As of opening this morning, the snow was still very soft compacting, with strong winds leading to relatively deep drifts.

(Ben Fuller)

Skied the man made loop at Elm this morning. They have about 2k open. I was on the snow about 7:15 am and there had already been many skiers out this morning. They have done a great job working on grooming the snow so that the overnight refreeze isn't super icy. The edges of the skate deck were a little icy and under the bridge was slick. The snow was starting to warm up and was getting slower. If you plan on skiing during this season of warm daytime temps, the mornings are going to be best.

Photos:

(Elizabeth Loper)

Stop 4 of 4: Last stop of the snowmaking tour, got on the trails around noon. Temps were well above freezing. The course was an interesting combination: almost hardpack from the traffic and warm temps, not icy but actually a bit slow. Most of the snowmaking loop is open, just missing the lower donut section. Like everywhere else this morning, no issues with parking -- plenty of room in the primary lot. What an embarrassment of riches that we now have four cross-country exclusive snowmaking courses in the metro area!

Photos:

(Bruce Adelsman)

Manmade 1.8 km Loop open and well groomed this morning. Lots of deer out on the trail this morning putting bumps in the snow, but nice to have some company. Nice to have another hill. Turn at far south end of loop a bit icy on the inner part of the bend.

(Benjamin Fuller)

Man made loop was 1.8 k today not 1.2 as yesterday. Perfect skate skiing. Well groomed. Track for classic as well. Good crowd even at 6 am!

(John Nealon)

Elm Creek opened up another section of trail so it is now 1.9/2.0k. The trail was perfect as it always is at 6:00 am. Skin skis were working well at 33 degrees.

(Charles Barden)

The 1.2k trail at Elm Creek is absolutely beautiful. It is best in the morning as it was starting to feel a bit slowish at 10:00am already. Stay on the artificial snow - while the Northern Lights looks tempting it is rock skis only. That is, literally skiing on rocks in there. Lots of happy folks out this morning!

(Mike Miller)

The small loop from the chalet to the practice area and the North Donut (1.2 km) was groomed for skate and classic. Remarkable good condition. Snow guns running on both the tubing hill and remainder of the Valley Loop.

(Don Callander)

Approximately 1.2K of ski trails will open at noon on Monday, November 21st. No ski rentals at this time.

(Bruce Bolduan, Three Rivers Park District)

Snow making in progress and chalet staff mentioned early in coming week will open.

(Ewan Goddard)