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)

Skied the Massie and Hall Loops accessed from the Caribou trail trailhead. Grooming was excellent with a solid skate deck even as temps were in the mid 30's. Animal tracks (deer and wolf) were numerous but did not interrupt smooth glide. Hope it holds up through the warmth.

(Tim Nelson)

Classic skied from the Hwy 61 snowmobile trailhead up along west Pioneer, over to Deeryard, up to the fire tower, around Deeryard and back down East Pioneer. There had been no grooming in more than a week, according to the trail report, so I expected to be breaking trail or using skier tracks. Fresh two inches of snow last night on top of two inches over the weekend meant I was breaking trail for much of the course. Deck underneath was firm so it was manageable although downhills were a challenge. Good news was the groomer came out at the end of the day.

(Tim Nelson)

Skied from Ski Hill Rd to Caribou Trail. Not groomed since overnight snow, and the parking lot was not plowed. Very pretty in the woods, can't wait until it's groomed.

(Dan Disch)

Beautiful trail as always but unfortunately the wind and light snow have deteriorated conditions since the last groom. Tracks and corduroy could still be seen, but everything is covered with a layer of snow and some parts of the trail were drifted over. Plenty of debris especially in the pine-covered sections and on the connector trail down to Cascade Lodge, which might warrant B skis for some. The "Short Loop" and part of Pioneer Trail between J and I were ungroomed/closed.

(Katie Leaf)

Started at Deeryard which is in great shape. Decided to take Pioneer connector trail to Cascade Lodge. Connector is fine for about 2k but the debris rolled into the tracks makes for difficult skiing the whole long descent. The last 4k was a hair-raising skill builder for control in less than ideal conditions.

(Jean Garbarini)