Trail Reports
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Minnesota Northeast
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Apr 15 - Spirit Mountain Nordic Center (Duluth):
Afternoon[ Trails: Closed ]Observation Scheduling
All trails are closed at Spirit Mountain. The staff is no longer grooming the trails due to the mass melt off and unsafe conditions. There are several rocky and downed sticks on the trails. The past grooming tracks are waterlogged and mushy. Classic tracks have been melted away and the skate deck is not usable.
(Jennifer Hansen) -
Apr 11 - Spirit Mountain Nordic Center (Duluth):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
5C and warming. Sun, overcast a little bit, no breeze. The conditions are phenomenal. A little bit icy in the shade still. Soft and becoming mashed potatoes in the sun. It's fantastic! All segments of lower Spirit Nordic are open at this time.
Photos:
(Louise Levy) -
Apr 9 - Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (Duluth):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Classic Secondhand
John did a great job on the skate deck today and it was well used by the time we got there at 11:30 am. Temps were 35, it was cloudy and it was the same as yesterday, rutted but soft enough so it did not matter. Full coverage except by the chalet. Classic tracks were icy or fast, debris free, still in decent shape despite being misshapen and skied out on corners. Classic tracks melted enough yesterday so they were not catching us today. No bear sightings. Last grooming of the season today. Still plenty of snow to play on!
(Eve Graves) -
Apr 8 - Snowflake Nordic Ski Center (Duluth):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Classic
The skate deck at Snowflake is holding up well. We classic skied around 11 am today and the skate deck was soft enough so the ruts and doggy prints were not an issue. The classic tracks were still hard. The tracks are there but are a mix of icy, hard packed snow, uneven trippy stuff in the tracks and misshapen in spots. If it had been warmer or even sunny, tracks may have been a treat. We stayed in the skate lane. Full snow coverage except a few bare spots near the chalet. No bear sightings on the groomed portions of the trail today.
Photos:
(Eve Graves) -
Apr 7 - Piedmont Trail (Duluth):
Evening[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Skied everything except the black loop and took the shortcut at G. No bare spots but there are a few small icy sections. The snow is somewhere between icy and slushy, not bad for spring skiing. Folks have walked in the tracks the entire trail. I took a tumble on the last hill on the skate loop when I hit a particularly deep rut from a footprint.
Photos:
(Rachelle Walker) -
Apr 9 - Pincushion Mountain Trails (Grand Marais):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Classic skied all 20k of the trails today for my last ski of the year. There was plenty of snow left and the skate deck and classic tracks were still firm in spite of the 40 degree temps. New snow dusting was corning up and skiing was slow but my skins worked well. But the tracks were still holding up and the skiing was pretty good for this late in the year. Snow was clean and there were no bare spots, not even close. Wish I could stay around for more.
(Tim Nelson) -
Apr 9 - Sugarbush Trail System (Tofte):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Skied the Onion River Road from the parking lot 4K out and back again. The classic ski tracks were a little icy, but became better as it warmed up a little. The groomer did a great job.
(Robb Olson) -
Apr 9 - Sugarbush Trail System (Tofte):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
Onion River road is the only trail I saw that was recently groomed. I anticipated some sticking in the spring conditions and applied anti-stick to my skins. A group just finishing when I started said they had to break through some crust at the beginning of their ski but then the skiing was nearly prefect. I also found the skiing very good but starting to get soft in some of the sunnier areas. The side trails had been skier tracked and still fully covered and skiable.
(Brad Anderson) -
Apr 8 - Sugarbush Trail System (Tofte):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Classic skied out of Briton Peak trailhead around Hogback and Homestead loops. Trails were not groomed since last weekend's snow and a single skier had skied the trails breaking thru the crust. Those tracks were too irregular to ski and for me I was not breaking the crust. So I skied on top of the crust down the middle of the skate deck and had a wonderful ski on skins. I do not think the crust would have supported a skate skier but it would be interesting to try. Temps were around freezing and a heavy wet snow laid down a nice dusting providing grip on the crust.
(Tim Nelson) -
Apr 8 - Pincushion Mountain Trails (Grand Marais):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Both
Great ski today at Pincushion. Solid deck with 1.5" of fresh. I skated and classic, both fantastic. Thank you to the Pincushion groomers and team for keeping the trails great!
Photos:
(Kim Johnson) -
Apr 15 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Plenty of snow remains for those not too particular about conditions. I skied route 1181923222114 and back to 1. Roughly 10% of the trail had exposed ground, and another 10% had heavy debris, with light debris present on most trails. That said, about 80% offered a decent glide on waxless backcountry skis with an average 18-inch base. Tracks were barely visible.
