Skied a challenging loop today with many branches on the trail after the Friday winds picked up through the evening. Cleared as much as I could on the entire loop, including moving a tree off the trail. Caution for any skiers on the trail until an additional tree is removed from across the trail. Bemidji Cross Country Ski Club has been notified. I cleared the majority of the loop, mostly branches. Skiable, however, definitely didn't want any other skier to fall and have an injury. Still refreshing to be in nature. Navigated afterwards and did hill climbing repeats on the alpine side, and helped an alpine skier on the slopes. Skiing temperatures from 10-20 degrees. Embrace winter.

(Lisa Martin)

Blue sky and sunshine today. The Nordic Trail is a bit icy since the melting and warmer temperatures; however, it was definitely refreshing to ski. Skied a few hill repeat intervals on the Alpine side after Nordic skiing. Embrace winter and being outside.

(Lisa Martin)

Skied on Valentine's Day, Saturday, with melting occurring Friday afternoon as the temperatures rose higher than 40 degrees. Quick sprint, embracing winter and people. Skate lane was groomed, and classic tracks set. Smaller venue for the Finlandia race; however, sunshine, blue skies, additional work, and re-grooming from the Bemidji Cross Country Ski Club and Mark Morrissey made the event possible.

(Lisa Martin)

The west side of Buena Vista is in incredible condition. A firm and fast base with dry, fresh snow falling on top. Grooming plan is to reset the classic track this afternoon for Sunday's Snowjourn race. Race conditions should be the best in years!

(Michael Meehlhause, Minnesota Finlandia)

Great snow conditions and immaculate grooming on the Finlandia trail. Should be excellent for Snowjourn on Sunday.

Photos:

(Brett Arenz)

Great conditions. Flat skate deck not icy. Classic tracks set. Some fresh snow on top. Small amount of debris. Fantastic ski.

(Ryan Rogers)

Incredible conditions, easily the best in several years. The trail has been rolled and packed before today and Bruce was out there grooming the fresh snow in. No classic track yet.

(Michael Meehlhause, Minnesota Finlandia)