Please stay off of natural snow trails on Friday Feb 1st as they are being prepared for the Loppet Festival races this weekend. Skiing is available on the 6.5k snowmaking loop.

(Isaac Kasper, Loppet Foundation)

After rolling and shoveling yesterday, the crew groomed things up today. Generally great conditions. Classic track went in nicely in most spots - especially in the wooded sections of Eloise Butler and Quaking Bog. Some leaves and grass showing through in a few spots in the classic tracks in the more open areas like JD Rivers and Skyline Trail, but things are looking really good overall. Crews will do a bit more touch up shoveling on Thursday. Trails have really firmed up since Monday. With warmer temperatures predicted, expect both classic and skate to be great this weekend.

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(John Munger, Loppet Foundation)

Skied from the chalet down to the Chain of Lakes early afternoon. Trail was packed but not the usual first class conditions as the snow was still soft and shoveling sleds were moving into position. Hwy 55 underpass was thin, as expected, and snow was not adhering well on the pavement sections, such that some later ski pushes were exposing ground. Still, really enjoyable ski as the temperatures felt moderate and the sun was shining with light winds. Still need to adjust to the new trail direction, many of the segments are now being skied the opposite direction. And a few sections were ungroomed while I was out (old Gronquist hill next to Xerxes Ave). As I returned to the chalet, caught the PistenBully finally smoothing out that big snow pile blocking the bridge entrance in front of the Trailhead!

Photos:

(Bruce Adelsman)

Would be great if people could avoid skate skiing on the non-snowmaking trails for the next few days (especially today). Need to give the new snow time to set up. Thanks for your support.

(John Munger, Loppet Foundation)

I did a quick ski around JD Rivers and Wirth Lake around 11am. The trails have been rolled but are still on the soft side. The packed snow ranges from 2 to probably 4 inches deep. There were a few bits of debris that poked through but they were easy enough to avoid. Pole plants sometimes went through to ice or pavement underneath. The trail across the lake was already starting to be drifted over, but still skiable. Overall it was just great fun to be able to ski on the natural snow trails again!

(Robert Ibler)

Followed the groomers through the Quaking Bog. Plenty of snow for a good ski as long as you accept some leaves in places. Especially beautiful this morning with snow on the trees. Remember this now goes south to north -- opposite of the past. Groomers were headed off to Wildflower Garden side so it should be done by now.

(RT Rybak)