First grooming in 15 days after the deep freeze. I did a full system groom of the skate deck and set tracks in the fields. The tracks in the woods looked good. With temps below zero tonight it should set up great for Saturday. Beautiful night on the sled. Stars and Moon above and some interesting podcasts in the headphones.

(Tyler Gruetzmacher)

The Rockman Trails in Barron were in very good shape today. Although it was cold and hard to stay warm at times the skiing was very good. The recently groomed classic track was firm, deep, and offered good control and kick. The skate lane had plenty of coverage was very smooth and level. Some light snow fell later this evening and that should freshen things up a bit.

Photos:

(Pamela Martin)

The trails sure were busy tonight. Great to see so many enjoying a beautiful winter evening. The skate deck was getting a little groovy so I ran the groomer over it. The fields skied well, and with the additional grooming should be really nice with the exception of a few spots in the woods on the west field.

(Tyler Gruetzmacher)

Skated the BANTA trails. The trails are in very good condition for skating as they were level and had good coverage. The classic track looked firm and deep.

(David Martin)

Gary reports that he groomed the entire system. The new hitch really helps in all aspects. He said that the fields are a little thin in spots and that the south side of the west (Damroth's) field is pretty rough and should first be attempted going clockwise. He actually put the X back on the exit from the woods as he doesn't want someone getting in over their head. But the woods looks great.

(Tyler Gruetzmacher)

There was 1/2" inch of fresh powder over a firm skate deck that made for excellent skating. The deck was a little icy only in a few spots, and is in great shape since it was groomed Sunday AM. The recent logging activities left two thin spots on the upper school trail, easy to ski through. Use B skis if you plan on skiing that part of the trail. Otherwise use your good skis on the lit part of the trail in the woods. Classic tracks were set and looked very good. I saw a few thin spots in the tracks, but not many. Great job Tyler and BANTA crew with the grooming in challenging conditions and the trail restoration after the logging.

(Bob Peterson)

We survived the melt and things groomed up well this morning. The skate deck looks great and I reset the tracks. In some places the tracks might go to soil, which is why I list B skis. I think skate should be safe.
Still not enough snow in the fields so I have the X across the trail leading out there.

(Tyler Gruetzmacher)

Grooming plans: Like everywhere else around here, it is wet and we are planning on grooming Sunday morning. We aren't bare on the trails. [ Trails are closed ]

(Tyler Gruetzmacher)

Wow, what a day on the trails in Barron. I don't know if I've ever seen that many people skiing and snowshoeing here. I would recommend skiers park down at the High School lot as it is getting pretty congested at the corner. The skating was great Saturday morning in the fog and frost. Things were getting a little "Groovy" so I ran the Tidd Tech as lightly as possible this evening to smooth everything out. I left the tracks alone. They are mostly good, but with the thin base, I didn't dare reset. I rolled the east (Jerome's) field in an effort to build the base, but it still has a lot of grass showing and I would not recommend skiing it. Both fields are going to need a significant snowfall to get them in shape.

Photos:

(Tyler Gruetzmacher)

Gary reports that the grooming went well and the trail looks great. The skate deck looks perfect and he did set tracks. He did say that there might be some burn through spots on the tracks, so be careful with them. The snowshoe trail has gotten a lot of traffic and it is now closer to the lights than in the past. Bring in the New Year with a ski or hike around Rockman's Woods!

(Tyler Gruetzmacher)