Photos:
(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails) -
Apr 12 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
In spite of about a 1/4" rain and warmth trails are still fully covered with plenty of snow. Tracks are saturated, but very firm and slick for good gliding on top of tracks. Though tracks are somewhat shallow, there is no slush, no caving in. An outstanding Spring ski today!
Photos:
(Mary Lawler Shedd) -
Apr 11 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Another good day for skiing, plenty of snow still. Tracks were well-defined and slick with firm to slightly soft base, not very slushy. Slow spring skiing in these warm temps. Skiing from trailhead out to #10 on the east end of the Jensen Trail (main artery double-tracked trail) was 100% snow-covered.
Photos:
(Mary Lawler Shedd) -
Apr 10 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Well, the trails were slower today due to the increasing temps. Still pretty minimal open ground. We talked to two other skiers who had done about 10 miles of the trail, and they also described a slower glide and very little open ground.
Photos:
(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails) -
Apr 9 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
About a 1/2 inch to an inch of new snow came down yesterday. Tracks are still providing a good, smooth, consistent glide. It is a slower glide due to the warmer temps. I used my waxless backcountry classic skis and was living the dream as I skied through the forest and heard the sounds of the returning redpolls and red-winged blackbirds.
Photos:
(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails) -
Apr 8 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Another great day on the trails. Today was without sun, hence the glide was much more consistent, and the tracks are holding up nicely. 85% the trails (only the south-facing slopes) feel like they have at least two feet of base. As I was returning to the trailhead, the snow started to fall; we got about an inch today.
Photos:
(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails) -
Apr 7 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Seven delighted skiers were fortunate to ski today on groomed trails in 20 to 32 degree temperatures. The trails had nice glide going out to junction 10 but as it warmed up it was a bit slower. What a memorable spring ski.
Photos:
(Nancy Schultz, Friends of Flathorn Gegoka Trails) -
Apr 7 - Flathorn-Gegoka Trails (Isabella):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
All the trails were classic tracked after the most recent snow fall. The warm April sun caused changing snow conditions during our ski. The first half hour was pretty icy, the next hour had great kick and glide and the final half hour was getting soft and sticky. A lot of wildlife has been in the forest since the snow. We saw tracks from moose, otter, lynx and many types of birds.
Photos:
(Brad Anderson) -
Apr 11 - Tilson Creek Ski Trail (International Falls):
Afternoon[ ]Firsthand: Classic
The two snowfalls last week gave good snow coverage today on Orange, Blue Return and around outer Yellow trail. The trails have not been groomed since then. I made classic tracks through wet, soggy, mushy snow. I sank 1.5-2 inches but could still glide along. Boardwalk is mostly bare.
Photos:
(Steve Langenbrunner)
Other Locations
Minnesota Northwest
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Apr 12 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Morning[ Trails: Closed, ]Firsthand: Classic Scheduling
Snuck in one more classic ski this morning on the groomed skate loop before the big melt. Still mostly soft ice base which provided decent glide. Eerie feeling in the woods with the steaming fog and high humidity. Hot temperatures all but wiped out the remaining snow. Trails are now closed. Thanks everyone that came to Maplelag making it a great season, six straight months of grooming and skiing!
Photos:
(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort) -
Apr 10 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Both
A pretty incredible morning on the trails. Froze down hard last night and brilliant day of full on sunshine. Skied most of the classic trails and the skate loop and ventured off trail a bit for a little crust skiing. The classic tracks on Sap Run and Sukkerbusk well defined, solid and firm. Skate deck was firm base with a creamy sugar/corn surface. Skied between 10am-12pm and hit the transition money spot around 10:30-11:30. Such fun spring skiing. Nice to bump into some other skiers as well. Did get warm today, there was some snow loss and tracks burned out in spots but started freezing down at dusk and the base was boning up. Trails will be open until noon tomorrow, no grooming.
Photos:
(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort) -
Apr 9 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Grooming
Great day of skiing and grooming! Cooled down overnight allowing another opportunity to groom this morning. Track renovated and reset on Sukkerbusk, Sap Run, easy loop of JibFly and the connector to the Twin Lakes trail. Other trail groomed this week, Mother North Star has well set track with snow from yesterday that had a gentle transformation with a sprinkling of new snow on top. Skate loop gently renovated. Over lunch skate skied the skate loop and double poled random classic trails. Very nice skiing on the fresh groomed. A few areas here and there base is thin but nothing to prevent a good April ski with B skis. Grooming plans: Tracks to be reset on Sap Run, Sukkerbusk and skate loop to be refreshed this evening.
Photos:
(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort) -
Apr 8 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic Grooming
A full mixed bag of weather today. Stayed cold enough overnight to keep the base firm and solid. Heavy wet snow accumulating to an inch this morning. Clearing with full on sunshine before clouding over and another dusting of snow! Grooming on JibFly setting new track and skate loop groomed pressing in the new snow. Early evening Jonell and I classic skied on JibFly. Soft damp/wet tracks but was just nice to be skiing on April 8th. Grooming plans: Track to be reset on Sukkerbusk and Skate lane to be renovated/combed. All other trails groomed and set with with tracks will be open with variable conditions.
