We got a dusting of new snow this morning which helped soften the skate deck as we groomed. The skate deck is tilled leaving a firm and fast deck. Icy spots are in a few locations but can be avoided. The classic track is ok and will not be reset again as the temps get above 40F this week. Ski safely!

(Bruce Johnson)

At 4PM we groomed the Virtual Birkie course. A new classic track was set and the skate deck groomed. The snow was very mushy, wet and in places getting dirty. The classic track and skate deck may be rock hard in the morning, but the snow should soften by 9AM. Overall the trails are very skiable until they become very soft. Ski mid morning for best trail conditions.

(Bruce Johnson)

At 9:00 AM the trails were boiler plate hard. As the temp increased we groomed the skate deck and it began to soften and we able to get away from boiler plate to an inch of skiable snow on a very hard base. Most trails continue to hold snow with a few brown spots appearing. Grooming plan: The classic track is extremely icy and will be reset as best we can on Friday evening for the last weekend of Virtual Birkie.

(Bruce Johnson)

All our trails are very wet and mushy. A very light grooming was completed early this morning. The classic track is ok but also soft and very wet. Conditions will not improve as temps in SE MN will be in 40F range.

(Bruce Johnson)

Perfect conditions for the Virtual Birkie today! Solid tracks and firm skate deck. Happy skiers. We also hosted a High School pursuit race on the very difficult Rattle Snake trail. Grooming will continue through the the next week as we host the Virtual Birkie through Feb 28.

(Steve Horeck)

All trails were groomed this morning for both classic and skate. Conditions are excellent for both. The trails for the Virtual Birkie/Korte are marked as of this afternoon. Skiers are encourage to ski this event this weekend because very warm conditions can quickly deteriorate our snow conditions.

(Bruce Johnson)

It’s a bit cold out there today, -7F, but the trails are in great shape in a little to no wind in the woods. freshly groomed and solid . Enjoy.

(Garrick Holey)

Overall the SMU trail system is in great shape. We set new classic track on many trails this morning and groomed the skate deck on the main loop and all upper loops. The base is very firm and the track solid. There are a few areas with leaves that have come down but generally very clean.

(Bruce Johnson)

5+ inches of new snow! All trails rolled and track set at 6-8pm. Track should set up well overnight making for very good conditions on Friday. Expect some spotty drifting due to high winds.

Photos:

(Eric Christensen)

With the fresh snow over the weekend, the trails were in excellent condition. There was virtually no debris and only a few soft spots in the tracks where the trail crew was filling in thin spots. The skate deck looked to be in excellent condition on the main loop.

Photos:

(Kevin Drewiske)