After checking out Pincushion and finding it too icy, I went to Deeryard, starting at Deeryard trail head which is probably a higher elevation than Pincushion. I skied the Deeryard loop twice, once in each direction. The tracks were solid and the deck smooth. Hardly any glazing in the tracks. I was on skins which worked perfectly in the neutral position. Great conditions and great grooming.

(Tim Nelson)

Coming from the Twin Cities, we were blessed with an empty (aka didn't have to share) trail! We did the Pioneer Loop; a slow, slow climb then the whole way down was a balancing act in the tracks... speedy! Tracks were solid and grippy enough in the uphills. Beautiful scenery and so peaceful! Great conditions.

Photos:

(Jennifer Myers)

Eastern half of Norpine system groomed today. Includes Pioneer, Lookout Mt, Ridge, and Deeryard trails (except Short Loop). All trails are in excellent shape! Still plenty of snow in the woods, 26" packed base inland. Two sets of classic tracks around Deeryard Main Loop and most of Pioneer.

(Adam Dettman)

Great conditions on Pioneer and Deeryard Loops. Firm track, firm deck, very little tree debris. Non-transformed snow, Blue wax perfect.

(Tim Nelson)

All trails in Norpine system groomed today (with the exception of Short Loop at Deeryard). Trails are in excellent shape!

(Adam Dettman)

Deer yard loop, pioneer loop, and fire tower trails all recently groomed and felt good; I love going clockwise to work the long hill in Deer Yard and then enjoy long glides the rest of the way. The short loop hasn't been groomed. I keep hoping someone will cut down a couple trees at the old fire tower site, it wouldn't take much to open up a killer view of the lake....

Photos:

(Alex Leslie)

All trails in the Norpine system (with the exception of Short Loop at Deeryard which is still closed due to December storm damage) were groomed today. Trails are in fantastic shape! Some of the best conditions of the season so far. Enjoy!

(Adam Dettman)

6" of fresh snow sent trail crew out Tuesday. Entire East End of the system groomed. Conditions on the East End (Deeryard area) are fantastic! Massie/Hall loops on West End were groomed as well before mechanical issues sent crew back. Grooming plans: Efforts to finish West End will continue with alternate equipment in the coming days or as mech issues are resolved. Weather later in the week as well as status of equipment will determine how/if trails are regroomed heading into the weekend.

(Adam Dettman)

Skated from Caribou Trail out to the Massie / Hall loops and back. Skate deck is very firm and fast but edging is not a problem. The return on the connector has several water spots thinly iced over and rough. One of these is at the bottom of a slope and comes up on you fairly fast. All have to be negotiated on the side of the trail. But great skating and good grooming.

(Tim Nelson)

Skied the Deeryard loop from the deeryard trailhead. It was groomed last night and the tracks look great, firm and solid. However, my skins just were not kicking even on the forward setting. The tracks did not appear glazed but felt that way and they had collected tree debris from today's high winds. Maybe it was just my skis but double poling was all I could do. I would try klister next time but beware grabby the tree debris in that case.

(Tim Nelson)