We skied the lower arb trails Wednesday afternoon and it was great. Trails were packed (not tracked) with plenty of snow.

(Timothy Vick)

Upper arb was freshly groomed today for skate, very soft and slow, but nice skiing nonetheless. No classic track laid down, although I did hear a snowmobile going by on an already groomed nearby trail as I was finishing up, so perhaps there will be a classic track tomorrow.

(Paul O'Connell)

The arb looks pretty, but the compressed snow on the classic trails is only about an inch thick. Poles won't plant at all. On downhills, skis will occasionally rub against something under the thin layer of snow, leading them to stop abruptly. I won't go again until we receive several more inches.

(Ken Abrams)

Well... It was fun while it lasted. Still some snow on multiple areas of the Upper Arb trails but a significant amount of bare spots. Was very sloppy this afternoon and hard to ski.

(Aaron Pontow)

Skied the north 1/3 of the lower arb. Snow is hard packed and getting a little old, but has been rolled/compacted within the past day or two. Quite fast. Skier-made tracks. No rocks seen.
The arb has an archery deer hunt in progress in the lower arb for the whole month of December, but hunters are required to stay well away from the trails. Bright colored clothing still a good idea, though. Saw one hunter walking to his area and lots of deer tracks meandering around.

(Timothy Vick)

Getting a little icy in some spots and some spots look to be getting a little thin, but overall pretty good coverage.

(Aaron Pontow)

I skate skied the upper arboretum trails starting around 5pm. The skate deck was firm and fast but not as firm as the man-made snow trails get. There are a couple thin/dirty snow spots to watch out for but they are easily avoided if you pay attention. There were no classic tracks set in the upper arboretum trails.

Photos:

(Charles Wolf)

Lower arb still good condition this afternoon. Followed skier tracks all around. No rocks. Beautiful!

(Ryan Terrien)

Upper Arb is very nicely rolled for skate. Or classic as you wish.
Lower Arb is skier-tracked for classic. Good conditions. There was a very occasional spot where the snow was sucked out of the track, but otherwise no concerns with good skis.

Photos:

(William Schroeer)

Stretched the bones and muscles out in the upper arb this morning. They were rolled and groomed. Soft in spots, but it's a great start for the base. Trails are in great condition with a few bare spots and some grass poking through, but you can easily avoid. All trail KMs were open in upper. Not sure about lower. No contact with rocks. Very pleasant and fun skiing. It is windy, but get out and ski!

(Becca Egbert)