorrow and Thursday. We'll see what Friday brings.

(John Graham)

Beth and I followed the groomers around the 5 K this morning about 10 AM. They had already done the 10 K. Perfect skating, good edge, fast conditions. They left the solid classic tracks alone, and the tracks are deep and beautiful. I hopped into the tracks at numerous times to double pole, and they are fast, glazed in a few places where direct sun hits, but I think you could use hard wax and have good kick nearly all the time. Snowflake came through yesterdays low 40s in perfect condition!

(Tim Holst)

Started skiing the 5K Classic before noon and it was so fantastic that I couldn't stop until I'd done 4 circuits! Jim Wood set an amazing track last night. It got slow as the temps pushed 43 degrees, but was still a joy to ski. The 5K skate lane was also groomed and there is still corduroy at this hour. Skaters told me it was great, but getting grabby as it warmed. Skied out on the 10K: the classic track is very skied-in, the skate deck is showing some use but not bad. All trails were soft due to the warm temps. Snowflake will groom the 10K trail tomorrow as temps promise to be more favorable. Members are requested to keep their dogs off the trails until the trails firm-up: when the 5K is durable enough for dogs we will update the phone message, post on Skinnyski, and remove the signs.

(John Graham)

Fantastic skate ski around the 5k this morning. Looked like I was the third person out. Freshly groomed cord... great job as always at Snowflake!

Photos:

(Mick Dodds, Ski Hut)

Snowflake came through the weekend warm-up with good, if soft, snow cover. Windy Sunday helped to dry-out the moist snow. We groomed the 5K trail late Sunday night, cut deep and set a new classic track. Cold pre-dawn temps should set the new track. 5K skate deck is corduroy. The 10K trail, while used, did not demand grooming and skied well on Sunday afternoon. Due to soft conditions and expected warm temps Monday, we are restricting Members' dogs to the Oval, in order to preserve the trails. Best skiing will be morning - early afternoon. Tuesday-Friday conditions look to be good!

(John Graham)