The little bit added to the course helped a lot. The deck was in amazing shape, still very firm even at the end of the day. Everything was in really great shape. The snow was fast, but not icy at all (the gray skies helped alleviate the warmer temps). Again, the hill after leaving the upper stadium was more snowplowed than the one entering Trail 18, but it was not icy. We were out from about 8 to 9:30 and it was hard to quit, given how great the snow was and how nice the evening was. Thanks again to the snowmakers and groomers!

(Dan Boody)

Thanks to the groomers who opened another small loop! My GPS had the total loop at 2.5 km. The snow this morning (8:30 - 9:30) was firm, even abrasive. Classic tracks were firm, and the skate deck looked great. The hoar frost was, like yesterday, gorgeous. Kudos to the groomers!

(Michael Kuhne)

The snowmaking loop was in great shape, and the day was a beautiful one. I skied from about 9 to 11:15, and the course did not fall apart too much during that time. Lots of people out, but the deck was still firm enough that the mashed potatoes were kept to a minimum. Not too icy, even on the shaved turns. The downhill after leaving the upper stadium seems to have more snowplowing going on than the downhill entering Trail 18. Not bad though, and thanks to the groomers for making it a great (albeit, short) course!

(Dan Boody)

Beautiful sunny afternoon and great to see lots of folks out on the trails, including some snowshoers and a lot of fat bikers in the area. The 2.2km trail is in very good shape and a variety of skiers of all ages and styles and abilities were out having fun. Some of the hills just a bit choppy and a couple minor icy spots but otherwise it is all good and pretty fast! Snow guns were on near the lower stadium, hopefully they can open that area soon for better access from the Trailhead.

(Dave Carlson)

Big crowd at Wirth this morning, but the trail was holding up fine. Still only about a 2K loop (which by the way isn't exactly easy!), but the guns are cranking lots of snow! Despite all the people it wasn't really crowded on the trail itself. Warms my heart to see the Trailhead packed with skiers on a Saturday morning!

(Bill McKinney)

After skiing Wednesday morning, the 2.2K man-made loop continues to be well groomed and in excellent shape. They're doing a lot of snowmaking, and, while I didn't ask any of the Loppet folks, it looks like Lower Stadium and the rest of the La Squadra loops should be open soon.

(Laura Hermer)

Ventured off the man made loop (which was in great condition for classic). The twin lakes loop had plenty of snow but hasn't received any grooming yet so it was very soft. The Judy loop was rolled and pretty good after I got down the first hill which was pretty wind blown. If you're ok skiing on a little grass it's worth it and would likely be a good skate also.

(Dan Zenk)

Conditions on the snowmaking loop were fantastic, firm deck, broad sweep with 2 parallel classic tracks that were well-set throughout most of the 2K loop. The base was more firmly packed on inclines than yesterday, and the snow is smooth and slippery. Thank you groomers.

Photos:

(George Wawro)

Skyline and JD Rivers trails have been packed and groomed this morning for skate but have insufficient snow depths to set a track. Most areas are in good condition with a few uneven and wind swept spots. Overall really good skiing for December 2nd!

(Isaac Kasper, Loppet Foundation)

With the exception of a couple mashed potato uphills, the trails were in great shape, especially considering the fact that there were hundreds of high schools skiing there. Hopefully today's snow will take care of the potatoes and the groomers deserve a ton of credit for mixing skill and snowmaking to get us where we are already.

(RT Rybak)