We had awesome trails for our Vasaloppet USA races with machine made snow two weeks ago. Now we have the best trail conditions in years with natural snow. The five inches that fell earlier was groomed. The three or so inches that fell on Thursday was groomed and tracked on Friday. Plans are to groom and track both the Nordic Center Trails and the Northern Practice Loops on Sunday after the snow stops falling. Come and enjoy the best skiing conditions in years.

Photos:

(Terry Salmela)

Skated this year's Vasaloppet course, which was mostly groomed. Skate deck was smooth but a little soft, not unexpected with the new snow. Classic track was fantastic for downhill rest breaks and double poling. Thanks to the groomers for continuing to provide some excellent skiing, hopefully it won't get too warm too soon!

(Bryan Lueth)

The absolute best trail conditions in the past 5 years. All trails were groomed Saturday morning with classic tracks set everywhere. Come ski, it's awesome!

(Jon Larson)

9K of the 11K loop at the trail center are open; snow is being spread on the rest...quite an operation, BTW. The trails are firm, but not icy. The classic tracks are hard pack, a mixture of new snow and man made...aggressive. Oslo Blue worked until it wore off (no binder...oops). Skied with Tim Nelson, he used 1814 one loop and grip tape the next.

(Ralph Schwartz)

Went to Mora to see what the trails were like after the snowfall Saturday (about 2 inches) and in advance of the race this coming Saturday. With temps around 10-15 degrees, skied around a 9 K loop twice from the Nordic center, all of which are part of the 17K race course loop. Track was firm and glazed, Some dirt to be avoided and oak leaf debris. Both sets of skis, one with grip tape and one with Rex 1814 picked up enough debris to make for some jerking gliding especially when double poling. Otherwise both wax combinations worked well. Skate deck was very firm and fast. with enough loose snow to get a bite on the uphills. The 3k northwestern loop of the race course was still being developed. I did not ski the lake loops or the trails that lead to the Nordic center from the lake.

(Tim Nelson)

Skated laps on a 3.5 mile loop following the main trail, presumably the Vasaloppet course without the north end pines and the pasture NW of the center. Best conditions of the year up to now, groomed "corn" snow layer on top of a firm base. A pickup with tracks on the wheels was doing additional grooming that turned the corn into sugar, which was a little looser but still fast. A few small stones turned up here and there, and a few areas with dirt. Mini muffins and popcorn at the center, gotta love that Mora hospitality! Thank you groomers and all involved with a top notch operation!

(Bryan Lueth)

Trails were groomed with >5km of classic tracks set on Eastern trails, other trails have natural snow and are in fair condition.

(Jon Larson)

The entire time I was skiing the snow was piling up on the trails. No, they did not get one flake from the storm but the manufacturing, moving and spreading of snow continued the entire time I was there. They are building the base for the Vasaloppet, creating a 17K loop. Conditions were firm and fast. Stayed on the newly groomed trails and had a wonderful ski. Even with no more snow there should be great conditions for the Vasaloppet.

Photos:

(Jim Smith)

Surprisingly firm and fast given the warm temps, some dirt here and there, especially in the classic track. Confusing layout on the north end, but you can find a loop easy enough.

(Bryan Lueth)

Over 7km of superb skiing on manufactured snow at the Vasaloppet Nordic Center. Great classic tracks. Additional tracks were being set late afternoon in skate lane in preparation for Northwest Suburban Conference meet but they will be tilled out Wednesday night. Additional distance continues to be added as course buildout continues in preparation for Vasaloppet Ski Race Feb 10th.

Photos:

(Wade Weber, Vasaloppet USA)