I was on my way back home from skiing Blueberry Hills and decided to check out how Blackwater was doing this year. I ended up skiing the whole system. The grooming looked pretty fresh, and the skate deck was nice and firm. The classic track looked great!

(Bob Conzemius)

Skate skied under nearly full moon, which allowed travel around all loops, including the unlit portions of Black Forest Cake and Zeke's Return. -5 F temperature on an inch or so of mostly untrammeled snow made for slow going and plenty of V1 technique practice. Maybe my universal liquid glide wax is not the best for these conditions. It made for an excellent workout, though. Warming hut was nice for putting on boots on this night!

(Brad Bensen)

Freshly tracked, overall great condition. Some areas drifted over, tracked by wildlife, and a few branches and oak leaves from yesterday's wind. One interesting thing— I think it was on the Leaf Loop, there was a scene of carnage where a coyote or two were apparently feasting on venison right on the trail.

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(John Schroeder)

The trails are nice. We needed the new snow and we got the right amount. New tracks put down. Get out and enjoy the ski season. All trail loops are open.

(Mike Guertin)

With the new snow it looks great on the trails. Deer are moving more, always seeing some. Groomed back to single track for classical. Skating side looks great. Hit the trails while they're great.

(Mike Guertin)

Not many people skate ski this trail so I put a second set of tracks. This trail gets a lot of people classical skiing. Still seems to be room for skating. The deer are herding up. I saw about a dozen head, including two bucks. The trees don't seem to quit shedding needles and bark. Still, the trail is in good shape. Get out there and get some fresh air.

(Michael Guertin)

A frosty morning at -10F. Classic tracks had to be broken as fresh snow was drifted over many spots, mostly harmless debris on the trail of occasional pine needles and oak leaves. Overall nice and skiable.

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(John Schroeder)

Skate lane was solid enough, although a bit punky with people and deer tracks and ski grooves. This led to a few side hops when a ski moved a bit unpredictably. Not too much debris. It was as a good outing, overall.

(Brad Bensen)

We skied the first two loops, Steam Machine and Russelling Leaf, at around 6 pm on Tuesday evening. Trails were great, lights were on, warming house warm. Great trail for beginners.

(Sarah McBroom)

MN Power says lights should be on as of Tuesday. So enjoy night skiing!

(Stephanie Kessler)