Full 5k was in spectacular condition this morning. Deck and uphills were running firm with no ice. None of the deep transformed stuff from yesterday was apparent on the uphills as of 8AM. Classical tracks were deep, firm, and fast. Not too busy out there.

(John Holtan)

All 5K of the manufactured snow trails (Star, Willow Creek, Frog Town, Scenic Foothills and Boulder Ridge) are packed, tracked and in good condition. All natural snow trails are closed.
Note: We need a deeper base of snow for the season; when the temps drop, we will close Boulder Ridge and Scenic Foothills trails for a few days to make more snow. We will post closure information when available.
The Holiday hours: Mon. Dec. 24 8am - 2pm; Closed Dec. 25; trails are open. The next set of races are scheduled Jan. 2 - 4th, 2019; 3:30-5:30 PM.

(Sonja Bercich, Three Rivers Park District)

Good clean corn snow throughout. The classic tracks were set well but pretty slippery with icy corn snow over scratchy base. On the hills the snow is choppy going up and some icy spots where snow shoved around by skiers going down but all in all terrific coverage and grooming.

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(George Wawro)

The snowmaking loop was in good shape but predictably due to I assume heavy traffic any hill had lots of "sugar" snow to slow skaters. I was unable to totally skate up any hill. I was able to maintain the same pace as Friday despite that but that likely came from skipping Boulder on my 2nd loop and taking a shorter water break. The classic track looked fine. By the time I got on the trail - a little after 4 pm - the number of people on the trail was relatively light. My second loop was my first time on trail under the lights. Everything I did do on that loop was well illuminated.

(Keith Carlson)

Chopped by late morning but left deck firm enough for some nice skating in places. Still all around pleasant ski.

(Andy Larson)

Great conditions today at Hyland on the man-made 5k trail. I would describe it as fast and loose, very much like yesterday. A little soft on the uphills but excellent coverage everywhere. Enjoy!

(Joe Dolan)

The trail weathered the thaw well. In excellent condition except for loose sugar in more heavily trafficed areas. Usual crowd of high school skiers. Finally, got the chicane right coming off of Frog Town. Boosted my 66 year old to pass a couple of practicing high school lady racers in that area - from after the last significant climb to the turn after the little house. Must have been my wax.

(Keith Carlson)

Skied the machine-made loop from 11 to 12:30. There was plenty of cover, but the drizzle had soaked the snow and iced up. It was noticeable everywhere, but especially in the tracks. I was able to get kick on gentle slopes but not much on the steeper slopes. Heck, I was skiing on December 20, but the conditions were not great.

(Greg Filice)

Pretty darn good this early morning considering the March/April like weather! Skate deck was firm and relatively fast. Classic tracks had a bit of suction, but overall pretty incredible skiing!

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(Bill Oyler)

All trail segments are open on the man made snow, 5k. Beautiful morning, trail was in excellent condition, weather was perfect for an early ski. Warm weather hasn't seemed to hurt this trail. Well done staff!

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(Michael Johnson)