Trail conditions were excellent today, the best for me so far this season! I took the climate friendly #7 bus to get to Wirth today, which is super convenient because it stops right in front of the Trailhead and you don't have to worry about parking. The return is a little more tricky though, because the bus does not linger at the Trailhead before starting its southbound trip the way it did last year. So unless you catch it during its very brief stop at the Trailhead you have to catch it on Plymouth near the old chalet. Next time I take the bus I think I'll start and end my loop by the Chalet to avoid having to walk the 1/3 mile in ski boots.

(Lois Braun)

It was nice to see La Squadra open. That really helped spread out the skiers on the course. Beautiful sunny afternoon. The deck was still pretty firm even after a busy Saturday. No icy patches on the downhills, but a few uphill spots did have some ridges (from grooming not from snowplowing), especially on the turn in the middle of La Squadra, the start of the Meadow uphill just before and the fence and the last turn on the Meadow uphill.

(Dan Boody)

Ridgeline and La Squadra trails are now open. The snowmaking ski trails can now be accessed from the Trailhead or Chalet parking lots.

(Robert Ibler, Loppet Foundation)

Great skiing this afternoon with no crowds. The classic tracks were in perfect shape, and the skate deck was good too. The full Ridgeline trail to the Stadium and back was open! Thanks to the groomers for extending the trails! Yes, it was a little brisk out there today, but the sun helped.

Photos:

(Bill Lundberg)

Perfect conditions on the manufactured snow trails at Wirth tonight. Even the youngest of skiers noticed... Our Trail Kids commented on the snow during lessons- "It's not icy," and "I can actually ski up the hills!" (They had gotten used to slogging up the deep corn snow in the weeks before the deep freeze). We were skating, but the classic tracks appeared deep and firm, and the classic skiers I saw were moving fast. Lots of kids also enjoying the snow mounds in the lower stadium. Thank you, groomers, for using the extra snow to make a fun playground!

(Amy Swan)

Nice conditions on the manufactured trails at Wirth this morning. Trail has been groomed to "Four Corners". I measured 2.7k. Unfortunately no classic tracks were set on the hill of the latest addition to the groomed trail. Snow guns are still running at the start/finish for the flyover by the trailhead.

(Adrian Swanson)

Skied all of the manmade snow trails before the high school meet today. The groomers have added an uphill beyond Coaches Corner, and Ridgeline is groomed to the quick turnaround, which returns downhill to the previous track. Snow guns were blazing everywhere: the Ridgeline and the North Finger are looking promising, as does Trail 18 (Machine Shed) and the Upper Stadium. The classic tracks were solid but slow (or was that me?), and the skate deck looked great. Kudos to the groomers and all the folks that make Wirth tick in the winter.

(Michael Kuhne)

Same 2.5k loop open but the snow was in much better condition! Great ski. No mashed potatoes on hills and no ice. Windchill was pretty serious on the flat stretches heading SW, but very manageable overall. Quite a few skiers out, including some exceptionally hardy new skiers learning in a big Loppet class.

(Brodi Kotila)

Fantastic time skiing at Theo today! Firm skate deck, some patches of ice but nothing sketchy. Classic tracks looked good and my two friends skiing classic said grip up the climbs was good. Chilly but awesome to have the skate deck so firm!

(Park Walter)

Lunchtime ski and the tracks were fast! 2.8km of tracks open. Classic is set and immaculate. Music playing on the loudspeaker. Just glorious. Get out there today before the high school races tomorrow morning.

(Catherine Gadient)