Skated the outer loops except Rodger's Ridge, shortly after noon. Very good conditions with only minor dirt or debris. Interesting mix of icy, sticky, and soft skate deck, depending on sun exposure, so a "spring skiing" experience. I hope the snow lasts, this place is a gem!

(Bryan Lueth)

Epic ski conditions this morning on the entire 47K Vasaloppet course (2 laps of the Vasa). Starting temp was around -5 degrees, but warmed up to around 10 above, under a sunny bluebird sky. Grooming was just perfect for skating (and solid classic tracks throughout) - much faster than I expected for the cold snow. Best part of the race every year is hearing Neil Eerdmans'booming voice announcing all of the starters and finishers on the street of downtown. Perfect day for skiing - thanks to all the excellent volunteers and trails crew! Best long race of the season so far!

(Bill Oyler)

After three inches of new natural snow on Thursday and grooming of all the trails that evening, the trails are looking beautiful and actually spectacular. They are groomed for skating and classic. Snow farmers are moving some more snow onto the swamp on the east side of the Vasa Hills trail on Saturday in final preparations for next week's races.

Photos:

(Terry Salmela)

In pretty good shape. Few hazard spots on Vasa Hills but all avoidable. Had a good ski before the cold front comes in.

(Phoebe Arm)

Skated most of the "outer" loops starting at 1:00 PM, except Roger's Ridge and Elders. Vasa Hills had been recently groomed for the meet tomorrow and was a little soft, with some grass, needles, leaves, and a little dirt here and there. The rest was firm and fast but occasional debris, the most dirt was on the South Oaks loop, but easily avoidable. Track looked good, a little shallow in some spots. So happy to have the Nordic Center open again to change gear, and the groomers and snow "farmers" always do a fantastic job!

(Bryan Lueth)

The new snow helped out a lot in the area! After some rain and heavy, wet snow, the trails were slick and rock hard today. Groomed and packed down well from plenty of people out skiing. B skis were fine.

(Kayla Bozovsky)

I love the Vasaloppet trails. They could use some more snow (farmed or natural) though. You can definitely ski everywhere (except South Oaks I think?). But there are quite a few thin spots and dirt and debris. There were enough of those places that I didn't want to call it B skis. It was beautiful though and a three hour solo ski absolutely flew by.

(Ben Mullin)

We classic skied from about 11 to 2pm. They were moving fresh "farmed" snow along the Berm so we had to access the Vasaloppet hills (Dalahorse) trails differently. Main trails were mostly tracked for classic (possibly recently as not all were firmly set) and outlying trails (e. g. Rogers Ridge) were not. Still, it was a beautiful and fun ski through the hoarfrost and uncrowded. Some areas with grass and small twigs popping up in the tracks but I skied on my good skis with no issues. Bring a picnic (we brought thermoses of soup and hot chocolate) and it was well worth the drive from the Cities. NOTE: there are no warming facilities or bathrooms or PortaPotties available.

Photos:

(Bonnie Carlson-Green)

Skied at night under new high lights (awesome) and with the moon went for a very quiet ski in the woods and around the lakes. Few rough spots scattered around but overall trails were great with lots of Ks open and plenty of routes to choose from.

(Joe Mulford)

With the fresh snow on Wednesday, the trail is looking pretty good. In addition to the 800 meters of farm fresh snow, much of the rest of our trails were groomed with our Yellowstone and the result is some very nice conditions. Some spots, where the wind was strong, are only worthy of rock skis. For a majority of trail the skate deck is hard and flat with useable classic tracks set to the side. The Nordic Center remains closed due to the pandemic, but the new lights are on from dusk to 10:00pm. Attached is a map of the current trail system.

Photos:

(Jon Larson)