Photos:
(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort) -
Apr 7 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Classic
By my estimate, Maplelag has about 8 miles of groomed classic trails kept open (plus some skating as well). I've seen Jay grooming daily, keeping the tracks fresh for his spring Nordic ski guests. Today's snow coverage remains excellent overall, especially for April. I noted just a few small spots where the sun has thinned the snow but not enough to affect your skiing. The classic tracks were not hard or icy today, just fun to ski.
Photos:
(Glenn Gifford) -
Apr 7 - Maplelag Resort (Callaway):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Both Grooming
Temperatures below or right around freezing and cloud cover most the day resulted in minimal snow damage today. Tracks skied well with a refresh groom in the afternoon on JibFly and fresh track set on Poki Loki and Mother North Star for the first time since this latest snowfall. Skied all the trails groomed, which was interesting as conditions varied on each trail, but overall great skiing for April 7th.
Photos:
(Jay Richards, Maplelag Resort)
Wisconsin Northwest
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NewApr 16 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Classic
Surprised to have decent late season this morning at Mt Ashawabay. No places where I had to take off my skis and the well packed base skied pretty well. No grooming happening but Abby Rd trail was good for both skate and classic. Saw several skiers out and all were happy with the conditions. I'm hoping to ski thru the weekend.
(Paul Delmain) -
Apr 13 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Still skiable trails at Mt ashawabay! They degraded with the rain over the weekend but still no bare spots. There were some sections of ice but vast majority of the trail was good skating today. Expect leaves and sticks, don't expect the best conditions of the season, but if you want to ski until the bare earth emerges you can do that at Mt Ashawabay.
Photos:
(Paul Delmain) -
Apr 11 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
There must be a refrigeration system under these trails as my pole broke through and there appears to be almost 2 feet of packed base left! I did the abbey, northern lights and seagull loop down to anchor and the skate deck was freshly groomed and looked good. The classic tracks have not been reset but they are firm with good grip and glide. The snow is starting to get a little dirty in places but it is April 11th so I can't complain. Thanks to the groomers I got to break my all time distance skied in a single season today.
Photos:
(Gene Karwoski) -
Apr 11 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Refreshed skate on Telford, Abbey, Seagull hill, Northern Lights, Anchor, connector to Seagull, ZigZag, Roller Coaster. Seagull between summits and The Buzz were refreshed yesterday and not done today, so there will be some ski tracks from yesterday there. Good skis probably OK but to be cautious B skis would be safer. Classic tracks still look fairly good.
(John Ipsen) -
Apr 10 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Mt Ashawabay was groomed this morning and the trails are great! No bare spots, nothing but snow and excellent grooming. Not as fast as yesterday, sun is softening the trail but very well worth the ski!
(Paul Delmain) -
Apr 10 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Ashwabay has plenty of snow! Abbey Road, Seagull (all the way to the Sugarbush Cabin), Telford Loop, Anchor Loop, Zig Zag, Roller Coaster, Northern Lights, and The Buzz all got decked (but not tracked). The classic tracks will soften as temps warm up. The trails combed out smooth with a fast, sugarlike crumble. Enjoy the spring skiing.
Photos:
(Mark Filonowich) -
Apr 9 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Mt. Ashwabay is well worth it! It was freshly groomed this morning. The skate deck is incredible with nice sugar over a hard deck. The classic tracks looked good; I double poled a bit in the tracks and they felt good, though I did not classic ski. Abby, Ankor, and Seagull were all freshly groomed, and the Big Loop was groomed yesterday.
Photos:
(Paul DelMain) -
Apr 8 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Abbey, Anchor, Telford, and the Big Loop (Seagull, Northern Lights, and the Buzz) skate lanes were touched up this morning (early). 3/8" sugar on top of a hard level base with full coverage (base is 5-12" packed) - enough to make any skier feel ready for the World Cup. Good skate am and classic pm conditions. Bit of tree debris in a couple places and one patch of sawdust from a large tree that came down this week. Enjoy!
Photos:
(Doug Liphart) -
Apr 8 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Another wonderful morning at Ashwabay! Fairly soft surface by the time I skied but the underlying deck is holding up and it made for excellent skating. Not too fast, not too slow. Again freshly groomed this this morning. Anchor was even better than Abbey and less traveled.
(John Ipsen) -
Apr 8 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Excellent skating! Fair classic, beautiful grooming, big loop, Ankor, Abby Rd, Northern Lights, Seagull, all in good shape, no bare spots, no lack of snow.
