Finally got caught up with the 15" of white fluff from Sunday. New track was put down this afternoon. As cold as it is, those tracks should firm up nicely, and stay intact until the next snow. There was a lot of debris on the trail, but that got covered up by last night's 3 inches that fell. The only area with debris is under the pines on the west loop. Those of you that ski it, know the area. Some snow drifts redirected us while packing and grooming, and you will find some small stretches on the east loop where the trail seems a little rerouted. This is temporary, and there are tracks leading you through those spots.

(Dennis Zielinski)

All it took was three days to get the trail and running. 15+ inches is a lot of snow. After multiple passes for packing, the trail got tracked early this afternoon. The deck may be a little soft, but the next few days look colder, and the tracks should firm up and stay intact.

(Dennis Zielinski)

Despite the additional 1-2 inches of new snow the trail was fine. I wish my glide would have been better, but under the conditions... alright. The tracks are holding up nicely, but the deck was a little soft. Certainly can use those good skis, no debris of any sort was in the trail to impede your skiing. A great afternoon to be outside.

(Dennis Zielinski)

The trail system was recently groomed but conditions are only fair. Even with this new snow depth and new tracks set, there are many places where clipped but long, stiff woody stems are sticking out of the snow. Be careful not to catch a ski on these woody stems. Even though it is delightful that Oneida county provides a dog-friendly trail system, it is also not pleasant to have dog urine left in the tracks. Trail users should clean up after their pets, even to scooping out and replacing yellow snow with clean snow.

(Sue Lietz)

The 15+ inches of snow rolled out nicely, and new tracks were set this morning. With the low temperatures the tracks should firm up nicely, and provide for some nice skiing. All the rough spots that were on the east loop are now covered, and should impede anybody's skiing. Time to get out an have some snow fun.

(Dennis Zielinski)

The 7+ inches of snow that fell compacted nicely today. Like the remaining Oneida Co. trails, Nose Lake was rolled as well. If the predicted snowfall occurs, we will be compacting and rolling tomorrow evening/Friday morning. The tracks will be set on Friday morning and ready for weekend skiing.

(Dennis Zielinski)

Good coverage and track set nice in most areas. A few drifted snow patches was the only downside, but thats Mother Nature.

(Pete Wurl)

Both loops of the trail had new track set today. The west loop set up better than the east loop. The east loop still has some rough spots near an old logging area. The 3" we received apparently isn't enough to cover all the bad spots. After the cold snap, there should be some nice classic skiing.

(Dennis Zielinski)

Despite not having the track set for two weeks, the tracks are holding up remarkably well. Skied the west loop, and found it in fair-good condition. The snow that has fallen is fluffy and is not providing much in terms of having to regroom. Beneath the fluff is a brick like deck, and I know our equipment would not make much of a dent. The trail has been active, and skiers are working this new snow into the tracks. With that said, the glide is satisfactory. You won't be flying out of control, nor will you feel stuck in the mud. The winds this afternoon were picking up and those segments of the trail in the open were starting to drift over. Not much vegetation is poking through the track. Be aware the area under the pines does have some thin spots, but nothing terrible. If the cold doesn't turn you away, the skiing should be decent.

(Dennis Zielinski)

Nose Lake trails are great for intermediate skiers and set for classic skiing only. There are two loops which make up 7 miles of trails. Today I skied the west loop which is my favorite because of the magnificent old white pines and I believe hemlock which tower adjacent to the trails. Dogs are allowed, my two love to run with me as I ski. If you come with dogs, please remember to clean up their mess if they defecate on the tracked trail. Conditions were fabulous today thanks to grooming efforts from RASTA, Rhinelander Area Silent Trails. Oneida County Trail pass is required to ski these trails and please remember to support RASTA with a donation!

Photos:

(Heather Pelock Hjelle)