Last night's snowfall was less than forecast, about 1" of fluff on the trails, so while we had the equipment ready to groom early, we called it off because the benefits would be questionable. Wet mist evolved during this morning, and by leaving the trail alone, we hope to dry it out, rather than create a thin ice sheet on the ground. We are open to Members, who would want to go out on rock skis, but it is still rough out there. The best conditions are on the inner sections of the 10K. Early bird discount memberships should be postmarked by Nov 30th - prices go up in Dec 1st. Snowflake KidSki info and downloadable Registration forms are posted.

(John Graham)

A prudent skier would NOT ski our trails at this time. The weekend rain really corrupted our thin base, and the return to sub-freezing temps turned the remaining snow to hard ice. Coverage is patchy. Note that the Duluth East Nordic Team begins practices today, so the Ski Ergs will not be available between 3:30-6:00 pm, M-F. Early bird discount memberships must be must be postmarked by Friday Nov 30th. Snow is in the forecast and the Sleds, Ginzus, and Groomers are ready to go.

Photos:

(John Graham)

As expected, George Hovland, founder and long-time proprietor of Snowflake, was the first skier on our trails, on minimal snow-cover on November 10th. Old Rock Ski conditions! However, the 2" of dry fluff that fell last night and this morning seduced us into taking the Ginzus out this afternoon, knives-up, to compact the light snow on the rock-hard ground. We groomed the 5K, Special K, and Perimeter loop, Skate only because the snow is too thin to groom Classic tracks. Those trails are thin cover, some debris and rocks exposed, and skiable on Rock Skis. Classic skiers are welcome to ski-in a track on the right side of the trail. The non-perimeter segments of the 10K remain un-groomed, and should offer more pleasing Classic skiing. We are open every day 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. for now, and will update as the Friday weather event unfolds. Happy Thanksgiving and Think Snow!

Photos:

(John Graham)

Skated 5.5K using my rock skis on the first fresh snow of the season. Poor ungroomed conditions overall, but better on the Special K section that gets drifting from the wind. Great to be back out for the first time since my last ski on June 3rd on the last of the man-made snow at Spirit Mountain, after a season including 140 days in a row skating. Here's to another great season. :-).

(Lane Ellis)