(Paul Delmain) -
Apr 7 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Groomed level hard pack skate deck. Came out great. Met first time skiers from Duluth and MSP who really enjoyed it. Also classic skii lane very smooth and fast. Worth a visit.
(David Clute) -
Apr 7 - Mt. Ashwabay Ski Trails (Bayfield):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Got here about noon and met Dave the groomer who had just groomed the skate deck this morning. Skate deck had minor corduroy but was quite fast with the temps hovering around freezing. By the time I got done closer to 2 PM it was getting a little soft on top but there's a deep hard pack underneath so it was just great. There were folks classic skiing as well. Skied Abbey Road trail.
Photos:
(Sparky Stensaas)
Michigan Upper Peninsula
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Apr 13 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
Morning[ Trails Open: Partial, ]Observation Scheduling
Mother Nature is moving on, and with the recent rain, our snow on the trails are starting to fade. Feel free to ski the remaining ungroomed trails while they last. The Chalet is now closed. Please respect the closed gates: Novice Trail, Hospital Loop, Powderhorn Pond Loop. Huge thanks to our chalet ccncierge team, mechanics and groomers for being the backbone of our trails this year-you kept us gliding in style!. This season has been full of healthy adventures, and we couldn't have done it without this amazing skinny ski community!
(Deborah Leonard) -
Apr 11 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
The skate deck was scratched up early this morning when the temps were in the low 30's. The striding is very good. The base is holding up with a good 15" of solid snow. Spring clothing will feel comfortable. The powderhorn pond loop and hospital loop is clean due some thin snow.
Photos:
(Deborah Leonard) -
Apr 10 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: Most, ]Firsthand: Classic
The corn snow was in good shape on the skate lane. Striding tracks were still great, not too fast on the Novice loop. The sun was brightly shining and just a slight breeze. Others were out enjoying this tease of a spring day.
Photos:
(Bill Greiter) -
Apr 10 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
The skate lanes were groomed this morning. The pond loop and hospital loop are closed due to some thin spots. Everything else is great spring conditions. Classic tracks are still good. Mostly cloudy with sun peaking thru. Temp 33°.
(Deborah Leonard) -
Apr 9 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
The groomers were out this morning grooming all the skate lanes. The tracks were left alone as they were still skiable. The snow base is 18". Temperatures were in the upper 30's in the afternoon. Still good skiing to be had.
(Deborah Leonard) -
Apr 9 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Freestyle
More great skiing at Wolverine. Skate deck was groomed this AM and was fast but edgeable. Classic tracks were not re-set, so were icy. Great coverage everywhere I went, except one spot at the parking lot on the Ottawa Loop.
Photos:
(Sue Schroeder) -
Apr 8 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Observation
The trails are still on good shape even with the warmer temps. The tracks are good with no blowouts. Things are a little soft on the skate lane. No debris on the Novice Trail with the high wind gusts. Folks from near and far are out enjoying every chance they can squeek out of the season!
Photos:
(Deborah Leonard) -
Apr 7 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Today was a great afternoon to ski. The Novice Trail has deep solid tracks with no blowouts. Fast downhill. Skate lane was solid, no slush and very solid. Base was 1 to 2 feet, fresh, clean, white snow. Wonderful day to be outside. Thank you Wolverine for keeping trails in fantastic shape into April.
Photos:
(Bill Greiter) -
Apr 7 - Wolverine Ski Trail (Ironwood):
Morning[ Trails Open: All, ]Grooming
Wolverine is 100% open and 100% Pisten Bully groomed this morning. The new snow we received yesterday tilled in nicely and conditions are mid season excellent, use your good skis! Sunny sky today 26° Come out and play!.
Photos:
(Deborah Leonard) -
Apr 11 - Swedetown Trails (Calumet):
Morning[ ]Firsthand: Freestyle
Perfect conditions for today's Easter Bunny Hoppet! Fast fun lots of racers enjoying all the great grooming and snow! The conditions at Swedetown were really excellent with clean firm enough corn snow to ski on.
(Mary Kay Aufrance)
Canada
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Apr 15 - Kamview Nordic Centre (Thunder Bay):
Morning[ Trails Open: Most, ]Grooming
Pisten Bully groomed Sun Up, Sun Down, Northern Lights, Aspen, Beaver, Dudley's, Tamarack, and Roadway Ramble this morning. Trails are saturated still from yesterdays rain so skiing will be a bit soft but still good snow coverage minus a few wet spots from spring melt.
Photos:
(Michael McKenzie) -
Apr 10 - Sleeping Giant Provincial Park (Thunder Bay):
Afternoon[ Trails Open: All, ]Firsthand: Classic
Beautiful spring skiing out at the park. The 20K loop around Marie Louise Lake was recently groomed with perfect conditions today. Tons of snow still.
Photos:
(Dan Horihan)