Arrived at Korkki just as Craig was coming in from setting track on the 6k loop. Overnight Korkki had received about 5 inches of snow and it was snowing the whole time I skied. The track was a bit soft and slow due to the new snow. Craig plans of grooming again this evening or first thing tomorrow. Skiing at Korkki for me more than just skiing, it borders on a spiritual experience. Today I was struck by the absence of man made sounds....no road sounds, no airplanes, no snowmobiles, just the sound of the wind in the trees. With all the man made noise in the world, the hour I spent skiing at Korkki was a much needed aural vacation.

Photos:

(Dave Johnson)

Iron Todd and I found the trails icy in a lot of places that required re-applying kick wax after every loop or two. We also found the pole plant to be soft, so baskets went through. Iron Todd switched poles to a pair with a larger basket and was happier. It was great because a) it was Korkki on a stunning day and 2) we saw an owl flying -- twice!

(Kris Osthus)

Beautiful day at Korkki! I had the whole place to myself all day, which is part of why it's such a great system. Tracks were awesome and solid through most of the system, but any major uphill and sidehill were herring-boned and washed out. There was about 1-2" of fresh snow in the tracks, but everything skied in really well after I did a couple of laps. Be cautious on the big downs, the trail is really chopped up and dicey and I had a hard time making sure all of my equipment was going in the right direction. The 4k, 7k, and 10k all skied really well (except for Iso Maki, it looks like it's just been ski-groomed at this point). Get it while it's good!

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(Erik Blow)

I always hate turning in reports on Korkki. The place is so awesome I'd like to keep it a secret. The new snow was not groomed but the skied in track was just fine even with narrow race skis. No debris in the trail which was impressive given the wind. Also , the 2 "hard" bypasses were closed. A sign posted says they are closed for a race Tuesday. Skip out of work early on Wednesday and go for a ski!

Photos:

(Ben Fornear)

Well set, fast classic tracks through the forest. Couldn't ask for better conditions. Skied the 7K loop and found the single track an absolute delight of short down and up on an undulating course through the backcountry.

(Patrick Bryan)

The Marshall Nordic Team had practice at Korkki today. Mark had groomed the biathlon loop and the classic trail out to the 6k cutoff and back, The skiing was very good thanks to all of the shoveling that Mark did before the snow on Saturday. There are a couple of thin spots but overall it is great. After skiing, the team enjoyed two different crockpots of chili, one of beef stew and on of beet soup. It was the perfect way to end a great practice. Also Mark would like the skiing world to know that the course will be open on Sunday and Monday. He will groom for the high school race Monday evening, so that the skiers will have the best course possible on Tuesday.

(Dave Johnson)

I am relieved to say we are a go for the High School race and better yet we are now open. Please get the word out that we now have 6 KM tracked and Dorothy's loop and the Biathlon skate loop are groomed as well. I have opened the trail to the public for the weekend. However, it will be closed Monday / Tuesday for preparations and for race day. I should have the back 3 KM open by the following weekend. I used the new light track setter....money well spent. The parking lots are plowed, two Biffie's have arrived, and I have three volunteers to help park buses. There is a chance for moderate snow on Sunday. If that happens it will only make things better.

(Mark Helmer)

Charlie Banks the founder of Korkki Nordic was a high school coach at Duluth Central. He made the trails out at Korkki for his team. His priority was his high school skiers. Mark Helmer is honoring this tradition by working hard to prepare Korkki Nordic for the upcoming Two Harbors invite on Tuesday, Jan 16. The snow cover is thin on the Korkki Trails, so Mark and his friend Craig spent today shoveling snow from the side of the trails onto the trail. They shoveled about 2 kilometers of the 6 kilometer high school course. If you love Korkki and high school skiing, you are most cordially invited to come out at anytime before the 16th to help shovel in the trail. Mark will have shovels available near the chalet. Mark does not want to close the Korkki trails but he is asking that folks find another trail to ski on until after the high school race if at all possible.

(Dave Johnson)